An airline worker has revealed the best time to book a flight to avoid it being cancelled.
Travel during the pandemic almost stopped completely and led to hundreds of airline staff being laid off or losing their jobs.
But holidays are now back to normal and there is huge demand for flights as people try to make up for the period where flights were not operating.
It has led to a huge influx in bookings, but, airports and airlines are struggling to meet increased demand on staffing planes.
The Express reports this has led to flight cancellations becoming a recurring theme, but did you know that there's a way to lessen the chances of your air experience staying fully in tact and on schedule?
Image:
NurPhoto via Getty Images)Kristie Koerbel, a flight attendant, spoke the New York Times about her best travel hacks for those planning stints on foreign soil, including life-saving tips on preventing chaotic journey disruptions.
She advised solely travelling at certain times of the day in order to avoid Covid and non-Covid-related cancellations.
The flight attendant said: “The first flights of the day rarely cancel. Thunderstorms build as the day gets warmer, flight crews reach their duty limits later in the day and traffic builds at busy airports.
“Yes, that might mean a 3am alarm, but if your early flight does happen to cancel, there will be more options to rebook a different flight.”
Kristie also noted that punters should plan to fly direct rather then via connecting flights to avoid further disruption.
ChronicleLive reports the potential of missing a secondary flight altogether is highly likely should your first flight be delayed.
If flying direct isn't possible, she also told flying parties to avoid booking connections with short layovers.
Image:
Bloomberg via Getty Images)Kirstie added: “A one-hour layover is not enough anymore. Thirty minutes, not a chance. In most cases, three hours is safe.”
To keep on top of any delays, cancellations or any other important information she advised flyers to download the airline’s app.
And described them as a 'valuable' resource: “They will keep you from having to wait in impossibly long lines or to try and get someone on the phone if things go wrong.”
Mobile apps allow passengers to track their luggage, flights and even be warned about cancellations way ahead of time.
In the worst case scenario, this could save a passenger a long and pointless journey to the airport.
If needed, passengers are also able to book replacement flights using the app - while also avoiding long queues of people trying to do the same in person at the terminals.
Mobile apps allow passengers to track their luggage, flights and even be warned about cancellations way ahead of time.
In the worst case scenario, this could save a passenger a long and pointless journey to the airport.
If needed, passengers are also able to book replacement flights using the app - while also avoiding long queues of people trying to do the same in person at the terminals.
Image:
Getty Images/iStockphoto)For those lucky few who do in fact make it onto the plane, Kirstie shared another top tip which will help make their lives easier.
She warned passengers from bringing a particular item of clothing with them on each flight, regardless of the destination they are heading to being warm or cold.
While you may not be too eager to bring a fluffy jumper to sunny Spain, it will serve you well on the journey there according to the insider.
She revealed that flight attendants often keep the plane cold on purpose, as heat makes those with air sickness feel worse - "we don’t want anyone to use those sick sacks."
