9 Airline Secrets NEVER Told to Passengers (Avoid THIS Scam!)

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Ever wondered what really happens behind the scenes at airlines? From operating empty flights to what actually happens to your checked luggage, we uncover industry secrets that airline employees are not telling passengers. We dive into:
-Ghost flights and why they are kept secret.
-How airlines pad schedules for better on-time records.
-Tactics to manage delays and keep you at the gate.
-Getting live updates to manage your time better.
-Why you need a VPN at airports for security.
-How to get refunds or credits for non-refundable tickets.
-Benefits of status matching between airlines.
-Keeping your checked luggage secure.
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Welcome to Portable Professional, where I, Megan, use my experience from over 300 flights to offer you simple, practical and game-changing travel tips and hacks. Our mission is to help you reduce stress and make the most of every trip.
🐶 Chapters
00:00 Airline Secrets You Need to know!
00:15 Ghost Flights
00:52 Qatar Airways dirty secret
01:15 Flight schedule lie
01:37 Most delayed airlines
02:14 Flight delay lie
03:52 Flight delay HACK
04:45 Airport SCAM Alert
05:57 Non-refundable ticket hack
07:04 My ticket refund story
08:11 Airline status secret hack
09:05 Airline compensation (Don't accept!)
10:09 DOT 'Final Rule"
10:36 Airline taxes and fees (crazy!)
10:58 Flight attendants work for free
11:43 Worst time to check luggage
12:32 Free stuff on flight
Affiliate Disclosure: This content contains affiliate links. We may receive compensation at no additional cost to you if you click through and make a purchase. Thank you for your support!

[@PortableProfessional]

*HUGE DISCOUNT on NordVPN (under $3/month!) nordvpn.com/megan. It’s risk-free with Nord’s money-back guarantee!*

[@prplt]

that thing you said about needing to use a VPN to not get hacked on public WiFi is complete nonsense 😂 I know that VPN companies pay you to say that but still that's just misinformation 😬

[@ulvesparker]

It is very annoying when delays are given incrementally. In a 1.5 hour delay, I could have had a relaxing meal in the airport or stayed comfortably in the lounge. Another really annoying practice is to board passengers, close the door, and push back from the gate. Airline "departed" on time. And then we sit, 10 metres from the gate, for sometimes hours! Worse, they have the seat belt light on, and AC off. So we are trapped, packed into a cramped space. They get credit for leaving on time, they don't owe passengers compensation or refreshments, and if you leave your seat, they treat you like your uncooperative and troublesome. I have had this happen several times with the same carrier so now I avoid it if at all possible.

[@cruisecrazy7066]

Which carrier?

[@annlavine3576]

They should be honest otherwise they won’t be trusted

[@Galen_G]

Which carrier?

[@MarylandMermaid]

This happened to me last year in Houston with SWA

[@ulvesparker]

@@cruisecrazy7066 for me, it was Norwegian Air (a budget no frills fee based city hopper airline). Twice out of three flights. I avoid them now like the plague. I actually would not be so mad and would have understood the flight delays if they had just treated us better, kept us informed (so business meeting could be postponed), or our comfort needs were considered. Instead they chose to save money. Also, I know three out of three times, they hotseated the planes, i.e. no clean up between one flight disembarking and the next embarking. It is no worse than a public bus, I know, but it is another way they cut corners.

[@RayJacobsenJr]

Tip, Flying over hundreds of cell towers gets you phone confused and runs sluggish after landing (yes using airplane mode on the airplane helps to prevent this;) When you land power off your phone for a minute the turn it back on for a fresh start at your destination.

[@loudini56]

Great tip. I do this regularly when I travel

[@justlivin404]

Thank you! Would have never thought of this.

[@396fab]

Your phone will also use up the battery much faster if you don't put it in "airplane mode" as it will constantly search for cell towers.

[@elizabethme4580]

I shut off my phone and use my tablet.

[@user-oi8wt3rk6s]

I miss the good old days when airlines treated passengers like honored guests. Now, it is all a shell game with the passenger treated like cargo.

[@chicanica64]

And we pay them for it. A flights attendant I talked to while flying one time acted as if I should be thankful flying is so “inexpensive” They have brainwashed them too!

[@juliawigger9796]

I remember when passengers had manners, dressed properly, and could have a conversation, not screaming, shouting.

[@mickeymorgan4672]

And you paid through the nose for it.

[@juliawigger9796]

@@mickeymorgan4672 get what you pay for?

[@MsBackstager]

@@chicanica64 We just came back from a quick bereavement flight where the flight attendant acted like she was doing us a favor and that she'd rather have stayed home in bed.

