The airport shutdown affected approximately 1,300 flights and over 200,000 passengers, and as such it takes second place in the list of historic largescale air diversion events:

• The 2010 Eyjafjallajökull Volcano Eruption (Iceland) caused the largest air traffic shutdown since WWII with 100,000 flights canceled. This event remains the top diversion event in air traffic history.
• The 2023 Dubai Airport flood (UAE) ended with 800 flights canceled or diverted.

The massive shutdown of Heathrow Airport is a reminder that weather, technical issues, or unexpected emergencies can all cause a flight diversion; the scale of which depends on the reason.

Bookmark this as your step-by-step guide to handling this challenging situation and keeping your sanity.

Prepare in advance

The most efficient travelers are prepared for the unexpected, and in the case of a flight diversion, that means:

• Don’t check your bags, or if you do, always have enough clothes, medication, diapers and other essentials for an extra night.
• Keep items that you would need if you were delayed for hours in your carry-on, including chargers, water, snacks, medicine, baby supplied, etc.
• Download the apps for every airline and hotel on your itinerary before take-off.
• Use a travel credit card to book your trip.
• Buy travel insurance with trip delay and trip interruption protection.

If you pay for your trip with a credit card that features built-in trip delay or trip interruption coverage, then you may be able to pass along the bills for unexpected meals, transportation and lodging up to certain limits outlined in the rules.

The right travel insurance plan will have trip delay or interruption coverage too. Both types of coverage will have limits like how long the delay has to be in order for the protection to kick in or maximum amounts that will reimbursed.

Immediate Actions to Take

If your flight is diverted, the announcement will sound something like this:

“Ladies and gentlemen, this is your captain speaking. I need your attention for an important announcement. Due to an electrical fire near Heathrow Airport, the airport has temporarily suspended all operations. As we don’t have sufficient fuel to remain in a holding pattern, we will be diverting to London Gatwick Airport, approximately 30 miles south of Heathrow. We expect to land at Gatwick in approximately 25 minutes. Our airline’s ground team at Gatwick is being notified and will have more information about onward travel arrangements when we land. For those of you with connecting flights at Heathrow, our ground staff will assist you with rebooking options. I understand this is not ideal, and I appreciate your patience. We’ll provide more updates as soon as we have them. Thank you for your understanding.”

Not something you want to hear, right? You can guess that would result in a loud and collective groan from the entire passenger list. 

As soon as you know your flight is diverted, it’s time to switch to figure-it-out mode. Start with doing these things:

1. Take note of your new arrival airport
2. Open your airline app and screenshot any notifications from the airline
3. Save the airline’s customer service number (just in case Wi-Fi isn’t available later)
4. Screenshot your original boarding pass

If the incident causing your flight to be diverted has also disrupted Wi-Fi, or the system is overloaded with everyone trying to get in touch at the same time, the airline’s app will have a Chat option.

I’ve used these in the past, and no matter how you feel about Chats in general, this is the best and quickest way to reach customer service directly. If you’re on the airline’s loyalty program and you’re using the app, it speeds things up considerably.

Before contacting customer service, have an idea in mind what you want them to do: 

• Rebook you on another flight?
• Cover hotel, transportation and meal expenses?
• All or none of the above?

If your flight lands at an unexpected airport, you are entitled to the following for domestic flights:

• Regular status updates
• Food and water, if delayed more than two hours
• Working bathrooms
• Medical attention, if needed

For international flights, your rights vary depending on your departure and destination point.

Protect Yourself

Before your flight lands in a place you hadn’t planned on and throughout this experience, it’s important that you protect your trip and know your rights. This is true whether you are traveling for business or leisure.

It’s important to clarify limitations so you can have realistic expectations about what happens next. For example, space in a nearby hotel isn’t guaranteed. Nor is compensation for missed events or appointments you may have set at your intended destination.

This is what travel pros will do in a flight diversion scenario:

• Document everything, including your current boarding pass with the original destination on it.
• Keep all receipts for any expenses you incur as a result of the diversion.
• Pay attention to the announcements and save any airline communication or emails.
• If needed, use your favorite hotel app and book a room quickly before they fill up.
• If snacks are offered, grab a few (you don’t know when you’ll have the next opportunity).

Note: You may need to show your original boarding pass later to continue on the flight or check in at an airline-provided hotel. The boarding pass on the airline app may disappear after a period of time, so grab that quickly.

Pro tip: If you’re traveling with a partner, have them work on some of the tasks while you work on others.

Don’t Leave the Airport Without a Plan

Until you have a new travel plan to get where you’re going, don’t leave the gate unless you are willing to risk an even more prolonged delay. In situations like these, the only information coming through could be in person by airline staff at the airport.

Be proactive, and don’t be afraid to ask for alternative options. Keep in touch with the airline app’s chat representatives.

That said, you don’t necessarily have to take what the airline offers you. Once you know what the airlines are offering, you can make some choices. If you have a new boarding pass and hotel loyalty points, go get some rest and claim the hotel cost on your travel card or travel insurance.

