All about air travel

Air travel is efficient but can be unpredictable and stressful. Uncertainties like long check-in lines, flight delays, and security checks can add to the hassle. Being prepared with IDs and luggage can streamline your airport experience. Familiarize yourself with air travel components such as IDs, fees, check-in policies, and seat assignments. Be prepared for potential delays or cancellations. Your best point of contact for issues is the airline, but TripMasters is also available to assist and advocate for a smooth travel experience.

Checking in

lying, whether domestic or international, is a great and time-efficient way to travel. Unfortunately, it can also be a source of headaches and hassle. In the ever-changing world of air travel, it can be difficult to know what to expect at the airport when you arrive for your flight. Will you be able to check in quickly or will the line stretch out the door? Will your flight be delayed? And what surprises await you at the airport security checkpoint? The best thing to do is streamline your experience by having your IDs and luggage at the ready, and by arming yourself with knowledge about the components of air travel, from needed identification to fees, check-in policies, seat assignments, and what happens when there are delays or canceled flights. The best recourse is dealing directly with the airline with whom you are traveling, but you can always contact TripMasters with questions or concerns as well; as your advocate we will do everything in our power to make your travel smooth and pain-free!

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What to do

Locate your airline reference code on your airline voucher. Note: This will differ by operating carrier.
Visit the website of the airline you are flying on (operating carrier). There should be a tab that says either Manage Reservation, My Trips, or My Trips/Check-In.
Each airline will have a different name for this tab, but it should be easy to locate. Click on the tab applicable to you.
Type in your airline reference code and your name.
Look for a confirmation screen. You should see your flight information, including the number of travelers, departure and arrival times and cities.
Look at the additional information that comes after your flight status. Check the options for ordering meals, checking luggage and choosing your seats.
You can also check luggage requirements and pay (if required) for them in advance. Keep in mind that checked and carry-on luggage is often more expensive in the 24 hours leading up to the flight than in the days and weeks before. Make sure to pay all baggage fees well in advance.

Schedule Changes

What is a schedule change?

Air travel is efficient but can be fraught with uncertainties such as delays and long check-in lines. Being well-prepared with IDs and luggage can help streamline your experience. It’s important to familiarize yourself with various travel components like fees, check-in policies, and seat assignments. Always be prepared for potential delays or cancellations. For any issues, your primary contact should be the airline, but TripMasters is also available to assist and advocate for a smooth travel experience.

More Information

You can find out more about your rights as a passenger by reading the contract of carriage. You will see that, other than isolated cases covered by national or worldwide agreements, all of your rights are determined by the airlines, and that areas detailing schedule changes may not be so detailed at all. In many cases, you will learn that the schedule is not part of the airline contract, therefore the airline will not be liable for failure to operate. You may view the schedule as a core part of your journey, but in legalese, the airlines disagree.

What to Know

There may be numerous changes to your schedule if it was booked months in advance. In the time between your booking and your departure, TripMasters will notify you of changes, but only if they are major and require action from you. Examples of major changes include drastic changes in schedule, routing changes, or other similar modifications. In these situations, we will contact you by e-mail. If we need to discuss flight alternatives with you, we will notify you via telephone.
If there is only a minor schedule change, we will notify you a few weeks before departure. You will also find that any schedule changes will be reflected in your voucher, which you can see by going to www.tripmasters.com and clicking on Manage Bookings. Print out your travel documents approximately a week before departure, so all the final papers, such as the itinerary, will be up to date. Any schedule changes that occur in the ten days before departure will be sent to you via e-mail (specifically, the address provided at the time of booking). Finally, check in online with your airline 24 hours before departure so you are completely up-to-date.

How to Resolve a Schedule Change While in Transit

Deal with the airline directly. If the change was last-minute, you will get the best results by talking to the airline representatives at the airport. They will have the most up-to-date information about your flight, and they will be working to assist your fellow travelers too. You can always call TripMasters and we will work with the airline to resolve all of your changes in a manner that is agreeable to you. We will help provide solutions so you can get to your destination in a stress-free manner. After all, we are your advocate!

The airlines are obligated to provide various forms of assistance, typically, when the schedule change is the fault of the airline. These forms of assistance can mean vouchers for meals, accommodations, and more. You have a cut-and-dried choice if your flight is delayed by acts of God, inclement weather, or similar factors: a flight or a refund (cash or voucher).

What happens if I cannot be given a satisfactory option to get me to my destination?

At this point, TripMasters will try their best to get the airlines in question to re-protect you, the customer. In the end, the response of the airline is key: if they are unable to re-protect you, we will ask for a refund on your behalf.

We sympathize with regard to schedule changes. Nobody likes them, and we know you may very well have scheduled plans at your destination that are very important. We will do whatever is in our power to make the entire traveling process as comfortable and easy as possible.

Baggage Basics

Airlines have increasingly turned to baggage fees as an additional source of revenue, with each carrier implementing its own distinct policy. This diversity often leaves travelers navigating a maze of confusing and intimidating rules. Fees are typically assessed for each bag and each leg of the journey—a one-way flight results in a single fee, whereas a round trip doubles the charge. For those on connecting flights, luggage is generally transferred without extra costs, although this can vary if the involved airlines lack interline baggage agreements. Travelers with separate tickets for different segments of their trip face further complications, as they must retrieve and re-check their baggage, undergoing security and check-in processes once more.

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Currently, international (over the water and/or long-haul) flights will allow for one piece of luggage per person, up to a certain size and weight (varies by carrier) free of charge. Domestic flights within the US (unless they are feeding into a long-haul flight on the same itinerary) will charge you for any checked-in luggage. A lot of short-haul, point to point, inter-city flights within Europe, Asia, etc are following the domestic flight model and will now charge for any checked luggage.

