10 Tips To Avoid Missed Flight Connections

Don’t book a tight connection

The basic rule of thumb is never to book a connection that is less than 2 hours if you are taking a domestic flight or less than 3 hours if you are flying internationally, especially if you are traveling with small kids or persons with disability. If you can’t find the layover you are looking for on the online booking site, call the airline to talk to a live agent. On international flights coming back into the United States, the first airport you land in is where you have to go through immigration, retrieve your luggage, and check back in, so make sure you (and your family) have plenty of time to do all of that; in a non-rushed manner.

Book the first flight of the day

Statistics show that the first flights of the day, early in the morning, experience fewer delays than others. So, even if you are not a ‘morning person’ you should strive to book one of the earlier flights for the first leg of your trip.

Sit in front 

The closer you sit by the front door, the faster you will be able to get off the aircraft and get to your next gate. The airlines have mastered the pre-boarding process, but when it comes to deplaning; everyone gets pushy and wants to get off quickly. Everyone has a reason to rush out so don’t expect much sympathy – just make sure you get out as soon as the plane lands and the door opens!

Keep your family together

It is critical for everyone in your group to leave the plane with their belongings as soon as possible after landing to get to the next gate. If you sit in separate places on the aircraft, especially a large one, it could take more than ten minutes to get everyone together. This extra delay could make you arrive late to your next gate and miss your next flight.

Travel with carry-on bags

Ask for pre-boarding, and make sure you put your suitcase in the overhead bin directly above or in front of you. If put your luggage in the bins behind you are risking further delays as you will be spending time trying to fight the stream of people moving forward to exit the plane.

Download an airport map

If the airport you are connecting into is large and you have limited time to go to distant gates or terminals, make sure you download a map on your cell phone or print out a map ahead of time, so you minimize your chances of wasting time getting lost.

Buy travel insurance

I  can’t stress this one enough. In today’s chaotic travel world things can change at the drop of a hat, and you might be stuck in an airport without the ability to continue for hours, especially if you have an itinerary with multiple flights. Most travel insurance plans start covering your food and lodging costs if the delay is longer than six hours, so make sure you buy some travel insurance

Have the airline application on your phone

You should download the airline’s app to your electronic devices so you can contact them fast to rebook your flight if necessary. Also, bookmark the airline’s Facebook page and Twitter handle since many times companies answer faster on social media than if you try to call or email customer service.

Ask for help 

If you are experiencing a delay after you board the aircraft, ask the flight purser’s advice about what to do and whether she/he can arrange an airport shuttle or special escort to transport you and accompanying family members as fast as possible to the next gate.

Above all else, stay calm

Whatever you do, keep it together and smile since no one feels comfortable or safe near an agitated or out of control stranger. Staying calm and not panicking will help your family relax and will make people more likely to help you. Have you ever missed a flight connection? What tips would you add?]]>