Pro tip: Either way, don’t get on the bus! If the airline is putting everyone up with a large group at a hotel, don’t take the provided transportation if you can avoid it (even if you take the provided hotel, which you don’t have to). Quickly snag a taxi or rideshare to the hotel to avoid the herd of people who show up all at once and need to check in at the same time. This can save you hours of standing in line.

Be Ready for Routine Security Screening

When you are able to continue your trip, your ‘old’ boarding pass will have incomplete information about the current situation. 

1. Try to get an updated boarding pass with your TSA PreCheck or Global Entry number on it so you can access the expedited screening lanes. 
2. If you can’t, try to get to the airport ahead of the other passengers (see above: don’t take the bus) so you can ask for a new boarding pass. 
3. If that doesn’t work, expect to go through the normal screening process, which can take more time than you’re used to.

No one enjoys a diverted flight – they’re pricey, time-consuming, and sometimes truly awful experiences, but you may have some options if you’re prepared and proactive. Savvy travelers like you know how to do this!

The post What to do when your flight is diverted appeared first on CoverTrip.

Just to confirm that delays and cancellations are a continual problem for travelers, I took this screenshot of the live flight cancellations reported on FlightAware yesterday:

For years, and especially during the pandemic, travelers have struggled to get refunds for flights disrupted due to cancellations, delays, or schedule changes.

New US Department of Transportation rules went into effect last month, and they’re supposed to make it easier for travelers to get their money back when airlines fail to deliver them to their destination.

Here’s what you need to know about these new rules and what they mean for your next trip.

Understanding the new refund rules

Briefly, here’s what the new rules say for travelers:

1. You will get an automatic refund to the original form of payment if your flight is canceled – no paperwork or complicated procedures.
2. Your refund will be received within seven business days for credit card purchases and 20 calendar days for any other payment methods.
3. You get the full amount you paid back, including fees, taxes, and other airline-imposed fees.

The most important takeaway is that you get all your money back rather than a flight credit or voucher, etc., regardless of the reason for the cancellation. That’s important because, in the past, airlines wiggled out of refunds for a number of reasons.

Also, airlines are required to provide live customer service communication channels 24/7 whether through live chat or phone support.

Pro tip: Try the live chat! I’ve used it several times in the past year, and it’s improved significantly.

What qualifies for an automatic flight refund

The major victory for travelers is that the new rules increase transparency and accountability within the airline industry, ensuring passengers receive the compensation they are entitled to when the airline fails to deliver.

These are the circumstances that qualify for an automatic refund:

• If your flight is canceled and you decline alternative transportation or travel credits, you get a full refund.
• If your flight is significantly delayed, or there is a change in departure or arrival airport, an increase in connections, a downgrade in the service class, or accessibility issues for passengers with disabilities.

Important: The definition of ‘significantly delayed’ is now formally defined for all airlines: a minimum of 3 hours for domestic flights and 6 hours for international.

Also important: These rules apply for any reason, including those formerly considered out of the airlines’ control like weather.

Additional refunds for baggage and services

The rule also includes some extra benefits, which travelers have been frustrated with for years:

1. You get your baggage fee back if your checked bag is delayed more than 12 hours, and
2. You get a refund for in-flight services that were not provided, including Wi-Fi, selected seats, or inflight entertainment.

These may not be big refunds but at least you get your money back for the inconvenience.

Steps to follow when your flight is canceled (the new version)

So, you’re standing at the airport or at home looking at a screen that says your flight is canceled – what do you do?

Decide if you want a full refund or a new flight (these are mutually exclusive choices).

1. If you want a refund, don’t wait in line at the airport or call the customer service line. Go home and make other travel arrangements, your refund will be automatically issued.
2. If you want a new flight, you will help yourself by doing these steps:
   • Use Google Flights to find alternative options while you wait to talk with the gate agent or a customer service rep.
   • If you have the airline app and a frequent flier number, call customer service through the app for quicker results. Be sure to have your ticket and flight information handy for reference.

Important: These steps apply even if you have a nonrefundable ticket! 

Tip: If you still want to travel, booking a new flight is often better than taking a refund and trying to book a last-minute ticket. Last-minute flights are typically very expensive, and you do not want a refund for $300 if a flight the next day will cost you $750.

The Bottom Line

The new rules are good improvements for travelers. After all, we’re all used to getting a refund when we return things we buy online these days. 

While the new ruling ensures you’ll get your money back, it can’t fix the situation when you really need to get somewhere. If you have to get from point A to point B on a specific day and your flight is canceled, you can:

A – Accept their alternative travel arrangements or
B – Get your money back and figure out how to get there another way.

Of course, this isn’t new. It’s always been this way.

The potential upside is that if there is a significant weather event, like a hurricane, for example, and you know your flight will be affected, you can start making alternative travel arrangements earlier and just wait for your flight to be canceled.

How to know ahead of time if your flight will be delayed or canceled

First, you must make sure that the airline has your correct contact information. Many passengers show up at the airport without knowing ahead of time their flight is delayed or canceled simply because they missed the airline’s message. You can help yourself out on this one.

