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Your 11 Most Frequently Asked Travel Questions—Answered

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As experts and media spokespeople, the editors at SmarterTravel get asked a lot of travel questions. How early should you book? Which booking sites have the cheapest fares? What’s the best way to avoid bag fees?

The good news is that we have answers. From pinpointing the best day of the week for booking airfare to selecting the best destination for your next trip, here are solutions to some of your most common travel questions.

How Far in Advance Should I Book?

Truth be told, airfare prices—which fluctuate constantly—are impossible to predict. However, there are a few strategies that will guide you to a good deal and minimize your risk of overpaying.

For domestic travel, you’ll typically find the best fares one to two months before your trip. For international itineraries, you’ll often want to start searching for fares a bit further in advance, especially if your dates are firm or you’re traveling at a busy time of year. Add an extra month or two for peak travel times like holidays or major events. Some destinations, such as Disney World during spring break or popular beach spots in August, require even more advance planning, so do your homework.

To help you figure out when to jump on a fare, set up airfare alerts through sites like Airfarewatchdog (SmarterTravel’s sister site) or smartphone apps like Hopper ( iOS | Android ). You can put in your targeted trip dates and itinerary, and you’ll be notified when the fare drops.

How Can I Find the Best Travel Deal?

We’d love to point you definitively to a single booking site that always has the lowest possible airfares and hotel rates, but, unfortunately, that site doesn’t exist—and shopping around is always required. It’s best to check multiple types of sites before you book, including the provider’s own website as well as online travel agencies (think Expedia and Orbitz ) and metasearch sites (like Kayak and SmarterTravel’s parent company, TripAdvisor ).

To help you find the best sites to check, see the following lists:

• The 12 Best Flight Search Sites for Booking Cheap Airfare
• The 10 Best Hotel Booking Sites
• The 14 Best Car Rental Booking Sites
• The 10 Best Sites to Book a Cruise
• The 8 Best Travel Package Sites for Booking a Cheap Vacation
• The 9 Best Vacation Rental Sites for Travelers

One tip to keep in mind: The more flexible you are, the better the deals will be. Moving your trip a few months from a destination’s peak season to its shoulder season, for example, often means lower prices and smaller crowds. Flying out on a Tuesday or Wednesday rather than a Friday or Sunday can also save you money. For more information, see The Best and Worst Days to Fly .

How Can I Avoid Fees?

Yes, travel fees are pervasive and have wormed their way into every facet of travel, including flights, hotels, and rental cars. The good news is that many can be avoided. When it comes to flying, look for airlines that don’t charge fees for common services like baggage: For example, Southwest allows two checked bags for free, and some airlines will waive bag fees for frequent flyers or travelers who carry their branded credit cards. For more ideas, see 7 Smart Ways to Bypass Baggage Fees .

Many hotel fees can be avoided if you simply say no to certain services. In other words, don’t touch the minibar or make in-room calls (buy your own snacks and use your cell phone instead). Other charges, such as resort fees , are trickier. It’s best to find out about the charge in advance and book with another hotel, or ask the hotel manager to remove it—he or she might say no, but it never hurts to ask.

When renting a car, read the fine print. Look for easily avoidable fees like early-return and fuel charges. Also, most agents will pressure you into buying a collision damage waiver (CDW), but you might already have collision coverage through your credit card or your own auto insurance policy. Always check in advance.

What Are My Rights When Your Flight Is Delayed or Canceled?

When you find yourself faced with a flight delay or cancellation, know that your rights vary depending on whether the situation is the airline’s fault (such as a mechanical delay) or due to some uncontrollable outside force (like a hurricane or winter storm ). Every airline’s policy varies, but most state that for delays or cancellations within the airline’s control, passengers are entitled to be rebooked on the next available flight, possibly transferred to another carrier, or to receive a refund for the unused portion of the trip. Some lines will also provide meal vouchers, hotel stays, and ground transportation at their discretion.

When the situation is beyond the airline’s control, a refund is all that most airlines promise. However, for major storms, airlines have set a precedent for preemptively canceling flights in advance so you’re not stranded at the airport, and they will allow you to rebook within a specific time frame without penalty.

To learn more, see Flight-Cancellation Rights: The Ultimate Guide and Flight Delays: What to Do and How to Prevent Them .

Do I Need Travel Insurance?

To buy or not to buy: That is the question when it comes to travel insurance . It all depends on risk and your tolerance for it. In general, if you’re taking a relatively short trip and haven’t paid a fortune for it, you probably don’t need it. Plus, most airlines—and hotels, for that matter—will give you a refund or allow you to rebook when there’s a widespread storm or incident.

However, if you have put down significant nonrefundable deposits, are traveling at a risky time of year (such as hurricane season ), have a potential medical condition, or are traveling to remote places where hospitals are scarce, travel insurance could be a good idea.

If you do opt insurance, make sure you know what’s included in your policy; most are very specific and won’t allow coverage to kick in once a storm is predicted or if you have a preexisting medical condition. You can also buy a policy that will allow you to cancel for any reason, but those usually come with a higher premium.

How Do I Know When a Deal Is Really a Deal?

Sadly, not all travel deals are created equal. And while some are bona fide, others are nothing more than gimmicks, if not downright scams. Your best defense is to take the time to fully research a deal before handing over your credit card number.

First, make sure you’re dealing with a reputable supplier, especially when it comes to tour operators and promoters. If you haven’t heard of the company, check with the Better Business Bureau or United States Tour Operators Association (USTOA) to make sure it is sound. Look for online reviews of the company on sites such as TripAdvisor or TrustPilot . Also, always compare prices across multiple suppliers. A deal might look good at first glance, but you may be able to beat the price elsewhere.

When it comes to hotel packages, price out inclusions like gift baskets or spa services separately to determine whether it’s cheaper to go a la carte. For example, many hotels offer individual room rates that are way cheaper than what you’d pay for the room plus the extras in a package. Remember: You can bring your own Champagne and chocolate-covered strawberries (likely higher-quality ones, too).

Lastly, always read the fine print, with a particular eye on blackout dates and other restrictions. You don’t want to get a deal that you can’t even use.

How Do I Score an Upgrade?

Everyone wants to vault to the front of the airplane cabin or that penthouse suite in the hotel, but most of us feel that an upgrade is out of reach. Not necessarily so. The best way to get upgraded is to join a loyalty program. While it’s hard for many leisure travelers to accrue enough miles for a free first- or business-class ticket, basic upgrades usually require fewer miles. For hotels and rental cars, points generally add up more quickly and you can get additional free perks just for being a member.

Another way to land a better seat is to look for deals; some airlines will launch short-term sales on premium seats. For more information, see First Class for Free: How to Get an Airline Upgrade .

With hotels, arriving late in the day can increase your chances of a better room, since the hotel might have vacant rooms to fill (and can subsequently open up a cheaper room for another paying customer). Also, at check-in, mention if you are celebrating a special occasion like a honeymoon or an anniversary. Check out How to Get a Hotel Upgrade for Free to learn more.

At the rental car desk, asking for an upgrade might work, but make sure you’ve weighed your options: A larger car could mean higher gas costs, which can quickly negate any benefit. In any situation, even with the airlines, it never hurts to ask; when you do, dress nicely, be specific with your request, and above all, be polite.

What Can I Bring on the Plane?

This is such a complicated topic that SmarterTravel has a whole airport security FAQ to cover it. But here are the basics: In your carry-on, you can bring a single clear, quart-size plastic bag of liquid and gel items (such as shampoo, insect repellent, and sunscreen) in bottles of 3.4 ounces or less. If you need to bring larger quantities, you can put them in your checked bag—just make sure they’re well sealed to prevent messy spills. Exceptions to this rule include prescription medications, breast milk, and baby formula, which you can carry on in larger amounts.

The TSA has strict rules for items such as scissors, razors, sharp objects, and even wrapped gifts. To learn more, see the FAQ above or visit the TSA’s website .

What Should I Pack?

Speaking of complicated topics … where do we begin? Of course, the answer depends on where you’re going and for how long, but you’ll want to start with SmarterTravel’s Ultimate Packing List , which has you covered with the basics you’ll need for just about any type of trip. If you want more specific advice, consider these lists:

• The Essential Beach Packing List
• The Essential Carry-on Bag Packing List
• The Ultimate Holiday Packing List
• The Ultimate Cruise Packing List
• The Essential International Packing List
• How to Pack for an African Safari
• The Ultimate Ski Trip Packing List

You’ll also want to check out Ingenious Packing Tips Every Traveler Should Know , which includes information on how to pack for the TSA’s requirements, tips on saving space, a discussion of whether you should roll or fold your clothes, and clever tips from SmarterTravel readers. Trying to avoid overpacking? See A Traveler’s Guide to Minimalist Packing .

I’m Unhappy with My Seatmate(s) on the Plane. What Can I Do?

SmarterTravel readers often write in with travel questions about airplane seating dilemmas. “I have severe allergies to animals. What are my rights if I am sitting by someone with an animal?” asks one reader.

“I was recently seated next to a large person whose body overhung the armrest and crowded me,” writes another. “What can be done in this situation?”

Generally speaking, your best bet is to approach a flight attendant discreetly and ask if there are any available seats to which you could be moved. In the case of animal allergies, even if no seats are free, the airline staff might be able to find a non-allergic passenger who’s willing to switch with you. Bring up your concerns early—because once the plane has taken off, the flight attendants will have much less flexibility.

For more information, see the following resources:

• What You Need to Know About Flying with a Service or Emotional Support Animal
• Airline Passenger of Size Policies

What Are the Best Travel Destinations, and How Do I Know If They’re Safe?

There’s no single right answer to the first part of this question. It really depends on factors like your personal travel style and when you plan to travel. But there are a few tricks to identifying a great hot spot.

If affordability is a priority, look for destinations with new airline routes or hotels; providers will often release introductory rates at a discount, and you can be among the first to check things out. Additionally, keep an eye out for destinations making a comeback from natural disasters or political unrest; it can take time for tourists to return, even after the place is safe and open for business again, and the low demand can mean great deals for those who are willing to visit.

If you want to go where the excitement is, look for locales with big events, such as major sporting competitions, festivals, and museum openings. Check with the local tourism bureau to see what’s on; you might even stumble upon corresponding deals and packages.

SmarterTravel frequently publishes inspirational lists of places to travel for just about every interest. Check out Top Travel Destinations for 2020 or browse the site’s Destinations section to learn more.

As for safety, your first step is to research your destination on the U.S. State Department’s website . Here you’ll find important travel advisories and information about crime, health concerns, and other safety issues for every country around the world. Pay attention to the details before writing off an entire destination; it may be perfectly safe as long as you steer clear of certain problem areas. Keep an eye on news headlines in the lead-up to your trip so you’re aware of any last-minute issues.

If you have specific concerns, consider posting questions on travel forums such as TripAdvisor and Lonely Planet . Destination experts and locals can often offer up-to-the-minute updates from the ground.

Traveling? Consider Bringing These:

Shop the look.

Sambucus Elderberry Gummies

Weekend Bag

Tea Tree Oil Active Wipes

More from smartertravel:.

• Ultralight Travel: How to Pack Light Every Time
• 7 Mistakes to Avoid When Booking a Flight
• The Worst Seats on a Plane (and How to Avoid Them)

Editor’s note: This story was originally published in 2012. It has been updated to reflect the most current information. Anne Banas and Sarah Schlichter contributed to this story.

We hand-pick everything we recommend and select items through testing and reviews. Some products are sent to us free of charge with no incentive to offer a favorable review. We offer our unbiased opinions and do not accept compensation to review products. All items are in stock and prices are accurate at the time of publication. If you buy something through our links, we may earn a commission.

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25+ Air Travel Questions Answered

When should i buy a ticket.

A number of studies have shown that approximately six weeks before a specific trip tends to be the best time to buy a ticket. The airlines penalize you both for planning ahead and not planning ahead.

If you’re planning on paying for your ticket with frequent flyer miles (more on that later) then you should look much further out, maybe even a year in advance, because only a limited number of seats are made available on any given flight for frequent fliers.

The airlines assume that much of last-minute travel will be by business travelers who are not paying the price of their own tickets and therefore less sensitive to the cost of the ticket.

There are some exceptions of course to this general rule. If you’re flying in a particularly busy time of year when planes will fill up like Christmas or Thanksgiving or if you are flying to a city for a big event then you might want to book a little further out.

Why does my flight have more than one flight number or airline?

It may seem surprising but if you book a ticket through United Airlines you won’t necessarily be flying on United Airlines. This is true of most major airlines. What you have seen is called a codeshare. A codeshare allows an airline partner, like Lufthansa in the case of United, to resell their flight through their partner airline. This is normal.

Often flight schedules are coordinated in between partner airlines to make it easy to make a connection. The codeshare mechanism allows an airline to give you access to more flights and therefore, in theory, more convenience.

What’s the difference between a direct flight and a nonstop flight?

A nonstop flight takes off from the originating airport and lands at the destination airport without stopping. The term is quite literal. Direct on the other hand is a bit misleading.

In general, a direct flight means that you can stay on the plane all the way from the originating airport to the destination, but in some cases, a direct flight is just two connecting flights that share the same flight number. In those cases, you will have to get off the plane take your stuff, walk to another gate and board a different plane with the same flight number as your first plane. In other words, the term direct is much less meaningful.

Can I Change The Name on an Airplane Ticket?

Maybe. See Can I Change The Name on an Airplane Ticket?

What is a Round the World (RTW) ticket and should I get one?

A round the world ticket is a special ticket that can save you money on a multi-city trip. It has a lot of restrictions and is limited to one particular airline alliance. For more information check out our detailed Guide to Round The World (RTW) Tickets .

Should I join a frequent-flier program?

Airlines created frequent flyer programs to encourage you to be loyal to their airline. In general, the more flights or miles you fly on a specific airline, the more credit you get in that program. Most airline frequent flyer programs give you credit per mile flown, although there are some that give you credit per segment. A segment is one take-off and one landing.

All frequent-flier programs, that I’m aware of, are currently free. So if you book an airline ticket, you should always include a frequent flyer program number on the reservation. You might have the option of both the airline you’re flying and any of the partner airline programs.

See also:  A beginners guide to frequent flyer points

What is an airline partner?

The airlines of the world have organized themselves into different competing teams. Each of the major US legacy carriers: Delta, United, and American) are in a different alliance.

Star Alliance member airlines :  Adria Airways, Aegean Airlines, Air Canada, Air China, Air India, Air New Zealand, All Nippon Airways, Asiana Airlines, Austrian Airlines, Avianca, Brussels Airlines, Copa Airlines, Croatia Airlines, EgyptAir, Ethiopian Airlines, EVA Air, LOT Polish Airlines, Lufthansa, Scandinavian Airlines, Shenzhen Airlines, Singapore Airlines, South African Airways, Swiss International Air Lines, TAP Portugal, Thai Airways, Turkish Airlines, United Airlines

OneWorld member airlines:   Air Berlin, American Airlines, British Airways, Cathay Pacific, Finnair, Iberia, Japan Airlines, LATAM, Malaysia Airlines, Qantas, Qatar Airways, Royal Jordanian, S7 Airlines, SriLankan Airlines

SkyTeam member airlines:   Aeroflot, Aerolíneas Argentinas, Aeroméxico, Air Europa,  Air France , Alitalia, China Airlines, China Eastern Airlines, China Southern Airlines, Czech Airlines, Delta Air Lines, Garuda Indonesia, Kenya Airways, KLM, Korean Air, Middle East Airlines, Saudia, TAROM, Vietnam Airlines, Xiamen Airlines,

You can use frequent flyer miles to book flights on the airline that corresponds to that program, but you can also use your miles to book flights on a partner airline.

For example, you can use your United miles to book a flight on United, but can also use them to book a flight on Lufthansa. You can use your American airline miles to book a flight on American, but you can also use them to book a flight on British Airways.

Which frequent flyer programs should I join?

You can join all of them. You should probably join at least one in each major alliance.

I would suggest that people in the US join the frequent flyer programs for each of United, Delta, and American as needed. You may also want to join the frequent flyer programs for other non-major carriers that you fly like Southwest Airlines and JetBlue, depending on which airlines fly out of your local airport.

What’s the deal with airport codes?

Every airport in the world has an airport code. The code has three letters like SFO for San Francisco, BOS for Boston, or JFK for John F. Kennedy Airport near New York City.

