Passengers deserve to know everything that’ll make their flight safe and comfortable. After all, they’re paying for these services and should be given the best. Yet, for safety or selfish reasons, most airlines don’t always disclose some information to travelers, even when transparency demands that they do. We’ve compiled 15 pieces of top-tier information that should give you a better flying experience, though airlines would rather have you in the dark about them.
Overbooking is Common
Overbooking is a common airline practice in which more tickets are sold than available seats, hoping that some passengers won’t show up. This practice maximizes revenue but can result in frustration and confusion if everyone who bought a ticket arrives. In such cases, airlines will seek volunteers to give up their place for compensation. If there are still insufficient volunteers, some customers may be involuntarily bumped. Knowing this can help you better prepare and understand your rights and compensation options.
Last-Minute Deals
Airlines frequently implement a pricing strategy where fares decrease significantly as the departure date approaches to avoid flying with empty seats. Thus, they might reduce prices in the final days before a flight to attract last-minute travelers and fill any remaining space. So, being flexible with your travel plans can enhance your chances of snagging these last-minute deals.
Connecting Flights are Risky
Opting for flight connections increases the risk of missing your next flight, especially if the first leg is delayed. Airlines sometimes schedule connecting flights to maximize efficiency and reduce costs, leaving you with little room for error. If your current flight is delayed because of weather, mechanical issues, or air traffic control, you might find yourself sprinting through the airport or, worse, stuck overnight if you miss your connecting flight.
Baggage Fees are Big Business
Baggage fees have become a high revenue stream for many airlines, contributing millions of dollars annually to their bottom line. What started as a way to offset rising fuel prices has now become a standard practice. To avoid these additional charges, pack light luggage, picking only what is necessary. Traveling with a carry-on bag instead of checking luggage can bypass these fees altogether on many airlines.
Delays and Cancellations
Delays and cancellations are inevitable in air travel, regularly disrupting people’s plans. Many airlines don’t openly disclose that they prioritize their operational needs over customers’ convenience. While safety concerns and technical issues are legitimate reasons for delays and cancellations, airlines may also prioritize factors like cost-saving measures. However, you have rights and entitlements in such situations, including compensation for delays, cancellations, and denied boarding under certain circumstances.
Frequent Flyer Miles Restrictions
Frequent flyer miles can seem like a valuable currency, promising free or discounted flights as a reward for loyalty. Yet, the reality is sometimes more complicated. Many airlines impose blackout dates, during which miles cannot be redeemed, particularly on popular routes and peak travel seasons. Even when blackout dates aren’t in effect, securing award tickets can be daunting due to limited availability.
Food Quality
Airline food quality is compromised chiefly due to the challenges of mass production and storage limitations. Meals are typically prepared in bulk and then frozen or refrigerated until reheated onboard, impacting taste and freshness. As a result, many people find airline food to be bland or unappetizing. Pack some snacks just to be safe.
Hidden Fees
Airlines sometimes implement hidden fees that significantly inflate the total cost of the flight, often catching travelers off guard. Seat selection fees, for example, can vary depending on the location inside the aircraft. Additionally, meals and snacks are no longer complimentary on many flights, and purchasing them onboard can be costly. One way of avoiding these hidden fees is to review the airline’s policies and fees before booking.
Turbulence Management
Turbulence, often likened to driving over bumps in the road, is a common experience during flights. It is rarely dangerous, but airlines won’t tell you that. They’d rather err on caution by illuminating seatbelt signs longer than necessary than get you injured by turbulence. So, if seatbelt signs stay longer than desired, understand that it’s ultimately in your interest.
Aircraft Cleaning
Some airlines do have cleaning protocols in place, but the thoroughness of cleaning between flights can vary. Quick turnarounds leave limited time for deep cleaning, especially during busy travel. Sometimes, only visible debris may be removed, whereas surfaces like tray tables, armrests, and seatbelt buckles may not receive adequate attention. This haphazardness can pose a health risk for customers in light of recent global health concerns.
Lost Baggage
Passengers’ baggage frequently gets mishandled in air travel, and airlines don’t always disclose how often this problem occurs. Though some rigorous baggage handling procedures are implemented by airlines, enforcing the process can be time-consuming and uncertain. Passengers should, therefore, ensure clear and prominent labeling of their luggage with contact details. Doing this can facilitate easier identification and return if it gets separated from the passenger.
Safety Demonstrations
Flight attendants routinely perform safety demonstrations on every flight. This essential information could be life-saving in an emergency, and ignoring it out of familiarity or disinterest can lead to confusion and panic in a real crisis. Therefore, while it may be tempting to zone out or focus on other things during the pre-flight briefing, taking a few moments to listen and review the safety procedures can make a lot of difference.
Crew Fatigue
Flight attendants and pilots often work long hours and have irregular schedules, which can lead to fatigue and affect their performance during flights. Despite strict regulations governing maximum duty hours and rest periods, their demanding jobs can still take a toll on them. Passengers should be aware of occasional lapses in service that may occur due to crew fatigue. Being considerate can go a long way in creating a more supportive environment.
Seat Pitch Shrinkage
Many airlines shrink their seat pitch to maximize profits, squeezing in more people per flight. The reduced seat pitch means less legroom is available. Especially on longer flights, it results in cramping and discomfort. Limited legroom makes it more difficult for passengers to move freely in their seats, increasing the risk of deep vein thrombosis (DVT).
Wi-Fi Issues
In-flight Wi-Fi can most times be slow and unreliable due to several factors, including limited bandwidth, the number of users on the network, and the aircraft’s location. High demand from multiple passengers trying to connect simultaneously can significantly reduce internet speeds. Airlines may not disclose these limitations upfront, regularly leading to passenger frustration when streaming content, working, or staying connected during the flight.
