It’s moments before the aircraft is ready to board. Alert travelers are exactly where they need to be. Incoming passengers and crew have left the plane. Cleaning is done from the last flight. Shortly, travelers with priority status for one reason or another, will board first. Airline staff explains the process and is about to begin, then it happens. “I can’t believe you did not seat our family together!” cries an outraged passenger who bought their ticket but never selected seats. It’s a classic case of not paying attention to critical elements of travel that require ongoing attention. Let me explain.

Your Connected Flight Plan

That angry family member at the gate could have enjoyed a smooth boarding process had they simply selected seats online. While connected, that traveler could have browsed for other options suitable for the family. That might have taken care of this issue right up front. But maybe not. Airlines can and do change aircraft for a variety of reasons. What was one seating configuration will change when a different aircraft is used. That could throw off seating arrangements, as good as the airline intentions to move you to a similar seat on the new aircraft may be. Being connected to the airline via their mobile app + registering with their website are two more critical connections.

But those surprised-at-the-gate travelers did not know or did not think about it. You now know and will indeed think about it. But that’s one little thing, one tiny part of the overall travel experience. How do we keep on top of this topic without flying frequently? I propose two ways. First is to write what we might call a “Must Do List”, a checklist of traveler-controllable, critical actions, reminders and deadlines that must happen for everything to go well. This list is best made just after travel when the result of plans made (or not) can be measured. More on the topic of Organized Travel later.

The other critical connection includes advice from experienced travelers. That critical element of travel is Align With An Expert.

Frequent travelers live and breathe little details because they know how they can impact travel. My suggestion: Pick two reliable sources on each major topic and devour everything they have to say. These are time-tested air sources who tap a deep network of time-tested sources, in addition to their personal take on travel by air. Check the promise of these three sources:

• JohnnyJet – “This is the place where travel experts share their tips and expertise to make you the expert.
• AirlineGeeks – “Our mission is to provide the most up-to-date news in aviation to our readers, furthering their passion and understanding of the industry.”
• ExpertFlyer – conceived and created to deliver a 24/7 real time powerful air travel information service.

Do you have a favorite source for air information? Let us know in a comment.