Being Bumped Can Be A Bummer

With many airlines cutting back on the number of flights they offer as well as the number of routes they offer many airline companies are overbooking their flights. With overbooked flights the chance of people being bumped from their flight increases. Sometimes this doesn't cause a problem, but for many travelers this can cause a huge problem, since it might mean that they'll be missing a business meeting or some other important event. 

Being bumped from a flight means that a passenger is denied a seat on a flight even though they have already reserved it. Airline companies tend to overbook their flights in hopes that some of the passengers will not show up for their flight. Usually when a flight is overbooked, the airline company will ask passengers if they would volunteer to take a later flight.

To avoid being bumped from your next flight remember to:

• Arrive to your flight as early as possible
• If you can, check in for your flight online
• If possible, try to take a less popular route

Stranded At the Airport?

Traveling can be a very stressful endeavor; there is only so much that one can prepare and anticipate. You have prepared to get through security, packed your suitcase with the items that you will be needing and have anticipated the extra fees that you might have to fork over. One thing that cannot be anticipated are delayed flights and unexpected layovers.  Unfortunately delayed flights and unexpected layovers do happen, but there are some things that a traveler can do to pass the time.  

1. People watch
   
2. Explore the airport
   
3. Talk with fellow airline passengers
   
4. Catch up on your reading
   
5. Go to a bookstore and catch up on current events
   
6. Call your mom, dad, or an old friend
   

Now if your flight is delayed and you have a child with you, you might consider some of the following activities:

1. Watch the planes land and take off
   
2. Walk around the terminal and see how many red, green, or blue bags can be found
   
3. Have a picnic
   
4. If the airport's floor has a pattern to it, make up a game
   
5. Find a map and talk to your child about where you are and where you are going
   
6. If the terminal has an escalator or a moving side walk take a couple of rides on it
   

These are just a few suggestions; there are plenty of other activities that can pass the time, you just have to use your imagination.