Almost everyone who needs to fly is looking for cheap airfare, be it cheap airplane tickets or cheap vacation packages. While cheap is the goal, travelers who properly plan their trips are much more likely to enjoy them.
The following are ways to improve your odds of enjoying your flying experience:
The DOT (Department of Transportation) recommends that travelers try to reserve flights for early in the day because those flights are least likely to be delayed and if something does happen, there are later flights you may be able to catch. If you have to connect, try to select connecting flights that have at least one hour between your arrival and departure.
Be a smart packer and keep your baggie with liquids and gels at the top of your carry- on luggage. The less you pack the less luggage you will have to handle and you will save money if do not have to check luggage.
Check for flight delays before departing for the airport. This can be done either online by going to the airlines web site or via the airlines toll free number.
Travelers can avoid long lines by printing out boarding passes at home. If you have to check luggage, you can usually save money by ordering luggage passes online.
Carry-on enough food and medication to take care of yourself in the event your plane is unexpectedly stranded on a runway for hours. Buying water after clearing security is recommended.
Board the plane as soon as allowed. By doing so you will be more likely to find space for your carry-on bag and passengers already sitting in their seats are much less likely to be bumped off the plane against their will.
Make certain that your cell phone is fully charged and you have your airlines customer service phone number. When a flight gets cancelled, ticket counter lines are often long. Calling an airlines reservation center may increase your chances of getting on an earlier flight.
If a flight is cancelled due to equipment failure, or a passenger is bumped from a flight, a passenger may receive a travel voucher, cash reimbursement, hotel accommodations and/or another way to get to his desired destination.
If your flight is cancelled and no flight is available shortly on your airline, you should request to be placed on another airlines flight. Often the price you paid for your ticket will affect whether another carrier will honor your ticket.
Keeping a positive, respectful attitude in the face of a trying situation often will result in your getting more help from airline representatives.
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