[@r.1599]

I don't recall ever having a flight delayed. I have, however, been a few minutes late (bathroom stop) to a connecting flight gate and found it completely empty and the door to the plane outside, closed. Not even the people I was traveling with were there. When I showed the person at the gate my boarding pass and asked if I could board, she told me my flight wasn't arriving for another two hours. Sher told me to sit and wait. So I did, and eventually a flight attendant opened the door from the other side and asked the gate person if I had turned up, which she denied. I ran up and said I was right there, and that the gate person had refused me access. She very huffily said, "I did NOT!", to which I replied, "You most certainly DID!" The flight attendant said it didn't matter, please come onto the plane, we've been holding it for you.

[@decimanightelf4135]

That’s awful, sometimes people are just miserable and want to take it out on others. I bet she was hoping you’d miss the flight.

[@r.1599]

@@decimanightelf4135 She was certainly doing her best to make sure it happened.

[@jerrybarnes6611]

You never had a flight delay? How many times have you flown?

[@r.1599]

@@jerrybarnes6611 27

[@r.1599]

@@jerrybarnes6611 For some reason, YT isn't letting me reply with just the number. I have flown, only internationally, 27 times...that I can think of, off the top of my head.

[@bforshay]

United has a new tactic. No humans available at the service center on the concourse. Scan a QR code and try to connect. BUT, the connection didn't work 3 tries and finally had to give up and get on. Good luck!

[@jhollie8196]

When I was in the Marine Corps, I would fly from Oakland to San Diego frequently to see my parents. Flight time was 55 minutes (1977). Today, the same flight is now 1:20 minutes. Ca must of stretched in the years! This is ridiculous.

[@geoffreyschultz8515]

…or both of those airports became a lot more busy in the 47 years or so since deregulation… requiring a lot more taxiing if the airport has grown, queuing before take off, holding before landing, waiting for a gate… If only there were some way we could find a way to invest in better transportation infrastructure. 🤔

[@elanthys]

Fully empty ghost flights are an aberration that should not exist in 2024. If you’re that desperate to keep the slot find a way to give away the seats for free (like to company employees for ex) or do _something_ so that it serves a minimum of purpose. This is such an irresponsible, avoidable waste of resources and source of pollution.

[@kellyfrench]

You make it seem like the airlines like ghost flights, they do not. It is very expensive to operate airplanes even when empty, so they only do so when forced to.

[@elanthys]

@@kellyfrench If they hate it so much they should work with airports to make it a thing of the past. This isn’t like ferry flights where repositioning is needed, these are 100% useless flights. I don’t accept this argument.

[@elanthys]

@kellyfrench Like, how is it not possible to just say "hey, this flight isn't happening, but I'm keeping the slot okay?" It's 2024. It's ridiculous.

[@susan7775]

We’ve, more than once, on flying back home to Seattle, landed on time or slightly before then had to wait 20-25 minutes for our gate to be cleared

[@dannydaw59]

Let me guess... Delta?

[@sherylmeasel2165]

Just happened to me last weekend with Delta.

[@annpetlin368]

Sometimes it’s how the gate is staffed by the ground crew. If the plane arrives really early the ground crew might be assigned to other gates and have to be re-directed to your arriving flight.

[@2405jacko]

Megan, if I ever see you at an airport, ( possibly YYZ ) I'm gonna give you a huge hug for all the info you're giving us. Keep it coming, you're awesome!!

[@bigfan2452]

Me too, I will also give her a huge hug because she has helped me alot. I am from Ottawa region but I will travel to Toronto to that I can travel to San fransico soon.

[@Mostopinionatedmanofalltime]

I don’t think you can do that. 😅😅

[@cheriem432]

I love Toronto! I saw my very first hummingbird there.

[@cheriem432]

Depending on why you are going to SFO, if it's for pleasure I wouldn't bother. SFO today isn't the SFO of ten or even five years ago. Businesses are leaving, crime is up, and the homeless and drug addicts have set up their tents on the sidewalks. I feel so bad for them. I live 50 miles away. I've lived in California for almost 50 years and I never go there now unless absolutely necessary. It's actually dangerous.@@bigfan2452

[@davidmoores7608]

I just tried the trick of texting myself the fight number and it works. Thanks! And I love your dog!

[@magietagie]

Thanks for the tips! As always they were great to know and very helpful!

[@kiyoshitakeda452]

Thanks for the tips. Always welcome.

[@tuvia4082]

Thanks Megan, always great info.

[@Nathansmithphotography]

Megan you never cease to amaze! Great info as always!

[@phyllishatch6249]

Flight crew should not be working unpaid.