It is useful to know the airport code for the destination for the flight you were taking. If you check luggage they will put on a luggage tag with that code on your suitcase. Double-check that code before your suitcase goes away. I politely argued with the gate agent for 15 minutes one time at JFK that he had just booked my luggage to San Jose Costa Rica (SJO) instead of San Jose California (SJC). When he was finally convinced, he was quite apologetic.

Some cities also have an airline code, such as NYC for New York City, which represents all of the airports in the area. So if you book a flight to NYC you were basically saying show me the flights to all New York airports. Here’s a list of all cities with airport codes.

How do I choose an airline seat?

It depends on which route you fly and which airline do you fly when you can pick your airline seat. Southwest airline, for instance, has open seating which means your boarding pass just tells you in what order you board and then you find whatever seat you can. That is unusual.

Most airlines let you book a seat at the time when you buy the ticket, although increasingly some airlines, like British Airways, don’t let you book a coach seat more than 24 hours before your flight without additional fees. Additional fees in general or a growing trend in airline tickets.

What’s the best airline seat?

Some people, like me, prefer to sit in the window both because it has a view and because on a long flight it’s easier for me to sleep at a window because people don’t keep bumping into me like they do when I sit on the aisle. My wife, on the other hand, prefers an aisle seat so that she does not need to negotiate with someone else when she wants to get up and use the restroom. Although after trying a window seat on a long-distance flight she does agree that it is easier to sleep in a window seat. The person at the window seat is somewhat less likely to get up during the flight, and therefore someone more likely of having issues with Deep Vein Thrombosis.

Not all airline seats are created equal. Some discount airlines like Spirit Airlines have very small seat pitch (the distance from the front of one seat to the front of the next seat) and therefore less legroom. Typically airlines these days will have at least three different classes of seats: first and/or business class, premium economy, and economy. First or business-class seats will be wider with better legroom. Business-class seats on a long haul flight will be more likely to be a lay-flat seat. Economy and the premium economy seats will be the same size, but the premium economy seating can have up to five more inches of legroom (or seat pitch). Legroom also means more room to use your laptop computer so these seats are popular with business travelers.

Premium seats are generally available for an additional cost, with unsold seats sometimes being made available to people in their frequent fliers program.

Exit row seats also have more legroom but have more restrictions. You need to be an able-bodied adult, able to understand crew instructions and willing to help in the case of an emergency to be seated in the exit row.

Some seats will have additional restrictions or advantages. For example, the row just in front of the exit row will not recline. The last row before I bulkhead will also likely not recline. The first row after a bulkhead may have the ability to put a baby bassinet, especially on a long haul flight but during take-off and landing, all your gear will need to be in an overhead compartment, not on the floor at your seat.

A great resource for finding the best seats on your flight is SeatGuru.com . I don’t just say that because I used to work on SeatGuru.

What is Deep Vein Thrombosis (DVT) and how do I avoid it?

DVT is caused by blood clots that form in the legs during a flight. It is a rare but very serious condition. Wearing compression socks can help, but the best way to prevent DVT is to get up and walk the aisle every couple of hours during a long flight.

Can I get food on my flight?

It used to be that on any flight over a couple of hours a meal was served. On domestic U.S. flights in coach that is largely a thing of the past. There will be snack boxes served on many longer flights in the U.S., but at an additional cost. The good news is that as the food has grown more and rarer, the quality has gotten better in my opinion.

Your ticket should indicate whether a meal is served on your flight so always check that before you go to the airport so you can know if you should purchase something to take on the plane with you.

In my experience, airport food has gotten better over the last couple of decades. There is a greater variety of food and more healthy food available at many airports. There are familiar restaurants (chain restaurants) and sometimes good local options. You can try a bread bowl clam chowder in San Francisco’s airport or the barbecue in Dallas / Fort Worth and not regret the decision.

Most long-haul flights, flights over an ocean, usually still serve food. For example, the flight from the west coast of the U.S. to Europe or Asia will usually offer a meal service at the beginning of the flight and then another one at the end. The quality of the food depends upon the carrier and obviously whether you are in coach or business class or first class.

Can I get a drink on my flight?

Most airlines are still providing a free soft drink, coffee, tea, water or juice on a flight. Beer or wine can often be purchased for an additional charge. You should expect most airline purchases these days will need to be done with a credit card when you were purchasing them on the airplane. Most international flights will include free beer and wine, although that is not as universal as it once was. I have flown on an international United flight within the last couple of years that charged for a glass of wine.

If you were flying a budget carrier like Ryan Air in Europe or Spirit Air in the United States, you should pretty much assume that anything other than the actual seat and seatbelt will cost extra.

What’s the most surprising airline fee?

Ryan Air will charge you €15 to print your boarding pass at the airport. That’s just ridiculous. Feel free to tell them I said so.

What’s the story with baggage fees?

Most US airlines charge for checked baggage. Southwest will still allow you one bag that is checked for free.

The airlines have found that most people don’t think about baggage fees when they consider the cost of air travel. They found when they raised ticket prices people traveled less, but adding an additional fee for checked luggage does not seem to have the same effect. Don’t expect those fees to go away anytime soon because they are the reason the airlines are profitable. The old joke used to be: “how do you become a millionaire? Start as a billionaire and then start an airline”.

Most airlines are not charging for carry-on luggage… yet. Space for carry-on luggage is at a premium now because baggage fees are causing many more people to carry on their luggage which causes some delays in boarding. (See our   chart for baggage regulations on different airlines ). If you have a carry-on bag with you at the gate and they tell you there is no room for it, then they will “gate check” your bag. There is no fee for this.

On a larger airline airplane, gate-checked baggage will usually be delivered back to you at the luggage carousel as if you had checked the bag. On smaller regional aircraft, you will sometimes pick up your bag At the jetway at your destination. It is a good idea to clarify where you will pick up the bag when you gate check it with the agent at the gate.

One way to avoid baggage fees is to buy your ticket with a credit card issued through the airline’s frequent flyer program. Using an airline credit card will get you additional frequent flyer miles for your flight and will also enable you to board sooner often.

How can I entertain kids on the plane?

Be gBe glad you live in a digital age. When I was a kid, parents entertained their children with a free deck of cards from the airline and the souvenir plastic wings they pinned on you. These days an iPad or other electronic device tends to be a more popular choice.

Many airplanes have seatback entertainment systems which include movies for a variety of age and maturity levels as well as games. SeatGuru.com is a good resource for determining what entertainment system will be on a particular flight. Consult the airline’s website for more information.

I’m increasingly seeing a BYOD (bring your own device) approach from airlines. United, for example, has been rolling out a system on some of their domestic routes where there are no screens because they assume you’ll be bringing your smartphone, tablet, or laptop. These flights have a Wi-Fi system that you can use to access the Internet, but more importantly to access a hundred movies from a local server on the plane. As of this writing, I am not seeing them charge for that entertainment portion of the Wi-Fi but you should get the United app on your device before you get on the plane. You will want to have the United app downloaded on your device before the flight.

Long-haul international flights almost universally have some sort of seatback entertainment system. It’s best to bring snacks when traveling with kids. On a long haul flight where food is served, it may not come at your convenience. On a domestic flight where no food will be served, you may want a carry-on meal as well.

When traveling internationally, rules differ by country whether you can use small electronic devices during takeoff and landing. A small toy or game or even that old deck of cards might come in handy. When we traveled with our children and they were small, we often brought some new activity or game.

For children older than infants or toddlers, it is best to explain what the flight will be like. We have seen at least one mother and daughter nearly get kicked off a plane because the mother could not control her child and get her to stay in the seatbelt during take-off.

• See also  15 Tips for Flying With Kids

What do I do if there are Snakes on the Plane ?

That this is a question that is best asked of Samuel L Jackson.

How Can I Avoid Jet Lag?

See one of these articles:

• How to Sleep on a Plane – Gear that Helps
• An Expert’s Guide to Defeating Jet Lag

What kind of exercises can I do on a plane?

It may seem like a silly question, but there are exercises you can do in your airline seat. Minimally you should do ankle rolls and occasional walking in the aisle for your circulation. Dropping to the floor for push-ups or sit-ups is not compatible with the hygiene of airplane floors.

How do I prepare for an airline emergency?

Frequent fliers can probably do the airline safety briefing from memory, but new flyers at least should pay attention to these mandatory briefings. You probably already know how to use a seatbelt, but it is a good practice to know the location of the nearest exit.

Make sure you were not seated in an emergency row if you’re not able to understand instructions or not able to help in the case of an emergency.

Remember to leave your luggage behind in the case of an evacuation of the plane. You would be amazed at how many times people don’t follow those simple instructions, themselves and others at risk.

Airline safety is at one of the safest levels we have ever seen. You are much safer after you get on the plane then you were on your drive to the airport. You are at more risk from severe unexpected turbulence than you are from crashing. Flight attendants and passengers have been severely injured or killed (very rarely) by unexpected turbulence. Always wear your seatbelt when you’re in your seat. That’s what the pilots you do.

Be careful when you are getting down luggage from the overhead compartment. Luggage falling on people’s heads is realistically the most common safety hazard you will have on your airplane. Note also that it is not the flight attendant’s job to lift your heavy suitcase into the overhead compartment, as that is the number one source of injury for flight attendants. Don’t pack more than you can lift in your carry-on bag.

When should I arrive at the airport?

The common rule of thumb is to arrive one hour early for a domestic flight and two hours before an international flight. If you’re going to be traveling around rush-hour or some other time with predictably bad traffic, add some additional time. If you’re traveling on a holiday such as around Thanksgiving or Christmas, it’s good to add additional time. Parking in long term parking can also add time. It also just doesn’t hurt to get to the airport early and have things to do. I tend to relax once I’m at my gate and through security.

Some airports, like parts of Dulles airport that use sky buses to get to the outer terminals just take longer. If you have not traveled through an airport before, it couldn’t hurt to look at the airport website for specific recommendations.

Where should I go when I get to the airport?

There are three main steps in your airport journey: the airline counter, security, and the gate. If you are checking a bag you definitely have to stop at the airline counter. Everyone has to go through security. But if you’re flying domestically, and are only bringing carry-on luggage (see restrictions on carry-on luggage), You may be able to print your boarding pass ahead of time and go straight to security and then on to your gate. If you’re flying internationally, someone will need to verify your passport. That will often happen at the airline counter.

See also  The Definitive Guide to Airport Security

How does self-check-in work?

More and more airlines and airports are using self-check-in at the airline counter. If this is the case at your departing airport, then you will check-in at an automated kiosk using your flight record number, or the credit card you used to book the flight or your passport. The kiosk will take you through a series of questions, try and sell you additional services, and will then print your boarding pass and, in many cases these days, also your baggage tags. Put the baggage tags on your suitcase and then look for a line to drop off baggage.

Do I still need a boarding pass?

Most airlines these days will give you the option of a paper boarding pass or one on your smartphone that is emailed to you. Either will work. If you have a boarding pass, you need to know where it is and be able to get to it at the appropriate time at security. If you lose your boarding pass then you can re-print one at the airline counter kiosk. If you use an electronic boarding pass, then you need to have your smartphone ready and it has to have enough charge to show the boarding pass at security and then likely then again at the gate.

Where do I charge my phone?

In many airports, you will find people huddled sitting on the floor next to the rare power outlet recharging their smartphone or laptop. If you want to make friends, you can bring a small traveler power strip so that more than one person can use the outlet. Some airlines are better about putting lots of plugs and USB outlets in their gates. Southwest seems to be one of the best airlines for this. You may also consider carrying a battery recharger for your trips. I carry either a HooToo device which you can also function as a wireless router later on at the hotel or an Away suitcase which has a built-in battery.

What is there to eat at the airport?

I use the GateGuru app from TripAdvisor to tell me what food there is at the airport. It can be handy to know whether you should eat before or after going through security or whether to eat near the arrival or departure gate when you are changing planes.

What are your unanswered questions?

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by Chris Christensen

+Chris Christensen | @chris2x | facebook

2 Responses to “25+ Air Travel Questions Answered”

Mike Shubic (@MikesRoadTrip)

Great info Chris!

thanks Mike!

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Tags: air travel , article , travel 101

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9 Questions to Ask Before Booking a Flight Right Now, According to Experts

Thinking of booking a flight? Ask yourself these nine questions first.

Editor's Note: Those who choose to travel are strongly encouraged to check local government restrictions, rules, and safety measures related to COVID-19 and take personal comfort levels and health conditions into consideration before departure.

In a time not so long ago, you could open your inbox to a price-drop alert for a flight you had your eye on, book it, and board the plane the next day. Unfortunately, there is far more turbulence these days when booking, preparing, and taking a flight in the middle of a pandemic . With travel restrictions and recommendations frequently changing without warning, airlines having to adjust to new protocols and procedures, and plenty of overall uncertainty, it’s essential to do your research before hopping on a plane. From assessing your personal risk tolerance to investigating how carriers and destinations are approaching COVID-19 precautions, experts share nine questions you should ask before taking to the friendly skies.

1. Am I comfortable with the airline’s COVID-19 practices?

This is truly the first time that airlines have had to navigate a health threat of mass-scale . Each has responded in different ways, creating various mandates and protocols, and travelers need to read the fine print before booking. Travel agent and founder of Uniglobe Travel Designers , Elizabeth Blount McCormick, recommends consulting airline websites, and if necessary, contacting a travel management company for clarification. While it’s important to know the latest news when booking, it’s also smart to check back a week before your flight to ensure nothing has changed. “People are more comfortable when they are aware and knowledgeable about processes and procedures,” she says. “Travel has changed so often that it can be overwhelming to try and keep up with the constant updates.”

2. Am I comfortable if the flight is full?

Generally speaking, travel volumes have decreased significantly compared to previous years. And while some airlines, like Delta , have committed to keeping the middle seat free, others have started to fill their flights to capacity. Travel agent and founder of Dynamite Travel , Dr. Terika L. Haynes, explains that part of this is due to maximizing efficiency and revenue, but it could also make at-risk travelers anxious. Before purchasing a ticket, it’s important to understand that there is the chance you will be seated next to strangers, which does pose a threat, even if you’re wearing a mask.

If you want to play it by ear, some airlines are offering alternative flight options if a passenger feels uneasy boarding, according to travel expert and founder of Eluxit , Bahar Schmidt. For example, United Airlines will allow travelers to change their plans, free of charge, if a flight is 70 percent booked. (However, it’s worth noting that United is currently booking their flights to 100-percent capacity, too.)

3. Will I have to quarantine once I arrive at my destination?

Depending on your arrival city, you may be required to quarantine for 14 days to prevent the spread of COVID-19. This will impact your travel dates, since you will need to book a return flight, too. McCormick suggests visiting the city or state’s official website to understand their recommendations and mandates, so you don’t put yourself or others at high risk of infection.

4. What is the airline's cancellation and refund policy?

In addition to considering your health on a flight, you may also need to think critically about your wallet. As Dr. Haynes explains, some carriers are canceling flights if they are not full, which means travelers should have a backup plan. She recommends coming prepared with information on alternative flights on the same day or time, just in case you need to make a shift on the spot. “Nonstop flights are changing to flights with layovers, flight times are changing, and even airports are changing in major cities such as New York or Chicago,” she adds. “If travelers include too many meetings, activities, and events on their travel days, any airline changes could completely throw their schedule off.”

If you’re considering booking a wildly inexpensive flight in 2021, go for it. But remember there is a chance it may not happen, depending on border openings and other health precautions. Luxury travel advisor for Ovation Travel Group , Andrew Steinberg, recommends reading through the refund policy thoroughly. “While we are encouraging clients to book flights for 2021, we don't know what is around the corner and need that guarantee that they can switch, cancel, or rebook without penalties on a fully refundable ticket,” he adds. “Some carriers are slow to refund, if at all.”

5. Do I need to arrive at the airport earlier than usual?

The answer is simple: Yes, you do. While it’s true that airports are an unbelievable sight, with near-empty terminals, shuttered stores, and limited dining options, McCormick says it’s still important to arrive earlier than you usually would due to social distancing and cleaning measures. What you expect to take 30 minutes may take an hour or more, if you happen to arrive at a busy time. It’s better to pass the time at the gate than to miss your departure.

