Special tips when taking connecting flights over the holidays
Almost no one prefers to take a connection over nonstop, but sometimes scheduling, or airfares, make connecting flights the best option. Three of the largest airlines are considered “network carriers.” American, Delta, and United have about 70 percent of their flights connecting through hubs.
The uncertain crowds at airports during the holidays exacerbate problems with connections. Packed flights make rescheduling more difficult. And, just the fact that so many travelers have questions about air travel makes getting through airports more difficult and time-consuming.
How to minimize connecting flights going wrong.
During the winter holidays, there are tips travelers need to know to minimize the chances of a trip with a connection gone wrong.
Allow extra time.
If you’re already booked for this year it might be too late, but in general, you really want to book flights with more than usual connecting time. It’s not just winter weather that can cause problems, but around the holidays — since flights are particularly full — the “next available flight” may mean a long time delay, possibly even the next day.
Make sure your phone is charged.
In a pinch, you want to be able to reach whoever or whatever you use to plan your travel as soon as you realize there might be a problem.
Bring food — it will save rushing if delayed and buy-on-board may sell out
Bring food, or buy food at the airport before your first flight.
If your first flight is delayed and you must rush for your second flight, there’s a good chance you won’t have time to get a meal in your connecting city. With full flights, the backup plan to “buy-on-board” may not work either. I’ve had three flights this fall run out of meal options before they got to my seat in the middle of the plane. I’ve had many reports of clients with the same issue. (In some cases, when the actual meal options are sold out, there may be snack boxes or candy still available. This is not exactly what you want if you haven’t eaten all day.)
Use airplane lavatories if your connecting flights look tight.
This applies especially if you’re a woman. Sometimes airport restrooms are conveniently on the way with no lines. But not always.
Bring important outfits in carry-on luggage and avoid gate-checking bags
Bring your festive outfit in your carry-on bag if you’re going directly to a holiday event or meal, and it’s feasible. Do this if you make the connection and your checked bag doesn’t.
Avoid gate-checking luggage on smaller planes with tiny overhead bins, if you can. Yes, it might be tempting to see if you can avoid bag fees, and it may feel safer to have the airline return your bag to you in the jetway after landing rather than waiting for it at the luggage carousel. But that takes time. I recently had a regional flight where my bag barely fit overhead, but I got it on. And after a delay on the first flight, it took a full run through the terminal to be the last person on my connecting flight. Had I gate-checked it, I would have been stuck in the airport for 2 hours until the next flight.
Keep your travel agent on speed dial — they can help in emergencies
Finally, if you have a travel agent, have them on speed dial. They won’t always be able to help, but they have more options. Agents will almost certainly be available faster than waiting in an airport customer service line.
READ ALSO:
DOT should take these passenger protection actions today
Ten traveler resolutions to power more ethical journeys today
Janice Hough is a California-based travel agent a travel blogger and a part-time comedy writer. A frequent flier herself, she’s been doing battle with airlines, hotels, and other travel companies for over three decades. Besides writing for Travelers United, Janice has a humor blog at Leftcoastsportsbabe.com (Warning, the political and sports humor therein does not represent the views of anyone but herself.)