Do remember that these charges are set by the airline, and you won`t find a difference in price whether you purchase your ticket online, over the phone, through the airline at the airport, or through TripMasters. The bag charge will be the same regardless.

Most airlines will not charge bag fees for the following groups of people: frequent flyers (or those with elite status with the airline); first and business-class ticketholders; ticketholders who purchase refundable fares; U.S. military active-duty members (and sometimes their dependents); and, in many cases, even card holders of the airline`s credit card.

Baggage fees are based on weight, size, and the number of pieces checked. Bags over 50 pounds are usually considered oversized and will incur an extra fee. Extra fees will also occur if the bag checked exceeds the dimensions set forth by the airline, or if you have more than one bag to check.

Important!!!

In order to make your trip as easy and painless as possible, TripMasters will purchase seats for you on airlines that charge extra fees for seats on short-haul, point to point fares. Unfortunately, the airlines are very dynamic and are constantly changing their policies, so the possibility of us being unable to purchase seats for you ahead of time is a real one.
Take some time to look at your airline voucher; when we have purchased a seat for you, you will usually find that it clearly indicates 1ST CHECKED BAGGAGE PAID UP TO 23kg.
For the few flights that will not include such a comment in your voucher, we strongly recommend that you visit the website for the airline in question (as you would do for checking in) a couple of days before your flight. While there, check to see if you need to pay for baggage. Many times, it is cheaper to prepay online than to wait and pay at the check-in counter at the airport.

Carry-on Bags

Nowadays, many travelers bring their bags on board with them to avoid bag fees. Usually, that is a good idea, since nearly every airline allows for one free carry-on bag based on size and weight constraints (typically fewer than 45 linear inches and less than 30 pounds). Keep in mind that a few airlines (such as Spirit and Allegiant) will actually charge you for your carry-on at a price even higher than a checked bag. All airlines, including Spirit and Allegiant, do allow you to bring a `personal item` on board such as a purse or a laptop for free, however.

Baggage Issues

Airlines are amenable to paying for reasonable expenses until your baggage is found, should the pieces be lost for whatever reason when you reach your destination. The amount must be negotiated and you may have to be quite assertive to get your share. If your bags are not recovered, you can file a claim, and that will take a little while to process. Depending on the airline, you can wait weeks, even months, for reimbursement. Take note of deadlines as well: If you missed the check-in deadline at your home airport, the airline will not have to reimburse you if your bag is delayed or lost. International treaties spell out liability limitations for airlines if bags are delayed or lost overseas.

Delayed Baggage

The first thing to remember is not to panic if your bags end up delayed. The airlines can track most lost bags, and those tracked bags will eventually be returned. If your bags end up on the next flight out, that means you will only be separated from them for a few hours. A serious mix-up would involve the bags being sent off to a different airport, in which case it may take days for you to be reunited with your luggage. File your claim right at the airport as soon as you notice your bags are not on the carousel. Give the attendant a valid address and phone number so you can be reached in the event that your bags are eventually returned to you.

It is very rare that the airlines will ask you to pick your luggage up from the airport; they will usually return it directly to you. Also, many airlines will reimburse you for any last-minute expenses accrued by the temporary loss of your luggage. Keep your receipts handy!

Jot down a reference number before you leave the airport so you have it to follow up on your claim. You will also use this number to check on the status of your bags. Some airlines offer a telephone-centric system and others allow you to check the bags` status online.

According to a recent FAA reauthorization bill, you will be entitled to a refund of any checked baggage fee you paid if your bag or bags are lost longer than 12 hours after reaching your destination (15 hours for international flights).

Lost Baggage

File a written claim for damages if your airline loses your bags. This form may be different than the `missing luggage` form, so inquire. This form can be filled out directly at the airport or it can be filled out later and mailed.

$3,500 is the largest amount an airline will pay to cover lost bags and their contents on domestic flights in the U.S. A varying rate per passenger is used for bags lost on international flights, based on amounts pre-determined in the Warsaw Convention or the Montreal Convention. In the U.S., if you paid to check your bags with an airline and they are lost, the airline must refund that fee to you. Go to the airline`s website to read more information about their baggage regulations.

In some cases, the value of certain items in the suitcase may be called into question and in these cases you may be asked to prove the item`s price; if you have any receipts handy, keep these in the event that you are asked for them. (The airline will then decide on a depreciated amount to pay you — you won`t get retail prices for used items.) `Excess valuation` protection is available if the items in your checked baggage are quite valuable, but only purchase this protection if the items aren`t already covered by your home or travel insurance. TripMasters` trip insurance covers lost and delayed baggage.

The airlines usually have a specific list of items for which they will not be held liable in the case of lost or stolen baggage. Money, heirlooms, and jewelry are usually on every airline`s list. Pack these items in your carry-on and consider leaving as many as possible at home.

Stolen Bags

To minimize the amount of time in which your bag can be snatched by an unscrupulous passerby, head to the baggage carousel as soon as you get off the plane. Most airlines keep records of bags as they are processed and then sent to baggage claim. If the airport finds that the bag was stolen after it was checked in at the airport, you must now file a claim with the police as the airline is no longer liable. Consider purchasing travel insurance; home insurance may cover stolen baggage but it doesn’t always.

Damaged Baggage

Check your bags for damage, tampering or other issues as soon as you grab them off the carousel. Make sure you report any damage before you leave the airport. Airline employees will want to take a cursory inspection of the damaged bags in question. Minor wear and tear will not be covered by most airlines. Ask the baggage claim attendant which repairs are covered and not covered by the airline; you will need to save your repair receipts to get compensation.

