Air travel these days is as much fun as going to the dentist, but there are ways to make it easier. I fly 100 flights a year and this is what I have learned:
1. Sign up for notification on your PDA if there are changes in flight departures. While most changes occur after you have left for the airport, there is a small chance you can avoid a long front end delay.
2. Wear a jacket with a lot of pockets to make TSA security go smoother. I suggest the Scottevest Quatum Jacket. I can zip in all my keys, phones, wallets, etc. so at security, I only have to take off the jacket and place it in the bin. Leave the tie shoes at home.
3. If you arrive at the airport earlier and you can get on a flight that leaves earlier, take it (even if you have to sit in a middle seat). Nothing can replace getting in the air to your destination. They can only keep you circling for so long until you run out of jet fuel.
4. Flight delays will expand not contract. Flight delays only get longer, not shorter especially with crew or mechanical issues. If you can get on a flight that is suppose to leave later, but is not delayed, get on that flight.
5. If the pilot says that “it’s a beautiful day for flying,” you will either hit turbulence or a delay.
6. If you fly in the morning, take the first flight of the day. It is almost never delayed since the plane is already at your airport. Likewise, don’t fly on Friday night late. That flight is always late.
7. Never take the last flight of the day to a location. They may cancel it or you may get in to the city very late at night (or early in the morning). Flight delays lengthen as the day goes on. It is much better to have dinner in your destination city then have it at the airport.
8 . Join the airline’s club. It’s worth the annual membership fees with free WIFI, drinks and comfy chairs….and the airline folks in the club will actually try to help you.
9. Travel on one airline. There is nothing that beats “faux personalized service,” getting upgrades and getting preference on standby.
10. Leave 3 hours for any connection especially in Chicago, Atlanta or Dallas. 95% of flights are delayed less than 3 hours. If you have a 3 hour layover, chances are that you will make the flight.
11.. Bring enough work, reading, movies to last for a three hour delay plus flight time (and make sure you have enough battery power too!)
What are your rules of the air?
Great list Barry! I checked out that jacket – I would get things lost with 28 pockets! But that’s just me.
Here’s a couple of tips I’d like to share:
* Always bring a blazer with you, and I recommend this one from Duluth Trading – http://psurl.com/jacket – both functional and standard stylish.
* Be humble – Among delays and other flying issues, I have found it better to be courteous and humble, yet firm. One time I had a middle seat on a flight back to Chicago from Boston and I got to the airport early and politely asked if anything was available, even if I had to pay for it. A few minutes later, I got a free first upgrade!
mp/m
Additional tips:
1. Be kind. People can help you but they don’t help bullies or whiners.
2. Go to the left. Most people go to the right. Going to the left is usually faster.
3. Be creative. Read about Richard Branson in Seth Godin’s Linchpin. Would you do that or just sit at the bar and wait?
Thanks Barry, great checklist, you’ve got it all worked out.
All great added ideas…Being Courteous and kind is easier if you have planned your trip correctly and you have plenty of time to get your location and bring plenty of things to do during a delay!
@Chris- all great suggestions! thanks
I carry all my frequent flier and rewards program numbers on one little business card that I laminated. Goodbye fifteen cards that used to be in the wallet. You can do the same with Card Star for the iPhone – but it’s nice to have the paper in case the phone dies.
Use the Mophie Juice pack for iPhone to extend battery life.
I rarely check baggage.
Carry a small travel pillow in your carry-on. This has been invaluable.
Great List, Barry! I agree with all of them.
I’d like to add a few from the movie “Up in the air” that I believe they are true.
– Never check luggage.
– Never stand (at security) behind families with children, strollers, or anything of the sort. The movie goes all the way to say that standing behind people from Japan is the best, as they are the fastest.
– And most of all, sit back, relax, and enjoy the flight.
And from my personal experience:
– The aisle seats are usually more comfortable than the window seats, if nothing else, for the extra leg room.
– If you are not in preferred seating area, and it is not a full flight, don’t be too eager to board. Shoot to be the last one. That way, you may be able to ‘mistakenly’ take that seat where the whole row was empty… before anyone else. (Of course, it can backfire, but hey… some risks need to be taken)
And a friend once told me…
– If you believe it will be a full flight, try to get Exit row seats. When the time comes to answer the “Exit Row” question, say that you have an injury or something.
I’ve never done it, but he apparently got moved to first class all the time by doing this. Thought on sharing it with your readers.
Great adds Memo- I got to try some of these!
Good tips, especially #2!
I always go by these rules:
1. Arrive no later than 2 full hours before your flight with the boarding pass pre-printed (or find a kiosk).
2. It takes a heck of a trip to necessitate checking a bag. A large laptop bag and a premium carry-on suitcase can last 3-5 days.
3. I’ve always put my pocket items into a zip-lock baggie in my pocket, but I like the jacket idea now.
4. Pay extra for a direct flight unless you have work to do during a layover.
5. When booking the ticket, look for the first row or the first row behind first class. It often has 20″-36″ of leg room. Being 5”4″, I can stretch my legs all the way out and barely touch the wall with my toes on Southwest.
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