Flying Tips

Instructions Step 1: Know the rules Know the airline’s rules before you go. The penalty for 1 overweight or oversize bag is often higher than what you’d pay to check 2 smaller suitcases. Plus, you could be charged 2 separate penalties if a bag is both too heavy and too big. Also, some airlines now …

Instructions Step 1: Get bumped Get bumped if your flight is oversold, a very common occurrence. It means you’ll take a later flight, get significant credit with the airline, and possibly be upgraded to a better seat for free. Step 2: Book directly Book directly with the airline by phone or with a travel agent …

Instructions Step 1: Conduct an internet search Conduct an internet search using the keywords “IATA codes.” Websites like iatacoding.com list IATA codes by category. Step 2: Consider one-character codes Look for a 1-character code to designate travel class. Step 3: Consider two-character codes Look for 2-character codes to designate airlines, railway, bus and ferry companies, …

Instructions Step 1: Shop four months before the flight Start shopping online and over the phone for tickets about four months before you want to fly out. Typically this is when airlines sell their cheapest seats. Step 2: Understand that prices fluctuate Understand that prices fluctuate randomly during the day, due to sales and other …

Instructions Step 1: Research Find the best airfare by researching online and comparing prices. Paying less makes any experience more bearable. Schedule nonstop flights when possible. TIP: Use your miles to upgrade to first class. Step 2: Mark luggage Mark your checked luggage with a unique marker or a bright ribbon on the handle to …

Instructions Step 1: Move around as much as possible Stand up and move around as much as possible — walk the aisle or find an out-of-the-way spot to stand. TIP: Stand in the galley at the back of the plane or next to empty seats. Step 2: Wiggle your toes Take your shoes off and …

Instructions Step 1: Pack early Pack essentials, such as medications and passports, a few days before your flight, and completely finish packing the night before. You’ll minimize stress because you won’t be rushing around the morning of the flight. Step 2: Pack smart Make sure all essentials are in your carry-on luggage. Fully charge your …

Instructions Step 1: Buy a Y-UP fare Ask about upgrade prices when booking a plane ticket, and purchase Y-UP also known as Q-UP or Z fares. Although Y-UP fares are more expensive and have greater restrictions, these tickets are more likely to be upgraded. Step 2: Treat the employees nicely Treat the employees at the …

Instructions Step 1: Check the other carousels Check the baggage carousels from other arriving flights. Luggage is sometimes misdirected as it is unloaded and transported. TIP: Use a brightly colored bag, tag, or strap so you can spot your suitcase easier and to aid in locating your lost luggage. Step 2: Report lost luggage Report …

Instructions Step 1: Research Research online for the best airfare and accommodations for your upcoming flight. Step 2: Buy Contact your preferred airline directly or use a travel agent; or buy your ticket online with a debit or credit card. TIP: You will need your name, address, phone number, e-mail address, destination, travel dates, and …

Instructions Step 1: Consult the Air Traffic Control System Command Center Consult the Air Traffic Control System Command Center at fly.faa.gov. This website gives weather conditions affecting flights at all major airports. Step 2: Search internet travel sites Search internet travel sites such as Expedia and Travelocity. These give available flight information for most major …

Instructions Step 1: Create a packing list Create a packing list that includes only the items that are absolutely necessary for your trip — and stick to it. TIP: A packing list will help you to stay focused. Most people use only about half of what they pack, so edit, edit, edit. Step 2: Choose …

Instructions Step 1: Fly mid-week Fly on a Tuesday, Wednesday, or Thursday. These days, in some cases, can save you hundreds of dollars because most people need to fly over the weekend. TIP: Some websites will e-mail you daily or weekly about changes in fares. Be sure to sign up for these alerts. Step 2: …

Instructions Step 1: Know your rights Know your rights before booking a flight. Visit the U.S. Department of Transportation’s Aviation Consumer Protection web site for information aimed at consumers with cancelled or overbooked flights. Step 2: Visit airline web site Visit your airline’s web site and find their ticketing contract information before buying your ticket. …