How to Prevent Lost Luggage

1. Write your name, address and phone number on two labels. Place one inside your bag and one on the bag or tied to the bag handle. Also something to consider is the option of placing your itinerary inside your bags, so the airline will have an easy time locating you.

2. Late check-ins and tight connections are the two biggest reasons bags end up arriving late or not at all. Avoid both of these factors at all costs.

3. All valuable items, such as passports, money, jewelry, heirlooms, etc. should be packed inside your carry-on bags, NEVER your checked luggage.

4. Make a list of everything you packed before you travel. Airlines will want to know what all was lost in your bags should they need to reimburse you.

5. Double-check your bags and make sure the destination tickets on your bags match the airport at your destination. Get a claim ticket for each bag.

6. If your checked bag is delayed, you will be so thankful that you did this: Pack a change of clothes in one of your carry-on bags. If you are traveling with a significant other, consider swapping some of your clothing to your partner`s bag, and vice versa, so you have at least a limited wardrobe should one of your checked bags be delayed or lost.

7. Buy travel insurance. If you lose anything, having purchased travel insurance will turn out to be very important, especially when it comes time to file for reimbursement.

8. Services such as ReboundTAG or SuperSmartTag offer luggage tags which are printed with serial numbers. These numbers are registered on an online database, and if a bag is lost, the owner can be found with a simple database search. The services will contact you as soon as your items are found and reported.

Also, check out UnclaimedBaggage.com…the final resting place for many lost bags!

Connecting Flights

You will likely encounter the need to connect from one flight to another, unless you are strictly flying between two large airports (e.g. LaGuardia-Heathrow, Kennedy-De Gaulle). The hub and spoke model that most big airlines practice is based on the idea that the airline will serve all but the busiest routes with connecting flights. For example, flying with Delta means you will most likely fly through its hub, Atlanta.
Connecting flights allow one-stop service from almost anywhere to almost anywhere else, but that process also puts you at risk of missing your connection. You may not be able to eliminate such a risk but you can take steps to minimize it.

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Minimum Connection Time

Know the minimum connection time (MCT) required at your airport; every commercial airport has one. The minimum connection time is the absolute least amount of time that a person of good physical stature can connect to a second flight in the same airport.

What’s a legal connection?

`Legal` may not be the precise term; perhaps `feasible` or `acceptable` would be better. The MCT for each airport varies based on the following factors:

•Whether the connecting flight is domestic-domestic, domestic-international, international-domestic or international-international. On international flights, immigration may be an issue and the airports allot time for that.
•Whether a change in terminals is necessary to catch the connecting flight.
•A trek to make your connecting flight can be arduous but the MCT is valid specifically for flights that arrive and depart on time.

An airline typically will not sell you a ticket that doesn’t meet the MCT, and TripMasters won`t do it either. The systems the airlines use takes into account airlines, travel within the airport, and the possibility of having to change terminals.

So how do you find the minimum connection time for an airport or airline? You can Google it; in fact, many airport websites offer this information freely, although it isn`t universal. If your schedule changes and your itinerary no longer meets the minimum connection time for any leg of your trip, the airline you are flying on must either change your flight to give you more connection time, or they must issue you a refund.

Tips to Ensure a Smooth Connection

Here are some helpful hints that you may want to keep in mind if you have a connecting flight in your itinerary.

Fly on a single ticket when you need to connect two flights.

For the most part, a connecting itinerary that you arrange, or a third party arranges, on a single ticket must take the minimum connection time into account. This also includes two flights on different airlines, so long as they have inter-airline agreements. Booking on one ticket ensures that you will have a much lower chance of missing your connecting flight than if you booked both portions of your trip separately. Single tickets also ensure your checked bags make it from Point A to Point B without any extra effort on your part.

Stick to one airline or airline alliance when connecting flights.

Try to book connecting flights on the same airline or airlines that are in the same alliance. Typically, at hub airports like Atlanta, Charlotte, Heathrow, De Gaulle, etc., airlines try to position their gates close to one another. If such an arrangement isn’t possible, the airlines provide inside-security people-movers or shuttles to any gates they use.

You will find that even if you hold a valid interline ticket, at some big hub airports it is necessary for you to leave one terminal to catch a connecting flight, and go through security regulations all over again at the new terminal. At a few airports, two different terminals may be in use by a single airline. Airlines are expected to accommodate passengers who must switch terminals to make their connecting flights.

Try not to buy two separate tickets when connecting your flights.

If you can do so, we strongly recommend not booking two separate tickets on two different airlines. The concept of a `minimum connecting time` only exists with through-tickets on the same airline. Booking two separate tickets on two different airlines can very well trigger a scenario which sees the first flight delayed and the second flight taking off. As the second airline has no way to know to expect you, you are marked as a `no show`. Once at your second airport, you may be forced to buy another ticket to get to your destination. There are a few times in which persuasion can get you on your connecting flight with no problems or penalties, but keep in mind that it is very rare and be thankful if this happens!

Also keep in mind that you will need a lot of time to claim and process luggage, as you will have to pick up your luggage at arrivals at the second airport, re-process it on the second airline at departures (which may be in another terminal), and then go through the security process at the new terminal.

Give yourself ample time for everything.

If you miss your connection while flying on a single ticket, the airlines have an obligation to put you on the next available flight. The airlines find, however, that just putting a passenger on a flight isn’t always the best solution.

