Navigating the Unfriendly Skies: Flying In 2022
Let’s be honest, U.S. domestic 2022 air travel is not fun. Staff shortages and high fuel prices as well as normal weather problems have led to some very public and painful meltdowns this year. Mass cancellations and delays happen daily. Prices have skyrocketed on domestic travel. Airlines are short staffed, and staff are overworked. Surviving air travel this year takes planning. Here are our top tips for domestic air travel.
#1 Don't Fly!
If you can, drive! Seriously, if your destination is a day’s drive or less, it may be the better alternative—even with high gas prices. Besides, a road trip can be fun.
#2 Use the App!
Download and use the app for your airline. With it you can get your boarding pass, change seats, track your bags, see your incoming plane, and change a flight. Best of all, if your flight is cancelled or you miss a connection, you can often rebook from your phone. It beats waiting in the long line to talk to an agent. Good use of the app can be one of your strongest tools for surviving air travel.
#3 Leave Early
Fly MUCH earlier than you need to – a whole day early if it’s important!! Airline meltdowns have caused people to miss weddings, funerals, cruises, international connections, and graduations. If you must be somewhere, spend the extra money and go a day early.
#4 Take that 6 a.m. Flight (Ugh!)
Fly the first flight in the morning so you have all day to be rebooked if things hit the fan. Yes, that means it might be a 3:00 a.m. wake-up, but morning flights cancel less often.
#5 Watch the Weather
Remember, a single storm can shut down a whole airport. If severe weather is expected, you can often rebook to another flight.
#6 Schedule Longer Layovers
That 1-hour layover is no longer enough for 2022 air travel because so many flights are running late for so many reasons. Look for layovers of at least three hours.
#7 Avoid New York
We love visiting New York but you should avoid connecting at any New York area airport, especially Newark. There is a 50/50 chance your flight will cancel or you will miss your connection. The restaurants are expensive, and the airline clubs are jammed with people.
#8 Be Nice.
One of the most important tips for air travel is to be nice! People are less likely to want to help you if you are mean to them. Tensions are high. Staff are exhausted. It’s not their fault. A “please” and a sympathetic word can do wonders to get you the help you need.
#9 Carry-on
If you can manage it, don’t check a bag—if you experience multiple cancellations it may not make it with you anyway. On the other hand, make sure your carry-on fits the airlines size policy.
#10 Consider Insurance
If missing the flight might make you miss your dream cruise, protect your investment with insurance. Consider how much you spent on the trip that is non-refundable; if that is a high number, think about protecting your investment.
In general, the insurance from the airlines or cruise companies is more expensive than buying it from a third party. A good travel agent can help you find insurance that meets your needs.
#11 Seating
For 2022 air travel, with most airlines if you buy the cheapest seats (usually called basic economy) you have no right to sit in specific seats. Read the rules when you purchase your ticket. If sitting together is important, buy the ticket that lets you do that. Do not expect strangers on a crowded plane to change seats with you, especially if they paid for that window seat.
#12 Buying from Third Party Sites
If a flight is oversold, and no one volunteers to give up their seats, who do you think is the first to be bumped? The people who bought from a third-party site like Kayak, Expedia, etc.
#13 Pack Smart
Don’t be the person who holds up the whole flight because you can’t figure out how to make your too large carry on fit in the overhead.
#14 Bring a Sweater
Planes are often cold. Young people—we know you have a gorgeous bod but wear some clothes. They will NOT turn the plane’s temperature up just for you! Layering is your friend.
#15 Restroom Etiquette
Wear shoes to the restroom because you don’t know what that liquid is on the floor. Don’t leave debris in the restroom. Put trash in the recepticle and use a towel on the sink.
#16 Be Kind to Airline Staff
Don’t tell them they look tired—they know. A thank you note or a $5 gift card can brighten their day beyond measure. Also, if someone goes out of their way to help you, write down their name and send in an email note of praise to the airline. It matters!
