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, get to all seven continents in one year!
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.
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.
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.
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.
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).
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.
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
The Holidays are Here!
Time to remind you we have tips on
Surviving Holiday Flights
Holiday flight may be more frustrating than usual. Try to stay calm.
Remember, if you DO travel and if you’re carrying gifts, it’s better not to wrap them… airport security might make you open them!
And if you're not traveling far, reminisce about past trips.
European Christmas Markets
German Christmas Markets
Seiffen Germany Makes Christmas Decorations
Cold Weather Packing List
The holidays can be hectic, but treat yourself...
Take the holiday time to explore more pages here... Get ideas for travel destinations and how to get there.
NOW is the time to start planning for a great trip next year.
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
Search MouseToursTravels
Travel questions or destination info?
Find our answers faster...
We want you to feel comfortable out in the world and on our pages - so surf away in your own language...
Like Our Site Top Left
Like Our Fanpage Below
Thank You!
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
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.