Travel Tips
How To Find Out If Your Flight Might Be Delayed
In the current era of periodic, widespread delays and cancellations, you need to be proactive and not wait for the airline to tell you there is a problem. Manually check the status of your flight in the 24 hours leading up to travel on your airline’s website (and check where the plane is coming from, if possible). Also, opt-in to flight notifications with us and download the carrier’s app on your phone.
- 01. How to find out if your flight might be delayed
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In the current era of periodic, widespread delays and cancellations, you need to be proactive and not wait for the airline to tell you there is a problem. Manually check the status of your flight in the 24 hours leading up to travel on your airline’s website (and check where the plane is coming from, if possible). Also, opt-in to flight notifications with us and download the carrier’s app on your phone.
- 02. This can be a tricky question to answer.
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If your flight is still listed as “on time” when you check, leave for the airport according to the original schedule. Once you’re at the gate, you may or may not experience a delay. Even if your flight shows as delayed, it can be subject to change. It’s best to be at the airport ready to go at the originally scheduled time in most cases.
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Remember that bad weather will sometimes cause a temporary ground stop at the airport. As soon as the weather gets better, the stop is lifted and airlines try to get their flights off the ground ASAP.
- 03. What to do if there is bad weather
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Monitor weather patterns starting a few days before your flight to see if any major systems are anticipated. It’s vital to check the forecast on the day of travel to see how any issues are affecting your departure and arrival airports.
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Again, be sure you opt in to updates on your flight’s status. If you know bad weather is coming later in the day, ask for an earlier flight if you can.
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More and more airlines are allowing travelers to change plans with no fare difference prior to severe weather problems, like impending blizzards, ice storms or even heavy thunderstorms. Some will even proactively change your flight for you.
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If you know bad weather is on the horizon, either go to your airline’s website and look for an advisory notice or call the airline. If an airline gets ahead of weather issues, you may be able to reschedule your flight by a few days in either direction with no fees.
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However, if the airline hasn’t issued its own advisory, you could have to pay out of pocket for any fare differences. It’s definitely worth making a case to the airline directly even if they haven’t issued a waiver.
- 04. What to do if your flight is delayed or canceled
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If you realize your flight is likely to be delayed based on where it’s coming from, keep a close eye on your flight’s status. If a delay becomes reality and you want an alternative to waiting it out, call us and check with us for rebooking options.
- 05. Retreat to a lounge
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If you have airline club access at a United Club, Delta Sky Club or similar, you can head there for help from experienced agents with potentially shorter lines. Use it as a spot to gather your thoughts, charge your phone and make level-headed decisions. The agents there might be able to help you change or track your flight.
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In third-party lounges, such as an American Express Centurion Lounge, you won’t be able to get that type of airline-specific assistance, but you’re still probably in a better spot to wait out the storm than in a crowded terminal.
How To Get Airport Lounge Access Easy
Get free access through a premium rewards credit card. Get free access through an airline's co-branded credit card. Buy a day pass.
- 01. How to Get Airport Lounge Access
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Get free access through a premium rewards credit card.
- 02. This can be a tricky question to answer.
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Get free access through an airline's co-branded credit card.
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Buy a day pass
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Buy a third-party lounge membership (such as Priority Pass).
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Buy an airline-specific lounge membership.
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Earn airline loyalty status
- 03. How to Get Airport Lounge Access – 8 Smart Methods.
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Purchase Priority Pass.
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Use a Credit Card with Airport Lounge Access.
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Purchase a One-Day Lounge Pass.
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Lounge Pass.
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Purchase an Annual Airport Lounge Membership.
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Reach Elite Status with an Airline.
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Pay for Public Lounge Access
- 04.How do I get VIP access at the airport?
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Fly in a premium cabin or fly very regularly – The most common, and most expensive, way to access an airport lounge is to either travel in a premium cabin or belong to one of the higher tiers of a loyalty scheme. If you travel in Business or First class, most airlines offer you one-off access to one of their lounges.
- 05. How do you use VIP lounges at airports?
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If you're already at the airport, just walk up to the lounge entrance and ask if you're eligible for entry. If you are, note that you will need to present your access credential (such as the credit card that includes access or your Priority Pass card), your photo ID and your boarding pass.
10 Tips for Plane Travel
Many people experience some form of discomfort or sickness when they travel by plane. Dry mouth, aching limbs, swollen ankles — they’re par for the course on plane rides and they are, in fact, caused by the very environment you’re traveling in. That means there’s nothing you can do to eliminate these issues entirely, but you can take a few steps in the right direction.
Cabin pressure creates an environment akin to being 8,000 feet high — similar to being on a mountain. As a result, it’s not uncommon for sitting and breathing to feel more challenging, and the low humidity means your body can become dehydrated.
Here’s how to feel your best when you’re in the air:
- 1. Drink more water.
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Hydration will help you handle anything air travel sends your way. Water is the most accessible option, and electrolyte-heavy beverages — like sports drinks — can also help in certain instances. Avoid caffeinated beverages (and diuretics) like coffee and soda. You should drink a bottle of water for every hour you’re in the air; the increased bathroom breaks will offer an additional opportunity to stretch your legs.
- 2. Drink less alcohol.