Second, you must make sure to download the airline’s app to your phone. This is the primary way that passengers receive messages from the airlines although I have sometimes been disappointed by receiving messages later than was useful to me.

Pro tip: I always use FlightAware to check the status of my flight, in addition to checking my email and the airline app. I don’t know why, but sometimes FlightAware has more current information.

Related topics

• Does travel insurance cover missed flights?
• How to get on a flight without your ID
• What is a ‘skiplagged flight’ and is it legit?

The post Understanding the New Airline Fee Rules appeared first on CoverTrip.

The most recent backlash extends far beyond Barcelona, however. European cities hosted over 700 million international visitors last year, straining city resources and public transportation systems and making it impossible to get into favorite restaurants, cafés, and bars. 

In some cities, the popularity of buying income properties to rent as vacation homes has created housing shortages and driven up rental prices, forcing long-term residents to leave. Employee shortages caused by unreasonably high property prices only exacerbate the situation, leaving local businesses without the workers they need to support locals and tourists.

Stir in high summer heat and some filthy pollution, and the patience of locals has simply ended!

Here’s how mindful travelers can be part of the solution—but first, let’s look at how we got here.

How did we get here?

Overtourism presents a frustrating experience for both sides – locals and visitors. For tourists, it can seem like being in the wrong place at the wrong time, but it’s really not fair for any group involved.

So how did we get here?

While officials didn’t plan on unchecked growth and a meteoric rise in tourism, it started with plans to improve the local economy, infrastructure, and the ability to support historic sites.

Then came a global pandemic, and all travel stopped. Businesses failed while would-be travelers wallowed in cabin fever. Local residents got a taste of having their neighborhoods to themselves again, but at a price, as governments racked up debt to compensate for the disappearance of tourist income.

More recently, with COVID in check or at least under control, travelers with cash they stashed while waiting began to vacation with a vengeance, and the rates of travel really haven’t slowed since.

What are countries doing about overtourism?

Various countries are implementing their own set of tactics:

• Some destinations, such as Machu Picchu, limit the number of visitors and the time they can stay. Others are restricting open times and requiring pre-booking.
• Some locations, such as Venice, Italy, are introducing and/or increasing tourist taxes to help support the local infrastructure.
• Some cities, like Amsterdam, are banning the construction of new hotels entirely.
• Some cities, like Copenhagen, are getting creative and putting visitors to work! Tourists who pick up litter or perform other eco-friendly activities can earn free food and special cultural experiences.
• Bend, Oregon recently added a tourist tax that goes to building local infrastructure like bike lanes.

Some are implementing all the strategies at once!

What can you do about overtourism?

If you’ve ever lived at a destination that gets mobbed by outsiders for even part of the year, you’re familiar with the locals’ struggle. So, how can you be a better tourist and help beat overtourism?

Find out if the place you want to visit will be overcrowded

Even the places that are experiencing overtourism don’t have problems year-round. Do some research and find out if the location you plan to see is overcrowded with tourists and when.

This does two things for you:

1. You’ll know ahead of time what to expect, and
2. You can reconsider your timing and go at a less busy time.

If you can travel at a time when there are likely to be fewer tourists, you’ll have a better time, and so will the locals.

Expect to plan ahead and make reservations

At first, planning to visit a national park and making a reservation was annoying. Now it’s normal, and the result is a better, less stressed experience for everyone.

When you’re planning a trip to a destination that occasionally or often experiences overtourism, making reservations for everything will help you have a better experience. The locals will appreciate the advanced notice too.

Learn the local etiquette

Many city folks were first introduced to the joy of the outdoors during the pandemic. Unfortunately, many didn’t know outdoor etiquette like picking up your pet’s poo on trails, tramping off marked trails, playing loud music while hiking, and more.

Whatever your travel plans, take the time to learn and follow the local etiquette. For example, if the typical dinner time in Spain is 9-11, adapt to that; if locals walk everywhere rather than drive, walk everywhere. 

Attend local events and go to local businesses

Do as the locals do. Hire local guides, dine at locally owned restaurants, and shop at local stores. Be polite and try to fit in as seamlessly as you can. Many locals’ livelihoods depend on tourism, so avoid all big-box stores or chain restaurants in favor of eating and shopping at resident-owned places.

Related topics

• How to calculate the perfect layover time
• Essential checklist for international trips with older folks
• How to avoid pickpockets and muggers when you travel

The post How mindful travelers can make a difference with overtourism appeared first on CoverTrip.

Watch a timelapse of airplane traffic on the day of the largest IT outage in history:

Some travelers were left stranded for days and out thousands of dollars. People missed surgeries, weddings, funerals, reunions, and more. Some are out non refundable costs like cruise trips, hotel rooms, and car rentals. 

Thanks to the summer resurgence of COVID and absolutely packed airports, the aftermath has only begun.

So, let’s say a similar situation happens again, will you know what to do? Here are the steps to take to navigate the chaos confidently.

