The Ultimate Airline Travel Guide

Never flown before? Only flown a couple of times? Are you a frequent flyer? No matter the answer, flying can be daunting. With different rules for each airline, airports having unique layouts everywhere you go, and factors outside of your control, it’s nice to know what you can do to make your trip as stress free as possible. 

Traveling to Siesta Key? Take a look at direct flights to Sarasota!

Book direct. When booking directly with the airline, you become their customer. As the airline’s customer, you receive priority over anyone booking on third-party sites such as Expedia. In the event of flight changes, delays or cancellations, whether by you or the airline, with a direct ticket the airline is able to help you by rebooking your flight, providing refunds, and sometimes even offering vouches for a hotel or restaurant. When booking with a third-party, you are their customer and therefore must go through their customer service to handle any issues you may face, including: making changes to a flight, cancellations, and receiving a refund. Booking direct cuts out the middle man, making you the priority and ensuring that, should any issues arise, the airline can help you without the need to talk to anyone else.

Morning flights. Not many travelers love waking up bright and early in the morning, but statistically, morning flights are less likely to experience any type of cancellation or delays. Issues compound throughout the day, leading to more delays later in the evening. Morning flights also tend to be cheaper since, as previously mentioned, not many people like to arrive at the airport before the sun has risen.

Frequent flyer programs. Most frequent flyer programs are free and only benefit you. Attaching your frequent flyer number to your ticket will give you mileage credit for your flight. Yes, most common travelers are unlikely to earn enough points for a free flight, but depending on the airline, your points can also be used to purchase flight upgrades, such as different seats or in-flight WIFI. Flyers apart of the program are seen as loyal customers and may receive priority over those who are not. Having your flyer number attached to your ticket can also ensure that the airline has another way of finding your ticket in the event that you lose your flight details.

Airline Apps. Most airlines have their own app to keep track of all your flight information. Most apps allow you to chat with customer support through messages or requesting a phone call, saving you waiting time on hold. Many airlines will have all of their rules in the app as well, making it easy to search of any information you need. The best reason to download the app is to receive flight alerts about delays, gate changes, cancellations and even rebooking assistance. You can check-in for your flight through the app and have a digital version of your boarding pass. Should you choose to only use the digital boarding pass, take a screenshot in case phone service is poor or the app crashes, that way you’ll have a copy of the pass in your photo gallery. You may also be able to add it to your phones digital wallet. 

Aircraft Size. If the information is available to you prior to the day of your flight, check what kind of airplane you’ll be on. Knowing the size of your aircraft can help you better plan what you’re going to pack. Will you be on a large aircraft with more generous leg room and the ability to have your feet under the seat in front of you with your personal item? Or will your personal item take up the entire space? If you’re tall, knowing the size of the aircraft will help you when picking what seat to sit in.

Luggage. Between TSA and airline regulations, it can be difficult to know what you can and cannot bring with you, let alone how large your luggage can be. Even if you’ve purchased a suitcase that was advertised as a “carry on” size, this varies for each airline and you should make sure to read your airline’s luggage dimensions and weight restrictions. If you’re able, weigh your bags beforehand to avoid over weight surprises at the check-in counter. Located throughout the airport, usually at your check-in counter and flight gate, are bag checkers that allow you to compare your luggage to the size dimension allowed for your flight. Check your bags before getting to your gate, that way, if your luggage is the wrong size, there may be enough time to adjust your luggage before your flight.

Any bag or item that does not go with you to your seat. This is typically the largest of your bags.

The bag or item that will be placed in the overhead bin and will be accessible during flight.

The bag or item that will be placed under your seat during flight. Most often, a small backpack or purse. 

Check-in as soon as possible. Airlines sometimes oversell tickets in anticipation of people missing their flights. Waiting to check-in until you arrive at the airport can lead to an overbooking on the aircraft. If you downloaded the airline’s app, you can typically check-in for your flight 24 hours prior to departure. If you don’t have the app, you should be able to check-in online as well.

Get to the airport early. Why? You’ve checked-in. You know your departure time. Why get to the airport 2-3 hours early? For starters, the length of TSA lines varies drastically depending on the size of the airport, time of day, and available staff. Some TSA lines can take no time at all. Others can take over an hour or more. Secondly, don’t look at your departure time. What really matters is your boarding time. Flights begin boarding anywhere from 1 hour to 30 minutes prior to departure. Doors close roughly 15 minutes prior to departure time. Once the doors have closed passengers will not be allowed to board and the plane can depart as soon as they are ready. Yes, even if it’s 10 minutes prior to the original departure time.

Getting through TSA. Going through TSA can be overwhelming. Be sure to put all of your electronics in one, easy to access place that way it will be painless to remove and return your items. Refrain from wearing a lot of jewelry that may set of the metal detectors. Don’t forget to give yourself one final pat down before walking through the detectors. It’s very easy to forget that phone in your back pocket! Most importantly, follow the TSA agent’s instructions. 

For more detailed information, take a look at TSA’s travel check-list.

Have a back up Plan. While a majority of flights never experience any issues or delays, it’s still best to plan for those rare events. Make a plan for what you’ll do if your flight does cancel or face serious delays. Have a rough idea of other flights to your destination throughout the day. This makes it easier to rebook your flight as soon as possible. Keep your stay location up to date. If you’re staying at a hotel or vacation rental, call them ahead of time to let them know your arrival time. Unlike hotels, vacation rentals don’t usually have an overnight employee. Let them know ahead of time that you will be arriving late so they can make sure to give you your arrival instructions before closing. Lastly, write down customer service and emergency numbers in advance. 

Lost luggage. If you’re checking a bag, be aware that lost luggage does happen. The tags placed on by the airline can break off so make sure your luggage is labeled with your correct, up today contact information. Airlines are very good at finding lost luggage, especially when information is easily displayed. In the event that your luggage is lost, it may take a little bit for the airline to get the luggage returned to you. Set aside a day or two worth of clothes in your carry-on item that way you’re not stuck wearing the same clothes until the airline finds your items.

Trip Insurance. With so many factors outside of your control, think about purchasing trip insurance. Having trip insurance ensures that you will be financially protected. Depending on what insurance is purchased, it can reimburse cancellations, reimburse the cost of lost luggage, and even cover medical expenses incurred while on your trip. Consider purchasing insurance for your flight and stay reservations.

Remember to share your flight details with someone that is not traveling with you. Make sure your phone is fully charged before leaving for the airport and have a charger in an easy to access place. Have your wallet, ID, and/or passport on hand and do not store these items in checked bags. Be kind and courteous to your fellow flyers and remember that, if you need help at any point, staff is always there to help you get to where you’re going!