<p>I am reposting this here because I thought that we should start a thread that could be stickied on Tips and Ideas for Solo Flying.</p>
<p>There are many things that can be done before flying solo to make your student feel more comfortable and confident.
1.) Learn the layout of the airports they will be traveling through by accessing online airport maps -you can print maps of the gates and the concourses.
2.) When you print their boarding passes, the gates will be listed and then you can do a quick review with your student.
3.) If they have to change planes, try to schedule their flights with a slightly longer layover. This will give your student more time to find their gate, use the restroom, or get a quick bite to eat. It is also fun to have a few hours to explore an interesting airport.
4.) Travel light, I know the current advice is to have all carry on luggage so you don’t have to wait at the luggage carousel, however I do just the opposite. Why bother to carry so much aboard…Let the plane carry and transfer the luggage. Just bring a small bag on board making transfers easier.
5.) Keep a close eye on the weather forecast. Unfortunately, as we all saw last week, too many parents and students had difficulties returning to campus because of weather related issues. I start watching the weather forecasts about one week prior to flying. If serious storms are predicted, I start looking at alternate travel dates. Some airlines like Southwest will work with you about changing your flight even before cancellation.
6.) During the winter months and cold weather, I always try to schedule flights through the warmer areas of the country. For instance, if you are flying from the Northeast and switching planes, you could probably schedule a flight through Baltimore or Chicago. However, why not schedule your layover to be in Florida, Texas, or New Orleans. Yes, you will be flying a little out of the way but the price is usually comparable. This strategy has worked in our favor to minimize delays and cancelled flights.
7.) Try not to schedule the last flight of the day. If the flight is cancelled, your student will probably not get another flight till the following day.
8.) Some airlines do not cooperate with other airlines to try and find alternate flights due to cancellation; for example, Southwest Airlines.
9.) Some airlines do not compensate for delayed or cancelled flights. Others will help with food vouchers etc.
10.) This is the best piece of advice I can give your student. If something happens…Stay Calm. You will never get anywhere speaking with airline personnel if you raise your voice or get agitated. Take a deep breath, explain your situation calmly and politely and thank them for their help.
11.) if your student is of legal drinking age and gets stuck somewhere, they shouldn’t go to the bar and drink. Airline personnel will deny boarding to anyone who seems the least tipsy or drunk. Besides when you are traveling, you need your wits about you.
12.) Make sure to keep your belongings with you at all times.
13.) Don’t keep all your money and credit cards in one place. Keep some small bills in a front pocket so you don’t have to take out a wallet to purchase small items such as gum.
14.) if your student does get stuck somewhere ( missed flight, cancellation), get on the nearest line for assistance while trying the airline via phone. Sometimes you will get quicker results by calling the airline directly. If they get through, stay on the physical line till they make their flight changes.
15) Remember to pack any necessary medications in their carry-on bag. Pack a dry snack as well.
16.) Stay positive and be Flexible. They can do this with some planning ahead.</p>