No doubt you have watched the growing Airline Crisis and wondered if flying right now is worth it. Whether you fly on business or for vacation, flying in today’s market can be unnerving, unless you play if safe. Here are some steps to take to protect your flight plans, even in the “troubled skies”.
The first step that we recommend:
1. Verify your flight frequently with your airline. Starting 30 days prior to your scheduled flight, verify at least weekly that your flight is still valid as originally scheduled. This is very important in today’s market. Airlines are scheduling fewer flights, cutting out flights altogether in some markets, and even going bankrupt.
2. Consider Travel Insurance. Travel insurance will pay for travel delays, travel interruptions, lost baggage and more. Plane tickets cost more every day, and you do not want your travel investment to disappear. An airline that goes bankrupt offers no recourse, and you could be out tons of $$$. We recommend AIG Travel Insurance because whenever we compare rates, theirs is the best price, they are rated A+, and they offer excellent customer service. We use travel insurance more when there are doubts – about the weather, or like now, concerns about unexpected changes.
3. Be informed before booking your flight. Many times simply reading the news will give you an idea of which airline to choose for your flight. Some airlines are rumored to be merging. Some airlines have recently had FAA issues, others may still be due for FAA inspections. The age of fleets vaires by the airline. (In a future article, we will review age of plane fleets by airline.) If you ever need to track a flight or check flight delays, check our TRAVEL TOOLS tab at the top of this page.
4. Book Smart. Book your travel with a reliable, recommended source. You may prefer to book online, or you may have a friend in the travel industry. Don’t just book with anyone. We recommend CheapTickets most often, since twice recently we have saved 50% or more with them on flights. Just click the link to go and check the price for your upcoming flight. They have a good deal for you too!
Remember, the squeeze is on for the airlines. Profits are low, fuel prices are high, and to a degree the economy is reducing travel spending, resulting in fewer passengers at least in the short run. Don’t get caught squeezed along with them. Use these tips and tell your friends about this article. Safe Travels!
Filed under: Travel Tips | Tagged: airline crisis, airlines, book your travel, protect flight, verify your flight