6. What is the cleaning protocol?

Though the cleanliness of planes (or lack thereof) has largely been discussed in the past, since there typically isn’t much time for scrubbing between flights, now, they may be cleaner than ever. Airlines have developed various measures to ensure passengers feel safe and protected on board. Schmidt suggests calling the airline or looking for information online about their specific protocols. You should answer the following questions:

• What filtration system does the airline use?
• How often do they spray the aircraft with disinfectant? What type of disinfectant do they use?
• How often do they run the filtration system during the flight?

In the best case scenario, Schmidt says an aircraft should use “True High-Efficiency Particle Filters” (True HEPA) or “High-Efficiency Particle Filters” (HEPA). “This would operate every two to four minutes and can make a complete air change approximately 15 to 30 minutes per hour,” she explains.

7. Can I travel internationally?

While many international destinations have been easing restrictions and welcoming back visitors, some countries have limitations in place that affect U.S. travelers , explains David McCown, Air Partner ’s U.S. president. Before you decide to cross the pond or escape to somewhere tropical, consult the U.S. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention to understand the restrictions in your anticipated destination.

Remember, even if your passport allows entry to a country, there may be further paperwork you need to provide to the customs agent. As McCown explains, many international destinations are requiring travelers to show proof of a negative COVID-19 test. “Some destinations provide tests upon arrival, while others require a negative test to be performed two to seven days before departure from their country of origin,” he adds. “It’s important to factor in this additional requirement prior to booking a flight as many testing centers are by appointment only.”

8. How does the Cares Act coronavirus relief package impact my flight cost?

As part of the Coronavirus Aid, Relief, and Economic Security (Cares) Act, the airline industry has received some much-needed economic assistance. Why should this matter to you? McGown says that as of March 27, the 7.5 percent federal excise tax and the flight segment tax ($4.30 per segment) are waived through the end of 2020. This means your flight could be much cheaper than average, but it only applies to any flights purchased before Jan. 1, 2021. “As travel anxiety subsides with the advancement of new information, and airlines compete for travelers, there is an opportunity for even bigger savings as airlines are motivated to lower their base prices,” he adds.

9. What food and beverage options will be available on the flight?

Gone are the days of unlimited booze and dining options on international flights. While many airlines will still try to accommodate dietary restrictions, they have vastly reduced their food service to decrease exposure. Schmidt says it’s smart to figure out what you will be served (or, more importantly, won’t be served) before booking. “If a meal is served, it might be just a small snack box with a bottle of water, with no other beverages or meals available during the flight,” he adds. “Knowing exactly what you will be served on the plane can help you plan what to bring on board.”

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Change & cancel.

Delta tickets normally expire one year from the date of purchase. However, for additional flexibility, all tickets expiring in 2022 and all new tickets purchased in 2022 will be able to be rebooked through December 31, 2023 for travel now through 2024. When you are ready to use your eCredit, visit delta.com/redeem or the Fly Delta app where you’ll be able to verify the existing value/expiration date information and apply the eCredit at the time of purchase. 

Rest assured that we are at work updating all tickets with their extended validity later this year. As we make this update, you can continue to book tickets for travel anytime in 2022 or 2023 with your existing eCredits.

For more details about waiver eligibility and terms, visit delta.com/waivers .

Enjoy more peace of mind with no change fees when you purchase a Main Cabin or above ticket on flights originating from the United States, Canada, Europe , Africa or the Caribbean . For tickets where travel begins outside of these regions, change and cancel fees may apply depending on your origin location and type of ticket.

When changing your ticket, sometimes your new flight may cost more than your original flight. If this happens, you will need to pay the difference in price. In cases where the price of your new flight is less than the original price or if you choose to cancel your flight before departure, you will receive an eCredit for the difference between the price of your original ticket and the price of your new ticket.

As a reminder, Basic Economy tickets cannot be changed in most cases. You may cancel before departure for a cancellation charge which is deducted from the value of your ticket and the remaining value will be issued as an eCredit to use toward a future Delta ticket.

Visit My Trips or the Fly Delta app to make your changes.

eCredits & Refunds

In keeping with our longstanding policy, we will first attempt to rebook you on a new flight if your current flight is canceled, significantly delayed (> 120 minutes) or impacted by a qualifying significant schedule change.

If we cannot find an alternate flight for you and we cancel your ticket, or you choose to cancel the new flight you have been rebooked on, you have the following options:

• Receive an eCredit for the value of the ticket, seat upgrade or Preferred Seat
• Adjust your itinerary in My Trips ; or
• Request a refund to your original form of payment once your ticket is canceled

The same rules apply whether a flight is booked with cash, miles or using a Companion Certificate. For award flights that qualify for a change fee waiver, we are also waiving the mile redeposit fee. 

All unused Companion Certificates as of July 31, 2021, or Companion Certificates issued between August 1, 2021 and December 31, 2021, will have the expiration date extended to book and fly by January 31, 2023. To cancel your trip and use your Companion Certificate for a future booking, please visit My Trips for your quickest service option. If you cannot complete your request in My Trips, visit the Help Center for assistance.

Visit delta.com/redeem where you’ll be able to verify your eCredit value, expiration date and redeem online for future travel.

Review our how-to page for tips on managing eCredits.

Plane Cleanliness, Face Masks & Trip Protection

Face masks are no longer required inside domestic airports, on U.S. domestic flights and on most international flights.

We recommend reviewing Delta’s mask policy , which includes more information on mask usage. Please continue to bring a mask with you for international travel, because it may be required for some destinations based on their laws and requirements.

Cleaning crews perform extensive manual cleaning procedures to wipe down cabin surfaces including seats, consoles, seatback screens, windows, doors, lavatories and other high-touch areas of the cabin.  

Check out more details about Delta’s aircraft cleaning procedures .

Destinations & Travel Restrictions

If you are a U.S. citizen who has reviewed all required travel documents and determined you need to receive or renew your passport ahead of international travel, please visit the U.S. Department of State’s travel website to fill out the necessary forms. Be sure to give yourself plenty of time as passport processing often takes several months and could take longer during peak travel periods. Processing is often 10 weeks for routine requests and 6 weeks for expedited service. 

In addition to needing a passport for international travel, some countries have also imposed temporary health-related entry requirements. To find out more about your destination's health requirements, please use our interactive map.

We want you to arrive prepared, so please visit the Delta Discover Map to learn about potential travel requirements for a trip you are planning or have booked. The information is up-to-date and personalized based on your specific circumstances.  Entry and exit requirements are imposed by governments and may change before departure, so please be sure to check back close to your intended travel dates for the latest requirements.

Also, if you book an international flight, your trip may be eligible for  Delta FlyReady SM which makes managing travel requirements faster and easier by guiding you through the process.

All travelers must provide contact tracing information when entering or connecting through the U.S. COVID-19 testing and vaccination are no longer required.

Review full requirements and exceptions . 

Partner Airlines & Travel Affiliates

Our partner airlines have introduced measures to ensure a hassle-free, seamless experience from start to finish with an increased focus on cleanliness and your safety. Visit our partners’ websites for all the latest information. 

Aeromexico  Air France  China Eastern   KLM  Korean Air   LATAM  Virgin Atlantic  WestJet

Delta Stays Reservations: 

If you need to change or cancel your hotel reservation, you can use your confirmation number to Find Your Booking and manage your reservation or call 1-866-202-1813.

Delta Car Rentals Reservations:

To make changes to your car rental reservation, you can use your confirmation number to Find Your Booking and manage your reservation or call the rental car company directly.

Contact Delta

In general, you can use My Trips as the quickest way to resolve most ticket changes and issues. However, the following scenarios cannot currently be changed via My Trips and you will have to call for assistance:  

• A form of payment used includes a combination of cash and miles or an upgrade using miles or certificates
• An adult traveling with an infant in arms   
• Tickets that are sold or ticketed by another airline – generally, this means your flight number will start with something other than "DL", except for SkyMiles Award Travel operated by a Delta airline partner

If you are ready to book your new trip now, it’s easy to locate and redeem your  eCredit online.   If you don’t see your eCredit or have an issue booking on delta.com, please have your old ticket number ready when you call our  Reservations team . Your ticket number is a 13-digit number beginning with 006. You can locate the ticket number on your emailed flight purchase receipt.

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Air Travel Tips

A collection of helpful tips and information to help you protect yourself while traveling.

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Top questions.

• How can I get the best air fare ?

Is there anything I should keep in mind when packing?

What if my flight is delayed, if something went wrong, how can i file a complaint.

For additional information on these topics, click “ Other Consumer Tips ” above.

Before the flight

How can i get the best air fare, what factors should i take into account when choosing flights, what kinds of fees could i end up paying in addition to my fare, i need to cancel a reservation that i just made.  can i get a refund, my child is flying alone.  what preparations should i make.

• I want to take my pet with me on this trip. What does that entail?

At the airport

Where and when do i need to check in at the airport, what should i know about clearing security, what are my options if my flight is canceled, what are my rights if my flight is oversold, during the flight, what is the “tarmac delay rule”, what should i be alert to at my connecting airport, at your destination.

• Is there anything I should be alert to when I collect my checked bag?

What if my bag doesn’t show up?

After your trip.

• Be flexible in your travel plans.

The best deals may be available only on certain days of the week or particular hours of the day.  The lowest fares are often blacked out during holiday periods, but you might be able to get a discount fare if you fly on the holiday itself.

• Plan as far ahead as you can.

Most airlines set aside only a limited number of seats on many desirable flights at the lower rates.

• Compare fares of different airlines.

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• A connection (change of planes) is sometimes cheaper than a nonstop, but it involves the risk of a misconnection if your first flight is delayed.  If you have a connection, make sure your itinerary allows enough connecting time.  Flights early in the day are less susceptible to delays.
• If you have a choice of nearby airports, your fare could depend on which airport you use.

Also, if the city where you live or the city where you are going is an airline “hub,” fares may be higher than for flights to or from other nearby cities because of reduced competition.  You might save money by leaving from another nearby city.

• Most airlines now charge for checked bags.
• Some airlines charge a fee for ticketing depending on whether you purchase your ticket on the web, by phone, or at the airport.
• Most airlines charge extra for preferred seats.

If you want an advance seat assignment next to your traveling companion or family and the only available adjacent seats include a preferred seat, you might have to pay a fee.

• Many airlines offer early boarding for a fee.
• Except on longer international flights, you will usually pay for any in-flight meals or snacks, if offered, as well as for any available internet service, video entertainment and audio headsets.
• Most air fares require payment when you make the reservation, and most discount fares are non-refundable.
• DOT requires airlines to either hold a reservation for 24 hours without payment or refund a paid ticket — even a non-refundable one — if you cancel within 24 hours of purchase and you purchased your ticket more than 7 days before your flight.

Airlines are free to choose between holding a reservation without payment in these circumstances or refunding after payment; they don’t have to offer both options.

• Valuables (e.g., cash, jewelry, expensive electronics).
• Critical items (e.g., medicine, keys, passport, tour vouchers, business papers).
• Irreplaceable items (e.g., heirlooms, original photos).
• Fragile items.  Consider shipping them in advance.  If they must be checked, wrap them carefully in padding.
• Perishables

Many airlines limit their liability for loss or damage of these items on domestic trips.  Try to carry them on your person or in a carry-on bag.

• Put items that you will need during the first 24 hours in a carry-on bag.  Although most checked bags arrive on time, some may be delayed for a day or two.
• When purchasing a suitcase lock, remember that security inspectors may need to open your checked bags out of your presence.

If you wish to lock your bags, see www.tsa.gov   for information on locks that security personnel can open and re-lock.  If you use an unapproved lock and your bag is selected for inspection, security staff will break the lock if necessary.

• Put a tag on the outside of your baggage with your name, address, and phone numbers.

Most airlines provide free "privacy tags" which conceal this information from passersby.  Put the same information inside each bag, and add an address and telephone number where you can be reached during your trip.

• Contact the airline well in advance.
• Most airlines offer “unaccompanied minor” service.  Depending on your child’s age, this service may be mandatory.
• Children below a certain age (usually 5 years old) might not be allowed to travel alone.
• Older kids might be limited to nonstop or “through” flights depending on their age.
• Children above a certain age may not be eligible for unaccompanied-minor service.
• Airlines generally charge a substantial fee for unaccompanied-minor service.
• Read  When Kids Fly Alone .

I want to take my pet with me on my trip.  What does that entail?

• Most U.S. airlines accept pets.

Some airlines allow you to choose between bringing your pet on your flight as checked or carry-on baggage or shipping it as air cargo.

• Check with your airline to learn about restrictions on carrying pets.

Most airlines will not carry pets as checked baggage during the summer and winter although you might be able to ship your pet as air freight at those times.  Airlines also embargo animals on very hot and cold days, so always have a backup plan for your pet.  Many airlines will not transport snub-nosed and pug-nosed dogs and cats.

• You will need to supply an approved kennel.

The kennel for a carry-on pet must fit under the seat, and your airline will probably require that the animal remain in the kennel during the flight and in the airport.  Your pet might count as one of your allowed pieces of baggage, and there may be an additional fee for the pet as well.

• Check with your airline to learn about all requirements for pets.

You may have to supply a health certificate from a veterinarian, and certain destinations may require a quarantine period upon arrival.

• For additional information, see Traveling with Animals .
• Check-in deadlines can vary by airline and airport.

You can find the check-in deadlines for your flights on the airline’s website and perhaps on your e-ticket confirmation.

• In most cases, you must be at the gate no later than 10 to 15 minutes before scheduled departure time for domestic flights.  For international flights this deadline may be 45 minutes or longer.
• Allow time to check a bag and pass through security.
• Airlines may impose an earlier deadline for obtaining a boarding pass and seat assignment.

The most common such deadline is 30 minutes before scheduled departure for domestic flights and one hour for international flights.

• Allow more time than you think you will need to clear security.
• Passengers who look like they are 18 or over should bring a government-issued photo ID.
• Cabin luggage is generally limited to one carry-on bag plus one personal item (briefcase, purse, etc.).

Size and weight of allowable carry-on bags can vary by airline.  This information must be included in your confirmation/itinerary.

• Don’t bring sharp items on your person or in your carry-on bag.
• TSA has a “3-1-1” rule for liquids, aerosols and gels in carry-on baggage.

Those substances must be in containers that are no more than 3.4 oz. in volume (100 ml), with all such containers in one clear quart -size plastic bag, and one such bag per passenger.

• For details see TSA’s Traveler Information site.
• Try to find out the projected length of the delay so that you can evaluate your options.

Airlines are required to regularly update the public on the status of delays of 30 minutes or more.  But keep in mind that it is sometimes difficult for airlines to estimate the total duration of a delay during its early stages.  Weather that had been forecast to improve can instead deteriorate, or a mechanical problem can turn out to be more complex than initially evaluated.

• If the problem is with local weather, all flights will probably be late and there is not much you or the airline can do to speed up your departure.
• If there is a mechanical problem with the aircraft for your particular flight, or if the crew is delayed on an incoming flight, you might be better off trying to arrange another flight.

It is sometimes easier to make such arrangements by phone than at the airline counter. Check to see whether you have to pay a penalty or higher fare for changing your reservations.  Changing flights and airlines becomes more difficult and time consuming if you have checked bags.

• If you find a flight on another airline, ask the first airline to “endorse” your ticket to the new carrier, which could save you a fare increase.  However, there is no rule requiring an airline to do this.
• Each airline has its own policies about what it will do for delayed passengers waiting in the airport terminal.

There are no Federal requirements regarding these amenities or services.  If you are delayed, ask the airline staff if they will pay for meals or phone calls.  Some airlines may not offer amenities if bad weather or something else beyond the airline’s control causes the delay.

• If your flight is canceled, most airlines will rebook you on their next flight to your destination on which space is available, at no additional charge.

If this will involve a significant delay find out if another carrier has seats and ask the first airline to endorse your ticket to that carrier, but be aware that there are no Federal requirements for the airline to do so.  Finding extra seats may be difficult, however, especially over holidays and other peak travel times.

• If your flight is canceled or diverted or experiences a lengthy delay and you choose to cancel your trip as a result, you are entitled to a refund for the unused transportation — even for non-refundable tickets — and for any bag fee that you paid.
• If the airline offers travel vouchers to volunteers who are willing to give up their seat, every volunteer must be told about any material restrictions on the use of the vouchers before the prospective volunteer gives up his or her seat.

Such restrictions can include administrative fees, advance-ticketing requirements, capacity restrictions, blackout dates, or other provisions.

