Air travel today can be exhausting, challenging and frustrating; but, it does not have to be this way. With some simple planning, the system can work for you. What I have noticed over the years are issues which could have easily been avoided.
I cannot begin to share the 10,000's of times I have heard "I have surgery in the morning", "My medication is in that bag", "I am going to miss a very important meeting", "I have a court appearance", "My daughter is getting married". The common thread are situations that could have been avoided. Aircraft and Luggage delays happen for a large number of reasons, some are controllable and many beyond our power to do anything about, such as weather, air traffic control systems, airport congestion, etc.
You can and should take control of your flight experience and set realistic expectations. Also, keep in mind that when challenges occur, the person you interact with had zero involvement in why your itinerary may be impacted; but, 100% involvement in the results.
1. BUILD IN A CUSHION
Understand the purpose of your trip, the value or your time and schedule, potential for inconvenience and plan accordingly. If you have a business meeting Tuesday afternoon, consider flying on Monday. If you have your daughter's dance recital at 4:00 pm, don't choose a flight that lands at 3:00 pm.
2. HAVE A STRATEGY
What am I going to do if my flight is delayed? Download apps such as Kayak and your respective air carrier to your mobile device. Will an alternative airport work for your travel plans? Do you have the contact information for you clients, family, friends, hotel, etc available. "Honey, can you pick me up in Milwaukee if I miss my flight?" if you miss the last flight out of Chicago are there ground transportation options?
3. SMART RESERVATIONS
Consider how you make your flight reservations. To change flight itineraries, you may need to contact your travel provider and not your air carrier. Consider how flexible your ticket rules and purchase may be in the event you need to make a voluntary change to your itinerary or account for a personal emergency.
4. CONTACT INFORMATION
Airlines have an excellent infrastructure to communicate real time information to you, only if they have accurate contact information. If you are a frequent flier, be sure to review your profile and verify the contact information. If you use a travel agent, be sure that your contact information is in the reservation. Often their number and email are listed as contacts and you will not receive flight information such as schedule changes, delays, cancellations, etc. Download the mobiles apps and store your trip information.
5. CHECK-IN
At 24 hours prior to departure, most air fares allow you to check in for your flight and select a seat assignment if you have not already done so at the time of reservation. Especially important if you only plan on traveling with carry on luggage and in the event advance seat assignments were not available. If you are still not able to select a seat or would prefer to avoid premium seating charges, you can utilize airport facilities upon arrival.
6. PACK SMART
What you pack and where you pack it has a large impact on your success. The FAA has established a program which identifies, restricts and/or prohibits the transportation of many items. If you have traveled in the last few years, you are also aware of liquid regulations and other checkpoint restricted items. Do not wrap gifts, consider what you pack may look like and account for the time it will take to securely screen your baggage.
Think contingency plan while packing checked and carry-on baggage. Do not pack lithium batteries, medication, high value items, car keys or items which you may immediately need in your checked baggage. Avoid oversize or overweight luggage.
Print a copy of your complete travel itinerary along with your contact information at all times during your travels and place this in your checked luggage along with a sturdy identification tag affixed to the outside.
7. CARRY ON
With the introduction of checked baggage fees over 10 years ago, there has been a sharp increase in the amount of carry on baggage. This is frequently noted as a top negative point in customer surveys and experience satisfaction reports. It will likely lead to changes in the near future which align our system closer to International carrier requirements.
You can bring one small carry-on bag plus one personal item per passenger as long as the carry-on bag fits comfortably in the sizer without being forced and does not exceed overall dimensions of 45 inches (length + width + height). The maximum dimensions cannot exceed any of the following measurements: 22" long x 14" wide x 9" tall or 115cm (56 x 36 x 23 cm). All carry-on items should be stowed in an overhead bin.
If having your carry on in the cabin with you is important (not gate checked) consider reserving or selecting a window seat. Purchase premium seating or access program, build loyalty with your choice carrier or enroll in a co-branded credit card. These are all methods which permit boarding during the earlier stages.
8. DRESS SMART
You know you are going to have to strip down for airport security, so plan accordingly. If you are able, wear slip on shoes, clothing with no rivets or other bling that will set off the detection systems, avoid hoodies as you will have to remove all outer layers of clothing and think ahead. Have your liquids in a zip lock bag and personal effects out of your pockets.
9. GET THERE EARLY
Give yourself 2 hours. This helps account for the unexpected such as last minute errands, phone calls, stopping for gas, parking shuttles, long check-in lines and longer security lines. If it is all smooth sailing, then bonus. If not, then you have a little peace of mind and cushion. The added benefit of arriving early is that you also have options. If your flight is delayed, there may be another available which can get you to your final destination with little or no inconvenience.
10. RELAX
Airports today are rapidly improving your flight experience, from quality dining options to relaxation rooms, massage and beauty, shopping and complimentary wi-fi. Many stores in hub airports are offer free ship to home services and several airports have added device charging stations. Consider membership in a Club Lounge of your respective carrier, a nice relaxing environment with complimentary beverages, snacks and services when your itinerary may be interrupted. Grab a view and relax.
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