The airline industry is undergoing major changes as each carrier struggles to survive during these difficult times with the ever increasing price of fuel. Though we are reading about our own U.S. carriers, the impact will be felt by the foreign carriers too. As baby boomers we are good organizers and planners but I will share with you guidelines that we within the industry are given in order to make our sojourn more enjoyable and less stressful.

I also will share with you answers to many of the questions you have asked about flying – especially when traveling internationally such as, “when in a foreign country and they collect all the passports from passengers prior to exiting the bus that picked us up on the tarmac, how can I be sure I will get it back?” Check out my answer to this teaser question!

Important Travel Guidelines

Never assume – always re-verify! This applies to your airline tickets, even if you physically have them tucked away in your newly purchased travel pouch!

There are major cutbacks and even some routes are being deleted – the protocol is that the carriers will do everything they can to re-book you but do not rely upon them – take charge and follow up always.

This especially applies to tickets you may have purchased weeks or months ago. There is a whole new playing field which changes daily so don’t depend on the airlines to handle your re- booking issues or questions. Unfortunately this oftentimes applies to our dear travel agent who may have made all our arrangements.

I recommend one week before and the day before departure re-verify. Yes, you’re going to have to place that call and wait on hold in order to finally speak with a human being in order to re-verify your information – just grab a cup of tea, put your phone on speaker – you will be glad you did!

Expect confusion, longer lines (yes, longer than we have been used too!) with absolutely everything – at the curb, parking, delays in bus transportation from car parking lot to terminals, security check points will be even longer, and all ticket counters will experience shortage in personnel due to cutbacks so these lines will be even longer.
Let’s face it - it has been difficult post 911 and just as we started to see things ease a bit the floor drops out. It will get worse – prices will increase and there will be fewer flights (therefore cramped planes again!)

Allow extra time!
Airline guidelines for international flights: arrival two hours prior to departure; domestic: one hour.

Diane’s recommendation: add an additional 45 minutes to one hour unless you do not have any difficulty doing the “rush and crunch” jig as you run through the terminal. As for me, I would prefer to have a new novel to read for an hour while waiting at the gate. Sit back, read and relax!

Expectations versus Reality – Value of Flexibility

We all understand the importance of planning. You’ve done your research as to your destination – you’ve spent hours poring over the web site, checking US governmental recommendations pertaining to travel in the country – all of this you have done so well. It is therefore imperative that when in the US as well as overseas, you remain in control as much as possible. Oftentimes we believe if we have the tickets we just have to show. This is not the case in the U.S. anymore and was NEVER the case internationally.

Do be aware in some of the Balkans countries and more remote third world countries, you may have a ticket but oftentimes the carrier may sell your ticket to someone who will pay a higher price! They would deny saying this but it is true and in fact, this actually happened to me personally! So be aware, especially when traveling with smaller carriers. Oftentimes even if booked by a reputable travel agent in that country, your ticket may go to the highest bidder!

After planning, once you embark on your trip, you need to change your type A mind set. Allow what goes to just flow – even when you may have to bed down inside a terminal for there “was no room in the inn.”

This did happen to my husband who had a pre-paid hotel accommodation in Moscow! Plane arrives late (of course) and so hotel sold his room (even a guaranteed room!) He could not go to another hotel as he was “Passenger en transit – no visa” and was staying in one of the few hotels (must have been the only one!) who reserved so many rooms for these “no – visa passengers.” And to top it off, they still charged him for the room though he slept in the terminal – ouch! After repeated communication with American Express (don’t leave home without it!) we did get credit! In addition to your airline reservations be careful when making your hotel and transportation arrangements.

Matching expectations with reality once you are en route oftentimes may not coincide. However, when these rough patches and hurdles do occur it is difficult not to get angry with these people! However, in the end, they really lack any kind of training in good customer service that we in the U.S. at least try to convey to our working force. It is best just to go with whatever happens and adjust. Getting upset only hurts you.

Tip of the Day: If you are in the terminal and your flight has just been cancelled, rather than get in that long re-booking line, just make a phone call to the carrier and re-book while sipping on your Starbucks! Be patient and be happy you did not have to stand in line and listen to those disgruntled passengers screaming at the ticket agent!

Bag Again!

I know we addressed this before and I know you know – try not to check bags and now the carriers are really watching the weight of even your carry-on bags! So be careful and take time in always trying to find ways to pack sufficiently. It’s the old Marine Corps style of “roll and stow” that allows you to almost double your ability to pack (and causes less wrinkling). You’re taking a chance if you check bags, so be careful.

Don’t forget your meds & snacks!

No matter what, never check your medication and always have a bag of nuts, protein bars or snacks (along with a water bottle you purchased after you went through security). This is especially important if you have any health issues and if diabetic, always have the appropriate snacks and food available. Never depend on the carrier to have anything to help you with regards to food and beverage. When in foreign terminals, always buy water (with gas – fizzy water) as oftentimes the still water has been filled with local tap water that could cause illness.

These just a few “reminders” as just getting to your destination will now be more challenging, if it wasn’t already! However, always keep in mind what’s at the other side of the travel rainbow for once there you will be making memories, taking photos and feverishly writing in your journal which you will share with your family and grandkids upon your return!

Truly we are not just “travel adventurers” but “travel warriors!” Welcome aboard!
Over & Out!
Diane