(Thanks Jason V)Summer months bring Summer travelers eager to fly. But with less Domestic capacity this year (airlines have cut back on flights) your more likely to have a fellow passenger seated next you than in years past. Did you really think you could have the whole row to yourself? =)
U.S. News & World Report (June 18, 2007) published an article a couple weeks ago highlighting some good tips on how to survive Summer Travel despite potentially packed planes and busy airports. These are great tips to remember year round as well. I've included a few excepts from the article and included a few more of my own.
1. "Smaller Airports are Better" such as Oakland (versus) San Francisco to Los Angeles.
Stats show more on-time and less full flights out of Oakland.
2. "Consider the hub your flying though" Memphis over Minneapolis, and avoid Chicago O'Hare at all costs where just 58% of flights depart on time.
3. "Make contingency plans" no matter how well you plan, things happen. Have plan B available. If you miss a connecting flight, immediately speak to an agent, rebook yourself in a self-service kiosk (available in some airports) and/or call the airline.
A. Hydrate yourself before, during and after your flight. With recent examples of planes being delayed for hours or more on the runway and/or flight cancellations, remember not to let your health deteriorate along with your trip.
B. Verify your seat assignments before the day of your trip. Occasionally airlines swap planes out for various reasons. Your seat 37A may no longer exist if the aircraft is downgraded to something smaller. Check your reservation online or call the airline directly well in advance of your trip to make sure your bossom still has a place to park itself.
C. Related to the contingency plans recommendation above; know alternatives for getting to your destination. If your return flight into San Francisco is cancelled, ask the agent to rebook you to Oakland (sometimes they don't think of this.)
D. Save the anger and frustration of flight cancellations for later. If your flight is cancelled, remember that everyone else on that flight is just as eager to get the next flight out (your have competition). Run, don't walk to a gate agent for rebooking. If there is a line already formed, get on the phone with the airline as well.