Many of you fly for business or leisure. Here are some tips and recommendations for air travelers. In total, there are 112 tips – and this is far from an exhaustive list.
PART I. Prices and Tickets
1. The cheapest flights within the USA are on Tuesday, Wednesday, and Saturday. The most expensive are on Friday and Sunday. There are exceptions. The cheapest flights within the USA are overnight (though there are few of these), as well as the earliest morning, lunchtime, and early evening flights.
2. The cheapest online offers for flights within the USA are available at 3:00 PM (Eastern Time) on Tuesday (11:00 PM Moscow time). However, prices change several times a day every day, so it is impossible to pinpoint the exact hour.
3. The cheapest offers aside from special promotions can be found when booking six months or more in advance. This does not exclude the possibility of stumbling upon a very favorable price a few days before departure, but more often only for less popular destinations.
4. Tickets with a return within a month are cheaper than tickets with a return from 1 to 3 months. All discounted fares require a return no later than one month. When I fly to the USA for a month and a half, I overpay not only for loyalty and the summer season but also for the time between flights there and back.
5. If you are flying on a busy route during peak season, it is better to start looking for tickets no later than six months to a year in advance. If you regularly track prices on aggregator sites, you can even observe cycles of price increases and decreases. But keep in mind that, as a rule, each subsequent cycle of increase results in a higher price.
6. The price of a ticket is influenced by various market factors: the price of aviation fuel (if oil prices rise, ticket prices will rise), seasonality (summer and holidays are high-price times), the popularity of the route at the time of departure (prices rise for all destinations in summer, and in winter, prices for popular summer and winter resorts are also high), and other factors (if the Olympics or other major international events are taking place somewhere, prices rise).
7. If a low-cost airline operates on your route, check prices on its website. Keep in mind that tickets for low-cost carriers are usually cheaper only with very early booking and do not include numerous fees for any services at the airport and on board the plane.
8. In the USA (and partially in Europe), there are low-cost airlines that can be more advantageous at prices comparable to traditional carriers without losses: the ticket price will be approximately the same, but JetBlue allows you to carry one checked bag for free, and Southwest allows two, which saves you at least $25 ($50) respectively for a one-way flight.
9. On domestic flights, try checking the ticket prices for both round trips and one-way separately. Sometimes the total of two separate tickets is equal to or lower than the price of a round-trip ticket, but it also allows for more flexibility (for example, to earn miles for flights in different loyalty programs). On international routes, it is often cheaper to buy a round-trip ticket right away.
10. Charters are certainly cheaper than regular flights. But sometimes the price difference is offset by the need to sit all night at the airport waiting for an early flight, and the range of services on board may differ from the usual.
11. Generally, it is more advantageous to fly from major airports in large cities, even if there are flights to the desired destination (abroad) from your airport. Healthy competition is a boon for travelers!
12. For monitoring and booking, you should use different websites: online agencies (Expedia, Travelocity, Orbitz, AnyWayAnyDay), aggregator sites (Kayak, AviaSales, Momondo, SkyScanner), and airline websites. You never know where you will find a better deal.
13. Taxes and fees are added to the fare. By law, passengers must be informed of all taxes included in the price before booking, and in some countries, the advertised price must already include taxes. Pay attention: “+ taxes and fees” means the price will be higher, “incl. taxes and fees” means this is the final ticket price. But don't relax too soon. Some fees are not included in the ticket price and are charged depending on additional services. Before booking, find out the norms for free baggage allowance and whether the airline charges fees for baggage based on weight/destination. It is also worth finding out whether meals and entertainment on board are provided for free or for a separate fee. Keep in mind that some airlines charge fees for seat selection in the cabin (in economy class, for example, S7), for booking by phone or through an agency (for example, Aeroflot).
14. Don’t forget to clarify the conditions for exchanges and refunds – if you are not a first-class passenger and did not buy a ticket at a full fare, you will have to pay for these operations.
PART II. Airport
15. In many airports, security checks are conducted at the entrance. You will speed up the process if you remove watches, metal objects from your pockets, and your phone into your bag before approaching the terminal. Usually, you are not required to remove shoes and belts here.
16. There are official requirements for the time a passenger should arrive at the airport and approach the check-in counter. For domestic flights – from half an hour to an hour, for international flights – from one and a half to three hours before departure. If you are flying to the USA or Israel, it is better to arrive at the airport no later than three hours before departure. Just passing through numerous security checks takes a lot of time.
