New Travelers on the Block

In a recent event, I realized there are some first time travelers out there that could probably use a bit of advice from someone like me.  So, here you go:

1 – When you give the airline a phone number, give them a number where they can reach you at all times.  Not your home number, not your parents number and certainly not the number to your apartment where the lease is up soon! 

2 – There are times to be nice and times to be assertive.  Do not miss your flight simply because you were in a line.  Make it known that your flight is leaving and ask someone to help you.  Then, by all means, BE NICE!  Say, “Thank you.”  Say, “Excuse me.”  Say, “I appreciate your help.” 

3 – Never stand in a customer service line for 45 minutes to be told, “We can’t help you right now.”  Put on your assertive accessory and get the help you stood in line for!  Then, BE NICE! 

4 – Don’t assume because YOUR flight to a certain city is delayed that ALL flights to that city are delayed.  Look at an app, a flight board or talk to a live person.  Then, ask to be waitlisted on every flight from now until you are on your way.  It never hurts to ask, as long as you do it NICELY. 

5 – When you arrive at your destination and 3:00am, you still need to know where you are going.  Pay attention and don’t get on a bus or train until you know it’s the right one!  (Better yet, at 3:00am, take a taxi.  Most people will understand!)

6 – Never opt to save $20 by taking an extra connection.  In the end, that $20 will cost you time, money and patience. 

7 – Travel isn’t about who can be in line first or who throws the biggest fit.  It’s about dollars and sense…common sense.  If you are number 33 on the waitlist and there are only 6 seats, your chances are slim to none.  Getting there 4 hours ahead of anyone else will not mean you get the seat.  It will mean that spend 4 hours waiting around.  Be realistic in your expectations. 

Travel is good when it works, but can the worst experience in the world when things go wrong.  Be patient without losing assertiveness.  Be nice without allowing people to push you around.  Be helpful and respectful to your fellow passengers and the people who work in this crazy industry because in the end, we will all eventually end up where we need to be.  Not every trip will be like this and when they are, keep going!