The summer is still young, but travelers have already dealt with the seasonal one-two-three punch of extreme weather, schedule disruptions and stressful flights. (And that’s just among the members of our team.)
During the busy Fourth of July holiday stretch between Saturday and Monday, airlines reported more than 25,000 delays involving U.S. flights and 3,280 cancellations, according to FlightAware.
If history repeats itself, the next few weeks could hold more of the same; July is typically a monster monthfor weather-related flight delays.
Maybe smooth sailing is off the table. But here is our best advice on how to set yourself up for success in the chaos.
Do take the first flight of the day
As painfulas the 3 a.m. alarm might be, your best bet to avoid delays is getting on the first flight of the day. Your plane should be waiting at the airport, weather should be milder and — bonus — the price might be lower.
Do opt-in to alerts from your airline
You will want the updates when the delays start rolling in or the gate changes at the last minute. Sign up for the emails, the texts, whatever you’ll be most likely to see.
Don’t assume your family will be seated together
No one else wants to babysit your toddler, but the airline might not give a hoot — especially if you booked the cheapest ticket. Get acquainted with the family seating policy for your carrier before you show up at the gate. Figure out a game plan if your seats are spread throughout the plane.
Do keep your devices charged
Between the influx of travelers and snowballing delays, airports can feel as crowded as Times Square. Your chances of finding an open outlet? Not good. Come with fully charged batteries to avoid haunting the halls of your terminal like an electricity-hungry ghost. If you use a portable charger, be aware that airlines have been cracking down on their use and check the rules.
Don’t check a bag
Top reason not to check a bag: You don’t want to lose that luggage. But checking a bag can also limit your options if you’re facing major delays and want to get on an alternative, non-delayed flight. So if you can avoid it, up until the agent forces you to gate-check, keep your stuff close for maximum flexibility. If you do need to check, make sure your important possessions are in your personal item.
Do prepare for slowdowns at TSA
The Transportation Security Administration fields millions of passengers a day at security checkpoints, and throughout the summer, a large portion of them are headed to vacation, not business trips.
That means the group in front of you doesn’t necessarily have efficiency in mind; they’re toggling bulky strollers and rogue toddlers, rummaging for passports, walking through the metal detector with pockets full of change. Don’t cut your airport arrival time short; get there with enough buffer time to accommodate for amateurs.
Do hydrate
This summer has already been a scorcher with heat waves, heat domes and other extreme heat warnings. You may feel some relief once your plane takes off, but don’t forget that flying is incredibly dehydrating. Drink water before, after and during your flight, and cool it at the airport bar. Beer is not hydrating.
Do dress for the flight, not the destination
A backless dress will look perfect on your honeymoon in Greece, but it is not the move on your flight there. The same goes for your new husband’s tank top.
This isn’t a sartorial rule; it’s for the sake of your seatmate and yourself. Airlines have their own dress standards, which are not always uniformly enforced. Skin to skin contact is too intimate when you’re crammed in economy. Plus, planes are cold anyway. Cover up, please.
Don’t put your beach hat in the overhead bin
Overhead bin space is a scarce resource. Many of us are angling for a few inches so we don’t have to pay $40 to check a bag. Do not attempt to put any little extras — like sun hats, purses and parasols — until all passengers have boarded and all luggage is stowed. Even then, remember that such delicates run the risk of being crushed by baggage, so stash at your own risk.
Do know your rights if you are stuck on a tarmac
Airlines are required to provide basic amenities if passengers have an extended delay on the ground before taking off or after landing. Two hours in, for example, airlines must provide passengers with food and water. They also need to ensure “comfortable” cabin temperatures, access to functioning toilets and medical assistance.
Read the Department of Transportation’s full rundown and don’t hesitate to ask about food, water or bathroom use if necessary.
Do keep your window shades down
Flight attendants will likely remind you of this request on board, but if you’re traveling somewhere hot, keep the shades down when you’re on the ground. Be ready to open them if the crew asks you to do so, but remember: No one wants to cook on the tarmac.
Do read the airline’s fine print
If you’re facing a delay or cancellation that is the airline’s fault, know what your carrier owes you, whether that’s a food voucher, reimbursement for a place to sleep or miles for your troubles. Check DOT’s customer service dashboard to understand what major airlines have pledged.
Don’t expect to breeze through the airport in Europe
A new Entry/Exit System awaits summer travelers visiting the 29 Schengen countries, and many have reported long waits upon arriving or leaving Europe. Build time into your schedule for potentially long lines when you get to your destination or head home.
Do pack snacks
Don’t fall victim to the airport’s $10 Chex Mix, retailers’ limited operating hours or long lines for caffeine (thank you, mobile order). Do a grocery run ahead of time and pack enough snacks to get you through potential delays. And don’t rely on the airline to feed you: There’s a chance there might not even be food on the plane anyway.
Andrea Sachs contributed to this report
The post 14 do’s and don’ts to avoid a summer flying nightmare appeared first on Washington Post.