• If you are involuntarily denied boarding in an oversale situation, the airline must give you a detailed written notice explaining your rights, and you are usually entitled to substantial compensation in the form of a check.

The airline is free to offer travel vouchers as an option to passengers who are involuntarily denied boarding, but material restrictions must be disclosed in the manner described above.

• For further information, see the “Overbooking” chapter of Fly Rights .
• DOT rules state that at a U.S. airport, an airline may not keep passengers aboard an aircraft for more than three hours (four hours for international flights) without an opportunity to deplane.

This rule applies to departures and arrivals, and to U.S. and foreign airlines that operate at least one aircraft with 30 or more seats.

• Food and water must be offered at the two-hour point during such a delay.
• Airlines must provide operational lavatories, and medical care if needed.
• Certain exceptions for safety, security and air traffic control may apply.
• When you deplane from your first flight, check the monitor or schedule board at the connecting airport to make sure the gate assignment for your next flight hasn’t changed.
• Get to your gate before the gate-arrival deadline.  Even if you have a boarding pass and seat assignment, late arrival at your gate opens the possibility of losing your seat.

When I collect my checked bag, is there anything I should be alert to?

• Check your bag tag number or name tag.

Many bags look alike; don’t claim your bag solely on appearance.

• If your bag arrives open, unlocked or visibly damaged, check immediately to see if any of the contents are missing or damaged.
• Report any problems to your airline before leaving the airport.

Insist that the airline create a report record and give you its number even if they say the bag will be in on the next flight.  Get the agent's name and an appropriate telephone number for following up. This number is different from the reservations number.

• Open your suitcase immediately when you get to where you are staying and check for damaged items and evidence of pilferage.

Report any damage to contents or pilferage immediately by telephone.  Make a note of the date and time of the call, and the name and telephone number of the person you spoke with.  Follow up immediately with a certified letter or return-receipt email.

• The airline will take a report as described above and will begin tracing the bag.  The vast majority of delayed bags turn up within a few days, often on the next flight.
• You are entitled to reasonable reimbursement for expenses you incur while waiting for the delayed bag, such as the purchase of toiletries and a change of underwear.
• At a certain point (as early as a week or two) the airline will declare a bag lost and will provide claim forms for you to fill out and return.

Airlines don't automatically pay the full amount of every claim they receive.  Like insurance companies, airlines consider the depreciated value of your possessions, not their original price or the replacement costs.

• If you're tempted to exaggerate your claim, don't.  Airlines may completely deny claims they can show are inflated or fraudulent.
• Generally, it takes an airline anywhere from four weeks to three months to pay passengers for their lost luggage.
• When airlines tender a settlement, they may offer you the option of free tickets on future flights in a higher amount than the cash payment.  Ask about all restrictions on these tickets, such as "blackout" periods.
• Your first step is contacting the airline.

U.S. and foreign airlines are required to make available the mailing address and email or web address where complaints can be registered with the airline.  This information must appear on the airline’s website, on all e-ticket confirmations, and, upon request, at each of the airline’s ticket counters and boarding gates.  Airlines are required to substantively respond to written consumer complaints within 60 days.

• If you are not satisfied with an airline’s response you may file a complaint with DOT .

  Other Consumer Tips

• Fly Rights    A comprehensive collection of information for air travelers.
• Plane Talk     Fact sheets and links on topics like flight delays, baggage and more.
• Tell it to the Judge    Taking an airline to small claims court.
• When Kids Fly Alone    ‘Unaccompanied Minors’ on airline flights.
• New Horizons: Information for the Air Traveler with a Disability
• Air Travelers With Developmental Disabilities
• Airline Consumer Contacts
• Common Terms in Air Travel
• Traveling With a Musical Instrument
• Passport Validity Period for Travel to Europe

Statistics on flight delays, consumer complaints and other matters at Air Travel Consumer Report

Most Viewed Reports

• Air Travel Consumer Report issued April 2018
• Air Travel Consumer Report issued March 2018
• Air Travel Consumer Report issued February 2018
• 2018 Air Travel Consumer Reports
• 2017 Air Travel Consumer Reports
• 2016 Air Travel Consumer Reports
• Air Travel Consumer Report Archive
• Airlines Policies on the Serving of Nuts
• Suggested Guidelines for Accessible Lavatories in Twin-Aisle Aircraft
• Air Travelers With Disabilities: Technical Assistance Manual for Airline Employees, Contractors, and Travelers
• Annual Report on Disability-Related Air Travel Complaints

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All Your Holiday Air Travel Questions, Answered

By Jessica Puckett

Venturing out and flying during the COVID-19 pandemic can trigger a lot of safety questions, especially around airports and being on board planes . Throw in the rush of the holiday season, and mitigating COVID-19 risks feels impossibly complex.

So we turned to the experts: We asked three top medical professionals for their opinions on some of your most burning questions around flying during COVID-19 and holiday air travel safety . 

“I would really advise people not to travel over the holidays,” says Dr. Leana Wen, an emergency physician and public health professor at George Washington University who previously served as Baltimore's Health Commissioner. “There is such a high level of coronavirus infection all around the country that estimates are that if you’re in a group of 10 people, you have a 1 in 4 chance that somebody there will have coronavirus and not know it.”

In fact, those sentiments were echoed by our other two experts: Dr. Kawsar Talaat, assistant professor of international health at Johns Hopkins; and Leonard Marcus of the Harvard T.H. Chan School of Public Health. With that said, everyone is assessing their own risk factors and comfort levels with traveling to see family this season. Here are some tips on how to better protect yourself from contracting or spreading the virus if you plan to take a flight over the holidays .

How useful are face shields, googles, and PPE suits? What’s the best combination to wear?

Wen: “If you’re flying, make sure to have a mask on the entire time. A three-ply surgical mask is going to be better than a cloth mask. Wearing a face shield on top of that will provide additional protection because it will protect your eyes, which are not protected with a mask.”

“[Wear] whatever you have access to and whatever is most comfortable to you because we need consistent wearing as well. It won’t help very much if it’s so uncomfortable that you won’t be able to wear it.”

Talaat: “They do make a difference: They keep anything from going into your eyes, but also they keep you from touching your face. So they are useful. I think it depends on your comfort if you have a good mask , and you prefer to wear goggles—as long as the goggles actually do protect your eyes and aren’t just like glasses, which don’t completely cover your eyes—then you can do that. But the face shield is nice because it keeps your hands off your mask; it covers your mouth and adds another layer of protection. You can’t use a face shield instead of a mask. That won’t work.”

Marcus: “We are not aware of either observational studies or randomized clinical trials that have assessed the effectiveness of face shields for mitigating the transmission of SARS-CoV-2. The virus is known to enter through the mucus membranes of the eyes, nose, and mouth. One should avoid touching those areas and the face shield can serve as a reminder not to do so.”

What's better, an economy seat with no one next to you, or a packed business seat?

Wen: “It’s hard to say, I think the one benefit of business class is you might have a choice about boarding times, and maybe you won’t be with as many people when you’re boarding. So I don’t know, I don’t think this is the determining factor in terms of safety here.”

Talaat: “I think that you have more space between you and the person next to you if you’re in economy with nobody next to you t han in business class with somebody right next to you. Even though there’s a little more space in the business class seat, that person is still going to be within two feet of you.”

Marcus: “What we have found is that, during normal operation, the ventilation systems maintain consistent air quality throughout the entire aircraft cabin. Travelers should assess their own personal circumstances and follow recommended protocols including mask wearing, social distancing and hand-washing.”   

How often should you be washing and/or sanitizing your hands during air travel?

Wen: “It depends on what you are exposed to. When you first sit down, you’re wiping down everything. You should wipe down everything and then sanitize your hands immediately after that. And subsequently, every time you touch something that you haven’t already sanitized, then you need to use hand sanitizer. So you could potentially not need to sanitize your hands at all if you don’t get up from your seat, everything that you’re touching is something that you’ve already sanitized. So it really depends, versus if you go to the bathroom and come back, you should definitely sanitize. Or if you touch the call button , make sure you keep track of what you’re touching, and if everything is something you’ve already sanitized, you don’t need to keep sanitizing your hands.”

Talaat: “Often. So as you’re going through the airport, you should do it often and every time you touch something—like when you’re going through baggage claim, when you’re going through the security check , et cetera. On the plane, you should sanitize the area around you, and I would wash your hands fairly frequently: a couple times an hour or before you put anything in your mouth.”

Any advice for eating and drinking safely on a plane?

Wen: “The mask is protecting you, and if you’re taking it off, that’s not safe. So I would highly advise that people eat and drink prior to going on the flight. If at all possible, do not eat or drink during the flight. It may not be possible for some people, but in that case I would recommend whatever is the thing that you can eat and drink the fastest—bring a shake or something instead of eating a hamburger. That’s what I’m worried about, is the time that you are spending without your mask.” 

Talaat: “I would avoid it if you can. If the flights are short enough to not eat or drink on the plane, that’s probably the safest to keep your mask on.”

“The next safest thing is to bring your own food on the plane and sort of eat at times when the people around you aren’t eating. So like, when they’re wearing their mask, and vice versa, so you should keep your mask on when other people are eating, and talk to the people around you about keeping their mask on while you’re eating or drinking as quickly as you can. I know there are flights that are really, really long, and so it would be hard to go without anything at all. But to minimize the amount of time you have your mask off would make it safer.”

CNT Editors

Blane Bachelor

Kyler Alvord

Marcus : “In any indoor environment, the less you remove your mask, the better. On an airplane, if you are going to eat or drink, ensure that others around you are wearing their masks; remove your mask for as little time as possible, and, if possible, use a straw.”

Are plane bathrooms a big area for concern? Are you better off going in the airport even though more people might be going through?

Wen: "Try to avoid getting up to go to the bathroom. You’ll be passing many people if you do that. And the bathroom itself is a small enclosed space that other people will have been into. Definitely [opt for] the airport bathroom because most likely you’ll be able to keep physical distance versus you will not in a plane bathroom for certain."

Talaat: “I guess it depends on how much the airflow is turned over in the bathroom, if it’s the same sort of turnover or even faster than the general plane—cause the plane actually has pretty good air filtration—and they turn over the air fairly quickly. And then also how good the airflow is and how crowded the bathrooms are at the airport ." 

"I think overall the airport bathrooms are larger, so there’s more air for anything to dissipate. However, they may be more crowded. And it also depends on how often both of those places are cleaned. So I think there are a lot of variables.”

Marcus: “The ventilation systems on aircraft bathrooms have negative pressure, which means that air is drawn out of the bathroom, thereby reducing exposure. After touching bathroom surfaces, hands should be carefully washed or sanitized.”

Is a long-haul flight considerably safer than two shorter legs?

Wen: "While the plane is running, the transmission risk is actually very low because the air circulation is rapid. However, during boarding , when people are lining up, and if the plane is just taxiing, that’s the highest risk period because there isn’t fresh air being circulated in that time and people are usually being jammed together. So I would try to limit that time as much as you can.

“If it were me and it were all things equivalent, I would choose a longer flight because, again, the riskiest time is not when you’re in flight, it’s the boarding, and the leaving the plane, when you’re on the jet bridge, when the plane is taxiing. So you’ll have double that period of time if you take two flights.”

Talaat: “I would think so just because you have less contact with fewer people. So if you have a long flight and you’re basically exposed to all the people on that plane and the airport of your origin and airport of your destination. Whereas if you’re transferring some place , you’re also exposed to the people at that airport as well, and you have a lot more contact with people and objects as you’re transiting through the airport. You’re more likely to eat in that break, and you’ll probably spend less time in transit overall if you take one long flight versus two shorter flights.”

Do shorter flights pose less risk than longer ones?

Wen: "It’s hard to say. The time in the flight is not the problem, although the longer the flight is, the more likely you’re going to have to go to the bathroom, and take a drink of water and eat and so forth. But I’m actually less concerned about that than with all the other activities surrounding the flight. If you’re going to fly maybe you’re going to have to take a taxi, and then you are getting in line to get your boarding pass , and then you’re waiting in line to go through the TSA checkpoint, and then you’re going to the bathroom—you know, all of these things add up in terms of risk."

Marcus: “The longer one is on a plane, the higher the potential risks. Likewise, shorter flights with shorter potential exposure pose lower risks.”

We're reporting on how COVID-19 impacts travel on a daily basis. Find all of our coronavirus coverage and travel resources here.

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Key travel tips you need to know — whether you’re a first-time or frequent traveler

The holiday travel season is fully upon us. The Transportation Security Administration expects to screen a record number of passengers this Christmas, and the TSA already broke a daily record. They screened a whopping 2.9 million travelers on Nov. 26, 2023, alone ... the most passengers ever screened in a single day.

As millions of travelers take trips by plane , cruise ship or road , we've gathered some essential travel tips on how best to book and enjoy your journeys.

Whether you're an occasional road-tripper or a frequent globe-trotter, these TPG-backed top travel tips can help you avoid unnecessary headaches when you spend time away from home.

How to find travel deals

Flexibility is key when it comes to finding cheap airfare any time of year.

Changing your arrival or departure date by a single day can save you hundreds of dollars on airfare. If you don't mind altering your family's plans slightly, consider booking travel directly on major holidays like the Fourth of July, Thanksgiving and Christmas for cheaper prices and thinner airport crowds.

One of our favorite tools at TPG for finding deals is Google Flights . You can use the search field to find the cheapest (or best) flights. Google will also give you a historical view of how prices have ranged and will even send you email alerts if fares jump or drop on specific routes you've selected.

It also has some fun tools you can use to find a cheap destination. By clicking the "Explore" button on the sidebar and putting your departure airport, Google will give you a map or list view of the most wallet-friendly destinations.

However, Google isn't the only place to find deals: TPG publishes regular deal alerts. You can sign up for Twitter alerts and subscribe to our daily newsletter for the latest deals news.

Don't sleep on mileage awards, either. If you've been hoarding miles during the pandemic, it's time to spend them. Cash prices are high, so it can be a good time to burn those miles.

No matter how much you think you know about redeeming miles for flights , there are always new tips and tricks for turning those earnings into dream trips. Turn to TPG for guidance on sweet spots for redemptions. Sites like ExpertFlyer (part of Red Ventures, like TPG) supply additional redemption ideas or even business class upgrade inventory.

You may even want to consult a travel agent to get access to special deals that aren't available anywhere else. Travel agents can sometimes get you extra perks at hotels or even cheaper business-class airfare to your dream destination.

Be your own best advocate

Since there are still air traffic controller shortages and little room for error in the system these days, travelers have to be their own best advocates.

There are ways to get ahead of any possible travel nightmares.

First, be smart when booking. Try to find a nonstop flight rather than one with connections, even if it costs a little more. You'll eliminate the risk of missing connections and lessen the chance of having your luggage go in a different direction than you during a transfer.

You could also take one of the first flights of the day, as those are least likely to face afternoon thunderstorms and most likely to depart on time. Read our article 5 reasons to book the first flight of the day for all the data.

Related: Your flight is canceled or delayed – here's what you should do next

Download your airline's mobile app to keep track of potential flight delays in real time. The airline app is a secret weapon in case things go wrong. Not only will you know when boarding starts, but you'll also learn of any delays first. Some airlines allow you to even rebook yourself in the app.

If your flight is canceled, you'll want to beat everyone else on your flight who is also looking to get rebooked.

We recommend heading for the customer service desk (or lounge desk if you have access). You could also get on the phone with the airline or contact them via social media if there's a delay . Sometimes, an airline's Twitter representative will help you faster than a phone or in-person agent can. You have to use every tool at your disposal when things go south.

Many airlines also now have live chat capabilities to help navigate delays and cancellations.

I always have an alternate plan (or two) in the back of my mind in case a flight gets canceled or delayed. I also look to see what other airlines are flying the route I'm booked in case something goes awry. This way, I'll know what to ask for if I need to be rebooked.

Also, save all the receipts for the expenses you incur during delays or cancellations. You'll want excellent documentation in the case of meltdowns like the one Southwest passengers experienced during the holidays .

If you're stuck at an airport for an extended period, seek out your airport's secret quiet spaces for a brief escape from the travel chaos.

Get Global Entry and/or TSA PreCheck

One of our favorite ways to speed through the airport and avoid those summertime mega lines is via Trusted Traveler programs like TSA PreCheck and Global Entry .

Essentially, the government pre-screens you for security and thus you save a bit of time during your travels. You'll need to apply ahead of time and pay a fee. The great news, however, is that many credit cards will give you a statement credit for these fees. TSA PreCheck is a $78 application fee for five years, and Global Entry is $100.

