Have you Flown Lately?

Have you flown lately?  What a mess the airline industry is becoming!  I think I am qualified to comment on flying as last year I flew 180 flights and over 1,000 flights in 6 years.  Even being a educated flier I am at wits end trying to make flights work and pay a fair price.  Last week I had a flight that was delayed 20 minutes due to "Carry On Luggage".  Yes the public doesn't want to pay $15 to check that bag so they bring their 50 pound bag onto the plane only to learn it doesn't fit.

Prices, yes I understand the price of oil and the airlines have to make money to operate.  I have turned into quite the shopper, look at other airports, different times and dates.  I need to fly to San Francisco Sunday so I checked 5 different airports and all the major carriers, I bought a ticket for $438.  The prices ranged from $438 to $1,200 most in the $600 to $800 range.

Luggage, pack as light as you can so you have a carry on that fits under your seat if needed.  I have always carried a soft bag which I can stuff into small places.  Ladies, do you really need 5 pairs of shoes for a 3 day trip?  Maybe I shouldn't go there.

Get on the plane fast, I fly mostly with one airline, yep I the guy in first class with a free upgrade.  Join the airline frequent flier programs, get a credit card from the airline, this will let you board early to grab overhead space.

Bring your patience; the employees of the airlines are in a bad situation.  They don't set prices or schedule flights so don't take your frustrations out on them.

Never book the last flight leaving or arriving in a city, your asking for trouble with missed connections.

Hope this helps!

Dick Betts

National Speaker Real Estate

www.DickBetts.com

Dick@DickBetts.com