Things can go wrong when you travel. Sometimes it’s out of your control but sometimes it’s an oops, now what moment. Here’s the answer to some of those oops, now what moments with common travel slip-ups.
A Missed Flight
Most times we know when we are going to miss our flight. We either overslept, didn’t allow enough time to get to or navigate the airport. Then there are those issues that delay us beyond our control. When this happens, you can only react to the situation but doing so immediately is the best option.
Immediately contact the airline and alert them of your situation. While there is no guarantee, the airline employee will try to help you to the best of their ability. If you are honest, nice and flexible, they will typically find a solution, especially for same-day travel. The most important thing is to avoid being a no-show. Once the system cancels your reservation, it’s more difficult to work something out.
I recommend arriving to the airport two hours prior to departure for a domestic flight and three hours prior to departure for an international flight.
I know most of you are thinking “that’s way too much time”. To this I say, there could be a traffic jam enroute to the airport, you could forget something and have to go back and get it or your car service is late picking you up. This happened to me once. I left my passport home and didn’t realize it until I arrived to the airport. Because, I arrived three hours prior to the departure time, I had enough time to retrieve my passport and make it back to the airport an hour and half prior to my flight. Bottom line – I made my flight. If I hadn’t left my passport, I would have been in the loung or at a restaurant relaxing and enjoying a glass of wine.
A Late Arrival At Your Hotel
Most hotel reservations are guaranteed until six pm on the day of check-in unless, you’ve prepaid for your room. Even then, you have a certain time to check in before the hotel will cancel your reservation as a no-show.
Know what the hotel’s policy is for check-in before you’re listed as a no-show. If you know in advance that you will arrive later than that time, let the hotel know of your expected arrival time in advance to avoid the automatic cancellation. If your late arrival is unexpected, contact the hotel to alert them of your new expected arrival time as soon as possible. The key point here is to act ASAP and avoid an automatic cancellation or no-show, even if your arrival will be the next day.
Your Luggage Is Overweight
This one is totally in your control and something you can and should avoid. When leading my groups I always eyeball luggage upon arrival at the baggage carousel. I take note of those with swollen luggage because I know they’ve left no space for purchases and will either buy and pay to check a second bag or pay for overweight baggage.
Know the airlines baggage policy before you even pack. Each airline publishes its policy on their website and at the point of sale of the airline ticket. Follow the weight and size restrictions using the airline’ guide. Don’t forget to include the handle and wheels in your measurement. This applies to your checked and carry-on bags. yes, airlines have restrictions on carry-on weight and size too.
To prepare for weight and size restrictions before and during your travels, invest in a travel luggage scale and pack an extra collapsible bag that you can use as an extra bag. Typically it’s less expensive to pay for an additional checked bag than an overweight bag. you can also use the extra bag as a carry-on, size and weight permitting.
Take aways:
- Know the airlines baggage policy. ou can find it on their website.
- Leave space in your luggage for items you’ll probably purchase during your travels.
- Invest in a travel luggage scale.
- Pack a collapsible bag you can use as an extra bag if needed.
- Always be prepared and have a course of action when you travel.
Yours truly,
Ja’Vonne, aka, The Traveling Culturati