A 30-minute connection may look great on paper, but the process of actually getting off the plane, followed by hustling it over to the next gate, getting checked in and then seated on the next plane can easily gobble up all your time. Many travelers decide to give themselves ample time for everything by choosing a longer connection at a hub on purpose. By allotting yourselves two, three, and even four hours, you can comfortably make your connection even taking into account excessive travel lengths in the airport, or delays on the first flight. Many times, an extended layover is easy to book, but there are also times when a close connection is unavoidable.

On a two-ticket journey, allot at least three or four hours` time, which should be ample enough for decent comfort while in transit.

Don’t pick the last connection of the day.

This travel tip is well-known, and it`s as true today as it was when it was first popularized over five decades ago. The airline will get you on the next flight out, but that means waiting until the first flight of the morning, and not arriving at your destination until the next day. A lesser-known tip advises travelers to book flights early in the morning, so, in the event anything goes wrong, there are more chances of arriving at your destination on the day you had intended.

Make sure your destination is well-served by an efficient ‘hub’ airport.

When purchasing your ticket, you sometimes have the choice of a number of hub airports to use as your connection to your final destination. Some of them are more prone to delays than others, so you know to be wary of some airports over others. Recent data shows that the hubs most prone to delays are O`Hare, Dallas-Fort Worth, JFK, Newark and San Francisco. Hubs in the Sun Belt (Atlanta, Charlotte, etc.) are generally better.

The hub airports in Europe that many have been advised to avoid at all costs are De Gaulle, Heathrow and Frankfurt. Munich (Star Alliance hub airport) and Amsterdam (Sky Team hub airport) have earned higher customer satisfaction ratings. Brussels, Copenhagen, Helsinki, Madrid, Rome and Zurich also rate highly with travelers.

When connecting flights, make a plan for your luggage.

Unfortunately, there is no one standard way to deal with luggage when flying on connecting flights. If you check your bag, it can get lost in the system due to a tight connection or other issues such as inclement weather. On the other hand, if you choose to travel with a carry-on as your primary bag, it can weigh you down having to lug it across a big terminal. Before you leave, decide which plan is best for your trip.

When you`re in a time crunch, your seat location is important.

Think about getting a seat closer to the front of the aircraft if you know your minimum connecting time is going to be tight. Even if there is a fee incurred for reserving a seat in the front of the aircraft, it may be worth it if you can get a five to ten-minute head start on making it to your next departure gate.

Check out a few useful apps.

You can stop by your app store and look at a few apps that will help you along on your journey, whether you want to know about travel delays or departure information. AirportMaps will allow you to plan your walk through the terminal, and you can see which shops or restaurants are along your way if you have time to stop. Weatherbug can tell you if there are any airport delays across the country and worldwide. GateGuru will be able to tell you the most up-to-date gate information, so even if your gate number changes, you`ll be covered.

International (over the water) Flight Tips

For a first-time long-haul flyer, the entire experience can be overwhelming. First there’s the time you spend on board the aircraft, which may seem like it’s never ending. Then there’s the choice of seats, which may prove bothersome to you. Finally there’s the research you have to do about each airline after all, you don`t want to be in the air for 6, 8, 10, or even 12 hours on a flight where you are miserable. The long-haul flight can be pretty draining, and that’s not just taking into account the actual travel. The booking process can be difficult too — but it doesn’t have to be! Here are some tips that will help you have a relaxing flight.

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Don’t judge the final price tag too harshly. Think of the experience by how much you are offered in the time you are traveling to your destination. Does your 6 or 8 hour flight offer great food and wonderful entertainment options, or is the flight cramped with next to no entertainment, and when there is, the films are all outdated? Consider all that long-haul flights offer and pick the one that best suits your needs.

Making your connection is crucial. On long-haul flights, unless your final destination is a large hub such as Tokyo, London, Paris, etc., you will have to connect to another flight overseas to reach your destination. Connections overseas can run you down, so here’s what you should know: Pay attention to the connection time you are given. A connection may be classified as ‘legal’ but it may not be feasible for you specifically. Click on ‘Flight Schedule’ in the air display in the booking process and note how much time you have to connect to your next flight. Give yourself ample time for everything you need to accomplish, from check-in to boarding. A worst case scenario may see you rushing off the plane, picking up your bags at baggage claim, clearing customs, checking in for your new flight, re-checking your bags, going through customs and security again, and proceeding to your connecting flight’s gate. That’s a lot to do! Make sure you have the time you need.

It would be in your best interest to check to see if you are getting some sort of frequent flier benefit, whether it be miles or some other reward, for flying such a long flight and paying a lot of money to do so. You may want to select an airline with which you already have a frequent flier account, or an airline that belongs in the same alliance as the airline you frequently fly.

Dress comfortably. Keep in mind that you will want to fall asleep, take off your shoes, walk around, or stretch on a long flight. Dressing in stretchy, loose clothes and sneakers or slip-on shoes will be most comfortable.

Consider either bringing along your own tablet, buying one before your trip, or borrowing one from a friend. On the tablet, make sure you have a few of your favorite movies loaded so you have lots of things to keep you engaged not just on the flight over, but also on the flight back. Consider downloading a few books on tape, some episodes of your favorite TV show, and definitely a few hours worth of your favorite music. Download e-copies of your favorite magazines as well, so you have lots of variety to choose from.

Important!!!

Not all airlines are the same or offer the same amenities. In fact, you’ll find that there are perhaps the most discrepancies when it comes to how airlines handle long-haul travel. Here are three things that will definitely vary by airline on long haul flights:

Food

Nearly every long-haul flight offers a succession of meals, usually interspersed with light snacks. If you are concerned about the variety of food offered, or if you have a dietary restriction, it pays to research the long-haul flight menus for each airline you are considering. The airlines usually make this information public on their website; the website www.airlinemeals.net also details the food options from airlines across the world. In the end, it can`t hurt to pack some familiar snacks — things you would munch on while at home or at work. If you would have a granola bar at work, take some with you on the plane.

