News media is full of predictions that you’ll be packed like sardines on flights for both the Thanksgiving and Christmas travel seasons.  It is enough to make one throw away that non-refundable ticket and stay at home, right?

It shouldn’t.  Read these travel hints and you *will* have a better overall experience no matter how many people are traveling or no matter how much your flights are delayed.

One: If you have traveled at all over the past 2 years, you’ve already experienced  a packed flight.  The reality is that you should fly with the expectation that you will have people seated next to you.  Accept that reality and you’re already on your way to a better experience.

Two:  If you’re flying, choose airlines, if possible that do not have baggage check fees.  Readers here know I”m a big fan of Southwest in this respect.  The nature of their system means they handle baggage reliably and they permit 2 free checked bags up to 50lbs each.  That, alone, can save you money even when Southwest isn’t the absolute cheapest on your route. 

Three:  If overhead bin space is important, pay that fee to get onboard early.  This isn’t just true for Southwest but also for other airlines as well.  Priority boarding is often available and that does increase your chances for overhead bin space.

Four:  Take soft luggage as your carry on.  It’s easier to fit into odd shaped spaces.  Take something that is small enough to fit under the seat in front of you so that if bin space is fully occupied, you still keep it with you instead of having to gate check your bag.  Do you want to be one of the 4 or 5 people who delay a flight for 20 minutes because you had to gate check? 

Five: Wear comfortable clothes but keep the sweats and pajamas at home.  Wear something that is comfortable *and* appropriate to travel so that if you’re stuck someplace, you’ve got something wearable if you have to go to a hotel or restaurant because of a delay without looking and feeling like the idiot.

Six: Get yourself a bottle of water.  Yes, pay the $3 for the bottle at the store in the terminal and take the water.  But even more important, drink the water.  Staying hydrated helps with muscle aches and pains and also leaves you feeling more able to deal with the unexpected.  In my home, we say “Agua es vida” or “Water is Life”.  It helps, use it. 

Seven:  Eat a *good* meal prior to departure.  I am not referring to getting yourself a Big Mac to take on board.  Have a balanced meal and ensure it has some protein.  This will keep you better fueled for your trip that junk will.  Avoid sugar, chocolate, energy drinks and coffee.  THIS GOES DOUBLE FOR YOUR CHILDREN.

Eight:  Build someslack time in your schedule.  If an airline advises arriving at least 60 minutes prior to departure, get there 90 to 105 minutes ahead of departure.  Schedule your connections so that you and your bags can transit the airport to the next flight without panic or urgency. 

Nine:  Early morning flights are far more likely to work than late afternoon and evening flights. 

Ten:  Go to the TSA website and ensure you are packed and dressed in a manner that makes transiting security smooth.  Do NOT be that person who discovers large bottles of liquid in your briefcase or purse as TSA scans it. 

Eleven:  Be kind to those around you.  They’re in the same situation as you.  Show your fellow human beings some courtesy and you’ll get it back as well.  Smile a little and offer a holiday greeting to a fellow traveler or airline employee.  You get what you give.

Filed under: Travel Hints by ajax
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American Airlines isn’t getting any traction on deals with any of its unions.  In the pilot negotiations, there was a push for a deal but leadership in those negotiations just kind of faded away and each party went to the press to plead their case instead.

Tentative deals are being denounced by membership in the TWU and the flight attendants are eerily quiet but some of the most militant at American Airlines.

Suddenly, not only analysts are using the “B” word but even employees seems to becoming familiar with the idea.  It’s a word that should never be used lightly.

The AMR board met last week and a few new directors were brought on board but anything else that was discussed has so far been kept quiet.  In fact, almost too quiet. 

Will the board willingly go into bankruptcy?  No, I do not think so.  Their job is to manage in the interests of shareholders.  If bankruptcy comes along, the biggest losers of all will be shareholders as their ownership will evaporate.  Creditors will get something.  Employees will get nothing additional and likely face years more of negotiations for anything.

Several current generation CEOs of airlines like to talk about how it’s a business and it should be managed as a business.  Return on investments and profits should be the focus.  We couldn’t agree more but . . .

Airlines require very strong leadership.  Leadership isn’t just providing a return on investment or earning profits.  In fact, neither of those are possible if you don’t have the interests of your large workforce aligned with those goals. 

And if the workforce is unhappy and resentful, it isn’t interested in the company goals. 

American Airlines is lacking in leadership.  It has all the management an airline could ask for but nono of the leadership it needs.  It means getting everyone on the same page working towards common goals and doing so in the best interests of everyone.  Does that sound like AA leadership?

Everyone is way too comfortable with the idea of bankruptcy.  I think the employees look upon it as almost welcome in that it almost certainly means the end of the Arpey regime.   When it’s gotten that far, it may well be time for the board to act and install a leader before that shareholder value goes poof.

Filed under: Airline News by ajax
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