Related: 7 ways to get Global Entry, TSA PreCheck and/or Clear for free

TSA PreCheck allows you to speed through airport security without removing your shoes, laptops or liquids. With Global Entry , you can breeze through customs when you return from an international trip.

If you have the time, going for Global Entry rather than simply TSA PreCheck makes sense. Global Entry requires an interview with Customs and Border Patrol ahead of time, but once you're approved, TSA PreCheck will be included.

Get Clear for the ultimate security trifecta

The other security tool we recommend you have in your travel toolbelt is Clear .

Related: Why you should get TSA PreCheck and Clear

The expedited security program allows you to bypass long security lines by using a separate lane at many airports. You'll approach a kiosk where your identity is confirmed via an iris scan or fingerprint. A Clear employee will then escort you to the front of the security screening line.

A Clear membership combined with TSA PreCheck will enable you to go to even shorter lines at some airports with designated Clear/PreCheck lines. Clear isn't perfect at all airports where it's so popular, and there are now long lines (cough, Atlanta). However, it will still generally lead to shorter lines overall.

Related: Guide to using the Amex Platinum Clear benefit

Make copies of your important documents

Make digital and hard copies of all your important travel-related documents. Start by photographing your driver's license, your state ID and/or your passport.

You should have copies of your IDs in your phone's library in case you get separated from the actual document. Sometimes, it also helps in a pinch if you are asked for ID, and you didn't bring the hard copy. For example, I was recently asked for my ID to enter One Vanderbilt to have dinner at the new American Express Centurion Lounge in New York. The receptionist would have accepted a photograph of the ID if I didn't have the physical document.

TPG also recommends having an actual photocopy in a separate place. Editor Kristy Tolley says she stores a hard copy in a separate place from where she keeps her passport in case she loses a bag. "I also leave a copy of it at home if I'm traveling alone," she said.

Check expiration dates

If you aren't 100% certain of the expiration date of your passport and other travel documents, go check them now. Renewing passports takes time, and some countries require six months of future passport validity to allow entry. Remember that child passports expire every five years, which can sneak up on you.

Related: How and when to renew your passport

Double-checking the expiration dates for your driver's licenses and state IDs is also a good idea. Remember that TSA checks the expiration dates on your documents when they screen you for security. Don't forget to check the expiration dates for your Trusted Traveler programs like Global Entry, Clear and TSA PreCheck, too. It can take a while to get a Global Entry interview appointment if you need one to renew.

Few things are worse than getting to the front of the security line and realizing the PreCheck mark is gone from your boarding pass.

Finally, check the entry requirements if you are traveling internationally. Some countries require visas that you must acquire before arrival.

Consider travel protection

When booking your travel, try to use a credit card that offers some built-in travel protection . Many credit cards, including TPG favorites like the Chase Sapphire Reserve or The Platinum Card® from American Express , offer this when you use those cards to purchase your airfare and similar.

Related: Best credit cards for trip delays and cancellations

If the coverage offered by your credit card isn't enough, you might also want to purchase travel insurance . These policies can sometimes go beyond trip cancellations to cover things like medical evacuations. Warning: Read the fine print on any extra policies very carefully to ensure it covers the situations that matter the most to you.

Those who frequently travel abroad may want to consider purchasing an annual travel insurance policy instead of buying one on a trip-by-trip basis. Some TPG staffers purchase annual policies because of the cost savings for multiple trips. Some will find having an annual policy is easier than juggling separate policies or various credit card coverage terms and conditions.

Tips for your luggage

TPG has a ton of tips when it comes to luggage.

First and foremost, try to be on "team carry-on" whenever possible. If you don't check baggage, you are much less likely to become separated from it. Many of us at TPG refuse to check luggage except under extreme circumstances.

Of course, other folks with families or those embarking on long journeys may still want to check bags. If that's the case for you, you can still do many things to lessen the chance you get separated from your stuff. For example, make sure your luggage is in good working order, your contact info is attached, the bag is within the weight limits, you get to the airport early (but not too early) to check it and confirm your luggage is tagged to the right destination or connection.

Related: 7 tips to keep the airline from losing your luggage

After last year's baggage delays and luggage disasters , we strongly suggest you put Apple AirTags (or the Android equivalent ) into your luggage so you can track your items if they go missing .

If you check a bag, keep extra medicine or medical supplies in your carry-on bag in case your luggage goes missing or gets delayed. "As a diabetic, I keep a tiny emergency kit in my backpack with enough supplies to keep me going in an emergency," TPG writer Tanner Saunders said.

Former TPG credit card writer Ryan Smith also offered words of advice regarding luggage. "The last items you pack in your carry-on will be most accessible, so use this for your passport, ID, ticket, headphones or whatever else you need during the trip," he said. By making sure those items you'll use most are easiest to reach, you'll save yourself the hassle of having to dig around (or partially unpack) your bag to grab what you need.

Finally, be sure and get compensated if your bags are late or lost. Many airlines will give you points or even cash for delayed bags, and the government has rules on compensation if your bags are lost.

Staying safe on your journeys

From potentially getting robbed while on the road to experiencing bad weather or natural disasters while traveling, there are many scenarios that could arise when you're away from home.

To mitigate those risks, pay attention to U.S. Department of State warnings about a destination you plan to visit and check local sources for the latest news from that country or region for additional context. Although the State Department tends to err on the side of caution with its warnings, it's still best to be aware of what you may face during your trip.

Also, know the local number in case of emergencies. In many places, including Mexico and much of Europe, if you dial 9-1-1 on your cellphone, you will be connected to emergency services just like in the U.S. However, you should know the local emergency numbers of whichever country you visit.

Let people at home know your itinerary and stay in touch with them throughout your trip. If something goes amiss, at least someone will know where you're supposed to be or the last place you visited.

If you're arriving at night, contact your hotel or home-share host to ask about the best way to get there at the time you're arriving and the safest ways to travel at night in that area.

Also, be strategic about how you check into a hotel. Some solo travelers request two keycards to imply someone else is on the trip. Giving thought to the hotel room's security swing bar can also make sense, with some taking steps like placing a hand towel over it to make it harder to dislodge from the outside.

Some final tips

• For cruisers, TPG principal cruise writer Gene Sloan suggests arriving in port at least a day in advance (if not several days ahead of time). This will eliminate the risk of missing your ship's departure time and help you get acclimated to the local time zone.
• When taking road trips to out-of-the-way destinations, go old school and bring paper maps with you or download offline maps from Google. Using a paper map or an offline version means you always have a way to navigate around your chosen destination, even if you lose cellular service.
• One other note, you should reserve airport parking ahead of time during peak travel times. Some airport parking areas fill up fast around holidays, so reserving your spot ahead of time will save you from wasting time looking for a space when you need to catch a flight. You can also sometimes save by booking online in advance, too.

Bottom line

Whether you're fresh to the world of traveling or a seasoned expert, you can always learn new tips to maximize your time away from home. The more research and preparation you do before your trip, the better your experience will be — especially if things go wrong, as they sometimes do.

Some of our favorite tools are deal alerts, Google Flights , sign-up bonuses and credit card rewards . Learn those tools and use them for better travel every time.

Remember that these days when things go wrong, you have to be your own best advocate. For more travel tips and tricks, read the stories below.

Related reading:

• Your flight is delayed or canceled: Here's what to do next
• The best travel credit cards
• The 18 best places to travel in 2023
• 6 real-life strategies you can use when your flight is canceled or delayed
• 8 of the best credit cards for general travel purchases
• Here's how to get through airport security faster

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COCKPIT CONFIDENTIAL

Second Edition Now Available

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Cockpit Confidential

Patrick Smith and Sourcebooks are proud to announce publication of the second edition of

Cockpit Confidential: Everything You Need to Know About Air Travel. Questions, Answers & Reflections

NOW A NEW YORK TIMES BESTSELLER

The original version of Cockpit Confidential was published in 2013. Suffice it to say the world of air travel has seen major changes since then. All seven chapters have been updated, revised, and in some cases totally rewritten. Approximately 20 percent of the text is all-new.

“Brilliant is the word that applies. A book to be savored and passed to friends.” — William Langeweische, Vanity Fair

A wry, thoughtful, and at times provocative look into the confounding world of commercial air travel, this is the ideal take-along for frequent flyers, nervous passengers, world travelers, and anybody yearning for an enlightened, behind-the-scenes look at the strange and misunderstood business of commercial aviation. More than just a book about flying, its subject is everything and everything about the grand theater of air travel, from airport architecture to terrorism to the colors and cultures of the world’s airlines.

Patrick Smith has been called the thinking man’s pilot. For the better part of a decade, his Ask the Pilot column at Salon.com was a singular and remarkable sensation: an aviation column, for heaven’s sake, that could offer up trenchant analysis of an air disaster one day, then the next day stride fearlessly into politics, culture, or even rock music, and somehow tie it all together. Cockpit Confidential features the best of that material, refreshed and adapted into a seven-chapter volume of FAQs, essays and personal memoir. Whether it’s the nuts and bolts of cockpit operation or a hilarious critique of airline logos and color schemes, Cockpit Confidential is smart, funny, and brimming with useful information.

“Nobody covers the airline experience like Patrick Smith. And, he’’s a damned good writer.” — Clive Irving, Condé Nast Traveler

• How planes fly, and a revealing look at the men and women who fly them • Straight talk on turbulence, pilot training, and safety • The real story on congestion, delays, and the dysfunction of the modern airport • The myths and misconceptions of cabin air and cockpit automation • Terrorism in perspective and a candid look at security • Airfares, seating woes, and the pitfalls of airline customer service • The colors and cultures of the airlines we love to hate • The yin and yang of global travel • Gratuitous references to 80s-era indie rock bands

“Cockpit Confidential is the document that belongs in the seat pocket in front of you.” — David Pogue

Look for the “Revised & Updated” seal in the upper left corner.

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Pg 174 amendment regarding Asiana airline may 26 2023 Door opened 700 ft up as landing Ps enjoy your book as a pilot myself and encouraging all to purchase

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11 Things You Didn’t Know about Flying

Does the age of the airplane matter why are there still ashtrays on planes.

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There’s a lot of misinformation flying around when it comes to air travel. To find the best deals and make the most of your travel experience, it pays off to be well-informed. Here are some of our favorite commonly asked questions—and the sometimes surprising answers.

1. Travel Websites and Search Engines Don’t Always Show the Best Deal Not necessarily. Since airlines have to pay a service fee to search engines like Orbitz, Expedia, or Travelocity, many are loathe to list their flights outside of their own websites. You will not see low-fare airlines like Southwest or Allegiant appear on these sites; they only sell tickets on their own sites to better control distribution. It pays to know which airlines fly a certain route so you’re not missing out on a bargain deal that is not being displayed.

2. Multiple Flight Searches May Drive Up Your Fare Why does airfare seem to jump up when doing multiple searches? Watch out for “cookies” on your computer, which can store information about your search patterns. This could possibly affect the results you get from some websites, which monitor how long you have been trying to look for your flight. Be sure to clear cookies when searching for airfare to avoid being subjected to these variations, or use a separate web browser (or mobile device) to compare prices to make sure the results are the same.

3. Not All Airlines Offer Free Gate Check Checked bag fees are here to stay, but what about outrageous carry-on bag fees? Airlines like Spirit tout the fact that they charge you $100 to check a carry-on bag at the gate if it’s too big. Known for its low fares and nickel-and-diming, Spirit is trying to encourage people not to sneak a large bag past security since any resulting delay can cause a ripple effect delaying later flights. Airlines make money when planes are in the air, so delays steal big bucks from the bottom line. While some carriers check bags for free at the gate, beware companies like Spirit, Allegiant, and Ryanair that could impose larger-than-normal fees if a bag needs to be checked at the gate.

4. Yes, Pilots Can Get Sick in-Flight What happens if a pilot gets sick inflight? While uncommon, pilots follow some procedures to minimize this risk. For example, pilots often eat different meals inflight (in case of food poisoning) and on longer flights, relief pilots travel aboard to allow one person to take rest breaks while two remain in the cockpit (that’s why you might see a pilot snoozing next to you from time to time).

Why do you have to put your seat forward on takeoff and landing? Keep reading.

5. The Best Use for Frequent Flier Miles Might Not Be Flights Are frequent flier miles useless if I don’t have enough for a free trip? Consider using your miles for a free hotel stay or magazine subscriptions instead. These can be purchased through most airline websites. Miles can expire—often after 18 months of no activity in your account—and a great way to keep your points balance alive, as well as save money, is to redeem them for other things. No matter how often you fly, be sure to sign up for an airline’s loyalty program. Even small mileage balances are worth something .

6. What Actually What Happens to Bathroom Stuff What happens to lavatory contents? That whooshing sound in the loo is not the sound of waste being dispensed over unfortunate communities below. Instead, the unsavory bits are vacuum sucked into an aircraft tank and combined with a fluid that breaks them down. It is then discarded from the aircraft upon landing.

7. An Airplane’s Age Doesn’t Really Matter Does it matter how old my airplane is? Age is always relative, but aircraft are designed for long life cycles as long as they are maintained on a regular basis. While they may guzzle more gas and be less environmentally friendly as newer technology is introduced, it does not mean that they are any less safe. An airline’s overall record is a better indicator of safety than its average fleet age.

8. You Could Have a Weather Delay When It’s Sunny If the weather is fine at my airport, why is the plane delayed due to weather? It’s important to understand the complete grid of airline travel with planes flying between various cities each day: A weather delay at one airport could cause a ripple throughout the rest of the network. So, a delay in Pittsburgh could be caused by weather in Houston, for example.

9. When the Weather’s Bad, Airlines Don’t Owe You Anything Am I due any compensation for a weather delay? Not for weather or air-traffic control issues that are outside of the airline’s control. But, if it’s a maintenance or crew issue that’s due to the airline’s own operation, then customers are entitled to things like food, water, overnight hotel, and possibly a refund if passengers want to cancel. But, if weather played any type of issue in the delay, then you’re out of luck.

10. The Ashtrays in the Bathroom Actually Serve a Purpose If flights are nonsmoking, why are there ashtrays on board? The FAA requires there be a safe place to extinguish a cigarette should someone choose to disobey rules and light up inflight.

11. “Seat Forward, Tray Tables Up” Is a Real Safety Measure Why must my seat be forward for takeoff and landing? While it may seem like an inch or two makes no difference, it can, both for you and the person sitting behind you. In an emergency, even a slightly reclined seat can hinder someone’s exit or ability to assume the brace position if seated behind it. Also, it is dangerous for the person sitting in it since there is a greater force on the body in a sudden stop.

25 flying conversation questions

Flying conversation questions.

25 discussion questions for the ESL classroom on the subject of air travel.

Difficult words on this worksheet include – baggage, refuse, canceled, delayed, takeoff, land, nervous, annoying, and pass (time). Note that some of the questions about flying below have been expanded and are longer than the worksheet ones.

The flying conversation questions are –

1 – Where do you prefer to sit on a plane? Do you prefer the window or aisle seats?

2- Who do you like traveling with? When did you last go on a flight together?

3 – What airlines have you flown with? Which one was best? Were the seats large enough?

4 – Do you get scared or nervous on planes? What are you afraid of?

5 – What is the longest flight you’ve ever taken? Did you enjoy the flight?

6 – Would you like to be a pilot? How long does it take to become a pilot?

7- Have you ever met an annoying person during a flight? What happened?

8 – What do you think of airline food? Do you ever bring your own food on planes?

9 – What things can’t you take on a plane? Have you ever had something confiscated?

10 – Can you sleep on planes? What can help you do this?

11 – What things do you do to pass the time on plane flights?

12 – How early do you go to the airport before a flight? Do you like airports?

13 – What things do you take on flights? What are they for?

14 – What 3 words would you use to describe planes?

15 – Have you experienced turbulence? How did you feel?

16 – Do you think flying is safer than driving ?

17 – Have you ever had your flight canceled or delayed? How long did you have to wait?

18 – Do you enjoy takeoff and landing?

19 – How far is the nearest airport from your home? Do you often see planes in the sky?

20 – Are there any airlines you refuse to fly with? Why don’t you like them?

21 – What movies have you seen about airplanes?

22 – What do you usually buy at airports ? Are these things expensive?

23 – How much baggage do you take with you when flying? What kind of luggage do you use?

