Wheels Up: 15 Expert Tips for Smoother Flights and Handling Travel Disruptions

Whether you’re traveling for business or setting off on a long-awaited vacation, your flight is often the first chapter of the journey. A smooth start can set the tone for the entire trip; a bumpy one can leave you frazzled before you even unpack.

As a professional travel advisor—and someone who has faced delays and cancellations on several of my own trips—I know firsthand how disruptive air travel can be.

But I also know that the right preparation makes all the difference.

Here are my 15 expert tips for smoother flights and handling travel disruptions, so you can step on board with confidence and arrive ready to enjoy your destination.

1. Book the Earliest Flight You Can Manage

Morning departures are your best bet for avoiding delays.

Weather and air traffic backlogs build as the day progresses, so a 6 a.m. departure may be bleary-eyed, but it’s also more reliable. 

If a disruption does occur, earlier flights leave you with more rebooking options. An afternoon cancellation, on the other hand, can strand you overnight.

• Consider booking a hotel room right next to the airport for those early morning flights if that will make your morning less stressful on you! 

• Sometimes, even the early flights are disrupted, so be sure to give your airline app and texts a quick review before leaving for the airport.

2. Allow Extra Connection Time

That tight 45-minute layover might look efficient when you book, but it leaves little room for error. Airlines may consider it “legal,” but one minor delay can cause a missed connection.

For domestic connections, aim for at least 90 minutes.

For international flights, plan for two hours or more, especially if you’ll need to clear customs.

• Watch for things that will require an even longer connection time: changing terminals, collecting and rechecking bags, etc. and add time accordingly.

• Insurers can deny claims if you book “unrealistically” short layovers, regardless of what the airline sells as a "legal" connection.

3. Add a Buffer Day for Big Events

If you’re flying in for a wedding, cruise, or conference, don’t risk arriving the same day. Plan to arrive at least one full day early—and ideally two.

Not only does this cushion absorb delays, but it also gives you time to explore your destination. Think of it as bonus vacation time rather than wasted hours.

A travel advisor can even help plan activities that turn your “buffer” into part of the experience.

4. Choose Smarter Hubs (and Creative Alternatives)

Not all airports are equal when it comes to delays. Some hubs have reputations for efficiency, while others are infamous for long lines and missed connections. When possible, route through airports with better on-time records.

Don’t overlook alternatives: sometimes it makes sense to fly into a nearby airport and finish the journey by train or rental car. These “creative connections” can save time and money.

But remember, if you’re piecing together positioning flights (like booking a separate ticket to reach a major hub), disruptions become more complicated, so all of these other tips become doubly important.

5. Book Direct for Important Trips

Every connection adds another potential snag. If you’re heading to an important event, choose a nonstop—even if it costs a little more.

The peace of mind is often worth it.

6. Secure Your Seat Early

If you know you want an aisle, exit row, or to sit with your travel party, pay the fee for seat selection.

Hoping it will work out later is a gamble, especially as flights fill closer to departure.

• Check online for information about the configuration of your aircraft and the seat selection to help you choose the right one for you. 

7. Understand Your Fare Rules

Not all tickets are created equal. Before booking, double-check:

• Does your fare include a carry-on bag?

• Can you change flights with no penalty?

• Is the ticket refundable?

The lowest fare isn’t always the best deal if it comes with rigid restrictions that cost you flexibility.

8. Protect Your Investment with Travel Insurance

Trip insurance covers more than medical emergencies—it can protect against delays, cancellations, and even lost luggage.

A relatively small investment upfront can save thousands if plans unravel mid-journey.

• Travel insurance costs are generally based on your age and the trip cost you are covering.

• Maximum coverage usually requires purchase of travel insurance soon after making your initial trip deposit.

• If you don’t purchase right away, don’t think you are out of luck.  While some additional restrictions & limitations may apply if you wait until closer to departure, you can usually still cover the trip.

• Many options and plan levels exist and your travel advisor can provide several quotes for you to choose from.  If you have questions, they can help connect you with a licensed insurance agent to provide guidance and clarification.

9. Pack a Flight Survival Kit

Even if you check luggage, your carry-on should include:

• One day’s worth of clothes

• Essential toiletries and medications

• Chargers and power banks

• Snacks and a refillable water bottle

• A sweater or light jacket

If you can, consider packing carry-on only.

It eliminates the risk of lost bags altogether and speeds your airport exit.

• I am seeing more and more travelers needing to gate-check as overhead bin space fills.  So plan ahead.

• Keep all valuables and essential items like medications and travel documents with you. 

• If you need to gate-check a carry-on, make sure these items and any batteries and power banks are removed before the bag is sent to the hold.

• I recommend packing these things in your personal item that goes under the seat in front of you so you don’t need to rearrange anything at the airport if you are required to check your bag unexpectedly.

10. Dress and Pack for Flexibility

Comfortable shoes, layered clothing, and easy-access items make long delays more bearable. It’s better to peel off a jacket than sit shivering under an airport vent.

11. Stay Proactive with Flight Alerts

Airline apps and text alerts often inform you of changes before gate agents announce them. Download (and update) your carrier’s app, enable push notifications, and consider a third-party flight tracker for added reassurance.

• For my clients, I add live flight tracking right to their electronic itinerary, so updates are handy.

12. Always Have a Plan B (and C)

Research alternative flights or routes before you travel.

If something goes wrong, you’ll have options to suggest to the airline staff, who will appreciate your preparation.

13. Take Advantage of Lounges

Airline lounges aren’t just for luxury—they’re practical in times of disruption.

Quieter seating, better Wi-Fi, and maybe even dedicated airline staff that can assist with rebooking make them worth the access fee or credit card perk.  Depending on your fare class, access may be included with your ticket.

14. Stay Polite and Proactive with Airline Staff

When disruptions happen, emotions run high.

The travelers who get the best outcomes are often those who stay calm, courteous, and prepared with solutions.

A smile and kind word can go a long way in a stressful situation.

15. Lean on a Professional

Air travel disruptions are stressful, but you don’t have to juggle them alone.

A travel advisor can monitor flights, evaluate your options, and smooth out the ripple effects—like adjusting hotels, transfers, or tours if plans shift.

If an overnight stay becomes necessary, they can identify the best options and organize solutions so you can focus on getting where you need to be (or simply grab a coffee while the details are handled).

When I say you don’t have to juggle travel stress alone—I mean it.

My role is to help my clients enjoy a journey that is a stress-free as possible, including supporting them when things don’t go as planned.

• I may not be able to iron out every wrinkle in their travel plans, but I will do my best to smooth things out for them.

Bottom Line: Be Prepared, Not Panicked

Air travel disruptions may be out of your control, but your preparation isn’t. By incorporating these expert tips for smoother flights and handling travel disruptions into your planning process, you can turn potential chaos into manageable inconveniences.

And having a professional travel advisor in your corner makes all the difference. The turbulence will pass—but the trip you planned will still be waiting.

Ready to elevate your flight plans, feeling prepared for any disruptions?

📞 Schedule a Discovery Call today!

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I’m Rebecca, founder of Milestones & Mondays Travel, where I transform wanderlust into extraordinary adventures. If you love getting away from the crowds and deeper into the destination, I curate exceptional experiences through expedition cruises, small luxury cruises, river cruises, and small group active vacations—designed for those who seek something beyond the ordinary.

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Rebecca Fitzpatrick-Yancey

Milestones & Mondays Travel | www.MilestonesMondays.com

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