A discussion about the airline industry, airline employees, and all things related

I hope that everyone is enjoying their upcoming weekend.  I am going to be traveling for the next few days.  I am on my way home in a few hours or at least I hope too.  There looks to be a fairly impressive snow storm moving through the Midwest and then up the eastern sea board. 

So in an attempt to remind myself but also to remind you all, here are some tips that should help you get to your destination on time. 

1.  Pick early flight times.  Even if your flight does get cancelled there should be more flights to your destination that you can standby on. 

2.  Ask your airline if they can route you through a different hub away from the storm.  Maybe your final destination is not affected by the storm but the hub airport you are connecting through is affected.  For instance, instead of flying through Chicago, try San Francisco, Dallas, Denver, Houston, Charlotte or Miami.

3.  Do NOT get upset.  Weather is one onf the many thing that the airlines can not control.  I always found it works if you offer to get the customer service or gate agent a coffee from Starbucks.  Six bucks at Starbucks is more likely to get you on the next flight to your destination, maybe even upgraded too. 

4.  If you notice your flight is delayed or cancelled, get on the cell phone and call the airline while waiting in line at the customer service desk.  It is like having someone standing in line for you at Target the day after Thanksgiving.  Either line is going to be long but standing in two lines is better than one. 

So hopefully some of these items were helpful and I hope that everyone gets to their destination safely and on time.