Two common mistakes often made by tourists can contribute to added stress during their trip, yet they can be easily remedied.
Many tourists, while planning their dream vacation, often make mistakes that can derail their plans. A significant number of these errors are related to air travel, especially during the summer holidays when airports can be chaotic.
According to The Sun, nearly every passenger has missed a connecting flight at least once, whether due to delays, storms, or poorly planned layovers. However, there are several strategies to reduce the chances of this happening.
The simplest way to avoid missing a connecting flight is to schedule a layover that provides ample time to navigate through the terminal. This can be challenging, as each airport varies in layout and size, with some requiring only a short walk between terminals and others necessitating additional transportation.
“There is no definitive answer for determining the best layover time, as it depends on the airport and terminal configuration,” Brett Snyder, president of the airline assistance company Cranky Concierge, told Conde Nast Traveler. “For instance, navigating a small airport in the morning might take no more than half an hour. However, if it’s an incoming international flight landing at JFK and requires a terminal change, it could take up to two hours.”
Therefore, experts recommend allocating a minimum transfer time of one hour for connecting domestic flights and at least two hours for international flights. However, these guidelines may not suffice for some large airports or international hubs, such as London Heathrow, where additional security screenings are mandatory for connecting passengers departing the UK. Hence, it’s essential to gather as much information as possible about airport layouts and any pertinent regulations.
During peak travel seasons, it’s advisable for tourists to allocate even more time for transfers due to increased airport congestion and potential queues. Moreover, summertime often brings a higher likelihood of thunderstorms, which can lead to flight delays.
If a passenger misses their connecting flight, they should avoid two common mistakes. Firstly, they shouldn’t hesitate to contact their airline for assistance, as airlines are typically prepared to aid passengers in such situations. “Explore all options. Make a phone call to reserve, queue up at the check-in counter to speak with an agent, send a tweet, attempt a chat. Whatever means the airline provides, the traveler should utilize the first available option,” advised Snyder.
Another mistake is failing to promptly notify flight attendants upon realizing that you may miss your connection. If your flight is delayed and the subsequent flight is operated by the same airline, flight attendants may request non-connecting passengers to remain seated to facilitate your disembarkation. They can also assist you in obtaining crucial information such as the gate for your connecting flight, enabling you to promptly exit the aircraft and proceed to the correct terminal.
According to UNIAN, tourists were previously advised against selecting three particular seats on the plane under any circumstances.
Furthermore, experts have identified the optimal seats on the aircraft for passengers seeking a restful night’s sleep during the flight.
Photo by Aktobe news