24 – Have you ever lost your baggage or had something broken? What happened?

25 – What are the best and worst airports that you have been to?

Flying Idioms

There are some interesting flying idioms and English expressions that you may want to introduce to your students, here are a few –

If you are flying blind you are in a situation or are doing something without any help or guidance. You are simply relying on your instincts and good luck to get you through. Think of a pilot flying through thick fog or clouds and you get the idea behind this idiom.

If a person is fly by night , this means they are unreliable or even dishonest. In the business world, such a person has no scruples with not paying debts and is financially irresponsible.

A high-flying person is very successful in business or their career. It can also be used to describe someone who is highly likely to be successful or very ambitious.

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What Can I Bring?

Planning ahead and packing properly can facilitate the screening process and ease your travel experience at the airport. Know what you can pack in your carry-on and checked baggage before arriving at the airport by reviewing the lists below. Even if an item is generally permitted, it may be subject to additional screening or not allowed through the checkpoint if it triggers an alarm during the screening process, appears to have been tampered with, or poses other security concerns. Read about civil penalties for prohibited items .

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The final decision rests with the TSA officer on whether an item is allowed through the checkpoint.

Officers may ask you to power up your electronic device, including cell phones. Powerless devices will not be permitted onboard the aircraft. TSA does not read or copy information from your device.

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Aerosol Insecticide

• Carry On Bags: No
• Checked Bags: Yes (Special Instructions)

Aerosol insecticides are not allowed in carry-on; however they are allowed in checked bags as long as they are not labeled as hazardous material (HAZMAT).

Air Mattress with Built-in Pump

• Carry On Bags: Yes (Special Instructions)
• Checked Bags: Yes

Air mattresses with built-in pump are allowed in carry-on bags. Please check with your airline for any size or weight restrictions.

Airbrush Make-up Machine

Devices containing lithium metal or lithium ion batteries should be carried in carry-on baggage.  Most other consumer devices containing batteries are allowed in carry-on and checked baggage.

For more information to portable electronic devices, see the FAA regulations.

Alcoholic beverages

• Carry On Bags: Yes (Less than or equal to 3.4oz/100 ml allowed)

Check with your airline before bringing any alcohol beverages on board. FAA regulations prohibit travelers from consuming alcohol on board an aircraft unless served by a flight attendant.  Additionally, Flight Attendants are not permitted to serve a passenger who is intoxicated.

Alcoholic beverages with more than 24% but not more than 70% alcohol are limited in checked bags to 5 liters (1.3 gallons) per passenger and must be in unopened retail packaging. Alcoholic beverages with 24% alcohol or less are not subject to limitations in checked bags. 

Mini bottles of alcohol in carry-on must be able to comfortably fit into a single quart-sized bag.

For more information, see FAA regulation: 49 CFR 175.10(a)(4).

Alcoholic beverages over 140 proof

• Checked Bags: No

Alcoholic beverages with more than 70% alcohol (over 140 proof), including grain alcohol and 151 proof rum. For more information, see FAA regulation: 49 CFR 175.10(a)(4).

Check with your airline if ammunition is allowed in checked bags. Small arms ammunitions must be securely packed in fiber, wood or metal boxes or other packaging specifically designed to carry small amounts of ammunition. Ask the airline about limitations or fees. Read the guidelines for traveling with firearms.

When traveling, be sure to comply with the laws concerning possession of firearms as they vary by local, state and international government.

• Carry On Bags: Yes

You may transport this item in carry-on or checked bags. For items you wish to carry on, you should check with the airline to ensure that the item will fit in the overhead bin or underneath the seat of the airplane.

Arc Lighters, Plasma Lighters, Electronic Lighters, E-Lighters

Measures must be taken to prevent unintentional activation of the heating element while on board the aircraft. Examples of effective measures to prevent unintentional activation include, but are not limited to: removing the battery from the lighter; placing the lighter into a protective case; and/or using a protective cover, safety latch, or locking device on the lighter's activation button.

Each lithium ion battery must not exceed a Watt-hour (Wh) rating of 100 Wh; or for lithium metal batteries, a lithium content of 2 grams.

Recharging of the devices and/or the batteries on board the aircraft is not permitted.

See FAA regulations for more information.

Artificial Skeleton Bones

Axes and hatchets, sharp objects, household & tools, sporting & camping, miscellaneous.

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60 Airline Quiz Questions and Answers

Disclosure: This post may contain affiliate links, meaning I get a commission if you decide to make a purchase through my links, at no extra cost for you

Are you a traveller looking for the ultimate airline quiz? We are here to help!

This quiz about airlines has been designed to test your knowledge of the main airlines in the world. From the history of commercial aviation to the different types of aircraft they use, this quiz will cover it all!

Airlines are a vital part of the travel industry, and play a crucial role in the movement of people and goods around the world.

Today, airlines come in all shapes and sizes, from the huge international carriers to the smaller regional airlines.

The most popular in the world include American Airlines, Singapore Airlines, Qantas and many more.

What is the name of the first airline in the world? When did commercial aviation begin? Who made the world’s first powered flight? How many airlines are there in the world?

So, whether you’re a seasoned traveller or a first-time flyer, put your knowledge to the test with our airline quiz questions!

Table of Contents

Round 1: Airline Trivia questions

• What is the world’s oldest airline?
• Which colour is the logo of EasyJet?
• What is the Australian national airline?
• In which city are the headquarters of Emirates Airlines?
• What is Germany’s largest airline?
• Which musical instrument is used as the logo of Ryanair?
• What is the world’s largest airline by fleet size?
• Which airline has the letters ‘TAP’ as a logo?
• Which country is LATAM the flag carrier of?
• Which colour is the logo of Swiss International Air Lines?

Round 1: Airline Trivia Questions and Answers

• What is the world’s oldest airline? KLM
• Which colour is the logo of EasyJet? Orange
• What is the Australian national airline? Qantas
• In which city are the headquarters of Emirates Airlines? Dubai
• What is Germany’s largest airline? Lufthansa
• Which musical instrument is used as the logo of Ryanair? The Harp
• What is the world’s largest airline by fleet size? American Airlines
• Which airline has the letters ‘TAP’ as a logo? Air Portugal
• Which country is LATAM the flag carrier of? Brazil
• Which colour is the logo of Swiss International Air Lines? Red

Round 2: Airline Multiple Choice questions

• Every 37 seconds
• Every 1 min 37 seconds
• Every 5 min 37 seconds
• Every 10 min 37 seconds
• British Airways
• Canary Islands
• A butterfly
• Turkish Airlines

Round 2: Airline Multiple Choice Questions and Answers

• Which ingredient was removed by American Airlines from salads served in first class and made them save $40,000? Olive
• How often do aircrafts land or take off at Chicago O’Hare International Airport? Every 37 seconds
• When was the low-cost airline AirAsia founded? 1993
• Which one of the following airlines is not part of the Oneworld airline alliance? Air France
• How many airlines are part of the Star Alliance? 26
• What is the largest airline in Spain by fleet size? Vueling
• Where is the airline Sata based? Azores
• What is the logo of Southwest Airlines? A heart
• In which US state is Spirit Airlines based? Florida
• Which one of the following airlines is the oldest? Turkish Airlines

Round 3: Airline Quiz – True or False

• Qantas is the second oldest airline in the world.
• The wingspan of an A380 is longer than the aircraft itself.
• United Airlines is part of the Star Alliance.
• Lion Air Flight 610 crashed just after taking off from Kuala Lumpur.
• Delta is a British airline.
• The logo of Air Canada is a maple leaf.
• ANA is a Mexican airline.
• Eithad Airwarys is based in Dubai.
• British Airways only have Airbus aircrafts.
• Air China is the largest airline in Asia.

Round 3: Airline Quiz Answers – True or False

• Qantas is the second oldest airline in the world. True
• The wingspan of an A380 is longer than the aircraft itself. True
• United Airlines is part of the Star Alliance. True
• Lion Air Flight 610 crashed just after taking off from Kuala Lumpur. False, it was Jakarta
• Delta is a British airline. False
• The logo of Air Canada is a maple leaf. True
• ANA is a Mexican airline. False, it’s a Japanese airline
• Eithad Airwarys is based in Dubai. False, it’s in Abu Dhabi
• British Airways only have Airbus aircrafts. False, they also have Boeing and Embraer
• Air China is the largest airline in Asia. True

Round 4: Airlines Picture Quiz

Round 4: Airlines Picture Quiz Answers

• American Airlines

Round 5: Airline Codes Quiz Questions

You can find below the IATA codes for some airlines. Name each one.

Round 5: Airline Codes Quiz Questions and Answers

• AA. American Airlines
• OK. Czech Airlines
• AZ. Alitalia
• LH. Lufthansa
• AI. Air India
• AF. Air France
• LN. Libyan Airlines
• QR. Qatar Airways
• WN. Southwest Airlines
• CA. Air China

Round 6: Tie Breaker Questions about Airlines

• How many parts are there in a Boeing 747?
• How many daily passengers in average are there in Hartsfield – Jackson Airport?
• How many flight miles did Tom Stuker accumulate since the 80s?
• How many Ryanair flights are there per day?
• How many airports are served by Brussels Airlines (June 2019)?
• When did Austrian Airlines join the Star Alliance?
• How long (in miles) is the longest non-stop flight by British Airways?
• How many people were employed by American Airlines in 2019?
• How many passengers were carried by Aer Lingus in 2019?
• How many aircrafts are in the fleet of Air France KLM?

Round 6: Tie Breaker Questions and Answers about Airlines

• How many parts are there in a Boeing 747? 6 million
• How many daily passengers in average are there in Hartsfield – Jackson Airport? 260,000
• How many flight miles did Tom Stuker accumulate since the 80s? 23 million
• How many Ryanair flights are there per day? 2,400
• How many airports are served by Brussels Airlines (June 2019)? 98
• When did Austrian Airlines join the Star Alliance? 2000
• How long (in miles) is the longest non-stop flight by British Airways? 7,227 miles
• How many people were employed by American Airlines in 2019? 130,000
• How many passengers were carried by Aer Lingus in 2019? 11.6 million
• How many aircrafts are in the fleet of Air France KLM? 554

So, How many points did you score in this Airlines Quiz with answers?

Let us know your score 🙂

You may also be interested in:

• 100 Travel Trivia Questions and Answers (+ 1 Picture Round)
• Airplane Quiz: 35 Quiz Questions and answers about airplanes
• Holiday Destinations Quiz: 45 Questions and Answers about Holiday Destinations
• Airport Quiz: 46 Questions and Answers about airports
• 19 Free Travel Picture Quiz Rounds For Your Next Trivia Night

Quiz Master

My name is P. I am the founder and editor of Quiz Trivia Games. I love everything about general knowledge, pub quiz, trivia and games. After travelling the world for years, I got to learn a lot of interesting facts about geography, history, traditions, culture and more. I go to my local pub quizzes at least once a week to keep my trivia knowledge up to date, host regular pub quizzes and trivia nights with my friends. Finally, I put together ridiculously good quiz games for you to enjoy for free online.

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12 Most Frequently Asked Air Travel Questions Answered for You

Today, air travel has become the most popular mode of transport as foreign tour and travel has increased dramatically over the last decade. With millions of travelers flying across the globe, there have been more questions arising in minds of travelers about air travel and the airline industry.

Table of Contents

To help such travelers get answers to their air travel questions , we have jot down answers to the most frequently asked air travel questions. Check out if we have covered yours.

Can I fly with my pet?

Yes, you need not leave your Ronny or Kitty back home when on a tour, but you need to follow certain rules. Airlines allow passengers to travel with their pets onboard. You need to have a special carrier for your cat or dog and follow the specific rules and regulations to fly with them.

How can I find the cheapest flight tickets?

With the steady increase in national and international travel, airlines and travel agencies are coming up with lucrative and exciting offers on airfare deals. You can book with reputable online travel booking sites such as IndianEagle for cheap flight tickets to India from USA.

What is the difference between TSA PreCheck and Global Entry?

Global Entry is a special program introduced by the U.S. Customs and Border Protection enabling U.S. citizens skip long lines on their return to the Unites States of America. By paying $100, passengers can skip the lines for the following five years. They need to go to an electronic kiosk to get their fingers and passport scanned, answer a couple of questions and have the printed receipt before picking their luggage and getting to a special line.

If you have Global Entry, you will automatically get enrolled in TSA PreCheck, a traveler program by Transportation Security Administration. TSA PreCheck allows you to leave shoes, light outerwear, laptop, phones, belt, and compliant gels/liquids bag in the carry-on through special screening lines.

Can I travel with a pregnant lady?

Many airlines allow pregnant flyers up to 28 weeks, post which they need to follow some list of requirements. The pregnant women should not cross the cut-off dates after which she will not be allowed to get onboard. For more details, you need to see the list of regulations by different airlines for pregnant flyers.

Is that possible for an aircraft to fly with one engine?

Well, that is an intelligent question! In today’s world of modern technology, jet aircrafts are built with such state-of-the-art elements that they can fly only with one engine safely. Moreover, in cases of emergency, an aircraft can even fly without an engine as it happened with the US Airways Flight 1549, the incident also known as the Miracle of the Hudson.

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

The most important thing you should remember is do not to panic. Delays or cancellations of flights are normally due to unfavorable weather conditions, traffic control issues, mechanical issues of the aircraft, and more. In case of a flight delay, you can spend time in the business class lounge or shop at the duty-free stores. If it’s a longer delay or the flight is canceled, you can ask for rebooking from customer service, request a food or hotel voucher, etc. You can also call your travel agent for immediate booking and call the airline’s customer support for the refund.

What if I lose my luggage?

Nothing could be worse than losing your luggage on a trip. When flying, there might be a situation of missing your luggage, consider a situation when your luggage flies without you. You need to contact the airlines customer support immediately and have an emergency kit in your carry-on luggage such as a dental kit, sanitizer, deodorant, etc. Do not worry, you will get back your luggage with the support of airlines. To avoid losing luggage, it is advised to get to the airport on time, with ample time in hand to check luggage and board the flight.

How can I get an upgrade to Business Class or First Class?

With airlines getting packed most of the times, chances of upgrades have reduced overall, mainly on international flights. However, a humble request can help you fly in a first class or business class flight by paying for economy class, if you have a higher frequent flyer status, a credit card branded by a major airline, you have bought an economy class ticket for full fare.

Note: None of these options guarantee you a bump up, but you can try your luck.

What if I am downgraded from business class or first class?

So, you booked a business class flight to India from USA and were bumped off to economy class while boarding? Well, the airlines owe you the fare difference, but only when you ask for it. Ask them to give you a front row seat and they might also serve you a special drink for free from the first class menu.

How can travel insurance help in cancellation?

Nowadays, travel booking websites and airlines offer travel insurance while booking flights and it can help you during cancellation of flights.

Consider this example – United Airlines has ties with Allianz Global Assistance for travel insurance. It covers unexpected flight cancellations and non-refundable and prepaid flight tickets, and travel and accommodation expenses. In some cases, it even covers medical assistance.

What if the pilot gets incapacitated?

This is not a reason to worry as the co-pilot is capable of flying the aircraft. There is an off-duty pilot as well who can help in such cases of emergency. So, you will be safe onboard no matter who is flying the aircraft.

Which is the shortest flight to India from USA?

The shortest non-stop flight from USA to India is from Chicago to New Delhi which is 14 hours 35 minutes. For best deals, you can rely on our exclusive deals and offers at IndianEagle.

If you have more questions about flying, check our FAQs page here.

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I fly twice a month for work. Here are 5 mistakes all travelers should avoid making.

• I'm an adventure-travel writer and typically find myself at the airport at least twice a month.
• Over the years, I've made many mistakes, both in the airport and on the plane .
• Now, before heading to the airport , I always screenshot my boarding pass and pack lots of snacks.

As an adventure-travel writer, I typically find myself at the airport at least twice a month for work.

I've certainly made some mistakes along the way, but have developed some go-to travel hacks to ensure a smooth air-travel experience.

Here are five mistakes you should avoid making during your next trip.

Forgetting to screenshot your boarding pass

It's frustratingly common to step into the airport only to realize cell phone connectivity has disappeared, airport WiFi is nonexistent, and the airline app you've become dependent upon is unresponsive.

Once that crucial connectivity is lost, accessing a boarding pass becomes nearly impossible. That's why I now screenshot my boarding pass before heading to the airport. I've found this works well for me when all other options have disappeared.

