It seems the airlines are putting on more and more restrictions and attacking us with an avalanche of fine print and fees for everything. I'm here to help clear up some confusion and provide some tips to help you prevent getting rolled by the airlines. Hopefully these tips will help.
First of all, when you're buying tickets make sure you shop around. I recommend checking the airlines individual websites as well as several of the online travel agents like Expedia, Travelocity and Priceline. Booking as a package (air, hotel, car, activities, etc.) can save you significant money. Also, begin searching enough in advance that you can take advantage of promotions and limited time deals. Most importantly, make sure you read the fine print, especially in regards to cancellation policies and your ability to make changes without monetary penalty.
All of the new security measures at the airports are here to stay. If anything they will continue to get worse before they ever get better. Make sure you follow the airlines recommended times for how far in advance to arrive at the airport. In fact, take their recommended time and add a little more of a buffer. I know it seems inconvenient, but it will save you some pain. If you miss a flight because you underestimated the time to get checked in and through security you lose your seat and will have to buy another ticket. The airlines will not be sympathetic to your plight and will happily take more of your money for another ticket. I recently flew internationally and arrived 2 hours and 20 minutes before the departure time (2 hours was recommended) and I still walked right onto the flight with little to no spare time. Even with a buffer I was one catastrophe away from missing my flight.
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