Ask someone their opinions on air travel and chances are you'll get an earful. They think it's too uncomfortable. They think it's too expensive. The airline lost their bag or canceled their flight one time 10 years ago and it is a grudge they will forever hold. Air travel is just not an indifferent shoulder-shrugging sort of topic for most people.
Even so, flying from A to B can be absolutely painless — possibly even pleasurable — if you make the most of it. Here's how!
1. The winter “dead zone” from January to early March is perhaps the very cheapest time to buy domestic airfares. After early March, some schools go on break so fares go up. But there is no magic day of the week or time of year to buy the cheapest airfares.
2. If you’re prone to air sickness, try to get a seat over the wings. It’s like sitting on the fulcrum of a seesaw: There’s less motion up and down.
3. A four-wheeled rolling suitcase is less likely to get tossed around by airline baggage handlers. They actually throw bags down the belly of smaller planes but they’ll roll them if they glide on four wheels. Read more baggage handler confessions.
4. Even if you buy a ticket on a U.S.-based airline, make sure the flight is operated by a European-based partner airline (such as buying on American but flying on British Airways). Even if flying from the U.S., you’ll get better monetary compensation if there’s a delay or cancellation.
5. But when flying on a non-U.S. airline or flying overseas on any airline, U.S. DOT-mandated protections for lost or damaged bags do not apply. If the value of your suitcase and its contents is over $1,000 you can buy reasonably priced excess valuation from your airline, typically up to $5,000 in value.
6. Many credit cards offer free and automatic travel insurance for cancellations due to illness or injury or delays and trip interruptions as well as lost or damaged baggage. The Chase Sapphire Card and many cards co-branded with United and American have especially good protection. Some Citibank-issued cards even cover electronics lost or damaged in checked bags, which airlines will not take responsibility for.
7. If you are prone to altitude sickness when flying, buy a seat on the Boeing 787 Dreamliner or the Airbus A350. The cabins on these planes are pressurized about 2,000 feet lower than on other commercial airliners. You’ll find that you breathe easier and sleep better on long flights. The interiors of these planes are also more humid so your nasal passages and eyes, if you wear contacts, will be more comfortable.
8. Anyone of any age can join AARP, and you will receive travel discounts as a member. For example, British Airways will deduct $65 off economy fares, $130 off premium economy, and $200 off business- and first-class round-trip fares.
.
Latest Stories
-
Bahamas World Relays: Ghana paired with world and Olympic champions in Heat 1
4 hours -
Bahamas 2024 Relays: Star-studded cast ready to put on pre-Paris show
5 hours -
Bahamas Relays preview: clash of global title-winning teams in men’s 4x100m
5 hours -
Arsenal keeper Raya wins Premier League Golden Glove
5 hours -
Iñaki Williams scores twice in Athletic Bilbao’s win over Getafe
5 hours -
Argument with Salah ‘completely resolved’ – Klopp
5 hours -
Reus to leave Dortmund at the end of the season
6 hours -
Uefa confirms 26-man squads for Euro 2024
6 hours -
Teacher Unions press home demands for the new allowances
6 hours -
Media’s failure to hold government accountable for ‘galamsey’ alarming – Mahama
6 hours -
Keta Presbytery urges Akufo-Addo to assent to anti-LGBTQ+ Bill
6 hours -
Ghanaian midfielder Lawrence Ofori nets maiden goal of the season with stunner against Vizela
6 hours -
Community fearful after off-duty policemen shot dead at East Trasacco
6 hours -
Dext Technology partners KNUST to train basic school teachers on STEM
7 hours -
My efforts led to remarkable transformation in Appiatse – Lands Minister
7 hours