Missing a flight is a situation that can literally happen to anyone. And that often occurs out of your control: bad weather, technical issues, or maybe the airline just hits you and makes you take a later flight. However, there are situations in which you will miss the flight, and the airline is not to be blamed.
To help you with this matter, Surffares experts have compiled a list of tips on “how to avoid missing a flight” in this blog post. By following them, you can mitigate the risks of delays, enjoy a stress-free journey, and make sure you reach your destination on time.
Top Tips on How to Avoid Missing a Flight
Keep these important steps in mind to take before each flight so that you don’t miss your departure.
1. Opt for Backpacks; Skip Checking Bags
Checking your bag in the middle of the line will not only delay your flight but also add fifteen minutes to your travel time. The lines are not that much longer, so you might run into trouble. However, you can check your bag at the curbside.
One of the most important tips to help you avoid missing your flight is to have a backpack. It’s much easier to hustle through the airport when you’re dragging a big roll-on. Just grab your phone, laptop, and other devices, and load them in your backpack as you hurry to the gate.
2. Get the Airline Apps
Get the app for the airline you fly with, even if you do not need it. It is easy to log in. You will also get notifications that serve as a reminder to check-in.
However, if you book a flight with Surffares, we will always keep you updated on the status of your flight. Also, we will keep you updated on any special offers and deals.
3. Prepare all the Necessary Documents
Since a valid ID is the first requirement to enter an airport, many people either forget to bring it with them or find out that their passports have expired. For the smooth operation of your trip, make sure you have all the necessary documentation with you.
Moreover, this is also one of the crucial tips to help you avoid missing your flight. So make sure you have all the necessary paperwork with you at the airport, because different destinations have varying requirements about validity.
Thus, book your flights with us, as we will send you reminders of that as well. Our goal is to make your journey smoother and easier.
4. Always Remember your Gate Number
Travelers frequently make the mistake of not double-checking their gate numbers. Although your ticket will show your gate number, gates may change without notice. It is essential to check the screen for any departure changes and, if necessary, download an app that alerts you to these changes.
Be mindful of security line delays to reach your designated terminal, particularly if you are traveling abroad. Additionally, a lot of planes board roughly 30 minutes before takeoff, so get to your gate early.
The 10-minute rule states that you should board a plane no later than that. And there is a 10-minute gap between the departure and boarding times, even though flights have set departure times.
5. Consider Layover Connections
While choosing your flight, be mindful of the connection time, especially during international travel.
An hour of stopover may sound like a lot of time, especially if you’re travelling from Europe to the U.S.A. It’s mandatory to clear customs, claim your luggage, and go through security checks again. With these tasks, one-hour might sound insufficient.
Even a slight delay of 20 minutes can make it difficult for you to catch the connecting flight. Therefore, we recommend opting for longer layovers to ensure a smoother journey, and you can enjoy two destinations at the cost of one.
6. Account for Busier Travel Times
If you want to learn how to avoid missing a flight, it’s essential not to consider busier travel times, as they can help you miss your plane. For example, Christmas Week, Memorial Day weekend, and the day before Thanksgiving are the most obvious days to avoid traveling.
There are other irregular weeks throughout the year, in addition to the obvious travel times. In any case, you should always arrive early, especially on weekends, holidays, and during the summer.
7. Give yourself Enough Time Between Flights
Another important step is to give yourself enough time between flights. While there is no strict rule on layover duration, 45 minutes is often insufficient for travelers between flights.
However, you are free to reserve a shorter flight connection time if you are comfortable moving between terminals and are familiar with the airport.
You don’t want to take a chance on shorter layovers, especially when you’re traveling abroad or visiting unfamiliar airports. The fewer hours you have between connections, the higher the chances that you won’t make it.
8. Check Traffic Patterns
Always pay attention to traffic conditions on the day of your flight. Use navigation apps to estimate your arrival time at the airport and keep track of real-time traffic updates.
Remember to add extra time to your estimated arrival time to accommodate unexpected circumstances like road construction or accidents. Allow even more extra time if you are traveling during rush hour.
9. Keep your Cool
There may be times when you start to lag behind schedule, even with your best efforts. Stay calm. Anxiety can affect judgment and make it difficult to think clearly, which may cause more delays. Instead, reconsider your situation while taking a few deep breaths.
Moreover, you can come up with the best plans of action to get back on track and make it to your flight on time. Maintaining calmness and factoring in extra time guarantees that your trip gets off to an ideal start.
Conclusion
Now that you are aware of how to avoid missing a flight, it is time to start planning everything in advance. First, buy your airline tickets well in advance. At Surffares, we work with a range of airlines to meet your needs, no matter where you are going.
Our services are tailored to all your travel needs and are available 24/7. Our employees are dedicated to finding the most affordable ticket prices worldwide. Get in touch with us today.