1. Sign up for flight notifications

To get the most timely flight notifications, you have a couple of options:

• Through the airline’s app
• By enabling text alerts from FlightAware

There’s a third option, too—a subscription service called Flight Alerts or ExpertFlyer that you can use if you’re willing to pay.

Using the airline app

For most travelers, the airline’s app is the most convenient way to get timely information on upcoming flights, but it must be downloaded and active on their phone for it to work. 

If you have the airline’s app, you can set flight alerts and get notifications about:

• Day- of-travel delays and cancellations
• Departure reminders
• Gate change notices

To get text and email notifications, you must:

1. Download and activate the app
2. Provide your contact details

If you download the app and your flight details appear in the app, you should be good to go, but check your Account info to make sure your email and mobile number are saved. Otherwise, you may not receive updates.

Using FlightAware

FlightAware appears to be getting ready for travelers to sign up and receive text notifications about their flights; however, when I tried, the signup wasn’t quite working. This is something to be aware of and look forward to in the future.

In the meantime, you can still use the website, type in your flight number, and see in real-time where your plane is. This is especially helpful when you’re sitting at the gate, looking out the window, and there’s empty space where an aircraft should be.

2. Tend to your itinerary

Sometimes, the airline will email you when it makes even a minor change to your itinerary. These can be annoying, especially when the difference is just a few minutes, or there’s a new flight number.

Still, it’s important to tend your itinerary.

• Emails can end up in your SPAM folder.
• Some airlines only send notifications if you’re within a few months of departure.

If you’re not keeping an eye on things, you could end up with a significant change in your plans, and you wouldn’t even know it. Check in on your travel itinerary every couple of weeks before a trip, just to be sure.

3. Stay ahead of the others

The airline updates don’t happen immediately. Think about it: how often have you been sitting happily at the assigned gate as the time to board ticks closer and there’s no aircraft at the other end of the gate?

When a flight is delayed, it can take time for the airline to inform the staff and customers.

To get ahead of everyone, do two things:

1. Track your flight in real-time for a fairly accurate picture of the flight’s status:
   • On an iPhone, text the flight number preceded by the airline code into a text message to yourself, like this: UA 2456 (United Airlines flight number 2456)
   • On an Android, search the flight number preceded by the airline code for info.
2. Keep an eye on your flight using FlightAware.
   • Type the flight number in to see where the plane is right now, along with detailed delay info.
   • You can also Notify a friend of your flight status by clicking Get Alerts (or send it to yourself!).

Pro tip: Check the flight status first thing in the morning when you get up on the day of a flight. I can’t tell you how many times I’ve gotten up good and early for the first flight out, only to find out it was delayed when I arrived. Save yourself some time and check when you wake up.

Once you realize a flight will be delayed or canceled, you can start to make decisions.

4. Know the rules

It’s best to look these up ahead of time and on the day of your adventure. When things go wrong, the airlines post information about day-of travel waivers on their websites. 

If the airline makes a significant change to your flight, you have the right to:

1. A full refund
2. A different flight (without a change fee or extra costs)

The key is what the airline you’re flying on defines as ‘significant,’ and it varies slightly by airline – that is, up ‘till now. 

In 2024, the US DOT announced that passengers have a right to an automatic and prompt refund if:

• Departure or arrival times are changed more than 3 hours domestically and 6 hours internationally
• The changed flight departs from or arrives at a different airport than you intended
• There is an increase in the number of connections
• You are downgraded to a lower class or service
• Connections at different airports or flights on different planes are less accessible or accommodating to a person with a disability

Under federal law, if your flight is canceled, you’re owed a full cash refund. The airline may offer a voucher or points instead, but don’t accept them. This is true even for basic economy tickets!

The airline may choose your replacement flight for you, but you don’t have to accept it. You can ask for an alternative or a refund. The trick is getting through to an agent and looking up the airline’s contract of carriage—that’s important because the airline is going to give you what’s convenient for them. You can find the airline’s contract of carriage on their website.

Bonus: If you are flying to, from, or within the European Union and your flight is canceled less than 14 days prior to departure, you have the right to be reimbursed for the unused portion of your flight, assistance with rescheduling, as well as additional compensation.

5. Reach customer service quickly

Most airlines have a policy that if they change your itinerary significantly, typically 90-120 minutes, they will work to get you on the best flight alternative.

If you’re a loyalty member of the airline and have the app installed on your phone, you’re already two steps ahead. Most airline apps now let you chat with an agent, and it’s by far the quickest way to get answers to your flight problems.

1. Open the app.
2. Locate the Contact Us.
3. Check for a phone number and/or chat option (or both!).

You can even start a phone call and chat at the same time—just use one earbud to listen for announcements from the gate agents, too.

Pro tip: If you can’t get through on the US lines, try the foreign country numbers to see if you can get an agent on the line.

Have your confirmation and flight number on hand and know what you’d like the agent to do for you.

