Did You Know? I work for an airline, so I see airport drama every day. These are the things that really mess people up and lead to many a missed flight. Don’t fall victim to one of these silly things that can be solved so easily. Follow these simple steps to ensure you never miss a flight again.

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1. Book Directly

Your first tip to ensure you never miss a flight again is book directly. When you are searching for flight prices online, flight aggregators may seem to have the best options but it can come at a cost later down the line. Websites like GoToGate and Kiwi sometimes put together itineraries with connection times that are too short, and combine different airlines that have no agreements with each other. This means you aren’t actually in transit. You will have to clear passport control, pick up your bags and possibly change terminals before checking in again for the next leg of your journey. With these separate tickets (which might look linked on your itinerary), if your first flight is late, the airlines have no responsibility to get you rebooked. In the case of disruption, it can be SO hard to get an online travel agent on the phone. The airline usually can’t help as they cannot see the original fare and then you’re stuck. If you book directly, it is the airline’s responsibility to get you where you are going.

2. Use “Manage My Booking”

Don’t stand in a queue just for a request. So much can be done ahead of time online, allowing you to zoom past the check in queues.

If you have a special meal request, for example, hop on the website of your airline and go to “Manage My Booking”. As long as you do this more than 48 hours before your flight, you can put the request in. If it doesn’t work, give the airline a call.

For access requirements, you should be able to add this in when you book. Some airlines have a separate department and it is good to contact them to ensure all the notes are in the booking before you travel. British Airways in particular, only allows you add special service requests after booking, over the phone. This is a little annoying but gives those who need it free seat reservations and early boarding.

Excess baggage? This can often be prearranged online so you can use the bag drop quickly like everyone else. It is sometimes cheaper to book this online in advance too, so it is definitely a win win to get on it as early as possible.

3. Check your Documents

Once you are booked, it is time to check that your passport and documents are in order. This doesn’t just mean that it looks in date. Some countries have minimum time left requirements (you must have six months left when you enter the country), some have blank page requirements (you must have two passport pages with no stamps on) and some don’t accept the small extension allowed on the British passport (that extra few months if you renew early).

Then you need to check visa requirements. Travelling to most countries requires either a visa (paper or online) or a visa waiver. The USA has the ESTA and both the EU and UK will have similar schemes too.

When you are ready to check in, have your passport, your visa and the full address of where you are staying when you get there all to hand. Keep it all with you on the plane just in case you are presented with a landing card mid-flight.

4. Check the Airport Info

Double check the airport you are flying from so you never miss a flight again. This probably sounds obvious but many big cities have several airports and you would be surprised how many people go to JFK when they are flying form La Guardia in New York, or head for London Heathrow when they are actually meant to be at London Stansted. Then, make sure you know the terminal you are going from. Not all airports have their terminals right next to each other, so getting dropped off in the wrong place can cost you lots of time and possibly money.

5. Contingency Time

I know that there are people who love to stroll into an airport, through security and right to the gate as boarding is imminent. Sure there are days when it all goes perfectly to plan and it is smooth as silk, but next time you might get a hessian sack of a day! It is SO risky! You never know what might happen along the way. So leave plenty of time and arrive at the airport 3 hours before international flights or 2 hours for domestic and never miss a flight again. The way I see it, it is better to be through security and a little bored than stressed out getting to airport or paying for a new flight.

6. Don’t Over Pack

Overpacking is almost always a bad idea. As we all know, I am a hand luggage only kind of girl. Arriving at the airport with an abundance of luggage is going to extend your time at check in. (Well, dropping any kind of luggage off takes time so maybe try to travel carry on only).

Here are 20 Top Tips for Travelling Light!

If you don’t want to pay for your excess luggage and you have packed over and above the weight limit, you will have to waste some time trying to repack. Juggling items, stuffing your arms through yet another jacket you’ll have to wear and shoving things into your hand luggage bag is time-consuming and can be a little embarrassing. If you are happy to pay, you may waste time queueing to pay at a different counter. Do your research to check the airline’s luggage restrictions and stay well under if you want to never miss a flight again.

7. Prepare For Security

Laptops, liquids and clothing are all things you can prepare in advance. Knowing the rules and planning ahead allows you to sail through with no dramas.

• Liquids – Although changes are coming, most of the world still adheres to the liquids restrictions that have been in place for several years. Each passenger is entitled to carry liquids no larger than 100ml (3.4fl oz), in containers no larger that 100ml. You can bring a maximum of one litre and they all need to fit in one re-sealable clear plastic bag 20cm x 20cm. You are allowed to leave these in your bag in much of the world, but the UK wants them out separately.
• Electricals -Laptops, kindles and tablets need to be taken out and scanned separately in much of world. Some places also want power banks out too. Some are really extreme and want absolutely everything electrical out (cameras, speakers, hair dryers and straighteners). Keep an eye out for signs as you enter security.
• Clothing – Are you planning to wear anything with extra metal bits? Skip it! Do you have a jacket or hoody that needs to be removed for the scanner? Whip it off. Avoid anything that needs lacing, unbuttoning or is in any way fiddly. Finally, consider wearing undies without underwires.
• Shoes – All of the above, goes for shoes too. Wear footwear that you can slip on and off easily. It will be easier for you and less annoying for those around you.

Check out Top Ten Tips to Pack Your Liquids Bag for Carry On Luggage Like a Pro!

8. Get Travel Insurance

If all else fails, make sure you have travel insurance. It can help cover the costs of new flights, alternative transport, accommodation and more. Of course, weather and an “Act of God” are not covered by anyone, the airlines or insurance but most other things are good.

Check out Why Getting Travel Insurance is Vital!

Final Thoughts on These Tips to Ensure You Never Miss a Flight Again

Look, we know that some things are out of your control. Trains break down, there are accidents on the roads and weather is completely out of our hands. That aside, following our advice will give you the best shot at making sure you never miss a flight again.

Rosie xx