What to Know Before Getting on the Plane

Reserving and confirming a seat

After you make your reservation, the airline will reserve a seat for you until a given date, usually a week or so before the flight. Air travel can be tricky, so remember that the booking will be cancelled if you don't pay for the ticket before the reservation expires. While there are limitations for changing your actual airline ticket, airplane flight reservations can be changed or cancelled at any time. Once your seat is confirmed, you are set to go.

Rules for flying standby or being waitlisted

If you decide you want to be included on a waiting list, the airline considers you "waitlisted." This only happens in air travel when the flight is already full, but can be a good way to go if you can only take one flight and it is filled. If there is a cancellation and you get the seat, the waitlisted reservation becomes confirmed and any previously confirmed seats on other flights are cancelled. You can waitlist multiple flights, but this usually only works in the

on non-changeable tickets. Other countries may impose additional limitations, so be sure to check with the country you're flying from.

You can also fly standby, which means that if you are still waitlisted for a flight or would like to take an earlier flight than you originally booked, you can go at the airport check-in counter and asking to be put on the next flight. If there is plenty of space, you'll be checked in right there. This is especially useful if you arrive early and don't want to wait three or four hours until your next airplane flight. Your schedule will change, but it is often worth it if you're tired of air travel and simply want to arrive at your destination.

Keep in mind that if the flight gets full, you will have to wait until the flight is closed and the airline can count how many seats are left. Flights sometimes close about 30 minutes before departure-make sure you or your travel agent checks with the airline to confirm this. Many times if you don't check in by closing time, this is considered a no-show and your airplane seat is considered forfeited. This allows the airline to give it to someone else on standby. Remember that some airlines charge a heavy fee for not showing up or trying to rebook air travel on short notice.

Ticketing and Air Travel

There are numerous types of tickets you can purchase for flying, and there are often limitations that travelers may not be aware of. These various limitations largely determine the price of the ticket.

Non-changeable tickets don't allow you to change the air travel flight date or time without paying a heavy fee (think over $100). While the actual fee depends on the airline, you should know beforehand if you are going to need a changeable or non-changeable ticket and how much the airline charges.

Changeable tickets can be modified at any time and you're not charged a fee. Often, these air travel tickets are more expensive, so consider wisely before buying.

Non-refundable tickets mean that if you don't fly, you won't be reimbursed for the price of the airplane ticket. Discount airlines or sites like priceline.com often include this type of ticket.

Non-transferable tickets can't be transferred to anyone else and apply solely to the person whose name is on the ticket. This means that you can neither resell the ticket nor give it away.

Non re-routable tickets don't allow you to change routes, even if you are going to the same destination.

Air travel sometimes brings the unexpected, and there may be emergency situations where any of the tickets above might be waived, and you might not actually know this until it happens.

Other Flying Considerations

If you have a travel agent, make sure you're specific about what type of seating you want (aisle, window, etc). If you have any special dietary or other needs, make sure you let your travel agent know so that they can make all the arrangements. Unless you know the airport well, don't book your flights too close.

Avoid booking flight segments close together unless you know your airports well. Air travel is stressful enough without worrying about missing your flight. Connections as tight as 35 minutes are valid, but not recommended if you've never been to the airport. The thirty five minute connections are okay if you don't have to clear customs or are checked through all the way to your destination.

Keep in mind that leaving yourself at least and hour makes it less stressful, and takes into consideration possibilities such as terminals being at opposite ends of the airport. Leaving at least an hour between flights also allows you to grab some food at a restaurant so you can pass on the air fare, and get some snacks for the plane. However, if you know you're going through customs, you need to arrive at least two hours ahead of time.

Check official government travel warnings before embarking on air travel, especially if you are traveling to a politically sensitive country. Also, ensure you have all required travel documents and vaccinations. Photocopy important documents (such as your passport) and store copies separately in case the originals are stolen or lost.

Don't forget to ensure at check-in that they add frequent flyer miles and make sure the airline credits you after the trip. Keep your boarding passes, as these often help resolve issues surrounding frequent flyer miles. Frequent flyer miles are usually available up to a year after you have flown.

Before flying, make sure you arrive at the airport at least two hours prior to check-in for security reasons. This is important as security can take a while to get through, and you want to have plenty of time to reach your gate. Abstain from wearing jewelry, accessories, or belts when going through security, and wear shoes that are easy to slip on and off. Pack all sharp objects, including items like nail scissors, in your check-on luggage. Wear jackets that are easy to take off and put back on before and during air travel.

If you do all this, you'll get through security faster and hassle free. Even if they pull you to the side, cooperate and it will take no more than a few minutes. Remember to tell them if you have metal in any part of your body (such as a metal plate) and bring a doctor's note if possible with their phone number. Make it easy on yourself by making it easy for them.