• If the flight is significantly delayed, do you still want to travel?
  • If the answer is no, you have the right to ask for a refund. 
  • If the answer is yes, ask if you can fly to a nearby airport or reschedule with a confirmed seat.
• If the airline automatically shifts you onto another flight, maybe the next day, you can accept the new flight or contact the airline for a better option. 
• If the flight they want you to take doesn’t work with your travel plans, try flying to or from a different airport or on a partner airline. Knowing what’s nearby helps in this situation.
• If all the flights are canceled, you will be in the same boat as everyone else, so speed is your best defense if you know what you want.

Don’t worry if the fare for a new flight is higher than you paid for; if there’s an open seat, the airline will likely move you to the flight you request without extra charges. Just make sure you have a confirmed seat. Otherwise, you may be on standby.

Final word

Finally, implementing these tips on all your trips will help when things go wonky:

• Pad your travel schedule with an extra day on either end.
• Fly with a carry-on only and fully charged devices to stay nimble. 
• Stay aware and patient to keep calm in the chaos. 
• Pack snacks to help you stay comfortable.

Related topics

• Tips for surviving long flights
• Does travel insurance cover missed flights?
• Game-changing airline ticket updates

The post Smart Tips for Handling Flight Delays and Cancellations appeared first on CoverTrip.

Unfortunately, the list of canceled flights got significantly longer after a section of an Alaska Airlines aircraft ripped off in flight, prompting an emergency landing 20 minutes after takeoff. 

The FAA quickly ordered a temporary grounding of some Boeing Max 9 jetliners until inspections can be completed. The bulk of the affected planes are owned by two US airlines, impacting 171 jets.

The combination of predicted winter weather conditions and the grounding of hundreds of planes could affect flights for weeks. 

Here’s how to successfully navigate possible flight delays and/or cancelations due to weather or grounded planes.

1. Check your upcoming flights

According to VERIFY, Alaska and United are the only major US airlines that fly the Boeing 737 Max 9, with United being the largest operator of the plane type.

Note: Southwest and American operate a different variant of the Boeing 737 Max—one that is not affected by the current mandatory groundings.

If you’re traveling in the coming weeks on an Alaska or United flight, check the airline website or your confirmation email to see if your flight is one of the grounded planes. The airlines will substitute another plane (if it hasn’t already), but you may want to re-check or change your seat assignments based on the substituted aircraft.

The majority of the cancelations have already occurred, but keep an eye on the airline app and your email for any warning of cancelations. 

2. Get up to date on your rights

The US Department of Transportation has created a dashboard to share what US airlines provide to help passengers when a delay or cancellation is due to circumstances within the airline’s control.

The green checks indicate the airline has committed to that service or amenity; the red ones mean the airline has not made that commitment. 

What’s considered within the airline’s control? 

• Maintenance issues and staffing problems are considered within the airline’s control. 
• Weather and air traffic control issues are not.

3. Make appropriate flight changes

So, now that the airlines know that their Max 9s are grounded, it’s within their control to help passengers. If you have an upcoming flight on Alaska or United that was to be on one of the grounded planes, you can expect the airline to help you get a new seat assignment or even rebook you on another flight.

Also, when severe weather is predicted, the airlines usually offer increased flexibility for rebooking flights. Typically, you’ll see information about affected airports and what you can do on the airline’s website, like this one on United’s site:

And finally, some good news

The US aviation industry as a whole ended 2023 on a positive note—with the lowest flight cancelations in nearly a decade, according to the latest intel from the Department of Transportation.

Related topics

• Top strategies for canceled flights
• Is ‘cancel for any reason’ worth it?
• Understanding trip cancellation coverage

The post How to stay ahead of canceled flights appeared first on CoverTrip.

Still, nothing is worse than waiting at the baggage carousel for your bags, especially when you’re trying to catch a bus or train reservation or keep the waiting Lyft driver from leaving in a huff.

Standing at the baggage carousel last week, waiting for our bags due to a ‘stuck door’, it would have been nice to know about this on-time bags guarantee. Apparently, this has been a thing for some time … and I can’t figure out why I didn’t know about it until now!

According to my research, only two airlines have an on-time guarantee for luggage arriving at the carousel – Delta Air Lines and Alaska Airlines. Alaska Airlines takes the credit for first introducing this customer-friendly policy; it’s been in effect since 2010! Here’s hoping that other airlines pick up on this idea.

Here’s how it works and what you need to know.

What’s an on-time bag guarantee?

If your bag takes more than 20 minutes to arrive at the baggage claim, you can get cash or bonus miles:

• Delta will give SkyMiles members 2,500 bonus miles for late luggage.
• Alaska will give mileage members $25 on their next Alaska flight or 2,500 miles. 

The timing specifics matter, and it’s only slightly different for each airline:

• Delta’s baggage tracking system starts the clock from the second the boarding door opens at the gate until the bag is scanned onto the carousel.
• Alaska’s baggage delivery timer starts when the plane arrives at the gate until the bag is delivered to baggage claim.

What are the rules?