17. As a rule, the latest a passenger can check in for an international flight is no later than one hour before departure.
18. A passenger must be at the boarding gate no later than 15 minutes before departure. Don’t linger in duty-free shops (also consider how long it will take to get from the shop to the gate on the other side of the terminal) and listen to announcements. It is also best to clarify the time requirements of the specific airline (they may be more than 15 minutes). Remember that if you violate these rules, the airline has the full right to deny you boarding without compensation.
19. Many international airlines now allow you to check in online 24 or 36 hours before departure. You can choose a seat in the cabin (not all companies offer this) and print your boarding pass.
20. If you did not check in from home, try to do so at the self-check-in kiosks at the airport. For some airlines (especially in the USA), this may be a priority form of check-in. Advanced kiosks even allow you to print a baggage tag. In that case, you just need to drop off your baggage.
21. Despite self-check-in kiosks, airlines keep at least one employee at the check-in counter. If you have questions or problems, you can always turn to a live person.
22. A second security check is usually conducted after check-in (Kurumoch in Samara is one of the exceptions). Prepare your boarding pass and passport.
23. Remove metallic objects and your phone from your pockets in advance, and take off and put your watch in your bag.
24. It is recommended to wear a belt without metal buckles. However, you will have to take off your shoes. In such cases, shoes without laces are more convenient (don’t forget to bring a small plastic shoehorn). It is also advisable to wear shoes that are easy to take off. But keep in mind another recommendation – in case of emergencies and the need to evacuate from the plane, it is better to have closed shoes rather than flip-flops or sandals.
25. In Russian airports, free shoe covers are provided – this is very hygienic. However, in the USA, shoe covers are not provided (or they are hidden from view), so it is better to travel in socks or stockings to avoid walking barefoot on the floor. The floor is relatively clean, but still.
26. Jackets, coats, and even blazers usually need to be removed and placed in a separate bin (you can include the belt). There are usually separate bins for shoes. In most cases, you will need to take your laptop out of your bag and place it in a bin for separate screening.
27. Remember that you cannot bring any liquids beyond the allowed minimum amount in special packaging into the sterile area of the airport. Don’t bring one-and-a-half-liter bottles of water to the airport – if you don’t drink them before the check, you will have to throw them away along with their contents.
28. Don’t put sharp and cutting objects in your carry-on luggage. Check them in your registered baggage. In general, it is also a good idea to familiarize yourself with the list of prohibited or restricted items for transport on the airline's website.
29. It wouldn’t hurt to check the airport's website from home to find out what services you can use there. In the case of a large transit airport, you can even print a terminal map so you don’t have to look for it in the airport in a hurry.
30. Some airports (Sheremetyevo, Domodedovo, New Orleans, Las Vegas) offer free wireless internet access. In others (Kurumoch, Atlanta, JFK), such access is paid.
31. In airports, you can find (though not always quickly and in abundance) outlets to charge your mobile devices. For example, in Domodedovo or JFK Terminal 2, there are islands of outlets.
32. If you have time, explore the airport. This can be both interesting and useful for the future. You may discover a good and cheap snack bar, an excellent store, an empty restroom, or a favorable viewpoint with a magnificent view of the tarmac.
33. Find out in advance if there is a plane spotting area at the airport. If you are into spotting or photography, you will regret not discovering such a place too late.
34. Duty-free shops are not always that cheap. Among those I have purchased from, the Dubai and Istanbul shops are cheaper, while the Moscow, Frankfurt, and Atlanta shops are more expensive. Don’t get carried away with shopping: you may buy more than you can carry, and also forget about your departure time and miss your flight.
35. If you are afraid or hesitant to try something new, you will find a standard set of fast-food outlets from international chains in many airports.
36. If you are not afraid and do not want to have lunch at McDonald's or Sbarro again, look for restaurants serving local cuisine. Don’t forget about hygiene rules: wash your hands with soap or at least use hygienic wipes before eating.
37. When boarding, keep only your boarding pass ready. Your passport is no longer needed.
38. Boarding may occur by sectors: your boarding pass will indicate a lettered sector, which will then be announced by the staff at the gate. This method allows for phased boarding. In any case, passengers in first and business class, elite loyalty program members, disabled passengers, and those traveling with children are invited to board first. Don’t try to push in first with a discounted economy class ticket.
39. When boarding through a jet bridge, it is better to go as early as possible. This can allow you to reach your seat faster, find a free spot in the overhead bin next to your seat, and settle in without haste, especially if your seat is at the back of the plane.
