Get There On Time

Don't Blame Anyone If YOU Book It Wrong

COVID slowed us down for a couple of years, and now a few health issues challenge us.  We're still traveling if not writing about it quite so much. Our goal in 2022 was get to all seven continents in one year... and we did it.

Going forward health issues may not allow us to travel.  No one can take away those memories though.  We hope all of you are well and staying safe... and that you find some inspiration here for YOUR future travels. 

It may seem obvious, but when you're traveling, you want to get there on time. So why do we need to discuss this?

Because so many people don't!

                     ...Get there on time that is...

When you're planing your flights for your trip, there are several things to keep in mind so this doesn't happen to you....

Of course you want to get to your destination on time... but...

The tendency is to book flights to get you to the ship...
...or the tour...
...or the wedding just exactly when you need to be there.


That's really not the best option.


Book Flights That Allow Time

In order to be sure you get there on time, it's a better idea to plan on flights that will get you there early.

Don't Miss The Boat - Get There On Time... or EARLY!

Why early?

Because if you plan it that way, you won't have to worry if problems arise.... you'll still get there on time.

What if your flight is delayed or canceled? With fewer flights, it'll be harder to get on the next plane out if this happens to you.

Delays and cancellations are risks in snow-and-sleet season, but there can be problems in summer too... think thunderstorms on the East Coast of the U.S. They delay flights every summer.

You can check on-time performance records of flights you're considering, but this won't help with weather problems.

If you're traveling abroad, you have to worry about monsoons, transiting foreign airports, customs delays if you need to exit to connect to... wherever.

Get Up Early and Choose The Best Airport

The first flight of the day is generally your best bet for avoiding delays.

You won't get stuck behind other delayed planes....

Those delays have a domino effect and get worse throughout the day.

  • If you have a choice of connecting cities, pick the one with the warmest climate.
  • Try to avoid airports with lots of delayed flights.

Having said that, many times these will be hubs, and you won’t be able to avoid them.

It's because they are hubs that they have more delayed flights than other airports.

It's sort of the nature of hubs. It may also be because of their weather problems... as in the case of ORD (Chicago) or runway alignment as in the case of SFO (San Francisco).

Prepare For Reality

This gets back to the get there early idea.

Fly at least 24 hours before you need to be there (or back home).

If you're connecting be sure your layover is at least two hours. Sure layovers are a drag, but if you have a tight connection, and that first flight is delayed an hour... your connection is BUSTED!!! Now what?

If you can't avoid a tight connection, have a "plan B" ahead of time. If you're delayed, knowing the alternatives will be valuable when you're trying to rebook.

To avoid missing your flight in the first place be sure you get to the airport in plenty of time.

Most airlines now cut off check in for domestic flights 30 minutes to flight time. Show up 29 minutes to flight time... with bags to check... and you won't be going when you thought you would.

Even getting there 30 minutes ahead is dicey if there is any possibility of long lines at security. And face it, that's always a possibility.

So to get there on time, get to the airport early... for an early morning flight... avoid tight connections and get there a day ahead. You can get over your jet lag, get a good nights sleep and be ready for the start of your trip.

So To Get There On Time

Get to the airport early... for an early morning flight...

Avoid tight connections.

Get there a day ahead.

You can get over your jet lag, get a good nights sleep and be ready for the start of your trip.

Happy travels... even if you don't travel the world... just remember that life is a journey... embrace and enjoy it! Judy and Mark

Curious about what else we've written about?  Search our site for a destination or travel tip.

But... We'd love to have you share this page or comment on it…
Thanks, Judy and Mark

International Travel Tips l Europe Travel Tips
Hotel and B&B Tips l Packing Lists
Go to MouseToursTravels Home Page

New! Comments

Have your say about what you just read! Did it help with your travel planning and preparation? Eager to leave on that next vacation? Please leave your tips or comments in the box below.

Timely Tips

Summer Vacation
Travel is fun in the Northern summer... but don't neglect the Southern Hemisphere at this time of year.
Yes, it's winter in South Africa, but that's their dry season. It's a good time to travel there.

Lions stop traffic in Kruger NP South Africa

Sometimes you need to watch rain patterns instead of just seasons to figure the best time to travel...

Whether you're taking a road trip close to home or traveling abroad...

Whether it's summer or winter in your part of the world...
the way you pack can make it all more pleasurable.

Check out all our Packing Lists and Tips.

Need travel ideas?
Things to See in Europe
Africa Calls!
Travel In America

Don't just dream about it...
Start making plans!

Custom Tour Planning List
International Travel Planning Tips
Foreign Is Fun - Not Scary!
Get Your Passports and Visas

And Expect Good Things
There Are Tourist Angels

Search

Search MouseToursTravels
Travel questions or destination info?
Find our answers faster..
.

Translate

We want you to feel comfortable out in the world and on our pages - so surf away in your own language...

Updated Tips & New Travel Stories

  1. 2022 Travels To All Seven Continents

    After COVID, all seven continents in one year was a worthy goal for our 2022 travels..

    Read More

  2. 2021 Travels - Another COVID Year?

    Our 2021 travels were only domestic. COVID kept us close home. Road trips and a cautious flights but still fun.

    Read More

  3. 2020 Travels - What Travels?

    Our 2020 travels were slim. COVID kept us home too. One trip to the Three Guyanas, but dreaming of travel next year.

    Read More

Two Ways To Like Us!

Like Our Site Top Left
Like Our Fanpage Below
Thank You!

Navigate Our Site

Related Pages
on
Airports, Security & Flights

Airline Booking Tips

Tips on Booking A Flight
The Flight You Book Makes A Difference
Flight Insurance - Is It Worth It?

Luggage

Airline Baggage Fees
Ship or Check Luggage?
All Our Packing Tips

Airport Security Tips

Security Packing Tips
Getting Through Security Lines
TSA PreCheck and Global Entry
Organize To Speed Through Lines
Airport Security Checkpoints
TSA Secure Flight Program
TSA-Self-Selecting Security Lanes

Airport Help

Your Airport Arrival
Airport Departure
Airport Help - The Airport Is Your Friend!
Dealing With Peak Travel Seasons

Flight Problems

Dealing With Cancelled Flights
Booking Problems

In-Flight Tips

Inflight Tips to Survive Long Flights
Fatigue After Flights
What Is Jet Lag?
How to Deal With Jet Lag

And just for Fun

Airline Weigh-in!

Ready For A New Adventure?

We escape by traveling…
But there are more ways to escape. 
Work on something you LOVE…
With A Website
SBI Teaches You Everything

First Day Of The Rest Of Your Life