Entertainment

After you take some time to research your food options, take some time to look at the entertainment offered on your flight. After all, you will be spending a good amount of time in the air. Narrow down which choices are the best for entertainment and keep those airlines in mind. Also, choose seat-back screens instead of overhead monitors. Your neck will thank you, as you wont have to crane it upward for hours to view a film. Also, seat-back screens allow you to watch what you want, so you aren’t forced into watching a specific movie with the rest of the plane that you may not even like. .

Comfort

Speaking of SeatGuru, check out the configurations of each long-haul aircraft that flies your desired route. That way you can figure out which seats and which aircraft will be most comfortable for your journey. A 3-5-3 configuration of seats may be better than a 3-3 configuration, simply because a 3-5-3 will offer two aisles, extra lavatories, less waiting while the flight attendants come around for meal or drink service, etc. Plus, on long-haul flights it is recommended to walk around every so often, and a flight that offers more room to move around will be more comfortable for you. Also consider whether or not the seats recline, if there is enough room for your feet and legs, and if you will be seated in an area where lots of passengers will walk, like closer to the lavatories. Making the right decisions will ensure your comfort when flying overseas.
What Makes a Great Seat?

The best seats are usually considered to be the aisle seats, the window seats, seats on an exit row, and seats close to the front of the plane. For example, on a short flight, an aisle seat near the front may be best so you can get off the plane and to your destination as quickly as possible. On a red-eye flight, a window seat may be more ideal so you can fall asleep and rest your head on the window. People afraid of turbulence may like the seats over the wing, as they are not shaken up as much by turbulent wind patterns. Exit rows offer more legroom, but if you are traveling as a family, this would not be a feasible option. Children and infants are not allowed to sit in exit rows (infants are actually not allowed to sit in the rows behind or in front of the exit row either).

Another favorite seat assignment is the bulkhead seat, which is the very first row of seats after a barrier such as a wall or a curtain. No seats are in front of this row, so extra legroom is to be expected. Be careful, though, because on some flights the bulkhead row may not offer lots of space.

Make a note of the seat pitch; this is particularly important for taller travelers. A seat pitch is the measure of how much space there is between a seat and the one right behind it or in front of it. The higher the number means more legroom for you.

The middle seat is typically undesirable regardless of aircraft. Seats near the flight attendants or the lavatories will experience more foot traffic and you may find it is more difficult to fall asleep in those seats. Likewise, seats closer to the overhead screens may impede your path to rest.

Then there is the big question: If something bad happens, which seats are the safest? There is no clear answer to that question. TIME Magazine recently found that sitting in the rear of the aircraft will give you a higher chance of survival in case of a plane crash. Greenwich University found, however, that the safest place for passengers is toward the front of the plane, sitting within five rows of an emergency exit.

Preparing for your Trip

Before You Leave Home

Keep a checklist to make your travels easy, safe, and enjoyable.
Use online check-in to print boarding passes and verify seat assignments.
Monitor your flight status through text alerts or apps like Flight Stats and Trip It.
Store essential items like ID, credit card, and boarding pass in an easily accessible bag compartment.

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Pack non-essential items out of sight until needed on the plane.
Plan your parking in advance to avoid stress.
Be aware of parking availability, especially during high travel seasons and holidays.
Consider budget-friendly off-airport parking options.
Reserve your parking spot in advance if possible.
Research your destination airport beforehand.
Download terminal maps and locate hotel shuttles and rental car counters.
This research helps if someone is picking you up.
Know where to meet your pick-up person for convenience.
Being prepared minimizes stress and ensures a smooth trip.
Overall, preparation is key to a successful and enjoyable journey.

At the Airport – Before Check In

Make sure you remember the spot where you hid your identification, your boarding passes, and other important documents, because you will need to present these items at various points throughout the airport. Remembering your hiding place means smooth sailing for you and for airport workers accommodating you.
Take note of your luggage and make sure each piece is secured (aka zipped up). Note that you cannot lock your baggage. Do not pack medicine or other important items into your checked baggage in the unlikely event that your luggage does not make it to your destination with you. Instead pack such items in your carry-on bags. Before checking in, double-check the weight of your bags; many airlines charge an extra fee for bags over 50 pounds. You can make necessary adjustments at the curbside drop-off at many airports, or simply do so at home before leaving. Customize your luggage in some manner (for example, sewing a patch onto your suitcase) so you can distinctly identify it as your own.
•Small bags are fine to be carried on, but make sure all size requirements set by the airline have been met, or else the bag you planned on carrying on may have to be checked.

Checking In

Remember to be at the airport at least two hours in advance if you are checking baggage onto a domestic flight. If all you have are carry-on bags, arrive 90 minutes in advance. Allow for two or three hours` advance arrival at the airport if you are traveling internationally or to Alaska, Hawaii or the U.S. Virgin Islands. Also consider adding a half-hour to an hour during peak travel season in your area.
There are many different ways to make the checking in process easier and faster. First, you can check in via the airline`s website up to 24 hours before your scheduled departure. Second, there are unmanned self-service kiosks in the airport that will allow you to check in at your pace. If you check in using either of these services, a boarding pass will be printed out for you, e-mailed to you for you to print out, or available for download to your smartphone. By doing this, it means you will also have the best seat selection available to you, if you need another reason to take advantage of early check-in!
Do keep in mind that an airline can cancel your reservation if you are not waiting at the departure gate when the flight is scheduled to depart. Your seat may be given to another customer even if you have a boarding pass. Also, if you are late checking your baggage, there is no guarantee it will arrive on time with you at your destination.