40. When boarding from the tarmac, when passengers are taken to the plane by bus, it is more advantageous to approach the exit last, so you can be the last to get on the bus and the first to get off.
41. Find out in advance what ways there are to get to the city/hotel from the airport. In large cities, there are often options to use not only expensive taxis, shuttle buses, or hotel transfers but also trains (in the case of the Russian Aeroexpress, this is not cheap), as well as city buses or the metro. For example, from Sheremetyevo to Moscow, you can take a city bus. From JFK to downtown New York, you can take the subway (a special train runs from the terminals to the subway station). City buses run from the airports to downtown in New Orleans and Las Vegas. In Las Vegas, there are shuttles that take arriving tourists to hotels at a slightly higher price than the city bus but much cheaper than a taxi.
PART III. Baggage
42. Each airline has its own baggage rules. You should familiarize yourself with them before arriving at the airport.
43. Usually, you are allowed to carry one piece of checked baggage and one piece of carry-on luggage for free. There are exceptions (for example, up to two pieces of checked baggage for free). Business and first-class passengers can usually carry an additional piece of baggage.
44. The average weight of checked baggage is 20-23 kilograms. Be sure to clarify and weigh in advance.
45. The weight of carry-on luggage varies from 5 to 10 kilograms. Be sure to clarify and weigh in advance.
46. In addition to maximum weight, there are also maximum dimensions.
47. Many airlines have metal frames near the check-in counters to check the dimensions of carry-on luggage. I have never seen passengers being forced to use them. But don’t tempt fate – don’t take bulky wheeled suitcases that bulge from the contents as carry-on luggage.
48. Small wheeled suitcases that meet the maximum weight requirements for carry-on luggage (or slightly exceed them) are often taken as carry-on luggage. This is the optimal option, as it allows you not to delay at baggage claim upon arrival. But show respect to other passengers and wipe the wheels at the entrance to the terminal if your suitcase has been on some dirt road in the rain.
49. Usually, you are allowed to bring (in addition to one piece of carry-on luggage) one item from a certain list, including things like a cane, umbrella, camera, reasonable reading material, and a laptop.
50. If you have too many valuable items that do not fit within the carry-on norms and bag dimensions, take out your laptop and camera. Wear the camera around your neck and carry the laptop in your hands.
51. If you are traveling with a very large amount of expensive camera equipment and your camera bag slightly exceeds the allowable dimensions, it’s not a problem. If you are stopped and asked to check something in, calmly explain that all your carry-on luggage consists of very expensive photographic equipment. It will be easier for the airline to let you through than to compensate for the damage or theft of this equipment from checked luggage.
52. In addition, you are allowed to bring shopping bags from duty-free shops into the cabin. But don’t tempt fate and airline staff with a dozen such bags. You can also use such a bag to place some items from your carry-on luggage or the books/magazines you bought at the airport.
53. Remember that all valuable items (expensive equipment, jewelry, documents, money) must be taken on board in your carry-on luggage. In case of loss or other damage, you will only be refunded a certain average amount.
54. Different countries, airlines, and passengers from different countries have different compensation norms for lost or damaged baggage. Find out at the check-in counter whether you should declare the value of the items checked in.
55. If you are carrying liquids and glass containers, they will usually go in checked baggage (unless it is a small bottle of medicine or wine purchased at a duty-free shop). So make sure to pack the bottles well: wrap them in several bags, then several layers of soft clothing, place them inside a box, and in the middle of the suitcase, but not on the metal edges that are present in wheeled bags.
56. If there are fragile items in your checked baggage, ask for a Fragile sticker at the check-in counter. This is not a guarantee of safety but an additional assurance.
57. It is recommended to attach baggage tags to your checked baggage, which can be taken at the check-in counter or made yourself. The tags should include your name and contact information. If you are flying somewhere for a relatively long time, it is better to provide not your home address but the address where you will be staying in the destination country.
58. In addition to external tags, it wouldn’t hurt to place similar tags inside your suitcases and even carry-on luggage.
59. If you use locks on your checked baggage, keep in mind that security personnel have the full right to break these locks.
60. In Russian airports, it is customary to wrap checked baggage in several layers of cellophane before check-in. This supposedly serves as additional protection against thieves. However, such a shell can be opened if additional baggage checks are necessary. And thieves can be found in foreign airports as well. The best protection is not to check in valuables but to take them with you.