Counting on in-flight food and beverage service

Catching a flight can be chaotic, and slowing down to grab a quick bite to eat in the airport can sometimes get deprioritized. However, in-flight snack and beverage service can't always be depended upon.

Related stories

I've often found myself counting down the minutes until the flight attendants come by with the service cart, just to find out there won't be any food or drink served on my flight. This can be due to anything from a short flight time to turbulence.

To avoid encountering this travel nightmare , I always bring a reusable water bottle and a stash of snacks with me to hold me over until my flight lands.

Not using the bathroom before boarding the plane

It's easy to get caught up in the boarding process and skip the last opportunity to stop at the bathroom before getting on the plane. However, the boarding process can be long and passengers often have to wait a while to safely use the restroom after the flight takes off.

As tempting as it is to get on board and claim a spot for my carry-on, I always take a few extra minutes to hit the terminal bathroom first.

Not hydrating while in flight

Many times, I've found myself not drinking water on a flight to avoid having to disturb those around me to use the bathroom. However, this often means I arrive at my destination dehydrated.

No one wants to be a nuisance, but most people understand that, no matter how long the flight, someone nearby will likely have to access the bathroom. At the end of the day, getting up to let someone out of the row is a minor inconvenience and an accepted part of air travel.

Leaving hand sanitizer or sanitizing wipes at home

Ideally, airplane bathrooms should be thoroughly stocked with hand soap and sanitizer. However, this isn't always the case.

Rather than depending on the airline to help me stay germ-free, I always come prepared with my own hand sanitizer or wipes.

Watch: 5 dangerous flight moments passengers and crew won't forget soon

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Air Travel Questions

Can You Bring A Flashlight On A Plane? 2023 Things To Know

February 10, 2023

Ethan Harris

Table of Contents

Introduction

Can you bring a flashlight on a plane? The quick answer is that most small flashlights are allowed as long as they’re under 7 inches and not a “tactical” type. What is a tactical type? Well, it didn’t take much for my “tactical” flashlight to be confiscated.

With many TSA answers, you’ll find that the individual screening officer makes a lot of the determination at the checkpoint. There are also a few things to know about the batteries. Read below to find out more!

Traveling by air can be both exciting and stressful, especially when it comes to packing. One of the biggest concerns for travelers is knowing what items they can and cannot bring with them on board the aircraft. With so many rules and regulations from the Transportation Security Administration (TSA), knowing what’s allowed in your carry-on baggage or personal items and what needs to be packed in your checked luggage can be confusing.

We’ll cover topics such as spare batteries, lithium-ion batteries, rechargeable flashlights, additional screening, and different rules for different airlines. We’ll also touch on the TSA guidelines for other portable electronic devices, such as cell phones and power banks, and give you the detailed information you need to make the best decision for your travel needs. So, let’s get started!

Here are some of the best travel flashlights:

TSA: Can You Bring A Flashlight On A Plane?

Here’s the info from the TSA website, followed by some of their Twitter posts on the matter.

The TSA website is missing a note regarding the TSA’s rules about flashlight size, which aren’t published there. This tweet indicates that the size and weight determine if it’s a threat, and it’s up to the individual screening officer to make that determination. Even though that size isn’t listed on their website, they have said in older tweets that a length of 7″ or less is fine.

1: Flashlights aren't noted on our prohibited items list; however, this list isn't all inclusive. We recommend packing flashlights in a checked bag as the size & weight determines if it's considered a threat and not allowed… — AskTSA (@AskTSA) October 24, 2021

See this older (2018) tweet referencing the 7″ rule:

Good question. An underwater diving flashlight, that is 7 inches or less, is allowed in carry-on and checked bags. Safe travels! — AskTSA (@AskTSA) April 2, 2018

Tactical Flashlight TSA Questions

While tactical flashlights (self-defense flashlights) and similar devices aren’t specifically mentioned on the TSA website, they answered this question on Twitter.

While they don’t say yes or no, they leave it up to the discretion of the TSA officer on duty. I have had a “tactical” type flashlight without sharp edges, similar to the one in this picture, taken by TSA. So your best bet is to leave such items behind, especially if they’re high-quality (expensive) flashlights!

2. The final decision rests with our checkpoint officer. — AskTSA (@AskTSA) July 15, 2022

And another response here.

2. We recommend packing flashlights in a checked bag as the size & weight determines if it's considered a threat and not allowed through the checkpoint. The final decision rests with our checkpoint officer. — AskTSA (@AskTSA) June 3, 2022

Check-in Process: Carry-On Baggage and Flashlights

The TSA regulations state that travelers can bring a carry-on bag and a personal item, such as a purse or laptop bag, on board the aircraft. The carry-on bag must meet the size and weight requirements set by the airline and fit in the overhead bin or under the seat in front of you.

Flashlights, including metal flashlights, are allowed in carry-on luggage, but there are some rules to remember.

If your flashlight has removable or non-removable lithium batteries, it’s allowed in your carry-on bag, along with any spare batteries you may need. To avoid a short circuit, you should keep these batteries away from other metal things.

In conclusion, flashlights are a useful thing to bring with you when you travel, and they are allowed in carry-on bags. However, it’s important to remember the rules about batteries that can be removed and those that can’t. By understanding the TSA regulations, you can travel with peace of mind and avoid any complications at the airport.

Best Traveling Flashlights

Click here for some of the best travel-friendly flashlights on Amazon .

Spare Battery

If you’re traveling longer, it’s always a good idea to bring extra batteries for your flashlight. After all, the last thing you want is to be in the dark without a way to see! The TSA regulations state that travelers can bring spare batteries for personal use in their carry-on luggage. Still, they must be placed in a separate plastic bag to prevent them from coming into contact with metal items that could cause a short circuit.

It’s important to know that you can’t put batteries that can be taken out in your checked luggage because they can start a fire. According to TSA rules, spare lithium metal batteries must be kept in a separate plastic bag that can be easily opened at the security checkpoint.

Lithium-ion batteries are the most commonly used type of battery in flashlights and other personal electronic devices, and they’re subject to fewer restrictions.

Lithium Ion Battery

Lithium ion batteries are the most commonly used type of battery in flashlights and other personal electronic devices, but they’re also subject to some restrictions. Federal law states that travelers are allowed to bring a lithium-ion battery with 100 watt-hours or less capacity in their carry-on luggage. This means that flashlights with a non-removable installed lithium battery of 100 watt-hours or less are allowed in carry-on baggage.

It’s important to remember that the TSA officer at the security checkpoint has the final say on whether or not lithium-ion batteries can be brought on board. They may ask to inspect the battery and prohibit it from being brought on board if they feel it poses a risk.

Dangerous Goods: The Dangers of Lithium-Ion Batteries on Planes

Lithium-ion batteries are used in many personal electronics, like flashlights and power banks, but they can also be dangerous when flying. Lithium-ion batteries’ high energy density and flammability make them a potential fire hazard on planes.

The TSA regulations state that you can bring non-spillable batteries, such as a lithium-ion battery with a capacity of 100 watt-hours or less in your carry-on luggage.

The lithium content of a battery is also a factor, as lithium-metal batteries are more reactive and pose a higher risk than lithium-ion batteries. The fuel cell in lithium-ion batteries is flammable and can ignite if it comes into contact with metal, such as a nail or a key, or if it’s damaged.

The TSA suggests putting spare lithium batteries in a separate plastic bag so they don’t touch any metal items. This will reduce the chance of a fire. They also say that you should put your lithium-ion battery in a protective case so that it doesn’t get broken while you ship it.

In conclusion, the dangers of lithium-ion batteries on planes should not be taken lightly. Lithium-ion batteries’ high energy density and flammability make them a potential fire hazard on planes. The TSA regulations state that you can bring a lithium-ion battery with a capacity of 100 watt-hours or less in your carry-on luggage.

Rechargeable Flashlights

Rechargeable flashlights are a great option for travelers, as they’re environmentally friendly and cost-effective in the long run. However, it’s important to ensure your flashlight is completely charged before traveling, as a TSA agent may ask to test it to ensure it’s not a dangerous item, such as a stun gun.

The TSA regulations do not specifically mention rechargeable flashlights, but they do state that all personal electronic devices must be charged and able to power on at the security checkpoint. This means that your rechargeable flashlight must be in working order and have enough power to turn on so that TSA agents can inspect it and ensure it’s not a threat to the safety of the aircraft cabin.

Packing your rechargeable flashlight in your carry-on luggage is always a good idea, as it may be damaged or lost in checked baggage. This also makes it easier to access and use during the flight, especially if you need it in the dark.

In conclusion, you can bring a rechargeable flashlight in your carry-on bag, but it’s important to make sure it’s fully charged and works. TSA agents may ask to test the flashlight to ensure it’s not a dangerous item, such as a stun gun, and it’s best to pack it in your carry-on luggage for easy access and use during the flight.

Additional Screening

At the security checkpoint, travelers may have to go through more screening if they have a flashlight or other personal electronic device. The TSA officers may ask to inspect the flashlight and its batteries to ensure they’re not a dangerous item, such as a stun gun, or pose a risk to the safety of the aircraft cabin.

Also, according to TSA rules, all personal electronics must be charged and able to turn on at airport security checks. This means that your flashlight must be in working order and have enough power to turn on so that TSA agents can inspect it and ensure it’s not a threat.

Different Rules for Different Airlines

While the TSA regulations are the same across all airlines in the United States, it’s important to note that each airline may have its own rules regarding carry-on baggage. For example, some airlines may have stricter size and weight requirements for carry-on bags, while others may restrict certain items, such as flashlights.

Before you travel, you should always check with your airline to ensure you know any extra rules. This can save you time and prevent any frustration at the airport, as you’ll know exactly what you’re allowed to bring on board the aircraft.

In conclusion, while the TSA regulations are the same across all airlines in the United States, it’s important to know that each airline may have its rules regarding carry-on baggage. Before you go to the airport, you should always check with your airline to find out if there are any additional rules you need to know about.

Lighters and Matches on a Plane

Disposable Lighters and matches are common household items that many travelers might want to bring on their travels. Cigarettes and cigars are permitted. However, anything flammable is usually not allowed. Here are the TSA regulations on the following items:

In this article, we’ve talked about the most important parts of the TSA rules about carry-on bags and flashlights. We’ve talked about the rules about spare batteries, like what kinds are allowed and how they should be packed, and the rules about rechargeable flashlights, like the possibility of more screening. We’ve also discussed the different rules for different airlines, and the importance of checking with your airline before traveling to be aware of any additional restrictions.

While the TSA rules and regulations regarding carry-on baggage and flashlights can seem confusing, it’s always best to check the TSA website for the most up-to-date information. The TSA website provides detailed information on what is and isn’t allowed in carry-on and checked luggage, and it’s a valuable resource for travelers.

In the end, knowing the rules and regulations will make sure that you and your family have a smooth and stress-free trip. By following the guidelines set by the TSA, you can travel with peace of mind and avoid any complications at the airport. Whether you’re traveling for business or pleasure, having a flashlight with you is always a good idea, and by following the rules and regulations, you can ensure it’s allowed in your carry-on baggage.

Thank you for taking the time to read can you bring a flashlight on a plane? Check out our “ Can You Bring? ” page for answers to the following things: self-defense items like pepper spray, dry ice, sharp objects, nail clippers, breast milk, small arms ammunition, medical marijuana, medical devices, CPAP (continuous positive airway pressure) machine, and other everyday items

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20 BEST Airplane Quiz Questions and Answers

From aviation’s astonishing history to the remarkable records set by pioneers in the field, do you have what it takes to fly through our airplane quiz.

Are you a worldwide jet setter? Perhaps you’re already counting the days until your next holiday? Do you know your CDG from your MAN from your LAX? If you do, we think you’ll enjoy our latest quiz!

The history of human flight is long and fascinating, with many great minds leaving their mark on aviation over the years. Do you know who the Wright Brothers were and why they’ll be remembered, or how Charles Lindbergh made sure his name lived on?

How much do you know about the science behind keeping our planes in the skies ? Do you know how big the modern passenger aircraft we see in our skies are? Or which military aircraft has been produced for over six decades?

Aviation is a huge engineering marvel that can amaze some people and massively freak out others! Put all your plane and aviation knowledge to the test and see if you’ll be flying high or suffering massive delays after this amazing quiz.

There’s enough airplane trivia here to test the most passionate plane spotters, so you’re guaranteed to learn a fun fact or two. Let’s see how high your score can soar in the face of the following plane-related puzzlers!

Why not gather up the family and make it a nice, friendly competition? See who is the aviation king or queen of your family or friendship group!

If our airplane quiz has left you wanting more, aim a little higher and tackle our Ultimate Astronomy Quiz !

Airplane Quiz Questions

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What to Do If an Airline Loses Your Luggage: 7 Simple Steps

I t’s a terrible feeling to watch the last person on your flight retrieve their checked bags from the baggage carousel, knowing yours isn’t coming around the bend. If you’ve ever had to deal with lost luggage, you’re hardly alone.

In 2022, U.S. airlines lost, delayed or damaged more than 2.9 million checked bags, equaling a mishandled baggage rate of 0.64% (higher than 0.51% in 2021). Globally, SITA (a leading aviation IT provider) reported that an astonishing 26 million bags were misplaced in 2022.And the past few months have shown no improvement, either. In fact, in the first quarter of 2023, the U.S. Department of Transportation reported that U.S. airlines lost or mishandled more than 721,000 bags checked on domestic flightsabout the same rate we saw in 2022.

Although a delayed or canceled flight can be the difference between bags that make it to your final destination and those that wind up on the lost luggage list, there are things you can do to prevent the airline from losing your luggageand things you can do to smooth the process if it does happen. As you plan your trip and head to the airport , consider whether it’s smart to check your bag . And follow these DOT-approved tips if your bags happen to be misplaced.

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What to do if your bag is lost

If your suitcase doesn’t show up at baggage claim, there are steps you can take to increase your chances of recovering it. You can also receive compensation for the lost luggage if it isn’t found in a timely matteror at all. Here’s what you need to do.

Step 1: Wait to confirm your luggage is lost

You’ll need to confirm that your luggage is actually lost, delayed or misplaced first. Airline workers may offload a flight’s bags in waves, so wait at least 45 minutes for luggage to arrive on the conveyor belt. After 45 minutes, check nearby conveyor belts, says Valerie Edman, owner and luxury travel advisor at Cultured Travel. Check to see if you can track your bag using the airline’s app, if it has one, or on its website. If you have an Apple AirTag , make sure you’re tracking it. Still no luggage? Remain calm.

Step 2: Talk to a desk agent

Locate the baggage desk for the airline that operated the final leg of your flight. No matter how hurried you are to get where you’re going, avoid the temptation to handle your lost luggage over email.

“Even if you’re ready to leave the airport and get to your final destination, go to the airline’s customer care desk inside the luggage arrival hall [first],” says Frank Harrison, a World Travel Protection regional security director. “If there is no customer support desk or personnel in the baggage claim area, go to the main customer service desk on the check-in side of the terminal.”

Step 3: File a claim

“You must make a lost luggage claim at the airport, in person, unless the airline staff directs you to call a service number, preferably on a phone they provide,” Harrison says. While filing a missing baggage report with the desk agent, provide as much information as possible, including a local address for you or your party and contact information so the airline can get in touch or deliver the luggage to you once it’s found.

Step 4: Gather necessary information

The last thing you want (after lost luggage, of course) is to leave the airport and realize you have more questions for the baggage claim agent. Edman stresses how important it is to retrieve the necessary information for any follow-ups. This includes the direct phone number of the baggage desk, a reference or tracking number for your claim and any additional direct lines, emails or contacts to make it easy for you to check in.

Step 5: Ask about reimbursement

What will the airline cover for reimbursement? Confirm their reimbursement policy now. You can also request an overnight kit and ask for an allowance for reasonable expenses. If you go shopping to get the basics, make sure to keep all the receipts. Even if you aren’t provided an allowance by the airline, keep all necessary purchase receipts for your records.

Step 6: Call your travel insurance company

If you purchased a travel insurance plan, you’ll want to notify the company at this point. It should cover lost or delayed luggage, so call to find out the specifics of your coverage and how to file a claim.

