7 Tips To Travel Like a Boss During The Air-Mageddon!
Contributed by Priscilla Holmes
What Is The Air-Mageddon?
Over 88,000 flights were canceled between January and May 2022. The entire industry sustained an extreme 90-95% drop in demand. Airlines received stimulus money from the government, but they still tried to keep costs down, so they offered buyouts and early retirement bonuses - and tens of thousands of people ran with it. Recruiting stopped, and the industry essentially parked half of its planes. Fast forward two years, and revenge travel has triggered the perfect storm, pushing demand to an all-time high. There's a shortage of pilots, baggage handlers, and other essential airline employees.
Why Does This Matter To You?
Amidst all of this, I know you want to travel regardless. We all need time to step away from our business, see new places, and refocus. When you do travel, use my seven tips to travel like the boss you are during the Air-Mageddon!
Tip #1: Avoid Traveling On Holidays
Holidays are the busiest times of the year and are known for delays and cancellations, and it's even more hectic post-pandemic. Labor shortages and operational challenges characterize the post-pandemic environment, resulting in fewer flights.
If you must travel during a holiday season, make sure you build in a buffer - take a day off before and after your actual travel event. This way, if your air travel is extended for any reason, you can manage expectations at work, while cutting yourself some slack.
Tip #2: Take The Earliest Flight Possible and Fly Non-Stop
In this environment, I recommend booking early morning and non-stop flights. It's not always possible, but the fewer hops, the better.
Delays, fewer connecting flights, and bad weather can cause people to be stranded at the airport overnight as the day wears on. And we know as a busy entrepreneur, you’ll spend that time on your laptop, not at the lounge. Typically, if you're flying early and there's a delay, you can get another flight the same day.
Term tip: My term for the earliest flight is 'Zero Dark 30.'
Tip #3: Reduce The Number Of Hops/Legs
Reduce the number of hops/legs with these tips:
Drive to the nearest international airport and park in the long-term lot during your trip if it's reasonable
Fly non-stop whenever possible
Plan your flights. Do not wait until a few days or a week before you travel to book. Demand for air travel is at an all time high - there aren’t enough planes in operation to handle the demand, so the flight you want may be gone if you wait too long to book. There may be flights available at a lower price point, but these are more likely to be non-refundable - so book at least three to four weeks in advance.
Book routes with shorter flying times. These fill up quickly, and they may cost a bit more, but convenience is priceless.
Tip #4: Don’t Purchase Non-Refundable Air Or Hotel Rates
Non-refundable means non-refundable, whether it be a flight or a hotel. When you book non-refundable rates or fares, you are not entitled to a refund, even if it's a personal emergency. Under limited circumstances, you may have 24 hours to cancel the booking without penalty. After that, you generally aren't eligible to receive a refund at all. The hotel will also expect payment for additional days if you want to make up for the day you lost.
Beware of Basic Economy: Basic economy tickets are generally non-refundable and the first to get bumped when flights are overbooked. Usually, this is because a seat is not assigned to you - your seat gets set after you check in for your flight or at the gate. Seating preferences are given to those who purchase fully refundable air and get to select their seat. Basic economy also does not offer the flexibility to change anything or get a refund unless it's the airline's fault. My advice is to fly in the main cabin. You can upgrade your ticket for more legroom closer to the day of departure.
Tip #5: Avoid Online Travel Agencies And Book Your Air Directly From The Airlines
When you use consumer travel websites, you are essentially using a self-serve online travel agency (OTA).
An OTA presents a lot of boundaries. When resolving issues, the OTA stands between you and the airline, you and the hotel, or you and the car rental or transport service. OTA's have a lot of terms and conditions, and many people don't read them in their entirety or understand them. In addition to the OTA's terms, each travel supplier selling on the platform has its own. Unless you read and understand it all, you could be setting yourself up to lose out on your hard-earned cash.
For example, let's say you have a problem with your airline ticket. A ticket agent at the customer service desk cannot assist you because your ticket was booked through an OTA. If you're due a refund, the airline won't issue it; you have the OTA contact the airline on your behalf, and their support is often very limited. In general, travel websites are not designed to provide comprehensive support. Basically, you're on your own.
Tip #6: Buy Travel Insurance
Vacations are an investment in your happiness.. To protect your investment from potential losses, travel insurance is highly recommended. Travel insurance can assist when unexpected situations arise before or during your vacation (last-minute changes, lost luggage, delayed flights, hotel problems, medical emergencies, etc.)
Pro Tip: Make sure you buy travel insurance with comprehensive coverage that will cover your entire trip.
Tip #7: Hire a Travel Advisor
Of course, you want to take the perfect trip. Take the stress out of the planning process with the help of a travel advisor.
A travel advisor will:
Advocate for you if you encounter an issue with the airline, your hotel, or a combination of factors
Advise you on your options
Assist if your flight gets canceled or delayed causing you to miss your connection
As a professional travel advisor, I consider your travel goals, budget, number of travelers, and needs when crafting a vacation experience. As a travel professional, I maintain relationships with suppliers (hotels, airlines, transportation, restaurants, tour companies, etc.) to ensure a special travel experience.
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As your travel agency, I will:
Help you navigate the post-pandemic travel landscape
Advise you and your party about accommodations, excursions, attractions, and recommendations for your chosen destination
Research quality travel options that fit the needs of you and your entire party, while providing you with the best options for your trip based on your travel goals
Provide you with a customized itinerary to make your trip unforgettable
Negotiate with multiple suppliers to ensure you get the best value for your travel investment
Coordinate round-trip transfers from the airport to your destination along with your tours, excursions, and other activities
Coordinate and facilitate events for group celebrations
Submit any special requests you may have, such as bed type, handicap-accessible transportation, or vegetarian/vegan meals
Advise you and your group on travel insurance benefits to protect your travel investment
Create a custom payment plan and provide payment reminders to help you and your group stay on track
Offer travel financing options available, allowing you to pay over 12 months
Download the Empowered Women’s Travel Checklist for International Travel
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About Priscilla
Priscilla Holmes is a Travel Advisor who specializes in bucket trips for overachieving women who juggle family, career, business, and community commitments. Among them are CEOs, preachers, engineers, professionals, grandmom-preneurs, and all-around superwomen. By exploring more and connecting with the local culture in the destinations that travelers visit, Priscilla helps curious travelers get the most out of their vacations.
It's important to Priscilla that the environment is protected and that fair-trade jobs are provided to the local community
She is an Army Veteran with many years of experience leading technical teams on IT and software engineering projects in the defense sector.
As a woman who neglected herself for many years, she understands the importance of self-care. She helps women reconnect with their "Inner Explorer" and disconnect from stress
In contemplating retirement, she considered starting her travel agency so that she could help others travel farther, longer, harder, and on their own terms. After owning a timeshare for many years, Priscilla started her travel agency five years ago.
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