The bag guarantees are available to all passengers who are registered as loyalty members of the airline before taking their flight. Your reservation must also have the loyalty number assigned. 

The on-time guarantee works for fares paid with money or miles and on flights within the US and Puerto Rico, but not international flights. You’re also allowed only one request for each direction of travel, no matter how many bags you check.

The flights must be Delta- or Alaska-operated too. If your trip has multiple airlines on the same domestic itinerary, the guarantee applies as long as the final flight is operated by Delta or Alaska (because that will be the carrier responsible for delivering the bags to the carousel).

Pro tip:  Make sure everyone in your traveling party is a loyalty member and check each bag under the individual’s name. This way, if the bags take more than 20 minutes, each person could receive the bonus.

Bummer: The guarantee does not apply to oversized or overweight bags because these items can understandably take longer to transport to the carousel.

What is the process for claiming the reward?

The process depends on the airline, and here’s where Delta shines.

On Delta

If you flew on Delta and your bag takes more than 20 minutes to arrive, you can file a claim directly. You’ll need to do this within 3 days of your flight, and you’ll need these details:

1. Your name
2. Your SkyMiles number
3. The origin and destination city of the flight
4. Your 6-digit confirmation code
5. The date of your flight

You may see a notice that it can take up to two weeks to get your miles, but it’s often instant.

On Alaska

Alaska doesn’t have an online claim process. Instead, you have to speak to a baggage claim agent at the airport within two hours of your flight’s arrival to submit a claim.

See the full terms online.

Start your timer when the boarding door opens

Both airlines’ policies are based on 20 minutes from when the aircraft door opens, so you can start your timer on the plane. If your bags aren’t rolling onto the carousel when your timer beeps, you know exactly what to do.

Checked bags are big money-makers for airlines, with US carriers collecting over $5 billion in baggage fees every year. Honestly, it’s nice to see that some airlines are willing to put a little money behind their service to help customers get on their way as quickly as possible or have a little boost to their mileage account.

Related posts

• 9 Items you should never pack in a checked bag
• Missing bag? Fear not – handle it like a pro
• Checked bag tips for every traveler

The post Bags late to the carousel? You could get miles. appeared first on CoverTrip.

What’s next?

What are you going to wear on the flight?

Most experienced flyers have a go-to flight outfit that considers comfort, temperature, and convenience―if that’s you, consider this a refresher course. If you struggle with what not to wear, consider this your comprehensive guide to inappropriate or problematic fashion choices when you fly.

Read on to find out what not to wear on a plane and what to wear instead.

1. Open-toed or high-heeled shoes

In summer, you may be tempted to get a head start on your vacation by wearing flip-flops or open-toe sandals, but this is a terrible decision. The same is true of high-heeled shoes. 

Here’s why: you don’t know when the carpet in the plane or under the seats was deep cleaned last, and your exposed toes could be in contact with unseen fungi, germs, and worse. Plus, airplanes are cold! As for high heels, it’s super tricky to run in them no matter what Hollywood has sold you. You could have chafed heels and blisters if you have to run to a new gate. No bueno.

What to wear instead: compression socks and comfortable shoes. Sitting for long periods of time constricts the blood flow and makes your legs, ankles, and feet swell. Compression socks are designed to combat leg and foot soreness and prevent deep-vein thrombosis. 

2. Tight clothing or shapewear

Don’t wear any clothing that’s tight or restrictive, including ill-fitting bras, tight pants, shapewear, and button-up shirts. Basically, anything that feels close to the body or tight when you’re on the ground.

Here’s why: the air pressure changes cause any gas inside your body to expand, so most people feel bloated when they fly. You will be very uncomfortable if you’re already wearing something that fits on the tighter side. As for button-up shirts, they can gap open and be more revealing than you’d like. Plus, depending on where you’re sitting, you may have to get up frequently.

What to wear instead: loose-fitting clothing that’s easy to move around in. Pants with some spandex are more forgiving and stretchy, so you’ll be comfortable in the air.

3. Floor-length clothing

Similar to open-toed shoes, avoid wearing anything that skims the floor, including pants, skirts, or dresses. 

Here’s why: brutally honest flight attendants warn that the airplane bathroom floors are filthy. 

We’re guessing you get the point—that’s not likely water you’re stepping in.

4. Rompers and jumpsuits

These one-piece clothing sets have made a big comeback, but you should not rely on these for plane attire. This is true of bodysuits and overalls too.

Here’s why: most one-pieces require total disrobing whenever you need to use the bathroom. That can be a much more complex maneuver to manage in a cramped airplane stall. Plus, anything you must take nearly off will likely drape onto the floor.

Did you know that airlines have shrunk the size of the bathrooms to fit more seats on each plane? Yep, many bathrooms are only 24 inches wide, making it a tiny space to move about in.

What to wear instead: Opt for loose-fitting two-piece sets that make it easy to access the toilet.

5. Anything revealing, obscene or offensive

There’s been a lot of discussion in some corners about whether a dress code for flying is a good idea. And yes, I acknowledge that what’s considered revealing, obscene, or offensive is a judgment call.