[@JohnShalamskas]

Working without pay is illegal in the USA. That's also called slavery.

[@bonniebaird4240]

You always have pertinent helpful info. Thank you very much.

[@PortableProfessional]

You are so welcome, Bonnie. Always great to have you here!

[@namanmehrotra3600]

Great info, super useful and unique tips! Also, love the background and you have a cute dog :)

[@birbluv9595]

Thank you so much, Megan. I always learn new things from you. The advice not to check in your luggage too early sounds wise. Regarding asking for special consideration over the phone, i have not had to do that, but i always try to be friendly with the phone agents. I try to make their day a little better, and i am just so glad to be talking to a real human being. Another thing about flight attendants - there was a recent article about how poorly they are paid, with some based in expensive cities having to live out of their cars! Their job is never easy.

[@schex9]

We had a direct flight to Boston that was canceled exactly 2 hours before the scheduled take-off, which was 5 minutes after we checked our bags. I questioned if the bags would be rerouted on the new fights. "Oh, yes, of course." Arrived in Boston to no bags! Same happened to another lady on the same flight. SWA didn't want to deliver to our condo, 90 minutes away. I said, "This is where we chose to vacation." They eventually did deliver.

[@davidj7516]

Thank you for your time and posting. I like that you put your dog in the video.

[@southbound1969]

Yes, always enter your flyer program numbers. I am a Skypass member with Korean Airlines and fly once per year to MNL. Last year I neglected to enter my Skypass info when I booked. Last year I was pissed because they wanted, for the first time, to charge me to select my seats. The price, $50 per segment! I need an aisle seat because of FU (frequent urination). I did not select my seats. This year I entered my Skypass number and was able to select my seats without an extra fee! I researched and found that Skypass members do not pay extra to select seats.

[@Vid.186]

Thank you Megan, useful as all the time! 👍

[@PortableProfessional]

You're so welcome!

[@davesaunders7080]

Solid info

[@marciarutland]

Thanks for the tips! I understand no food or beverage service if you are delayed & “parked” on the tarmac, but they should allow use of the bathroom. Many people have medical conditions or take medications that require them to plan food/drink/meds based on availability of a bathrooom, if you have to fly dehydrated because you MIGHT have to sit on a tarmac for an hour, you are setting yourself up for blood clots and other issues!

[@10lauset]

Wonderful advice. Cheers from Edmonton Alberta.

[@PortableProfessional]

Glad you enjoyed it! All the best from Ottawa!

[@r1l56me]

I’m ok with them padding the travel times to ensure on time performance, having time to kill is better than missing a connection or arriving late.

[@PortableProfessional]

That is a positive way to look at it. I have to agree as much less stressful!

[@patriciachirgwin3238]

Thanks for the tips Megan! I always learn a lot from your videos - just great!❤️

[@PortableProfessional]

You’re welcome, Patricia! That is super to hear!

[@cupidhart-james4277]

I NEVER get on public WiFi. I have unlimited cellular data, and will stay on cellular at the airport and other places.

[@tammypearson4500]

Happy Sunday, Megan and Ollie! That sweet doggie was really relaxing on your bed! I need to go look at the other videos again to make sure I understand all this new information. Thank you so much for your help with all of us passengers! I need to find your latest travel haul (Amazon) video! 👋

[@RayJacobsenJr]

Sometimes the airline app fails to load the boarding pass at the gate, take a screenshot of the boarding qr code when you finish the check in process. You can open your photos or gallery and use the screenshot.

[@martinolsen007]

Sounds abit scary, imagine if someone else gets hold of your phone

[@elanthys]

@@martinolsen007 Honestly at this point I’d have bigger concerns than a boarding pass screenshot to be honest. But I over prepare and I always have a backup smartphone ready to go so I’d probably use it to remote lock/wipe the stolen device.

[@DillyDahlia]

This is one reason I prefer a paper boarding pass. Guess I’m just old fashioned.

[@elanthys]

@@DillyDahlia same, I always keep a hard copy

[@MiaHessMusic]

Thank you Megan!

[@PortableProfessional]

You bet! Glad you enjoyed it!

[@azppmd]

Audio on-point!

[@robertjames-life4768]

You’re so right about padded schedules- the flight from my home to Seattle is show at about 1 hour 40 minutes. I’ve flown it over 20 times and the flight is barely an hour wheels up to landing

[@lernerleben]

This is an incredibly useful video.

[@PortableProfessional]

That’s great to hear! Thanks for watching!

[@DailyEdwards]

I’m fine with airlines padding the flight time. I’d rather be given a realistic time of arrival than be told a particular time that’s only valid if everything goes right. All I want to know is when I’m going to get there.

