7 steps to avoid air travel hassles

Everyone knows that there are many Air Travel Hassles and some of them can be truly nightmarish. Air travel is no doubt convenient, but at the same time, it can be terribly annoying. Here are seven different steps that you can possibly take to make your next flight as hassle-free as possible.

 Make it a point to avoid Direct flights. Regular Air Travelers know that labeling a flight ‘Direct’ is a popular airline euphemism and it means the flight will halt at least once and to that extent delaying your arrival at the destination.

 If you do not wish to be confronted with any nasty situations at the Airport, it is wise to reconfirm your ticket about two weeks before your flight by going online to make sure the airline’s computer shows you holding a ticket for the said flight. It is also a good idea to double-check the departure time two to three days before your flight.

 Get to the Airport as early as you possibly can. If you reach the airport too late, you may miss your flight or may be denied boarding. For domestic flights you have to be at the Airport at least 90 minutes before departure time. If you are planning to park a car or if it is an international flight, then allow yourself at least two hours. Please remember that your domestic flight can be canceled if you are not checked in at the gate at least 20 minutes prior to departure.

 Many Airlines let you go online 24 hours in advance to print your boarding pass at home or at your office. This can save you a lot of time at the airport. If you have bags, you can check them at curbside and if you do not have bags, you can skip the line and go straight to the gate. Checking in baggage at the curb might cost a dollar or two per bag, but the price may be worth it. The stress of flying will be considerably minimized, if you can, bypass the counter entirely by utilizing online check-in and bringing only a carry-on bag.

 As a rule, most airlines will not accept checked baggage less than 30 minutes prior to a domestic flight. Because of soaring fuel costs, airlines are strictly enforcing their Baggage Rules. For most domestic flights you are allowed only two checked bags up to 50 pounds each. If any bag is beyond the weight limit, you will be levied a fee. Try to travel with minimum possible luggage.

 As you wait for the security checkpoint, keep your boarding pass and ID ready. Take off your shoes and jacket before you enter the metal detector, and remember to remove metal items, including keys and loose change, from your pockets.

 If your flight is delayed, stay at the gate until a new departure time is officially announced and posted. Do not go too far away lest you miss the announcement. It is difficult to anticipate - a repair can get over more quickly than expected, if your flight is announced as cancelled, get in line fast for rebooking and get on your cell phone. You might have a better chance of getting rebooked by calling the airline’s reservation line. Never hesitate to ask if you can get a seat on another airline’s flight that leaves sooner – chances are you will succeed.

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