Here’s why: it’s about respect for other passengers―airplanes are filled with people of all ages and from all backgrounds. Lots of parents don’t want their children exposed to adult themes either. Plus, in some situations, passengers have been denied boarding due to the airline’s contract of carriage. American refused boarding to a fitness model in revealing clothes, and Southwest forced a passenger to cover up. 

Pro tip: ultimately, you want to avoid offending if you can. See how to deal with unpleasant passengers for some tips should the occasion arise.

6. Strong smells, including body odor

If you’ve ever endured a long flight next to someone who reeks of body odor, cigarettes, or other offensive smells, you know how awful it can be. Nauseating even. The same is true for sitting next to someone wearing too much strong perfume.

Here’s why: it’s not only about maintaining your own personal health and being respectful to others. Most airlines’ carriage contracts indicate that “hygiene or odor” creating an unreasonable risk of offense or annoyance to other passengers isn’t allowed.

What to do in that situation: the flight crew can move you to another seat, deodorize the area, or request the passenger to leave as long as the odor isn’t caused by a physical ailment or condition (per the ADA). Either way, politely request help before the flight takes off. 

Pro tip: I always carry a tiny bottle of lavender oil. I primarily use a drop or two to help me relax on flights, but the scent is generally pleasing and can mask odors.

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The post 6 Things You Should Never Wear on a Plane appeared first on CoverTrip.

‘Walking’ looks like this: a traveler with a reservation arrives at check-in only to be told there are no available rooms. The staff essentially turns the traveler away to ‘walk’ to other lodgings.

It stinks. It’s shocking, and it’s not new by any means.

In highly competitive markets, hotels strive to have zero vacancy. And just like the airlines, hotels will overbook knowing that some travelers won’t show up or they’ll cancel at the last minute.

And it’s legal. Hotels are under no legal obligation to the guests they walk. Hotels can and do cancel confirmed reservations anytime they want. You are entitled to a refund for anything that was pre-paid for, and that’s about it. It’s only industry policy that makes them book a traveler they have to turn away. There is no guarantee that they will even help you find alternative lodging. 

Many hotels’ standard practice is to pay for an alternative (hopefully comparable) property and transportation for the traveler to get there. From the guest’s perspective, however, the alternate hotel may be less than comparable and not worth the free night. 

Here’s how to avoid getting walked by your hotel.

Only book directly with the hotel

Hotel management and the staff in front of you are more likely to be interested in helping you in an overbooking situation. You’re less likely to be able to get timely support through a booking site that may not even be open when you contact them (even if there is a way to contact them).

Pro tip: hotels prefer to work directly with their guests too. If you see a deal on a third-party site, contact the hotel directly and ask them to honor it. In most cases, they will.

Communicate with staff

The first and most important method to avoid getting walked is to be communicating with the hotel before you arrive. It’s much harder to avoid getting walked once you’re standing at the front desk. 

Do these things to establish communication:

• Watch your email. When an overbooking situation looks likely, the hotel may inform travelers with reservations, and you can get ahead of the situation.
• Call the hotel a few days before your trip and confirm. At this time, make sure you’re getting the room you booked. One trick a hotel may try if you arrive and they are overbooked is to give you a lesser room.
• Check in early using the hotel brand’s app, if available, and join the hotel’s loyalty program. The hotel is less likely to walk a traveler with some level of loyalty status.

If you think you may arrive later than expected, call the hotel and let them know. At that time, you can ask if the hotel will have availability and make arrangements if it seems like there will be an issue. Often, the hotel staff appreciate the advance notice and can help you with a new booking.

Arrive early

Guests who arrive late are more likely to face the oversold situation.

If you arrive early – even before the standard check-in time – you can get ahead of the travelers straggling in later. 

If you arrive early and your reserved room isn’t available, ask the hotel to watch your luggage and give them your phone number so they can contact you when it is ready.

Book a backup hotel

The average booking lead time has increased as the pandemic has become more manageable. Many experienced travelers who book early are also accustomed to booking rooms at more than one hotel to get the best deal and to have a reservation while they continue researching their trip activities. 

These travelers may cancel all but the reservation they want to keep, and often they do it late. 

It works, and you can do it too.

Pro tip: Book hotel alternatives on slightly different dates, like one day later than you intend to arrive. This will ensure that you have a room if you get delayed and have to cancel your first reservation.

Just don’t forget to cancel the hotel if you don’t need it!

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The post How to avoid getting ‘walked’ appeared first on CoverTrip.

On the flip side, and believe it or not, there are some perks to having the middle seat! 

Whether you love it or loathe it, there are times when you are faced with being stuck in the middle seat. Here’s everything you need to know about the middle seat on an airplane.

Watch out for seat-switching scams

Not everyone who asks you to switch seats is scamming you, but there’s been a recent revival of an old scam that you should know about. It goes like this:

Traveler A gets their hands on a seat with extra legroom. They ask Traveler B (in the same row) to switch seats so they can sit with a family member or friend.

