If you are traveling by air this summer, you need to be aware that the airlines are flying at full capacity on almost every flight, so it is imperative that you arrive at the gate early. When that plane gets full, they are taking off because it helps their on-time performance.
Since the average flight has become more crowded, the competition for space in the overhead bins has heated up. Since 2008, the airlines have been charging for checked luggage, and the accompanying result is that there are more folks now traveling with carry-on luggage, because so far, the major lines are not charging for carry-on luggage.
So, the secret has been to try to get on one of the earliest boarding groups. Well how do you do that? The boarding groups are based on your seat assignment, so one time you might be in group one and the agent calls for group one to go first. However, the next time, group one might be called last. . .you just never know.
You know about the nickel and diming? Here’s another example. Several airlines have capitalized on the desire to have an earlier boarding position, so they are selling a favored boarding position for $9. Here’s another one. . .American calls it “Choice Essential”, and for an additional $68, you will get Group 1 boarding, a checked bag, an exemption from change fees and a reserved seat. For $20 more, the customer can buy the “Choice Plus” package which adds the right to make same-day flight changes, same-day standby, and earn 50% bonus on AAdvantage frequent-flier miles. No wonder the airlines are reporting record income on ancillary fees!!!
Here’s a good tip. Always check your airline’s website for baggage fee information. The airlines are required by the DOT to present clear information about bag fees.
Another good practice that we have been doing here at The Travel Factory is to get not only a home phone, but a cell phone too when making a reservation. The airlines often have flight number changes and time changes, and sometimes they will contact the agency that booked the reservation, but sometimes they will also call the client if their phone contacts are in the record.
Another good tip for our folks like me who are addicted to the small, Swiss Army knife. At one point, TSA was planning to relax the rule and let those knifes stay in the pocket of the owner, but that policy change has been put on hold. So, until further notice, keep putting that knife in the checked luggage.
Here’s a tip worth noting. If you are planning on traveling during Thanksgiving or Christmas, now is not too early to make those plans. Contact your experienced travel counselors at The Travel Factory at 698-1421 or toll-free 800-760-4040 for expert guidance with your interest in mind.