I’m a flight attendant and here are 7 ways to avoid getting caught up in the travel chaos
A FLIGHT attendant has shared their top 10 ways to avoid having their holidays ruined by the flight chaos.
Thousands of Brits have been forced to change their holiday plans due to huge airport queues and flight cancellations in recent weeks.
Flight attendant Kristie Koerbel shared their top tips on Facebook, writing: "I feel like as a flight attendant I should attempt to share some tips to get you through airline travel for the foreseeable future.".
Here are some of their top tips if you are going on holiday this summer.
1. Drive if you can
While this may not work for all holidays, Kristie said if it is "less than seven hours" you should consider a car rather than a flight.
They added: "There is nothing enjoyable about flying right now."
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2. Download the airline app
To keep track of your flight, Kristie advises getting the airline's app.
Not only does it have all of your information, but they said the "apps will tell you a flight is cancelled before the crew even know."
3. Fly a day earlier
With flights being cancelled at short notice, many families have missed out on important events such as weddings and birthdays - so flying earlier than needed is advised.
Kristie said: "If you have to be somewhere, spend the extra money, go a day early."
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4. Always book the first flight of the day
Earlier flights are always advised, as they are the least likely to be cancelled, as well as give you more time to book another flight if it is.
Kristie added: "This way, you have all day to be rebooked if bad stuff happens."
5. Choose long layovers
While it may not seem like the best option to be waiting hours between flight connections, Kristie said passengers should be allowing more time due to the current chaos.
They said that a "one hour layover is not enough" and said at least three hours minimum should be allowed to make the flight connection.
6. Avoid using third party websites
Even if you see a good deal, you might want to avoid booking via third party websites - as it means you will be bottom of the list if a flight is full and most likely to be taken off the plane.
Kristie explained: "If a flight is oversold, and no one volunteers to give up their seats, who do you think is the first to be bumped?"
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7. Avoid certain airports if connecting
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If you have the choice of which airport to connect at, then you should check if flights are often being cancelled there.
Kristie advised against airports in New York right now as they had a "50/50 chance" of being cancelled, adding: "They have been cancelling flights at their starting points just to keep the planes out, because there just aren't enough people to manage the planes, so the gates stay full."