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Alcohol presents a double threat to airplane wellness. Not only does alcohol make it more difficult for cells to absorb oxygen, which will worsen your altitude symptoms, but it also dehydrates your body faster. So if you’re feeling stressed about flying, opt for a non-caffeinated tea instead of a stiff drink.
- 3. Pack for hydration.
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Low humidity on planes can be a real problem. While a comfortable indoor humidity is anywhere from 30 to 65 percent, the humidity inside an airplane cabin is only around 10 to 20 percent. As a result, you and your body will feel better if you pack a good moisturizer for dry skin and eye drops like saline solution, especially if you wear contact lenses. Just remember to pack a travel size to get past the TSA.
- 4. Prepare your immune system.
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Getting a cold on a flight isn’t the result of poor air quality or recycled air; it’s more likely due to a combination of excessive germs and your body’s compromised ability to deal with them. Hundreds of people have touched what you’re touching and everyone is breathing — sometimes sneezing — in the same confined space for multiple hours. You can pack disposable wipes for the tray tables, but your best defense is getting rest and staying hydrated.
- 5. Flex your calves.
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Immobility can increase the risk of deep vein thrombosis (DVT), sometimes called “economy-class syndrome” in travel talk. It’s still unclear whether flying scientifically raises the risk of DVT, but prolonged (more than four hours) immobility is unhealthy in any context. However, you only need to contract your calf muscles — for example, by tapping your feet, which also moves the shins, thighs and hip joints — to get the blood flowing. Walking to the back of the plane or using the restroom are also easy, inconspicuous ways to keep your blood flowing.
- 6. Stretch everything else.
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While less crucial than leg stretches, if your body is going to be in one position for a long time, stretching is a good idea. Bring your chest down to meet your thighs to stretch out your back, and reach out in front of you to get your arms, too. For more involved airplane moves, you may need to get out of your seat and find a space — probably near the back of the plane — to stretch.
- 7. Sleep near the window.
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While you shouldn’t count on restful sleep on the plane, it could be an opportunity to rest during your travel, particularly if you’re facing jet lag. If you plan to catch some shut-eye, opt for a window seat. Not only will you have control over the window shade (and sunlight), but you’ll also be out of the way of climbing seatmates or people bumping into you in the aisle. Also, pack a neck pillow.
- 8. Make your own legroom.
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Baggage fees encourage most travelers to bring their luggage on board, meaning overhead compartments and space under the seat in front of you fill up fast. If you have the opportunity, pack only the necessities in your carry-on to give yourself the most amount of legroom possible.
- 9. Dress comfortably.
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Travel attire is an increasingly personal decision, but regardless of how trendy you choose to dress, layers are key. Airplanes tend to be cold, but the ability to add and remove layers will be incredibly helpful as you acclimate to different airports and maybe even climates.
- 10. Breathe.
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Take a few deep breaths when you’re settled into your seat. Not only will breathing and meditation techniques help if you’re stressed or nervous about flying, but adjusting your breathing rhythm can also help you adjust to a new altitude.
How to avoid and treat ear pain during flights
There are many ways a person can help alleviate ear pain when flying. These measures include not sleeping during take-off and landing, chewing gum, or using earplugs.
Some people may call ear pain during flights “airplane ear,” and many experience ear discomfort or pain due to pressure changes due to being on an airplane. In medical terms, doctors refer to this condition as:
ear barotrauma
parotitis media
aerotitis media
When people experience it during a flight, it is often not due to an underlying condition. Instead, it frequently Trusted Source occurs during take-off and landing and results from altitude changes and pressure changes.
A person may be able to successfully treat the condition with home remedies and over-the-counter (OTC) products. If a preexisting condition is present, individuals may need to speak with a doctor to treat the underlying cause.
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Avoid sleeping during take-off and landing
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Chew gum
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Try decongestants
How to Get Upgraded to First Class
First or business class is a section typically reserved for the famous, elite, or the wealthy, but it doesn't mean it's hands-off to everyone. In fact, no matter what your status, the in-flight upgrades are within your reach. If you want to live the finer flying life without shelling out thousands of dollars, here are the questions you should ask.
- Is there an opportunity for upgrades on this flight?
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Ask and you may receive. Flight upgrades are difficult to get and are even more impossible to attain if you don't ask for them in the first place. Simply and politely ask for one and remember to smile and be positive--flight attendants and employees won't take too kindly to any sense of entitlement you may give off.
- I don't need my seat--do you need someone to upgrade?
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If the flight is oversold, consider telling the agent that you are willing to give up your seat if they need someone to upgrade. Make it clear that you would be happy to volunteer and ask whether you can be upgraded for a future flight.
- Am I dressed the part?
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If you want to fly first class, dress first class too. Avoid shorts, tank tops, and flip-flops to show that you mean business about sitting in business class. Claire O'Mahoney, assistant manager at online flight booking website Flight Centre, advises looking presentable: "You definitely don't want to look out of place up in the front of the plane, that could annoy full-paying customers and make you feel uncomfortable."
Besides this there are 8 points that you should keep a tab on:
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1. Be a seriously loyal customer.
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2. Get an airline credit card
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3. Dress neatly
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4. Check in online at the earliest possible time.
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5. Be on time, and have good timing.
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6. Ask politely and directly.
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7. Be reasonable.
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8. If the flight is relatively empty, your chances are slim.