Security times can delay or prevent you from boarding your flight on time. To avoid delays, being proactive is the best approach. Give yourself extra time to get to the airport, check-in with your airline carrier and get through security. Respond politely when answering questions by airport security personnel. Exhibiting rude, threatening or obnoxious behavior may result in you being barred from boarding your flight. When approaching the security checkpoint, have your boarding pass, identification or passport ready to show security.
How and what you pack in your luggage can cause problems when flying. To avoid problems going through security, pack your items neatly in your carry-on luggage and ensure you don't have prohibited items in your possession. When unsure if the item can be brought onto the plane, pack it in your checked luggage. Retain all claim-check tags in case your luggage becomes lost in transit. Don't overpack your bags. If you have concerns about your luggage getting lost, book a direct flight, if possible.
Unexpected delays and flight cancellations may prevent you from getting to your destination on time. Inclement weather, terrorism concerns and aircraft maintenance problems can cause flight disruptions. When making a reservation, book an early flight. If you do experience a delay, you may be able to get a seat on a flight leaving later in the day. If you suspect your flight may not leave on time, call your airline before arriving to the airport. Check with your airline regarding its policies about compensating delayed and stranded passengers.
Even when you've made it through security and encountered no flight delays, you may find yourself sitting at the gate, waiting for a flight due to the flight being overbooked. Overbooking occurs when an airline sell more tickets than seats. Despite having a confirmed reservation, you may find yourself involuntarily bumped from your flight. To avoid being bumped, make your flight reservation well in advance and arrive to the airport to meet check-in deadlines. Unless the airline is able to meet certain conditions, you'll be eligible for compensation.
