1. Expect the worst.
Any time you book a flight, realize there is always a possibility it'll get delayed or canceled. Many things can cause this, from weather to technical issues to scheduling conflicts. Let it be a happy relief when you do get on the plane instead of a shock when you wait an extra hour or two.
2. Plan to be at the airport earlier than you think you should.
If everything goes according to plan, an hour is usually adequate time for domestic flights. But a lot of the time, everything does not go according to plan. There’s traffic, the security line is long, the gate gets changed to halfway across the airport, etc. Build an extra 30 minutes into your itinerary—you’ll be glad you did.
3. Pack backup snacks.
You might plan to grab a meal during your layover, only to find your flight waiting on the runway for an obnoxious amount of time. When you finally get to the gate, you might not have time to even purchase a granola bar at the newsstand as you run to your next gate. Pack backup bars and whole fruits just in case this happens. Fill up your water bottle as soon as you make it through security. No one wants to pick up a hangry person from the airport. Maneuvering through the arrivals lanes is unpleasant enough.
4. Think on your feet.
Your direct flight to Orlando got canceled? Can you connect through CLT (Charlotte)? Can you get to Jacksonville and rent a car and drive to Orlando instead? There are a lot of options to get you from A to B that may not be ideal, but sometimes they're the best choice. Consider alternate ways that might work and pick the one that gets you there the quickest or the cheapest.
5. Remember that gate agents are doing the best they can.
Realize that gate agents often have as much control over the flight schedule as you do. It’s understandable that there are a lot of frustrated customers if and when something goes wrong, but don’t treat them as your “punching bag.” Nobody wins in that scenario.
6. Assume the position if you get bumped to standby.
If circumstances cause you to get bumped to standby, remember this: No matter how convincingly you might beg and plead for a seat, the priority list, not the gate agent, determines who gets on. That being said, my experiences lead me to bet they have some influence. When boarding begins, assume this position: Stand out of the way but in a spot where you are visual. Form your face into a content smile, lightly grasp your hands in front of you and politely wait to be called. Don’t walk up and shout that you’ve been waiting for eight hours—a lot of people have been waiting for eight hours.
7. Relax.
Traveling can be stressful, so there’s no reason to place extra pressure on yourself. Pack the night before, arrive to the airport early and once you make it to your gate, things are out of your control. Don’t let annoying passengers get to you, even those that claim three chairs as their own in a crowded waiting area. If your flight gets delayed, be patient. Get into your relaxed vacation mode the second you step into the airport to start your trip off right.
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