A very busy travel season is upon us and flight delays and cancellations are bound to happen. Follow Taylored Tours’ insider tips to make air travel a bit less stressful.
If you don’t have TSA PreCheck or Clear…
Check to see if your airport has a fast-pass security lane you that can book in advance.
Download Your Airline’s App
We highly recommend downloading your airline’s app to make the most of your travel experience. From tracking flights and luggage, to making cancellations and changes to your flight, the app is a great way to stay up-to-date with your travel plans. Remember to check your flight status regularly so that you don’t miss any important updates. The app also provides a full display of available flights, making it easy to rebook if needed. You can also check where your incoming flight is coming from. If it looks like it will be delayed, there’s a good chance your flight will be delayed, too.
FlightAware is Your Friend
In the current era of full flights and easily available information, don’t always wait for the airline to tell you there is a problem. You can keep an eye on general flight trends across the country on FlightAware, which gives you a good overview of how a day in the sky looks.
Book the First Flight Out
Book the earliest flight out you can for the best chance of avoiding delays. That 6 a.m. departure is the perfect way to get your trip off to a smooth start!
Try to Book Non-Stop Flights
If you’re looking to get to your destination in the most efficient way possible, booking a nonstop flight is the way to go. Though it may mean an increase in airfare, you’ll be avoiding the potential issues that could arise with a connecting flight, such as delays or missed connections. In the end, it’s worth the extra cost for the peace of mind that comes with knowing you won’t be doubling your chances of a problem.
Give Yourself Time
If you’re not able to fly directly, make sure to give yourself plenty of time for connections. It’s especially important to give yourself a buffer of at least two hours for domestic connections and three hours for international flights. This will give you plenty of time to make it through customs and security without any issues.
A Buffer Day is a Great Idea
If you’re planning a trip for a destination wedding, cruise ship departure, holiday gathering, or an escorted tour, make sure you build in at least one day of buffer time. Don’t just rely on hours to get you there on time. It’s always better to enjoy some extra time in the destination than risk missing it altogether.
Be an Early Bird
With air travel more popular than ever, airport lines and wait times are longer than they’ve been in years. To avoid the stress of a long check-in or security line, it’s best to arrive early and give yourself extra time. Aim for at least two hours before domestic flights and three for international flights. That way, you won’t have to worry about running to the gate in a panic – the last thing you want to do when embarking on a long journey. You can also download the Transportation Security Administration–powered app, which provides real-time security line wait times at airports around the country.
Members Have Perks
Not only can TSA PreCheck and Clear make navigating security lines a breeze, but having airline elite status can make the check-in process much smoother. Once you make it through security, why not take advantage of the airline lounge? With complimentary drinks, snacks, comfy seats, and Wi-Fi, you can relax before your flight. Plus, certain airline credit cards can give you access to airline lounges and waive luggage fees.
Pack Only a Carry-On
Traveling carry-on only might seem restrictive and difficult to do, but I strongly believe NOT checking luggage provides you with more freedom. Whether you’re trying to avoid checked bag fees, you’re worried about the airline losing your luggage, or you just want to travel lighter, packing carry-on only is something I highly recommend. You won’t have to wait for your luggage at baggage claim and you’ll breeze through security. Plus, if your flight is delayed or cancelled and you have to overnight, you’ll have everything you’ll need.
But if You Have to Check a Bag…
If you decide to check your luggage, make sure to have one or two days of clothes and essentials in your carry-on, as well as your medications. If your flight is delayed or canceled and you have to overnight, you’ll be grateful for this.
What to Do When Your Flight is Canceled or Delayed
In 2022, the U.S. Department of Transportation (DOT) launched a new Aviation Consumer Protection website to help travelers track down what kind of refunds or compensation their airline should provide when there is a cancellation or delay.
Airlines are not required to compensate passengers when flights are delayed or canceled due to problems deemed beyond the company’s control, like bad weather. They also aren’t required to provide a refund when the passenger initiates the cancellation or flight change.
But a refund is required by U.S. law when the airline cancels, delays, or alters a flight, or passengers are involuntarily bumped from a flight that is oversold or due to issues originating from the airline, such as operational or staffing problems.
Additionally, after the federal government began cracking down on airlines this year, all of the major U.S. airlines vowed to provide meal vouchers for delays of more than three hours and to provide transfers and hotel stays to passengers affected by an overnight cancellation. They have all also agreed to rebook travelers on an alternate flight at no added cost due to a delay or cancellation and most will also rebook on a partner airline.
Ask For Miles
Whenever you’re rebooked onto a different flight due to a canceled flight, it’s important to make sure you’re signed up for airline loyalty programs. If the airline doesn’t offer you other forms of compensation like payment for meals or an overnight hotel stay, you should ask for miles.
If the airline has been uncooperative in providing a necessary refund or has not been helpful in providing assistance, you can file a complaint with the U.S. Department of Transportation online. This may ensure you receive a response from the airline.
If Your Flight Is Delayed, Should You Still Go to the Airport on Time?
Most airlines will tell you to show up on time anyway. For delays, they suggest you arrive at the airport for the originally scheduled departure time. If conditions allow, the estimated departure time could be moved up. The flight is not able to wait for customers who are not there.
Want to Know My Best Travel Tip?
Pack your….PATIENCE (especially with flights)!
I know firsthand the frustration that travelers feel when their flights are delayed or canceled. A friendly attitude can make a world of difference when dealing with a tired airline, gate, or customer service agent who is having a rough day.
If you find yourself on the phone with an agent who is not being very helpful, don’t be afraid to politely excuse yourself and try calling back for another agent who may be more willing to help. I understand that this could mean sitting on hold for a while longer, but it’s worth the effort!
I follow my clients’ flights through Taylored Tours travel itinerary app that I provide them (even if they book their flights themselves). It will notify us of any flight delays or gate changes. I can also message them through the app with updates and helpful tips.
If you don’t have a travel advisor, make sure to share your flight numbers and travel details with someone you trust. They can help keep an eye on your flight status and provide helpful information via text. They can also do some behind-the-scenes research and rebooking while you are in the air. This could save you time and stress if something goes wrong with your flight.
Please don’t forget to appreciate your journey and the people who work hard to make it happen. Airport staff, pilots, flight attendants, air traffic control crew, and others work tirelessly to make our travel dreams come true. Travel is and will always be such a privilege, so be sure to show your gratitude and kindness along the way.
“Who’s this mystery person with all the top-tier travel tips?” I’m glad you asked!
Love to travel, but don’t have time for all of the research and planning? Let me take it off your plate. I’ll get to know you, your travel style, interests, and vision for your trip. From there, I’ll design a stress-free, “taylored” vacation, full of immersive experiences. It’s really that easy. Plus, I’ll be your advocate throughout your journey.
If you’re ready to pass over the reigns on planning your trip, pick a time that works and let’s get chatting! You have nothing to lose, friend.
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