61. Before your flight, find out the three-letter international codes for the airports you are flying through and to. When the airline staff attaches a baggage tag to your suitcase, pay attention to ensure that the code is for your destination airport. Sometimes errors can occur at this stage. Speaking from personal experience: I once prevented my suitcase from being sent from Moscow to Houston instead of Atlanta.
62. Check your baggage immediately after receiving it. Claims for loss are not accepted if you have already left the terminal building.
63. If your baggage is not delivered, don’t despair. It may arrive on a later flight or the next day. Go to the lost baggage counter. They will record a description of your suitcase, your details, and the address where the bag will be delivered.
64. In emergencies, the airline may immediately issue a voucher for purchasing essentials (like toothpaste and a toothbrush), or a special kit with such items.
65. When picking up your suitcase from the carousel at baggage claim, check the tags and make sure it is indeed your suitcase and not an identical bag belonging to another passenger.
66. In general, the fewer things you take on your trip, the easier and lighter it will be for you on the way. Don’t forget that on the way back, you usually have to carry souvenirs and purchases. So when going somewhere, leave some space in your suitcase – you will need it.
PART IV. Airplane
67. First and business class seats are located in the front of the airplane, followed by premium economy and economy class seats.
68. Many airlines still allow you to choose your seat in the cabin when booking. Some allow it during check-in (including early check-in). Only budget carriers may have a race for the best seat. If the airline does not offer seat selection in advance and you want to choose a seat no matter what, you can use the paid seat selection service.
69. If you care about where you sit – by the window or aisle – mention this immediately at the check-in counter, without waiting for your boarding pass to be printed.
70. You can also ask to be seated at the front or back of the corresponding cabin.
71. Personally, I prefer window seats at the back, but not in the last row. In the last row, there may be non-reclining seats (which is important for long flights). However, the back of the plane often has empty seats, allowing you to settle in more freely and comfortably.
72. When booking or before arriving at the airport, use websites like SeatGuru or SeatExpert, which describe the cabins and specific seats in various types of airplanes from dozens of airlines.
73. These sites are also useful because the aircraft plans show which window seats will have no view due to the wings. This information is especially useful for photographers. They are recommended to sit in the front of the plane (to avoid interference from engine heat haze) or at the very back.
74. Sometimes there is an operational change of aircraft. In such cases, you will need to hurry to rebook a comfortable seat. As a rule, the airline does not guarantee a specific seat.
75. The restroom for economy class passengers is located at the back of the plane. If the flight lasts an hour and a half, it will be difficult to access the restroom: first, you will be served food, and then everyone will rush to the restroom.
76. On long-haul flights, it is better to use the restroom during the breaks between meals. Closer to the end of the flight, the line may be too long.
77. You can use the restroom before takeoff (before taxiing) and after landing (after taxiing).
78. Restrooms often offer paper seat covers for greater hygiene.
79. Paper seats, toilet paper, and napkins should be disposed of not in the toilet but in a special bin marked with the appropriate symbol.
80. Stand up from the toilet before pressing the flush button.
81. There is soap and napkins in the restroom, so you don’t need to bring your own soap and towels.
82. Be polite to other passengers and don’t create a mess in the restroom with urine, water, and scattered paper on the floor. On long flights, some passengers go barefoot, and they will find it unpleasant to use such a restroom.
83. By the way, it is recommended to take off your shoes (especially on long flights). This allows your feet to breathe and not be cramped in shoes. Naturally, your feet and socks should be clean. I recommend taking light, non-tight socks for long flights to wear over the ones you already have, specifically for walking on the plane. This is more hygienic than walking on the plane in the same socks you wear in your shoes.
84. On long flights, it is recommended to get up regularly and stretch – at least walk around the cabin. Don’t become a statistic for economy class syndrome mortality.
85. Even when the “Fasten Seatbelts” sign is off, don’t unbuckle. Turbulence can appear suddenly. I only unbuckle when I get up to go to the restroom. In extreme cases, you can slightly loosen the belt.
86. Before takeoff and landing, you must stow your tray table, straighten your seatback, stow your bags, turn off all electronic devices and phones, and fasten your seatbelt. Do this yourself and at the first request of the commander, so that the flight attendants don’t have to ask you individually.
87. During the flight, you can use laptops and cameras. A detailed list of what can and when can be used is provided in the in-flight magazine in the pocket of the seat in front of you.
88. Don’t neglect to study the safety instructions and listen to the briefing before the flight. At the very least, look around and clarify where the nearest emergency exit is located.