[@WalkingOneLegAtATime]

Right? It’s not padding it’s proper time management

[@The_Mace]

Good video! Glad your family situation turned out ok! Also, it seems like Ollie can sleep through anything... 😂

[@Erik.Troeen]

will open in OSLO osl gardermoen during the year with a new system, with baggage belts, x-ray machines, baggage storage for early check-in and baggage handling for the ground companies. so if you arrive early, your luggage will be stored in its own compartment in the system and will then be moved to the correct gate when it is due.

[@marvins8420]

The status match info was new to me! Thank you so much

[@PortableProfessional]

That is SO GREAT to hear! Love when something can be immediately applied! Happy travels!!

[@marvins8420]

​@@PortableProfessional Absolutely! Today I got the Status without any previous flight with KLM/AF/Delta. (So my upcoming trip will be more relaxed) Again a huge thank you for the tip

[@brubrushanghai]

Thanks so much

[@PortableProfessional]

You're welcome! Appreciate the visit!

[@paolodicarli4220]

I use the Airlines app and it is clear soon whether the flight is on time or not. I agree that asking the Airline is always a win-win option. In the European Union 🇪🇺 Airlines are obliged to refund customers and pay compensation after a 3-hour delay, but few exploit this possibility. Airlines are trying to change this piece of legislation. Thanks for all the pieces of advice, really helpful 😊

[@M_Ladd]

Great job! Thank you very much! Looks as if you've been working out. Looking good. When i come back in my second life, can i come back as your dog? Where does he stay when you travel?

[@Emy53]

I remember getting a meal from NY to LA in the late 70's. Now, i think you have to pay.

[@BK-ni6me]

Definitely. this last trip both legs of trip were delayed, first one caused me to miss my connecting flight

[@kristend344]

I had a flight delayed five hours. I was in Chicago. The plane we were supposed to be on was on the ground at LAX - which was closed due to the smoke from wildfires.

[@jldisme]

Worst delay - Boston (BOS) to Dulles (IAD) 9 HOURS!!! They only announced it in 30-minute intervals.

[@mmb811]

1:39 Padding is a normal business practice and not new, it happens in all industries and is a good business strategy.

[@richardhart9204]

… confirms everything I’ve long suspected.

[@oldgoat50]

Getting on the RC Quantum of the Seas tomorrow. Seeing Ollie made the OG smile 🤗

[@PortableProfessional]

Wow, nice! Enjoy!!

[@oldgoat50]

Just wanted to say I didn't get to go on my cruise because Uber never showed in the 2 hours I waited and missed my flight to Seattle.

[@kennethcampbell7263]

Love the magenta and green lighting. Never had a flight delayed, twice cancelled.

[@PortableProfessional]

Thanks! Safe travels!

[@britney7034]

Thank you for such an informative video! Will someone be able to turn on VPN first without having to connect to the public’s wifi first?

[@deandecoursey3061]

Megan, you were lucky that your family medical emergency happened before you left your home. Try getting home half way around the globe (Thailand) after your brother dies unexpectedly. You have to leave quickly, so you don’t have to play games with the airline by hanging up and calling back to speak with a different agent. If they don’t give you any consideration on changing dates (they wanted $1,640 to change a basic economy ticket that had cost me $673 total) or a refund, you still have to buy a one way ticket to get home. I did find one on Qatar airlines for $620. It took me 11 months after getting home, and 4-5 emails every week, verifying the death certificate, his and my birth certificates (listing our parents) and a local obituary to “prove” to Singapore airlines that my brother did indeed die. Since then, I’ve flown 5 times to Thailand, and none of those on Singapore airlines. It’s not likely that I’ll ever fly them again!

[@birbluv9595]

Thank you for sharing your experience. What a mess - and while you are struggling with grief!

[@skibunny2257]

What do you do with your dog since you travel so much?

[@billboyd753]

Famous airline tactic down under, schedule 4 flights per day but only actually fly one or 2 , 1st 2nd and 3rd flight delayed then cancelled all passengers consolidated onto one flight. That way they run maxing out there revenue. Screw the passengers who are trying to connect on a schedule like a cruise ship for instance.

[@petertarantelli]

I was flying once from Albany, NY to Orlando, FL. Usually this is a non-stop flight but for some reason I chose a layover in Baltimore. I arrived in Baltimore around 1pm and my connecting flight was scheduled to leave within an hour to arrive in FL by 4pm. I arrived sometime around 9pm after several delays. Oh well, I got there. Thanks for another great video Megan 🤗

[@birbluv9595]

I have done this route many times. Flying out of Albany in the winter is often a nightmare because of the weather. But flying to a bigger airport like BWI can result in delays due to air traffic around that airport.