Between Check-In and Airport Security

Stow everything except your boarding pass and your identification in your carry-on bag. This will allow you to go through security as smoothly as possible.
Make a mental checklist of the things you will need to do when you get to the front of the security screening line. Make sure you know all the things that need to be removed before screening, and what needs to be taken out of your carry-on bag (for example, many types of laptop computers). Once there, you will be prepared and getting through security will be a breeze.

On the Other Side of Security

Take a look at the departures board again. Unless you arrived very early, you will get a better idea of what delays your flight may have, if any. You`ll also see if your flight is scheduled to depart out of a different gate so you can plan accordingly. Even though the departures board will be of great help, go straight to your gate for any extra information. They will be privy to ‘breaking news’ about your flight before the departures board will have a chance to update. Plus, by heading to your gate first, you can make a mental note of how full your flight will be, and where the closest bathrooms, convenience stores or restaurants are compared to where your gate is.
Look up your airline`s toll-free number and program it into your phone. If, for whatever reason, your flight is delayed and your itinerary does not proceed as planned, you will need the number to call and figure out what your next step should be. If you have the phone numbers of all the flights that fly your specific route in your phone, you will find a solution a lot faster than if you did not save those numbers.

What to Expect at Airport Security

If you haven’t flown in the past few years, you will find that the Transportation Security Administration (TSA) has updated its screening process to include full-body scanners and ‘enhanced’ pat-down techniques. Metal detectors are still in wide use across the country, but full-body scans are becoming more and more prevalent. These scans use millimeter wave or back-scatter technology to create an image of a person`s body on a screen, similar in execution to an X-ray.
You may refuse to be screened using the full-body scanner, but that means you will receive an ‘enhanced’ pat-down by a security guard who is the same gender as you. The palms of the officer`s hands pat down the entire body, including the groin and the chest. You are also allowed to request that your pat-down be conducted away from the public and the eyes of all in the security line.
At all U.S. airports, you will need to remove your shoes, jackets, belts and anything in your pockets before going through the security process. Laptops will need to be removed from their carry-on bags and placed in a bin to be processed on a mini-conveyor belt. Tablets, phones, cameras and other electronic devices of smaller size than laptops can be left in the carry-on bag and do not need to be removed and placed in a new bin.
Keep in mind that toothpaste, shampoo, and other liquids, gels and aerosols will not be allowed for travelers to carry in carry-on bags unless the bottles are all individual-size and each weigh in at 3.4 ounces or under. All of these little containers need to be placed in a clear quart-sized plastic bag. Anything larger will need to be placed in checked luggage.

Amenities at the Airport

Amenities can vary depending on the airport. At large international airports, you can find many food options, duty-free shops, spas, Internet access, gardens, art installations, and even swimming pools. At smaller airports, a few shops and a couple of food choices may very well be all that`s on offer. Visit your airport`s website to see what amenities are available to you when you fly.

Delays and Cancellations

Make sure your flight is leaving as scheduled before you make your way to the airport. You can do that by going to the airline`s website directly; if you don`t want to check the website again, airlines will offer the choice of text alerts that will be sent to your cell phone in the event of a delay.
Airlines are not required to give compensation to passengers for flights that end up being delayed or canceled. Each carrier has a different policy, and no federal requirements are in place requiring an airline to compensate travelers who have had their flights abruptly canceled. Most airlines will seat you on the next flight to your intended destination. Others may give you vouchers for meals and accommodations if your flight is delayed overnight or in excess of 6-8 hours. You won’t know what arrangements your airline has in mind until you ask.
If the delay is caused by bad weather, or other conditions beyond their control, some airlines will not offer amenities. Compensation is only required if a flight is oversold (more on that in the next subsection). Many airlines are now informing passengers about the factors which caused delays in their flights, although they are not obligated to do so.

How to Avoid Being Bumped on a Flight

Arrive as early as possible to the airport and check in before leaving the house. The people who tend to be bumped involuntarily from flights are usually the last ones to arrive at the gate. If you are one of the first passengers at the gate, you will most likely not be bumped in the case of an overbooking.
According to the U.S. Department of Transportation, involuntary `bumps` account for just one out of every 10,000 airline passenger experiences. This probability will be higher during peak travel seasons, but in most cases, over bookings are solved by the request of volunteers to fly on later flights.

Passenger Rights

Even if you plan and plan for your trip, things can go wrong because not everything in travel is in your control. Whether it`s lost luggage or a weather delay, bumps in the travel process can occur at any time. It`s important to know your rights as a traveler. Where do your turn in complaints? What happens if you`re bumped from a flight? What happens if an airline loses your suitcase? Finally, which papers do you need to fill out?

More Information

Reservations

If you have a confirmed reservation, you are indeed confirmed on the flight — even if the airline`s computer system says there is no record of your reservation. An agent cannot deny you a chance to board your flight if you have your ticket or a confirmed reservation print-out (unless you canceled the reservation either by actively initiating the cancellation or missing a confirmation deadline). If the day of the flight comes and goes without you in the seat, and you didn`t cancel your reservation, the airline will note you as a `no-show` and will cancel the rest of your itinerary.

Refunds

Remember these general rules, which tend to be the same across carriers, although the full list of refund guidelines will vary depending on the airline used for the journey. If you have to cancel a ticket classified as a non-refundable fare, you might be allowed to apply the cost of the fare to a future flight, after cancellation fees and price changes are taken into account. If your ticket is refundable and you must cancel it for whatever reason, the refund will be processed and credited to the same credit card used to reserve the tickets.