89. If you have a seat at the emergency exit but, for some reason, cannot or do not want to sit there, ask to be moved. However, this is usually asked at the check-in counter. Seats at emergency exits provide more legroom. But you will be responsible for opening the doors in case of an emergency. Therefore, you will need to pay special attention to the instructions and inspect the door in advance to know where the necessary handle is located. Such seats are not suitable for photographers, as they are usually located over the wing.
90. To avoid getting up unnecessarily during an international flight, take your passport, pen, and ticket out of your carry-on luggage and place them in a small bag with you. You will need them when filling out the customs declaration and entry card. These documents are distributed by the flight attendants on board. But you are not obliged to fill them out on board. You can do this at the airport before going through passport and customs control. Just on the plane, there is usually time to do this leisurely.
91. There are several ways to reduce ear pressure pain during takeoff and landing: chew something, yawn, or open your mouth wider, but the best way is to pinch your nose and “blow” through your ears.
92. It is recommended to remove contact lenses or switch to glasses for the duration of the flight. The reason is that the air on board is very dry.
PART V. Food
93. When booking a ticket, there is an option to choose a menu type. You don’t need to choose the regular menu. But if you require vegetarian, Muslim, kosher, dietary, or other types of meals, you can do so no later than 24 hours before departure.
94. On board Russian airlines, meals are still served for free. But it will only be a sandwich in economy class.
95. In the economy class of American airlines on domestic flights, you will only be served a small packet of peanuts or pretzels and a non-alcoholic drink. Beer and alcohol, as well as sandwiches, are available for a separate fee. Payment can only be made by credit card.
96. On long-haul international flights of Russian and American companies, beer and wine are offered to economy class passengers for free. Hard liquor is available for a separate fee.
97. You can request additional water and other drinks. Just ask the flight attendants during the meal service or during breaks.
98. Tomato juice is particularly popular. This may be due to the fact that tomato juice retains its flavor characteristics at altitude. On board American companies, you can find spicy tomato juice – I recommend it.
99. Chicken runs out faster than fish. If you are sitting at the back of a full large aircraft, be prepared that you will only have fish or other meat left. The opposite situations can also occur.
100. Don’t rush to eat dessert or a butter roll. Tea/coffee is served after the main meal is distributed. But juices/water are served first. Thus, meals on long flights are divided into three servings (not counting the rounds to collect trash).
101. It is not recommended to indulge in alcohol, tea, and coffee. They contribute to dehydration. On the contrary, juices and water should be consumed in increased amounts.
PART VI. Loyalty Programs
102. Register for one or a couple of frequent flyer loyalty programs.
103. Most of the leading airlines in the world are part of one of three global airline alliances – SkyTeam (including Aeroflot, Air France-KLM, Delta Air Lines, Alitalia, Czech Airlines), Star Alliance (including Lufthansa, United Airlines, SAS, Singapore Airlines, Swiss, Austrian, Turkish Airlines, Thai), oneworld (including S7, British Airways, Finnair, JAL, American Airlines, Iberia).
104. A number of companies (Emirates, Etihad, Alaska Airlines) are not part of alliances. But they have code-sharing agreements with other companies, which may allow you to accumulate miles for flights with different carriers.
105. Determine which alliance's companies you fly with most often, and get one card from one airline in that alliance. You can get one card for each alliance.
106. It is often difficult to remain loyal to one alliance. Some overpay just to fly with companies that will give them miles. But if you fly often, just accumulate miles in different alliances without overpaying too much for loyalty.
107. Choosing the best program is a complex matter. There are no perfect programs.
108. When choosing, consider the following: mileage accrual percentages for cheap tickets, ease of earning and the “cost” of award tickets, the number and nomenclature of aviation and non-aviation partners, the possibility of obtaining a co-branded credit card, the “lifespan” of miles (miles on the Delta Air Lines card never expire), the possibility of purchasing additional miles, and other conditions. You can use a comparison table of Russian programs.
109. Keep your boarding passes until the miles are credited to your account.
110. If you registered for the program after the flight and have boarding passes left, you can recover flight segments for 1-6 months prior to registering in the program (depends on the airline).
111. When receiving an award ticket for miles, you will still have to pay taxes and fees, which can sometimes amount to a significant sum. Few airlines allow you to pay taxes and fees with miles.
112. One of the most frequent recommendations is as follows: use miles for emergencies or unforeseen trips, and in other cases, choose cheap tickets for cash.
Source: facebook.com - Avia Travel Club