Travel Tips From a Former Airline Worker

A teacher I work with, Leigh Turner, used to work for an airline. I recently asked her some random questions I’ve always wanted to know about airline travel. Her answers were very interesting. I hope you find some helpful tips here. Let me know your airline travel stories by leaving a comment. Leigh said, “I can only answer these from a ticket agent/gate agent perspective. I’m sure flight attendants will have a whole other list of do’s and don’t’s!”

* Things airline workers wish passengers would stop doing or things they would love to tell passengers but can’t because they need to keep a job or keep the peace.

READ THE FREAKING SIGNS!!! THEY ARE EVERYWHERE!!!

I DID NOT LOSE YOUR LUGGAGE BUT IF YOU CONTINUE TO BE AN A**, I CAN GUARANTEE YOUR LUGGAGE WILL NOT BE FOUND AS QUICKLY AS THE NICE PERSON BESIDE YOU.

DO NOT EVER JOKE ABOUT BOMBS, CRASHES, ETC. I WILL NOT LET YOU ON MY FLIGHT, AND I’M WELL WITHIN MY RIGHTS TO DENY YOU BOARDING.

Do not stuff your suitcase full and expect that it will arrive in the same condition. Overpacked luggage has been known to bust open.

* What kind of luggage is best? What about luggage locks?

Any luggage is fine. I have never locked my luggage but then again I don’t pack anything worth stealing. I will say I had a fake Louis Vuitton duffel bag stolen in Milwaukee. After that experience I never traveled with expensive luggage again. Do not check breakables. They will probably become broken.

* Reasons luggage gets lost. Can it be avoided? Prevented?

There are many different reasons from simple human error to late connections to lazy workers. The main way you can reduce your chances of lost luggage is to arrive at the airport at least 45 minutes- one hour before departure. What the traveler CAN do is to ALWAYS put identification on the outside AND inside of your luggage. As a reminder don’t ever check anything that you can’t easily replace. Between the ramp workers and TSA, there may be people going through your luggage. Jewelry, medicines, expensive purses, etc. should not be in your checked luggage.

* Why do they ask us to turn off our cell phones on a plane?

Not sure

* When is the best time to buy tickets? I’ve heard Tuesdays. Is that true?

That’s what I have heard too! Sign up for price alerts is the best way to monitor fare sales.

* How can being polite really help your travel experience? As with any customer service experience, you can catch a lot more flies with honey than with vinegar. Long story short, don’t cause a scene or make inappropriate jokes, you can and will be removed from a flight and/or denied boarding.

Weather is uncontrollable…that’s why it is referred to as an “act of God.”  Every employee working your flight wants it to be on time too and wants your luggage to arrive with you!

* Packing tips – Roll, roll, roll all of your shirts, sweaters, and pants. Tuck underwear and socks into shoes, pack LIGHT!! Avoid checking luggage unless you must. For international travel I never carry a purse. I always use a backpack.

* What do the huge numbers on the runway mean?

Those numbers refer to the runway number. The runway numbers are based on 360 degrees. For example, in Memphis runways 9 and 27 run east and west. They represent 90 degrees and 270 degrees in a circle. Additionally, there are runways 36 and 18. Those refer to 360 degrees and 180 degrees.

* Things passengers don’t know about air travel:

Airplanes are an incredibly safe way to travel; much safer than driving. Airplanes are chilly, dress accordingly. Weather affects air travel. It may be sunny and beautiful in Memphis but If your aircraft is coming from San Francisco and they have delays due to fog, your flight may be delayed. IT IS NOT THE FAULT OF THE AIRLINES! Trust me, they want it to be on time too, late flights cause a chain reaction for the rest of the day!

* Are the tray tables really clean?

It depends. If your aircraft is the first trip of the day then, yes its clean. If your aircraft has a quick turnaround, meaning it pulls into the gate unloads and reloads, then no. No one has had the time to clean all of the trays.  

* Is the water OK to drink?

Technically yes, however I would avoid it if possible. The taste will be different and the holding tanks are not as clean as your home. 

* Is it really better to fly early in the day?

Not really. Fly when you want to!! However, your chances of your flights being on time are better the earlier you fly.

* Where is the best place to sit on an airplane? Back? Aisle?

This is personal preference. When I traveled with my small children, I preferred the back. The engines were louder which tended to drown out the whining and/or crying. Personally, I don’t like to be over the wing because I love to look at the scene unfolding outside of the window. If you are someone who needs to use the restroom often, then by all means, get an aisle seat!

* Is it true that if you check in late you will get your bags first?

Not necessarily true. The later you check in, the more you run the risk of your luggage not making the flight. Also, when you check in later, then yes, your luggage will be some of the last luggage loaded and obviously some the first unloaded. However, most of the time the rampers have many luggage carts to fill and don’t leave the aircraft until all luggage has been unloaded.

* Comment on dress code – how it has changed, etc.:

As a general rule, society has become much more “relaxed” in their dress code. 

* Comment on flying pets

Where??? Did that monkey just start flying?? Just kidding. It can be expensive and very stressful for your pet. PLEASE see your vet ahead of time and get your pet some anxiety reducing meds – same for you if you need it. Generally, it is safe and the employees are well trained and love pets too just know that accidents could happen. Personally, I have never traveled with my pet nor would I want to.

* What’s with the first class line?

You pay more, you get treated better! LOL

* Are the blankets and pillows cleaned?

Yes, however, if you are the first flight of the day your chances are higher that you are the first one to use it. If you are a germaphobe, flying may not be the best way for someone to travel.

* What do you know/what can you recommend about airline reward programs and reward credit cards?

I would highly recommend them. Check with Consumer Reports or a similar type magazine for comparisons.

* What to bring on the airplane:

Depends on the length of the flight. For short domestic flights; snacks, earbuds, a book, magazine, and or crossword book will be fine. For longer international flights, all of the above plus socks, and possibly compression socks and I like a blow up neck pillow.

* Anything else 🙂

For long flights, drink lots of water and keep your shoes on. Your feet may swell!

Try to stay away from alcohol – it enhances swelling.

Dress in comfortable layers.

Once the door has been closed, if there is an empty seat somewhere just ask the flight attendant if you can move.

For international travel or trips that will involve shopping, leave room in your suitcase for your purchases or plan to carry them onboard.

Read over the TSA website and the airline website and review what you can and can’t take on board and put in your luggage. Make sure your carry- on luggage fits the size of the bins on the aircraft. You can find this on the airline’s website.

Fully research your destination.

Sit back, relax and enjoy the adventure!!!

I hope you enjoyed reading these tips. Do you have any to add? Any interesting flight stories to share? I’d love to hear from you.