Check-In Times

It’s important to know that an airline can cancel your reservation if you are not present at the departure gate at the time of boarding, even if you`ve already checked in online or at the airport. Your seat may be given to someone else even if you arrive with enough time to spare to reach the gate before your flight leaves.

Also, if you do not check your bags in with enough time for them to be loaded onto the plane, the airline cannot be held responsible for the delay in your baggage arriving at your destination. Even if you have already checked in for your flight, an airline can cancel your reservation if you are not at the departure gate on time. Arrive at least two hours before your departure (earlier if you are flying at peak tourist season, during holidays, or internationally). Identification

All travelers over the age of 18 must present photo identification when checking in and boarding the aircraft. (Many minors do not have to present identification for domestic travel, but the rule varies by airline, so try to bring identification if possible.) Make sure the name on your identification matches the name on the ticket exactly.

Delays and/or Cancellations

Each carrier’s rules are different, but it is important to know that airlines do not have to compensate travelers if their flights are delayed or canceled. Most airlines will book you on the next available flight. With delayed flights, airlines may pay for meals or a hotel; this may not be publicized, so asking may be the key to getting. The only times airlines are required by U.S. law to compensate you is if you were `bumped` off an oversold flight.

You do have the right to compensation if you are traveling in the European Union and your flight is canceled or delayed — but only under specific circumstances, aka `extraordinary circumstances which could not have been avoided even if all reasonable measures had been taken`. This means you are out of luck if security, weather, political rallies, strikes, etc. delay or cancel your flight. Visit the European Union`s website for more information regarding cancellations and compensation.

There are no federal requirements that govern delay times while passengers are waiting in the airport terminal, but there are indeed requirements which limit how long travelers can sit on the airplane while awaiting takeoff. No plane must be kept on the tarmac for more than three hours and if any plane passes the two-hour mark, drinking water and some sort of food option must be provided to passengers. The bathrooms must be functional while the plane is on the tarmac. If security is at stake, either inside the airport or as a result of the aircraft returning to the gate, the three-hour requirement can be waived. The longest delay an international flight on the tarmac can endure is a wait of four hours. If airlines do not comply with these regulations, they can face fines.

Overbooking/Bumping

To account for no-shows, airlines can, and often do, oversell flights (meaning they sell tickets to more people than can fit on the aircraft). If, in the event that every ticket holder shows up for the plane, some passengers will be asked to give up their seats, to be placed on a later flight. Those who agree to be moved to a later flight may receive perks such as future airline travel vouchers, accommodation vouchers, and cash money. These perks are negotiated with the airline before and after exiting the aircraft.

In the event that you are `bumped` — aka involuntarily taken off an oversold flight — the airline will explain your passenger rights in a written document. You will be allowed to keep your ticket to use on another flight to the same destination. You can be refunded for the price of the ticket (an `involuntary refund`) if you decide to make your own arrangements to get to your destination. The carrier does not have to compensate you if they can prove they can get you to your destination airport within an hour of the original aircraft. If a plane is swapped out for a smaller one, thus pushing a number of people off the scheduled flight, airlines do not have to compensate passengers in this event.

Delayed, Lost or Damaged Luggage

File a claim with your airline at the airport the moment you find that your baggage has not arrived like it`s supposed to. Airlines will typically agree to compensate `reasonably` until the luggage is found. This amount is negotiable and it may take some finesse on your part to get your fair share.

A second claim will be needed if your bags are not found. This claim will take a while to process (weeks or even months). In the U.S., airlines are limited to paying out $3,500 per person in the event of lost or stolen luggage. The liability limit may vary on international flights due to the terms set forth by the Montreal Conventions. The airline must refund the baggage fee if the bag ends up lost or stolen. Every check-in deadline must be met throughout the booking and boarding process, or you will find the airline is not responsible for the bag or the value of the items inside.

If bags arrive with you, but they (or its contents) are damaged, airlines may be able to compensate you. Fragile items may be excluded, as will heirlooms, money, and other important items that should have been packed in your carry-on.

Conditions of Carriage

Your rights may be referred to on the airline websites as the `Conditions of Carriage`, or the `Contract of Carriage`. You may have trouble finding it, but each airline is legally obligated to post such a statement somewhere on their website. If you want to know what you are entitled to as a paying customer, and what you`re not entitled to, these rights statements will spell everything out for you.

Disabled Passengers

According to the Department of Transportation and the Air Carrier Access Act, disabled passengers may not be denied the right to board an aircraft on the basis of their disability, nor must they have an attendant or medical documentation unless the circumstances are particularly unique. Also, airlines must provide free of charge:

1. Help with getting on and off planes and making connections, whether this means a wheelchair, a person, both, or other means

2. TTY devices in airport terminals and airline reservation centers

3. `Timely access` for any visually or hearing-impaired passengers to information on gate assignments, security and other publicly announced information

4. Access to the plane`s cabin for any necessary service animals (as long as they don`t block aisles or escape routes)

5. Permission to include wheelchairs as checked baggage without liability waivers (except for pre-existing damage)

The Airlines Rights

The most important thing to remember is that an airline is not necessarily indebted to you in the event of a flight delay or cancellation. Bad weather, ‘acts of God’ (extraordinary circumstances outside the airline’s control) and other factors may absolve the airline of responsibility. In many events, the airlines may refund your ticket (even if it is bought under a `non-refundable fare`), but will not take responsibility of your journey after that.

