Chaotic Summer Travel Tips
All over social media, you are only hearing about travel horror stories. While I try to not travel by air during the summer for this exact reason, I know there are plenty of people who a) can only make summer travel work for their schedule, b) don’t have any other options, c) just enjoy summer travel more! So here are my tips to make it as seamless as United Airlines (and others) will allow.
Know Your Rights
One of my main gripes is that the traveler is not nearly as protected in America as they are in Europe. You can refunds and reimbursements much more easily in Europe with very little hassle versus the United States (which is very much like pulling teeth for even the most basic refunds).
Secretary of Transportation Pete Buttigieg created the Flight Rights dashboard so you can easily see what you can get a refund or reimbursement for from each airline.
A good rule of thumb - if it is the airlines fault (i.e. not weather), you are eligible for reimbursement.
Give Yourself Time
Get to the airport with plenty of time! Even if your local airport is known for going quickly, you do not want to be rushing. If anything goes awry, you want to have time to get it settled. My local airport never has long lines through TSA - but going to Costa Rica in June 2023, we saw lines out the front door 2.5 hours before boarding. Once you get through, you can get coffee, you can watch some movies or shows, you can relax and get settled!
Also give yourself long layovers if you have to have one. Plenty of flights are being delayed. You don’t want to miss your next leg because your original flight was delayed and you couldn’t make your connection. I know long layovers are the worst… But give yourself time in between.
Carry-On Only
Try to not check a bag. Especially if you have layovers. You can’t have your bag lost if it is in your hand the entire time! I know it’s hard to do check-on only, but it really is so worth it just for the peace of mind. I have plenty of packing tips on my website to help.
Nothing is worse than when you finally get to your destination and you don’t have your luggage. It happened to me and it scarred me for life! And getting reimbursement took MONTHS and they gave me pennies on the dollar for what I submitted.
Try to Get Nonstop Flights
Instead of juggling layovers, multiple stops, multiple airports - obviously a nonstop is much more easy to navigate. With a nonstop flight, as soon as you’re in the air - that’s it! You’re on your way!
Fly on the First Flight Out
I am not a morning person at all - I give myself stomach pains from anxiety for weeks knowing if I have to wake up early for a travel day or in general… But I will always try to get one of the first flights out.
Negatives: it’s early, you’re not fully awake, it’s yucky feeling.
Positives: your flight is less-likely to be canceled, but if it is delayed, it will be the first to be rescheduled. Coffee lines are shorter, workers are more likely to help you than after dealing with customers all day.
Have the Right Apps
I have every single airline’s app and FlightAware. These will let me know of any delays, cancellations, issues, gate changes, etc. I use both and most times FlightAware notifies you before the airline does.
Be Flexible
To travel is to open yourself up to the whims and nature of other people. I am a major Type-A traveler, but things happen. Airlines are “still overcoming” staffing issues from COVID layoffs, weather will continue to become more and more destructive and thus will affect travel, and unfortunately, we are limited in the US to airlines and cars (would kill for a high speed train or 2!).
When, not if, something goes awry, keep your head on straight, try speaking to a person (either on the phone or in-person) kindly but sternly, and try to envision yourself at your destination just barely delayed! :)