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How To Escape Airport Hell

An intrepid flight attendant gives us a few cures for travel-related aches and pains.

 
Airline veteran and travel podcaster, Flight Attendant Betty, sits down with The Nest to give us her best tricks and tips for avoiding a travel-related meltdown.

  • What’s the best way to avoid a delay?

    Book the first flight of the day. The morning flights have a huge advantage because the airplane is already there. You don't have to worry about delays or the weather in the city your plane is flying in from.

  • What should I be aware of when booking a flight?

    When booking online, be very aware of the time you have between connecting flights. Airline tickets used to be booked by professionals; today, the consumer books online with the price as the deciding factor. Booking your own travel is fine, but be savvy about it! Price shouldn’t be the only factor when making a decision. If you have 45 minutes or less to connect to another flight, you’re flirting with a potentially stressful situation.

    If you can, skip the larger airports in favor of smaller ones. Smaller airports consistently outperform their bigger siblings when comes to on-time departures.

  • Is a nonstop flight the best way to avoid delays?

    Paying a few more dollars for a nonstop flight is money well spent. Remember, direct flights aren’t the same as nonstop! Most of the traveling public isn’t aware that a “direct” flight could still stop somewhere -- you just don't have to deplane. An early morning nonstop flight is a winning hand in the poker game of travel.

  • How can I find out if my flight has been delayed before I leave for the airport?

    Call the reservations number listed on your ticket. They’ll have all of the information you need regarding the status of your flight.

  • What can I do to speed through check-in?

    If you have the option, check in online before you leave for the airport. If that’s not possible, do curbside check-in. For just a few dollars, they’ll check your bags at the door, and you’ll be on your way. In terms of security, don't wear a lot of jewelry, belts, chains, or boots you can't take off easily. The people behind you will give you the stink eye (believe me!).

    Another way to speed things up is to carry on your luggage. If you really need to check a suitcase, consider this tip: For a vacation, I pack a duffel bag and take clothing that I’d like to get rid of -- pieces that I’ve grown tired of or just don’t wear -- and then I leave them behind. That way, I can fold up the bag and carry it on board with me when I leave.

  • What should I do when I hear that announcement that my flight has been delayed, and delayed, and then delayed again?

    If you do find yourself in a creeping delay (one that keeps extending), get on the phone and call the airline’s reservations number. The one or two agents at the gate are going to be overworked, stressed out, and less likely to be able to research all your options.

  • What’s your advice for getting through a delay?
    Stay calm! Weather is the most likely culprit when it comes to delays. Distract yourself with a movie, book, or television. One of the most important things travelers lose sight of is that you can’t control the weather. If you were driving in terrible, dangerous weather, you’d pull over and you wouldn’t question it. The bottom line is that weather affects travel. You just have to deal with it.

    If you’re stuck on the tarmac and the pilot is giving you an update on a delay, believe him. People tend to mistrust what the pilot/airline is saying. In all my years as a flight attendant, I’ve never known a pilot to mislead the passengers. Everyone (including the pilot) wants to get home safely and on time.

    Also, depending on the time of year, it can be very cold or very hot on a plane that’s idling on the runway, so wear layers. I always pack a pashmina to get me through moments like these; it also doubles as a blanket in a pinch.

For more advice from Flight Attendant Betty, you can tune into her podcast at bettyinthesky.com. Now that you’ve heard what Betty has to say, what are some of your tips for avoiding travel headaches?

by Margaret O'Malley
3/28/08

See more: Love/Sex, travel for two