Flight attendant shares advice for catching flights during Covid-19 chaos

At first, the lifetime of a flight attendant appears glamorous. Certain, there can be some challenges (cussed passengers, red-eye flights, powerful sleep schedules), however it’s price it for attending to jet all over the world, see new locations and meet fascinating faces.

What many flight attendants (and the remainder of the world) would not have pictured is their profession throughout the time of Covid-19.

Within the phrases of American flight attendant Kristie Koerbel, who has labored within the trade for twenty years, “if 9/11 modified how we board planes and enter airports, Covid-19 modified the expertise on the airplane all collectively,” she wrote for the New York Times.

Whereas journey is ‘good for the soul’, Koerbel mentioned, the way it works has modified, and travellers have to adapt.

Fortuitously, there are some methods you’ll be able to journey good.

Obtain the airline app

It could appear to be simply one other app on an already busy telephone, however these platforms can present vital data referring to your flight.

As an alternative of getting to attend in a queue or on maintain for data, you’ll be able to check-in, monitor your baggage, find the place your airplane is and be up to date in your flight all out of your telephone.

Depart early, possibly arrive on time

Heading away for a cruise? Or maybe you are catching a flight to catch a household wedding ceremony, massive live performance or different main occasions? It doesn’t matter what it’s, if it is a essential occasion you’ll be able to’t postpone, plan to reach on the vacation spot a day early.

In case your flight goes easily, you’ll be able to get pleasure from a day of trip wherever you arrive; get pleasure from a stroll across the metropolis or have a sluggish morning. If it is delayed or cancelled, you’ll be able to relaxation simple figuring out you will nonetheless make that vital occasion on time.

Direct is greatest

The logic right here is easy; the less flights you must catch, the decrease the possibility of getting caught in an airport because of a delay or cancellation. As well as, in Koerbel mentioned “a one-hour layover shouldn’t be sufficient anymore. Thirty minutes, not an opportunity.” As an alternative, an excellent three hour between flights is beneficial.

Early birds get the worm (and the flight)

A 6 am flight could appear to be a drag, however the decrease probability of delay or cancellation could also be definitely worth the early alarm. Not solely is the chance of a climate occasion or air site visitors decrease within the morning, in case your flight is disrupted, you could have a greater probability of being rebooked for a flight on the identical day.

Test your bag earlier than you verify your bag

Making certain your suitcase is not over the load or dimension limits earlier than heading to the airport is a win-win. Not solely will you keep away from eye-watering fines however you will keep away from being ‘that traveller’ who holds up everybody else within the check-in line or on the airplane as you attempt to stuff your outsized bag into the overhead lockers.

Be sort

We all know, it is tacky however it’s an vital reminder. From baggage handlers to senior pilots, flight attendants and airport employees, everyone seems to be working arduous to get individuals the place they should go.