Who loves flying these days? Raise your hand. In this current environment, it’s not likely I’m going to see many raised hands.
Unless you’ve been living under a rock, you have probably heard a thing or two about some airline flight delays, cancellations, and the horror stories that follow. The statistics on airline flight delays and cancellations are staggering. According to FlightAware statistics, airline flight delays and cancellations for July 18, 2022 alone were 25,693 delays and 3,116 cancellations worldwide.
However, even with these staggering statistics, it doesn’t seem to be hindering us from traveling this year. So what does this mean for those of us who are still willing to fly the friendly skies? Well, it may mean that the friendly skies might not be so friendly anymore and many unwanted diversions can be expected…so be prepared.
Although no one has a perfect answer as to how we can avoid travel hick-ups, there are some steps we can take to possibly help avoid some of the delays and cancellations, or at the very least prepare yourself mentally to deal with unpleasant situations.
Here are some suggestions and tips for your next airline trip:
BOOK EARLY MORNING FLIGHTS
Many experts suggest that booking early morning flights may help in reducing the chance of flight delays or cancellations. If you think about this, it does make sense. Airlines can typically get their first flights of the day off on time which will likely help to avoid issues, rather than later in the day when problems begin to compile and disrupt flight schedules. An additional tip, if you have a specific event to attend and have some flexibility in your schedule, you may want to consider adding a “buffer” day to allow for unforeseen setbacks.
BOOK NON-STOP FLIGHTS
Whenever possible, it is a good idea to book a non-stop flight to your destination. The more layovers you have on a trip, the more likely it will be that something can go wrong. A non-stop flight might be a little more expensive, but it may be a cost that pays off in a big way.
Also, book your flight sooner than later. Due to airline shortages of staff, gas prices, and other variables, those last-minute airfare deals aren’t as common as they used to be and airfare prices only seem to be increasing as the travel date approaches.
APPLY FOR A TRUSTED TRAVELER PROGRAM {TTP}
Although this is not a quick process, it will benefit you in the long run to move forward and apply for a Trusted Traveler Program such as TSA Pre-Check or Global Entry. Once approved, you will able to expedite the process of going through long TSA lines and also enjoy the benefits of alleviating some of the frustrations of TSA procedures such as removing your shoes and simpler international custom procedures.
DOWNLOAD TRAVEL APPS
Arm yourself with information. Staying informed on your flight status and other useful travel information can help you gain an upper hand should something go awry. Downloading travel apps such as FlightAware, LoungeBuddy, and Kayak, can give you immediate access to the information you need to get through unforeseen hurdles. Apps such as FlightAware allow you to track flights online, see a live flight map, and send you notifications on delays, cancellations and gate changes should your schedule change; an app such as LoungeBuddy can help navigate access to premium airport lounges that can provide a comfortable rest area should your flight be delayed regardless of the airline or class you’re flying; and should your flight be canceled and/or you need to stay overnight, an app like Kayak or Skyscanner can help you secure a new flight or hotel.
DRESS COMFORTABLY
This might sound like a very simplistic suggestion, however, keep in mind that with all the delays and cancellations that are currently happening, people have been camping out in airports for extreme hours, if not days.
You will want to be wearing comfortable clothing and shoes for the possibility of running around the airport trying to reschedule or catch a different flight; wear slip-on shoes for easy access through TSA; wear clothes that are loose, cool, and comfortable for possible long term delays that will have you sitting in the airport or on the tarmac for hours; and have a sweater, jacket or shawl on hand for temperature fluctuations.
This is definitely not the time to choose fashion over comfort. Being in a physically comfortable state will be much more beneficial for keeping a positive attitude and outlook should you be delayed for hours on end.
BE PREPARED TO DEAL WITH DELAYS
Expect the best, prepare for the worst.
Should you experience some delays, be prepared to deal with a situation where you might have hours of down time. And keep in mind that if you are delayed during off-hours or at a small airport, you may not have all the airport concessions available to you. Here are some suggestions to get you through a long delay:
- Stay hydrated throughout your travels. Buy water after you pass through TSA to have on hand and to avoid dehydration.
- Pack some snacks. Power bars, nuts, dehydrated fruits are perfect nutritious options that will pack easily. During stressful delays, no one wants to deal with a “hangry” person.
- Prior to your travel, download your phone or tablet with your favorite music, books, movies and/or games to avoid boredom.
- Inflatable neck pillows and a light shawl will help you stay comfortable in the waiting room seats or even after you make it on the plane.
- Keep a few aspirin available and be sure to have any important medication with you.
Being prepared for a long delay will help to alleviate some stress and keep you in good spirits.
LUGGAGE: CARRY-ON, CHECK-IN OR LOST
If you’ve seen the news lately, it is a crazy reality the amount of luggage that gets lost. Carry-on luggage is always a smart choice for the convenience of not going through baggage claims and avoiding lost luggage. However, this option is not realistic for everyone. For those who do check-in their bags, there are a few things you can do that may be a saving grace should your baggage decide to go to Hawaii while you head to Boston.
It is a wise decision to pack a small carry-on bag that has some of your essential items in the event your checked-in baggage gets lost, such as important medications, contacts {keep solutions and any other toiletries in compliant sized cases}, valuables, or other crucially needed items, along with a change of clothing or at least undergarments. It may sound like overkill, but should the worst-case scenario happen you will have access to some essentials that can carry you through until your luggage arrives.
One of the biggest frustrations with lost luggage is not knowing where it is and when it will get to you. For that reason, many people have started using “luggage trackers” to help them locate where their luggage is in the event it doesn’t reach its destination. Mobile or GSM luggage trackers get around the GPS coverage problem by using the local mobile network to help track your luggage. They easily slip into your suitcase and monitoring is accessible through an app. There are many different forms of trackers that are easy to use, see Amazon for ideas that will work best for you.
KNOW YOUR CREDIT CARD BENEFITS
Many of us don’t take the time to study the benefits offered by our credit card companies. Credit cards can offer some great reward benefits such as building up points for travel but they can also offer some valuable travel insurance coverage. Each card will be different in what it offers, but it’s worth the effort to find out what your card covers and to know how they can help in the event your trip is canceled, delayed, or you encounter lost luggage. You might be very surprised at the benefits, services and reimbursements that are available. If you are a frequent traveler, it may be in your interest to compare credit cards geared towards travelers. The Points Guy does a good job in comparing some cards {here}. My personal favorite is the Platinum American Express.
PACK YOUR PATIENCE
Lastly, pack your patience! With so many factors that are out of your control, it’s imperative to know that keeping a calm and positive mental state will help guide you through any disruptions. By using some of the tips above and preparing for unexpected delays, you will be better prepared to keep your emotions in tact, reduce stress and navigate through any issues that arise. Happy {uneventful} Travels!
If you have your own tips or suggestions, feel free to add them in the comment box.