I try hard to find a non-stop flight to my destination. That is often difficult to do out of Ontario, so I bite the bullet and drive into LAX. If I’m leaving on a cruise, I usually go in a day or two early, so I don’t have to worry about luggage or making a connecting flight. Also, during the winter months when weather can be iffy, I try never to fly through Denver or Chicago if I’m flying east; you’re asking for problems and the probability of a flight delay is high. Many years ago I was stranded in Chicago in a mid-winter storm. It took me two days to get out.
If there are no non-stop flights to my destination, I build extra time into my itinerary for the connection. I swear the airlines are in “lala” land when they schedule only 45 minutes between flights in Dallas or Chicago. It may be a legitimate connection, meaning the airline will protect you on another flight if you miss your connection, but the chances of making the connection are mighty slim. Plus, I’m anxious the entire flight wondering if I’ll make the connection along with my luggage. It’s not worth the anxiety. I now schedule myself at least two or more hours between flights. I bring a book or sit and people watch. Airports are great for people watching. It sure beats missing my connection and possibly spending a day or two waiting for an available flight to my destination.
On my trip home from New Jersey this past October I had a four-hour layover in Atlanta. I read, got a flu shot, and listened to a pilot give an explanation on why his flight was going to be delayed for at least an hour. Actually, I was very impressed how concerned the captain was that his flight was late. Usually no one tells you anything. This captain gave updated accounts every fifteen minutes. Most unusual and very refreshing. There is hope for the airlines yet!
Certain flights are chronically late. All airlines try to compete and schedule flights near the same time. If Delta, American and United all have flights going to Chicago between 9:00am and 9:05 am, you know they cannot all take off on time; there are just not enough runways. As the day goes on, planes begin to back up and sometimes you have an hour wait on the tarmac just to take off. Most of the time I try to book the first flight of the day to my destination. It’s similar to making a doctor’s appointment--I usually don’t have to wait if I’m the first appointment of the morning.
I really do try to cover all my bases. Before leaving for a trip, particularly if I have connecting flights, I check to see what my alternatives are if I miss my connection or my outbound flight is delayed or cancelled. Some airlines will put you on a competitor’s next flight out if the delay or cancellation was their fault (i.e. mechanical problem). Others won’t. If you’ve joined the computer age and your flight is delayed, just pull out your Blackberry and pull up the Official Airline Guide so you can see the alternate flights available and book them. If you’re technologically challenged, I suggest you line up at the airline counter and call your travel agent on your cell phone and have her book you on the next flight out. By the time you get to the front of the line your reservations will be waiting for you. If you don’t have a travel agent (shame on you), call the airline. It’s important that you try to make a reservation since there will be a lot of other people in the same situation and everyone wants a flight out.
Sometimes all the preparation is for naught. Sometimes there is absolutely nothing you can do to salvage the day; you’re booked on the next flight out and that’s not for another four hours. I remember traveling with children; keeping them from getting bored was always a top priority. Make sure you have books, games and plenty of DVDs (a DVD player also helps!!!) Also, many airlines sell day passes to their club lounges, a more attractive option than sitting at the gate in uncomfortable chairs for several hours.
If you’re heading out for a special occasion, i.e. a wedding, funeral, Bar Mitzvah or a special birthday celebration, and your flight is cancelled or delayed, and you’re going to miss the event entirely, let the airline know and request a refund. I’m not promising anything, but it’s sure worth a try.
Once upon a time, “getting there” was half the fun. Today, traveling is more difficult with all the restrictions imposed by the Department for Homeland Security and several other government agencies--all for our own safety. Keep your sense of humor and remember, what doesn’t seem at all funny today will probably make you laugh tomorrow. Happy traveling.
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