Travel tips from The Women’s Travel Group Are you a TC or FF? The TC’s or Travel Conspiracists are active. Hopefully you’ll be a FF or Fact Finder once you read this article. Below are some common travel conspiracies and the facts that debunk them.
There are certain times to snag the best fares? Obviously, begin by looking at prices on line: google.com kayak.com etc. One study of many states the best time to buy is 25 -52 days beforehand. Others say Monday or Tuesday? We say good luck beating billion dollar industry algorithms. But compare a US carrier’s prices for the same flights on overseas partner sites. Perhaps look at KLM for a Delta flight? OR Finnair for an American ticket?
Flights are often cancelled In 2024, the Department of Transportation reported that 1.4% of flights were cancelled. The report does not separate out flights cancelled before departure. If you are notified your flight was changed significantly or cancelled, the airline must offer you a refund or a new flight. Don’t accept the refund, until you get your new flight. The new ticket might be too expensive. FYI Delta, Southwest and Hawaiian reported the fewest cancellations; Allegiant, Jetblue and Alaska the most.
Flights are usually delayed. This is sort of true, but skewed by specific airlines. in 2024 78% of flights were delayed. This is in spite of the fact that flight times are ‘mysteriously longer’. Best rule: book an early morning flight. Have comfortable transfer time for any connections. (Warning Airline booking systems automatically show the shortest connection time). For official ETD look on google, which mirrors the air traffic system and might display information before the pilot does.
Plane crashes are more common. Not true. Commercial airplanes are still by far the safest way to travel. The NTSB’s numbers show low commercial flight but higher private plane accidents. Interestingly fatal and non fatal injuries occur mostly in the air not on take off or landing. Seatbelts please until the plane is parked at the gate.
Some airplane seats are safer. Since the Air India flight where one man survived, travelers ponder about seat safety. You grumble about them, but the rear middle seats are the safest!
You can sneak a larger than allowed case onto a plane. Well sometimes, if gate agents are busy. Carry on’s are at their discretion. A gate agent can decide to allow large luggage to speed up departure. Once carried on but too bulky for the overhead, your bag will be checked anyway. You have now delayed your own flight.
Cell phone calls are ok in the air. Not allowed. Both the FCC and FAA believe cell phones can interfere with with the plane’s communication systems.
Air is dirty on planes Not true. HEPA filters and circulation systems keep air cleaner than in some restaurants and crowded places. Air is pumped from the ceiling then removed from under window seats. 40% of the air is cleaned by filters; 60% comes from outside air. (Most planes but not all have HEPA filters). You can further divert air by redirecting the flow above you.
TSA scans use dangerous radiation. Nope, screening uses a system that releases 1000’s of times less radiation than your cell phone.
As long as you are checked in, you can arrive at the gate 15 minutes before departure. Absolutely not. The exception is if your bag is checked and you don’t appear, the plane has to unload the bag. Gate staff will be furious, and this is disrespectful of others, but might let you on.
Ask us to debunk your favorite travel conspiracy. The Women’s Travel Group offers small group tours to women and specialist spa/fitness retreats for every age and every muscle: old or peppy.