The problem is that the third party’s seat isn’t as nice as the one Traveler B is being asked to give up.

If you’re seated in premium economy and bought, earned, or scored an upgrade with benefits like more legroom, drinks, and snacks, you are under no obligation to switch seats. 

Here’s a video by one TikToker sharing the right way to ask to switch seats on a plane. And just for good measure, here’s how not to ask a fellow traveler to switch seats.

Surprise – the middle seat could save your life!

This one shocked us too. Apparently, one specific type of seat could keep you safer in the event of a plane crash.

According to research by a professor at Queensland University, the middle seats in the last two rows of the plane are, statistically speaking, the safest seats to be in if the plane crashes.

If you’re worried about plane crashes and like statistical odds, now you know what seat to pick!

Middle seat etiquette

When you’re sitting in the middle seat, the following are generally accepted as good etiquette to follow at a minimum:

• Hold your across-the-aisle conversations for after landing.
• Don’t lean on your seatmates (having a good neck pillow is key!).
• Cooperate with your rowmates when the person in the window seat has to get up.

There’s an unwritten rule that the person in the middle seat gets to control both armrests. It’s an unwritten rule, however, so it may not always work.

How to get out of the middle seat

If you are stuck in the middle seat and want to get out of it, there’s another way. Have you heard the term ‘omiyage’? It means a gift of gratitude and goodwill. 

Johnny Jet recommends traveling with unique chocolates that you can use as omiyage. 

Remember that the gate agent controls the seats before you board the plane, and flight attendants offer service once you’re onboard. So, if you’re trying to get out of the middle seat, consider a gift as a token of appreciation to a gate agent, and perhaps, they’ll switch your seats.

What to do if you don’t mind the middle seat

Airlines are well aware of the fact that most passengers don’t like the middle seat. One particular airline has gotten creative about the middle seat issue.

Virgin Australia launched a Middle Seat Lottery with over $230,000 worth of prizes, making sitting in the middle seat something to celebrate.

Entry in the lottery is simple:

1. Be a frequent flyer member, or join, and
2. Fly with Virgin Australia in any middle seat before April 23, 2023.

Finally

If you’re stuck in the middle seat and may or may not win the lottery, a sleep hack can help you fall asleep. 

This military-proven technique developed for fighter pilots helps you fall asleep in two minutes. Master it, and you can forget you’re in the middle seat.

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The post What every traveler needs to know about the middle seat appeared first on CoverTrip.

Official data shows that flight cancellations in 2022 were almost 50 percent higher than the historical average.

Over 1.2 million flight arrivals were delayed, and 2.4% were canceled. 

There is an unfortunate randomness to travel disruptions that makes them difficult to avoid. For trips where it’s critical to arrive on time, there are some things you can know or do to give yourself the best odds.

Read on to avoid flight disruptions on your next trip.

1. Know when to invoke the flat-tire rule

Even before you get on a flight, there are things that can derail your trip. If you are unavoidably delayed, some airlines have rules that protect you.

Here’s an example: You check into your flight the day before, but on the way to the airport, a large traffic accident closes the highway while emergency vehicles clear the road. The gates are shut on your flight when you arrive, but you know to ask the airline to observe the flat-tire rule. 

Pro tip: not all airlines have this rule, and they never publicize it on their websites, so you have to know about it!

If you’re lucky and the airline agent understands the flat-tire rule, you can go on the next flight as a standby passenger for no extra charge.

2. Choose early morning flights

Every month the Department of Transportation publishes official stats on flight delays, missing bags, over sales, and more, including the breakdown of departure time.

In 2022, the data shows that while 86% of flights departing in the 6-7 am hour arrived on time, only 66% of flights departing in the 10-11 am hour did.

In other words, the first flights of the day have a 20 percent higher on-time performance than later flights.

Why?

In most cases, the weather tends to be better in the morning (even for thunderstorms and definitely for tornadoes). Also, in most cases, the airplane has been sitting there overnight. It’s all gassed up and ready to go.

Afternoon flights nearly always use a plane coming from somewhere else – so if a prior flight gets delayed, yours could be too.

3. Try to book non-stop

Flight delays are far more likely to happen than cancellations, on average (excluding 2020 when travel was a complete shambles).

A flight delay on a non-stop flight is an inconvenience; a flight delay when you have a connection or two can mean arriving a day or two later than you planned.

Not every delay results in a missed connection, but the potential looms with the more connections you have.

Pro tip: In the worst scenario, where you have to bum around the airport for longer than you planned, hopefully, it’s one of the seven nicest airports in the world.

4. Avoid basic economy tickets always

Beginning in 2020, all full-service US airlines, and many international ones, got rid of change fees except for basic economy tickets.

Now, there’s no penalty – only the fare difference, and if the new fare is cheaper, you get some money back!

What this means is that if you booked an evening flight or a connecting flight and start to worry that you won’t arrive on time, you have flexibility. You can change your itinerary to a morning or non-stop flight instead.

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