How to Handle Airport Mishaps Like a Boss

You Miss Your Flight

It happens to even the best-prepared travelers. Traffic jams, alarm clock problems, and long lines at security can cost you valuable time, resulting in you getting to the gate too late. A missed flight puts a damper on your travel schedule, but it doesn't have to be a major disaster.

What to Do

If you know ahead of time that you're not going to make it, then call the airline and let them know. This gives them the chance to open your seat to travelers on standby, and it ups the odds that they'll book you on the next available flight. If you miss your flight at the last minute, then go immediately to the airline's service desk to see if you can get a seat on the next flight.

Airport Tip from the Pros

Always give yourself extra time to get to the airport and to get through the check-in process. Visit your airport's website to research how far in advance they recommend arriving.

You Have an Annoying Seatmate

So, you finally settle into your seat, only to discover that you've got an annoying neighbor who seemingly wants to chat for the entire flight or someone watching videos and listening to music without the courtesy of wearing headphones. Now what?

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What to Do

Stay calm; stay polite. If you're faced with an overly talkative seatmate, putting on your headphones during a lull in conversation can offer a subtle hint. In many cases, though, you need to be polite but direct. Something along the lines of, 'I don't want to be rude, but I can't wait to see what happens next in my book, and I can't concentrate with your music on' should do the trick.

Airport Tip from the Pros

If all else fails and you can't nicely get your point across, then talk to the flight attendant. In many cases, you might be able to switch seats.

Your Checked Baggage Is Over the Weight Limit

Airlines typically have a weight limit of around 50 pounds per checked bag. If you're over, expect to pay a rather hefty fee to check your overweight baggage.

Source: Adobe Stock

What to Do

Make a habit of bringing a second carry-on bag with you when you fly. If you exceed the weight limit, then you've got somewhere to put the heaviest items from your checked baggage to get under the threshold.

Airport Tip from the Pros

Use a luggage scale to make sure you don't risk going over the weight limit. Use it every time you fly, including your flight home. On your way back, if you're bringing extra items, then transfer some of the weight into your travel companion's bag, or ship them home.

Your Flight is Delayed or Cancelled

It doesn't happen often, but up to 3 percent of all flights get cancelled every year, and a fair number of other flights are delayed for reasons that range from staffing issues to mechanical problems to weather.

Source: Adobe Stock

What to Do

When you get a text or email that your flight is delayed, you should still plan to arrive at the airport as if you're leaving on time. If your flight is cancelled, then stay calm. Get in touch with customer service to get rebooked on the next available flight or receive a full refund.

Airport Tip from the Pros

Minimize potential headaches by flying in the morning, which gives you better odds of catching another flight on the same day. Similarly, it helps to avoid flying a regional airline out of a major airport because the big airports often deprioritize them in favor of the bigger carriers. Fly from major hub to major hub or from smaller airport to smaller airport.

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