How to (try to) avoid flight issues

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I often joke that I could go on for hours ranting about airlines; I've witnessed many questionable practices during my two decades in this industry. However, most journeys necessitate the use of airline services. To help you steer clear of the most frequent problems and pitfalls, please consider the following points.

 

  1. First, aim to fly as directly as possible, even if it means driving to a larger airport for a nonstop option. If a layover is unavoidable, choose one lasting at least 2-3 hours to cushion against delayed flights.

  2. Be aware of codeshare flights, where one airline sells tickets for another's flight. These can lead to savings, but might also complicate matters if cancellations occur, as responsibility can be unclear.

  3. When planning trips to multiple destinations, like London and Paris, opt for multi-city ticket searches instead of separate one-way tickets to save money

  4. Always book directly with the airline rather than through third-party sites, as this simplifies changes and cancellations, with fares typically similar across platforms.

  5. Double check how your name appears on your passport BEFORE you purchase the ticket! The airlines charge hefty fees for name changes.

  6. Avoid Basic Economy tickets - they have the most restrictions and you can expect the least amount of customer service effort if anything goes awry.

  7. Keep the weather/seasons in mind. Flying out of Florida in the summer? Avoid afternoon departures due to our daily 4pm thunderstorms. Connecting up north in the winter? Look for long layovers in case of delays due to snow. Things like that. Of course, it is impossible to predict but keeping the season in mind is a good idea.

  8. While historically "Tuesday" was often considered the best day to buy airline tickets, according to current data and expert opinions, there is no single "best day" to buy flights. Pricing is dynamic and can change daily (or hourly!).

  9. You can compare pricing on Google Flights but it isn’t always accurate. I use it to look up possible flight scenarios but then I go to each airline’s website to get the details and current pricing.

  10. Ask a pro! Not sure if the connection is long enough? Confused at what airport you should be flying into? Feel free to contact me to review what you’re thinking of reserving before you purchase!

  11. Is Business Class worth it? Yes. Is premium economy worth it? Yes.

 

By keeping these tips in mind, you can hopefully transform the flight booking experience from daunting to manageable. I’m also here to assist as needed (although I do not do air bookings only).

Cheers!

Leila