Instructions Step 1: Wear comfy clothes Wear loose clothing made of natural fabrics that breathe, like cotton; soft shoes that you can slip off; and thick socks. Bring a sweater in case the cabin gets chilly. Step 2: Have a carry-on Take a carry-on bag that you can use as a footstool. Pack a soft …

Instructions Step 1: Shop around Shop around. Check out an airport map to see what stores are accessible without having to exit security. Plan ahead and get some holiday or birthday shopping done now. Or browse the bookstore for a paperback page-turner that will make time fly. TIP: If you’re flying internationally, check out the …

Instructions Step 1: Contact the airline Contact the airline directly to make arrangements for your pet. Airlines often restrict the number of pets that can be on a single flight. TIP: Book a flight in the morning or evening when the weather is cooler, and avoid travel during busy times like holidays and weekends to …

Instructions Step 1: Familiarize yourself with airplane safety Familiarize yourself with airplane safety measures. Commercial airliners have more than one back-up system for every piece of equipment that could fail, and they receive 12 hours of maintenance on the ground for every hour spent in the air. Step 2: Sit over the wing Request a …

Instructions Step 1: Have a ticket Have a ticket. Most airlines no longer allow stand-by travel unless the flyer already has a ticket, and it is typically allowed only for flights to the same destination. TIP: If you are 18 to 22, check out Air Tran’s special standby program for college age travelers. It allows …

Instructions Step 1: Figure out your priorities There is no single “best seat” on an airplane — all have their pros and cons — so decide what’s important to you. Legroom? Peace and quiet? A quick exit? A smooth ride? Step 2: Check out seats Don’t assume anything about a seat without checking it out. …

Instructions Step 1: Check wait time Log on to the Transportation Security Administration’s website, www.tsa.gov. In the section ‘For Travelers,’ click on ‘Air Travel’ and then ‘Wait Times.’ Plug in your travel information. You’ll be given the approximate security line wait time for your airport, helping you to plan accordingly. Step 2: Know the drill …

Instructions Step 1: Dress well Dress in clean, neat business clothes. You’ll immediately distinguish yourself from the 90 percent of flyers who have dressed for comfort—you know, the ones whose gnarly toes are sticking out of their flip-flops. Step 2: Wrangle a seat in First Class If at all possible, sit in First or Business …

Instructions Step 1: Pretend not to speak any discernable language Pretend not to speak any discernible language. If you simply say, ‘No speak English,’ a truly determined seatmate is apt to start showing off his knowledge of other native tongues, hoping to find one you have in common. Step 2: Be curt If your seatmate …

Instructions Step 1: Fly on a weekend Pick a weekend flight. Because fewer people fly on weekends, baggage handlers aren’t so frazzled and are less likely to make mistakes. Step 2: Avoid connections Avoid connections. Having a layover almost doubles the odds your luggage gets lost. And in a tight connection, your bags may not …

Instructions Step 1: Prepare your body Prepare your body for the new time zone by adjusting your schedule an hour or two earlier — or later — in the days just before the trip. Step 2: Eat healthy About four days before your trip, consume less fat, salt, caffeine, and sugar, and more fresh fruits …

Instructions Step 1: Check the forecast Check the 10-day weather forecast of your destination so you’ll know whether you’ll need more warm- or cool-weather clothes. You also don’t want to waste space on an umbrella, shorts, or a heavy coat if they’re not likely to be needed. Step 2: Choose neutral colors Allow yourself a …

Instructions Step 1: Confirm departure time Confirm your departure time the morning of (or the night before) your flight, either by calling your airline or checking online. Step 2: Check security waiting times Visit the Transportation Security Administration’s website at www.tsa.gov for security waiting times at all the major airports. TIP: Sign up for updates …

Instructions Step 1: Plan ahead Plan ahead. Airfares are usually lowest if you book at least 21 days in advance. Step 2: Be flexible Be flexible about departure and return dates. Fares are generally cheaper if you stay over a Saturday night. TIP: The best fares are often available on Wednesdays between midnight and 1 …