Step 7: Be persistent

According to the DOT, airlines don’t consider missing bags lost right away. Although policies differ by company and may depend on whether you were traveling domestically or internationally, it usually takes between 5 and 14 days post-flight for an airline to declare a bag is lost. In that timeframe, make sure you’re persistent calling customer service and following up.

Questions to ask the airlines about your lost luggage

Whether you’re speaking to a desk agent or customer service representative, make sure you gather all the necessary information as soon as possible. There are a host of things airlines won’t tell you , so it’s best to read the fine print, ask questions and get your answers in writing. Here are some questions experts suggest asking while you’re speaking with airline employees.

• Will my missing baggage be delivered free of charge? Some sources say that airlines are required to deliver your bags free of charge, but as the DOT website states, “Don’t assume that the airline will deliver the bag without charge when it is found; ask the airline about this.”
• Will you reimburse me for things I need to buy for myself before my baggage gets returned? Find out whether the airline will cover reasonable expenses. If not, you need to know the details of its reimbursement policy before you hit up a local Target for the basics. According to the DOT, airlines that don’t provide cash advances for necessities may reimburse you for purchases of those itemsa traveler needs clean underwear, after all.
• Can you provide me with a list of all the items eligible for reimbursement? Instead of assuming, the department suggests discussing exactly which items an airline will reimburse you for buying and keeping your receipts. Athletic travelers will be pleased to hear that airlines that misplace sporting equipment may cover your fee for the rental of replacements.

What airlines do and don’t cover

When it comes to lost luggage reimbursement, it’s unfortunately not a realistic expectation for the airline to cover every last item in the suitcase. Per the DOT’s regulations, airlines don’t have to pay more than $3,800 for luggage lost on domestic flights. And the maximum amount they’re liable for on luggage lost during international flights is $1,780.

“In this day and age of travel, few airlines will offer more than a lost report opportunity and an eventual small settlement if permanently lost,” says Harrison. “Before you travel, verify if the airline offers support beyond tracking and loss claims. Make sure you know the replacement value coverage. Some policies will only cover a portion of the claimed loss, so know in advance before you pack that expensive branded bag and clothes.”

As for what the airline owes you when your bags are missing or have been delayed, there are DOT regulations in place for that. For starters, airlines are responsible for locating the bag, and they need to reimburse travelers for reasonable expenses incurred while they waited for their bags. While they’re prohibited from setting a random reimbursement amount for daily expenses, they’re able to set a maximum fee for reimbursements.

It’s best to check your airline’s lost luggage policy before you fly, but here are some examples:

• Spirit Airlines: Covers “reasonably priced purchases” of essential items such as toiletries and clothing. They will not reimburse cosmetics, which are among a long list of other items they deem non-essential.
• Delta Airlines: Reimburses “reasonable expenses” up to $50 per day for the first five days.
• United Airlines: Allows for “reimbursement of expenses,” but only with proper proof of payment and claim form.

What to do if your baggage is delayed

You’ll want to take many of the early steps recommended with lost luggage. As mentioned above, it’s important that you do not leave the airport without filing a missing baggage report, so your bag can be returned to you as quickly as possible, whether it’s on another flight or delayed from a connecting flight. Make sure to keep your original bag tag so you can track your luggage online, as this will most certainly be faster than waiting for your airline to contact you directly. If you haven’t received any updates in 24 hours, it doesn’t hurt to try escalating your claim via social media or by calling customer service for immediate assistance. Staying proactive and persistent is key to your claim not being forgotten.

How travel insurance can help with lost luggage

Travel insurance helps with lost luggage as well as travel mishaps, such as last-minute flight cancelations and delays or rental car issues. It’s a safety net in case you end up sans luggage, and it’s one that’s probably worth the investment, experts say. If your bags get delayed, the insurance may cover the cost of essential items to tide you over. And if they unexpectedly go missing, your travel insurance will compensate you for the loss.

Susan Sherren, founder of luxury travel consulting agency Couture Trips, prefers Allianz travel insurance for her trips, but her bottom line is this: When faced with lost luggage, you’ll have an easier time dealing with your travel insurance than with the airline.

If you don’t want to buy travel insurance, you can sign up for a service such as Blue Ribbon Bags, which helps expedite and locate any lost luggage. Rates start at $5 per bag, and if the company doesn’t find your lost luggage within 96 hours, it pays out $1,000 per bag.

How your credit card could help with lost luggage

You might not need separate travel insurance if you have a credit card that offers travel coverage. Anthony Martin, founder and CEO of Choice Mutual, is not only an insurance agent but also a frequent business traveler. He points out that many credit cards offer protection from loss or damage on a wide range of things, including delayed or lost luggage.

“Chase will reimburse up to $3,000 for damaged luggage on a flight that was booked using your Chase Sapphire Reserve card,” Martin says. The card also gives travelers with lost luggage $100 a day for up to five days so they can purchase essentials, such as toiletries, clothes and one cell phone charger.

It’s worth noting that the Chase Sapphire Reserve has an annual fee of $550 a year. Still, it may be worth it for frequent fliers.

How to prevent lost luggage

Looking for some smart things travelers do to prevent lost luggage? We’ve got the tips.

Pack a tracking device

Tech expert and frequent flier Andreas Grant of Networks Hardware recommends using an Apple AirTag. “I specifically suggest AirTags,” he says. “One of my friends managed to recover his bag using an AirTag even though the airline authority was claiming that they lost [the luggage]. My friend gave them the exact location of his missing bag, which helped him stand his ground and request the airlines do their job.”

Fly nonstop

Nonstop flights can be more expensive, but they’re also one of the best ways to prevent lost luggage. There’s no need to worry about your bag making it onto a connecting flight when there are airline delays or time is otherwise cut short. Fly direct when possible, as this limits the number of transfers your luggage has to do.

Use a carry-on

Packing mistakes can lead to overstuffed bags that need to be checked, and checked bags are at risk for being lost. The solution: Learn what to pack in a carry-on you can’t lose a bag if you don’t check it, which is why traveling with only a carry-on is a fool-proof way to prevent lost luggage.

“Avoid checking bags for domestic flightsperiod,” Sherren says. “And pack two days worth of clothing and necessary toiletries in your carry-on if you travel overseas and check any luggage.”

Take inventory

Know everything you pack in your bags. While this won’t prevent lost luggage, proper documentation will help the reimbursement processthe more you can prove, the better off you’ll be. “Pre-departure, document and take photos of packed items and luggage conditions to aid a lost or damaged luggage claim,” Edman says.

And make sure it’s clear that these items made it to the airport with you. “Take a photo of your bag at the airport, displaying your ID tag, before checking in,” Sherren says.

If you buy new things right before a trip, save all the receipts and take photos of these items in your luggage. “You’ll need to prove the value of your lost belongings,” says Edman. “This can be done with receipts, but if you don’t have receipts, you may be able to provide an estimate of the value of your belongings.”

Additional reporting by Jaime Stathis.

About the experts

• Valerie Edman is the owner of Cultured Travel , a boutique travel consulting firm that specializes in luxury, meaningful travel, customized itineraries and seamless journeys.
• Frank Harrison is the regional security director of North America for World Travel Protection , where he delivers real-time security intelligence to keep travelers safe.
• Susan Sherren is the founder of luxury travel agency Couture Trips .
• Anthony Martin is the founder and CEO of Choice Mutual , and has been a licensed insurance agent since 2010. He specializes in helping seniors with life insurance.
• Andreas Grant is a frequent flier and tech expert at Networks Hardware , a company he founded to make it easier for people to pick the right Internet hardware for their homes.
• U.S. Department of Transportation : “Air Travel Consumer Reports for 2022” & “Air Travel Consumer Reports for 2023”
• U.S. Department of Transportation : “Lost, Delayed, or Damaged Baggage”
• Radical Storage : “U.S. Airlines: Which Mishandle Baggage & Oversell Seats the Most”
• SITA : “Baggage IT Insights 2023”
• United : “Issues with your checked bags”
• Delta : “Delayed, lost or damaged baggage”
• Spirit : “What if my bag is delayed/lost?”

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ESL discussion questions about air travel.

Other topics you may be interested in...

General topics.

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Advertising , Brands , Building Relationships , Change , Communication , Competition , Consultants , Crisis Management , Cultures , Customer Service , Employment Trends , Ethics , First Impressions , Human Resources , International Marketing , International Markets , Job Satisfaction , Leadership , Management Styles , Marketing , Mergers and Acquisitions , Money , New Business , Online Business , Organisation , Project Management , Raising Finance , Risk , Strategy , Success , Team Building , Training , Travel .

Grammar Topics

Present Simple , Present Continuous , Present Perfect , Present Perfect Continuous , Past Simple , Past Continuous , Used to , Have to , Going to / Pres. Continuous , Going to / Will , Comparatives , Superlatives , First Conditional , Second Conditional , Third Conditional , Mixed Conditionals , Should , Should have , Can , Could , Can / Could / Be able to , Is done / Was done , Being done / Been done .

How to use the air travel ESL discussion questions

It is recommended that you download the air travel ESL discussion questions in PDF format using one of the links above. The best way to encourage classroom interaction is to download and print the air travel discussion questions in the 'pairs' or 'threes' PDF format and then divide the questions by cutting along the dotted lines. This allows students to take turns asking and answering the air travel discussion questions in groups of two or three. Alternatively, you could use the 'cards' format to distribute the questions to any number of students to ask and share.

It is advisable to prepare students for using these discussion questions by first introducing them to the topic of air travel in an interesting and engaging way. An anecdote, quiz question or a related image or video could all be used to achieve this. Depending on the level, it may also be necessary to pre-teach any challenging vocabulary related to air travel contained in the discussion questions.

For more ESL discussion questions, see this site's main page. There are discussion questions on a range of topics including general, grammar and business English topics.

For further information about the site and its author, see the about page.

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What It’s Like Flying PLAY Airlines Short-Haul From Iceland [March 2024 Review]

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Seat costs are easy to understand, inclusive booking option, on-time arrival, space between seats, overly cautious payment processor, tough to find an employee at check-in, unfriendly boarding agent, extras escalate the costs quickly, final thoughts.

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These days, it seems like new airlines are popping up all the time. There are new low-cost and ultra-low-cost players in Southeast Asia, Europe, regional U.S. markets, and even Iceland. Such is the case with PLAY Airlines, based out of Keflavík International Airport (KEF) and offering routes throughout Europe and North America.

PLAY was founded in 2019 and began service in April 2021. What’s it like flying this young airline? And how does it compare to your other options? My wife and I recently flew PLAY from Keflavík to Frankfurt Airport (FRA) in Germany — a flight of 3 hours and 40 minutes — to find out.

Here are the positives and negatives of flying with PLAY.

PLAY Airlines Positives

There were multiple positives with PLAY during our March 2024 flight, as well as during the booking process. Let’s start with these.

PLAY Airlines’ route map is solid and continues to grow. PLAY added service to Toronto last year , for example, and its destinations in Europe are numerous.

With a low-cost carrier like PLAY, you’ll pay for everything not included in your fare. And what’s included varies greatly by the type of fare you choose. However, once you’re on the seat map in the booking process, if you want to choose a seat, the color-coded system is easy to understand . Occupied seats, seats included with our fare, and those we had to pay for were obvious.

While providing mandatory passenger information, PLAY had a non-binary option to be inclusive of all its passengers.

PLAY claims 83% of its flights departed on time in 2023 . Our flight managed to depart 5 minutes early and land 10 minutes early, so I believe it. If 83% is accurate, that’s well above average for an airline’s annual report.

With a new airline, you should expect the plane interiors to be new. There were no signs of age, wear and tear, broken pieces, or other issues that come with aging cabin interiors.

The fact my knees weren’t pressed against the seat in front of me was a big surprise. With the ever-quickening race to the bottom with seat pitch — the fancy term for the space between your seat and the seat in front of you — I had fully expected a tight squeeze with PLAY. It’s a low-cost airline, after all. That wasn’t the case, though. I’m 5 feet 10 inches tall and still had a few inches from my knees to the seat in front of me.

And if you wanted even more space, seats with extra legroom at the front of the plane were available for an extra fee. During boarding and shortly before takeoff, the cabin crew announced how many of these were still available if customers were interested in paying for upgrades.

PLAY Airlines Negatives

Every airline has its drawbacks, including PLAY. Let’s look at what these were in our experience.

The third time’s a charm, right? I was able to pay for my flight online only with the third credit card I tried . PLAY’s checkout page rejected my attempt to pay with The Platinum Card ® from American Express as my first preference to earn 5x points on airfare (limited to $500,000 of these purchases annually, then 1x). Next, I tried the Ink Business Preferred ® Credit Card for 3x on travel (limited to $150,000 of annual spending across all bonus categories), but that didn’t work either.

Finally, I was able to pay with my Citi Premier ® Card , earning 3x on airfare. However, I needed to receive a one-time passcode first. The other cards didn’t even get to this step.

I appreciate web security as much as the next person, but it was a bit frustrating having cards rejected by the website for unknown reasons . And it’s not like I was at a suspicious location; I was on my own laptop, at home, and not running any programs that would cause red flags for PLAY’s website.

We had checked in online and had our boarding passes on our phones. We’d also added checked baggage to our tickets when booking. Thus, the signs for the bag drop area were easy to find, and the process was simple .

We simply printed our bag tags, scanned them at this machine, and sent our bags on their way. No people involved.

And therein lies the problem: If you needed to talk to someone — to change your checked baggage allowance, for example — finding someone wasn’t easy. This is mostly a self-serve airline until you’re inside the plane, so you won’t find an abundance of employees waiting around to help you.

With a 6 a.m. flight departure, we were at the airport early and were tired. Thus, boarding as soon as possible to get our backpacks into the overhead bins, rather than at our feet, was important for being comfortable and trying to sleep on the plane. With that in mind, boarding started while my wife was in the bathroom, so I boarded solo.

With a coffee in one hand and phone (with mobile boarding pass) in the other, the employee running the boarding operation barked at me for not showing my passport and boarding pass at the same time. When I tried to hand her the phone to free up a hand to fish out my passport, she barked at me again.

When my wife caught up to me in the jet bridge, her first words were, “Was the employee checking tickets beyond unfriendly with you?” This employee was more interested in asserting her authority than facilitating the boarding process.

If you’re flying with a carry-on bag only and will accept a random seat assignment, fares can be cheap. However, costs escalate quickly with add-ons. For our flight in March 2024, the base fare started at $159.57 per person.

The table of fees has “starting at” prices for a checked bag of $51 to and from Europe; that jumps to $78 for flights to North America. And those prices increase if you don’t add your checked bag at the time of booking.

It’s possible to ditch the basic fare for a value fare to get priority boarding, a checked bag, and seat selection — with an added cost, obviously, but cheaper than buying these items individually.

Luckily, PLAY’s website provided warnings during the booking process to let us know that adding checked bags later on would cost more.

With the warm clothes we needed to pack for Iceland’s winter, not checking luggage was impossible. Paying for extras added to our cost; if you don’t need a checked bag, fares are much cheaper.

PLAY Airlines from Iceland has a solid route network and can offer attractive pricing for those who travel light. It’s also punctual and works well for those who don’t mind handling the check-in and bag-drop process independently.

However, there are some drawbacks to flying with PLAY, such as needing to pay for anything extra you want, whether that’s a drink during the flight, choosing your seat, or checking luggage. And these fees can add up quickly. Once you’re on board, though, the actual flying experience was better than we’d expected .

For rates and fees of The Platinum Card ® from American Express, click here .

Frequently Asked Questions

When was play airlines founded.

PLAY was founded in July of 2019. However, the airline’s first flight was only on June 24, 2021 to London Stansted Airport.

What did PLAY Airlines used to be called?

The airline was first called WAB air (for “We Are Back”), founded by executives of the shuttered WOW air. However, it changed to PLAY before services launched.

Do you get food on PLAY Airlines flights?

No, as a low-cost airline, food and drinks are not included in fares. However, you can purchase food and drinks during flights.

What aircraft does PLAY Airlines fly?

PLAY has an all-Airbus fleet, consisting of A320neo and A321neo aircraft. The airline had previously ordered an A321LR variant to serve a route to Orlando, but that route was scrapped — and so was the need for the A321LR.

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About Ryan Smith

Ryan completed his goal of visiting every country in the world in December of 2023 and now plans to let his wife choose their destinations. Over the years, he’s written about award travel for publications including AwardWallet, The Points Guy, USA Today Blueprint, CNBC Select, Tripadvisor, and Forbes Advisor.

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