The following is a partial list of situations in which an airline may legally deny you boarding or remove you from a flight on which you are confirmed.

1. If the airline must comply with any government regulation or request for emergency transportation in connection with national defense.

2. If there is inclement weather or other conditions beyond the airline`s control.

3. If you refuse to be searched for explosives or concealed weapons.

4. If you refuse to provide positive identification or don`t have proper documentation for travel across international boundaries.

5. If your conduct is disorderly, abusive or violent, or if you are under the influence of drugs or alcohol.

6. If you are barefoot or clothed in a way that might be offensive to others.

7. If you attempt to interfere with any member of the flight crew or jeopardize the safety of the plane.Filing a Complaint

Call or write the airline’s consumer office if you cannot resolve your problem while at the airport. Reaching out via social media (Facebook, Twitter, etc.) also helps to obtain a speedy response.

FAQ’S

My name is misspelled on my itinerary. Will this affect my airline tickets?

Yes. As soon as you get your confirmation letter, double-check the spelling of your name as it is listed on the reservation. Make sure the name you provide to us matches the name on your passport exactly. If there are any issues that are not cleared up before your flight, you may not be able to fly on those specific tickets. Checking the spelling now can save you some potential heartache later.

NOTE: Any applicable charges imposed by our vendors will be your responsibility. Name changes are considered traveler substitutions, which are subject to cancellation fees.

More Information

Can I request seats in advance?

In many cases, yes, but not always. Some airlines don`t assign seats in advance. Tripmasters will forward your request of preferred seating to the airline and you can check for confirmation on the Air Itinerary page. Note that you do have a confirmed reservation even if there is no seat assignment on the itinerary. If the airline is available to accommodate you, your seat assignment will be indicated in the itinerary. If, for whatever reason, you cannot reserve your seat of choice, check in early at the airport and see if there isn’t any way the counter staff can help you snag your desired spot.

NOTE: Seating on the bulkhead or emergency exit rows cannot be assigned before boarding; the airlines must qualify such passengers upon check-in. If you want a seat in either of these rows, it is advisable that you check in early.

What should I do if my flight is delayed or canceled?

Try to work with your airline and see if they will rebook your flight. Call us immediately afterward. Tripmasters is available 24 hours a day, 7 days a week to assist you with your travel needs, including those caused by flight delays or cancellations. After you rebook your flight with your airline, call us with your updated flight information.

NOTE: Tripmasters is not responsible for flights delayed or cancelled, portions of trips missed due to such issues, or additional expenses incurred prior to joining your trip.

Do you have any tips to help ensure a smooth check-in?

Expect the unexpected: All of us want our trip to go smoothly, but expect that surprises may occur at any time throughout your time in transit.

Arrive early: Make sure you have allotted ample time for your journey, including giving yourself plenty of time for getting to the airport, making your way through check-in and security, and making your way to the departure gate.

Check your check-in times: Keep in mind that many airport websites now provide real-time information on flight delays. Whether you check online or call the airline, stay informed.

Know who your operating carrier is: You may be traveling with a different airline than the one listed on your ticket. At the airport, you will be checking in with the airline listed as your operating carrier.

How can I be sure that I have enough connection time between flights?

When a flight is booked, there is a `minimum connection time` that is set by the airlines; with the new booking, the airline must adhere to the minimum connection time that corresponds with the flights booked. These connection times may be shorter or longer than what you desired. Pay attention to the flight itinerary when booking, as we do recommend that you give yourself ample time to transfer flights in a calm and collected manner.

Can I earn Frequent Flyer miles on my Tripmasters flights?

How Frequent Flyer miles are earned varies from airline to airline. TripMasters has contracted special rates in order to give you the best value, but sometimes that means mileage accural can be prohibited. You can always check with the airline directly by adding your information directly on the airline`s website when you check in. If you are eligible to accrue Frequent Flyer miles, you may be able to receive them after check-in, depending on airline.

Will I receive a complimentary meal on my flight? If so, will the airline accommodate special dietary requests?

Only the international long-haul over-the-water flights include meals nowadays. Short-haul flights will not serve a meal. If you have special dietary concerns, please add all the concerns and requests to the special requests field during the booking process. If you have already filled out your booking, you can submit your request via e-mail to contact@Tripmasters.com and we will make the request on your behalf. You can also make the request directly with the airline by visiting their website.

Do I need to reconfirm my flights before I depart?

We recommend very strongly that you check in online, 24 hours before departure. When checking in, provide your cell phone number, so they can notify you of any changes. Typically airlines give the option for the traveler to be warned of upcoming changes either by a phone call or a text message.

Is there anything that should be done with my bags?

Set your bags apart from the others by tying a colorful ribbon, stitching a unique patch or affixing a large sticker onto each bag. As a result, you will see your bags as soon as they enter the carousel area, and people will know not to grab your bags in an attempt to find their own.

Do I need to remember my flight number?

Yes. Always. This may seem obvious, but keeping your flight number at the forefront of your mind will make things easier in smaller airports, or ones overseas, which may only list arrivals and departures by flight number and not city.

What is the Pre-Check program?

It`s very important and you should consider signing up for it. The TSA’s PreCheck ( www.tsa.gov/precheck ), a trusted traveler program, has spread to more cities across the U.S. and is now available at more than 180 airports. Members of the program are prescreened and can jet through security without having to take off their shoes or remove laptops from cases. The U.S. Customs Department’s Global Entry program (see www.globalentry.gov ) is another shortcut for frequent international travelers, especially as the federal government immigration and customs lines get longer.

How can I get in touch with my airline?

You can give their toll-free customer hotline a call, or you can visit their website. Select airline information can be found below.

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