Air Travel Tips for the Best Trips
What are the chances that everything will
go smoothly when you take a plane from point A to point B? The answer is: it
depends. The quality of air travel depends on many things - weather, booking,
flight schedules, seating, cabin air quality, baggage handling, etc. You never
know what challenges lie ahead, but with a little foresight and preparation you
can minimize many of the inconveniences and maximize your comfort.
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Flight Schedules and
Booking
Problems with late and overbooked flights
have resulted in an increase of consumer complaints in recent years. Realize
that there are "no guarantees" and have a back-up plan for those occasions when
you are delayed. Strategies to try include:
- Reserve flights that depart early in
the day - the worst delays occur later in the day from the domino-effect of
delays earlier in the day.
- If you are travelling on a critical
mission with a tight deadline, plan your trip to arrive with a cushion of spare
time before the event.
- When booking a connecting flight check
the amount of time between flights and consider what would happen if the first
flight were delayed. Depending upon how critical your deadlines are, you may
need to book with additional time between flights.
- Before you leave for the airport, call
the airline to ask if the flight is on time.
- Know the check-in deadline (varies
between airlines). Early check-in reduces your chance of getting "bumped." Late
check-in can result in losing your reservation and any compensation if your
flight is overbooked.
- If you are bumped, be sure to ask for
the written statement of your rights, which could include some form of
compensation depending upon the number of hours it takes to finally get you to
your destination.
- If you are bumped and the airline
offers you a free ticket for compensation, be sure to ask what restrictions
apply.
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Other Resources
This is just a brief overview. For more
information on air travel check out these resources on the World Wide
Web: Publications:
Publications
Available for Ordering from FCIC:
Web Sites*:
*If
you click on these links, you are leaving FCIC's web site. Please bookmark us
before you leave so you can return easily. FCIC is not responsible for the
content of these web sites. |
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For more information on
other popular consumer issues check out FCIC's Consumer Focus
Archive. |
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For Your Comfort and
Health
According to the American Society of
Travel Agents Air Traveler's Bill of Rights, you have the right to "a comfortable seat,
reasonable space for carry-on luggage, healthful meals, and clean sanitary
facilities, regardless of class of service." It is important to be proactive if
you encounter problems or experience discomfort with in-flight service or
facilities. Speak with the flight attendant and politely request the change you
desire. The following is an example of how you can improve your comfort.
The newer jets have been designed with
less fresh air delivery to passengers. In addition, to save money, pilots
typically turn off one of the air packs unless they receive a complaint. If you
find you are having difficulty breathing, you can request that the pilot turn
on all the air packs and the recirculation fans as well. Within 15 minutes you
should find it easier to breathe and you should hear more fan noise from the
plane's air delivery system.
As much of the cabin air is recirculated
(read: not fresh), there is always the chance you could pick up a cold from
your neighbor. In addition, cabin air is drier than desert air; therefore,
nasal membranes become dry, making you more vulnerable.
In addition to air quality, the cabin
pressure creates problems for some people. If you have recently had abdominal
surgery, oral surgery, or a sinus infection, the pressure changes can cause
discomfort. Check with your physician and consider postponing the trip if
necessary.
Some general guidelines to increase your
comfort and protect your health while flying include:
- Wash your hands several times during
the flight before you touch your eyes, nose, and mouth (bring antibacterial
wipes or lotion).
- Carry a moist cloth and breathe into
it frequently to help protect you from air-borne diseases and to moisten nasal
tissue and lungs (saline spray also works well on nasal tissues).
- Avoid alcohol and coffee since both
have a dehydrating effect on the body.
- Eat lightly and drink plenty of
water.
- Try yawning, chewing gum, or
swallowing to alleviate ear pressure. Or try using foam ear plugs (can also
help you cope with the noise).
- Wear comfortable loose clothing and
low-heeled shoes.
- Bring a small pillow (inflatable or
other) to support your head while resting.
- Frequently stretch your body in all
directions possible.
- Get up and walk around every hour or
so to avoid blood clots (thrombophlebitis), and exercise while you are seated.
Flex your ankles, stretch your legs as much as possible, rotate your neck, roll
your shoulders and turn your back from side to side.
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Baggage Tips for
Flying
- Pack light & tight - few pieces of
luggage, packed tightly (without forcing luggage to close).
- Carry travel documents, medication,
jewelry, traveler's checks and other valuables in hand carried
luggage.
- Check with airline for specific
baggage guidelines.
- Lock all bags and remove old
destination and I.D. tags before you check baggage.
- Put I.D. on both the inside and
outside of luggage.
- Coats, umbrellas, reading material,
small purses, and items to assist with disabilities are generally not counted
as carry-on items.
- Backpacks, laptops, large purses, and
briefcases might be counted as carry-on on crowded flights.
- Place liquid toiletries in small
bottles and don't fill to the top (contents expand under pressure), then place
in heavy sealed plastic bags in case of leaks.
- Bring a few back-up items (toiletries,
clothes) in carry-on luggage in the event your baggage is delayed or
lost.
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