[@petertarantelli]

@@birbluv9595 I can’t remember what the delays were all about but it was a nice weather day, where I was anyway, can’t speak to the flights coming in.

[@ricardo68]

OMG, you weren’t in your living room. 😊 Thanks for all the tips.

[@user-fm3wz2hf9h]

yes. delayed departure. delayed arrival too.

[@mariacavanaugh1010]

I had a delayed departure from Dublin because the morning ground crew that moved the plane (with the little car) accidentally pushed the aircraft off the tarmac into some mud...🤦‍♀️ Nearly missed my connection at Heathrow back to the states....

[@hitmancanp]

Hi there, wandering do you do Canadain videos ty.

[@ChuckJansenII]

A lot of great tips and inside information. My father was a pilot. He told his grandchildren that luggage destination was determined by using the Sorting Hat and that is why a lot of luggage goes to the wrong missing.

[@PortableProfessional]

I like that! Keeping it simple! Thanks for watching!

[@aragorn318]

Flew from Chicago to London two weeks ago with a 2.5 hr delayed arrival. And return trip with another 1 hr delayed arrival.

[@jayneofspain3322]

In the eu compensation is paid if your flight arrives more than 3 hrs late. So sitting on the tarmac and saying it left on time is no good.

[@TheSimArchitect]

Arrival time padding is an excellent practice in my opinion, sorry. It helps you not missing a connection and prevent many issues. If your flight leaves you at your destination at the correct arrival time (hence, before expected) you're not losing anything while a missed connection or people waiting to collect you while paying for Airport parking etc is a much worse result.

[@NightowlBB842]

Yes, agreed. I'm trying to figure out why this was presented as some nefarious bad thing. It does not impact passengers except potentially in a good way. Airlines do enough bad things, there's no reason to slam something that is sensible and not a bad thing.

[@elanthys]

Everyone does it regardless of industry, it’s the classic “under promise to over deliver” maneuver. It’s just smart as it accounts for unpredictable delays or blockers.

[@TheSimArchitect]

@@NightowlBB842 Thanks! I wish Dutch trains did the same. 😁

[@TheSimArchitect]

@@elanthys Yes. If people are willing to pay you 100 for 6 buns and you give them 7, you're a much better seller than another store that charges you 90 for 8 but also gives you 7. Plus you attract a much better type of customer.

[@dannydaw59]

It's fine as long as the gate at the destination is ready for the plane. Delta is notorious for not having the gate ready.

[@nyc1164]

Are ghost flghts still around and where can I get them?

[@DailyEdwards]

Is anyone else like me and our favorite Portable Professional videos are the ones that include the dog?

[@abefroman4953]

Megan is dreamy!

[@svenneirbo]

I've sat on a Delta flight where they left the terminal gate , then taxied out to the Runway only to sit there for hours in 35 ` cel . No aircon , no drinking or using the toilet. Maybe three hours past before they sent a bus out to rescue us. This was after United bumped me off my booked flight. 44 hours later arrived im NYC where friends were waiting at the wrong airport. Neit

[@chrisstevens2]

You need to tell us more about your dog in the background in one of your next videos!

[@tiredoftrolls2629]

We were waiting for a flight from Chicago to our local regional airport and it would turn around and go right back to Chicago. We then had a connecting flight to Charlotte. The flight from Chicago was an hour late and then it was an hour late waiting to fly to Chicago. We were told that there would be a cart to drive us from the arrival gate to the gate to the Charlotte flight when we got to Chicago. Not only was there not a cart, we were told that there wouldn't be. We ran across the terminal and saw the doors were closed when we got there. We missed the connecting flights from that point on.

[@neilpickup237]

Over the last few years flying scheduled in Europe, I can't say that I have noticed a great deal of padding on arrival time. Generally I have arrived within 10 minutes of the stated time. However, what I have noticed is significant delays in departure. The system they are now using is to delay the flight so that it arrives at the destination on time and can land without going into a holding pattern. Once we were held back by 45 minutes, but the captain did tell us not to worry, it was due to incredibly strong tailwinds and that we would arrive on time - it was still a couple of minutes early! The fact that we hardly ever enter a holding pattern any more, when it used to be a regular occurrence, seems support this explanation.

[@travelvideos]

Taipei to Hong Kong flights are usually empty. Real overcapacity on that route. Airlines should refund taxes and surcharges for non-refundable tickets, because you will not use airport and other facilities and they don't have to pay those taxes to the airport. I booked 40 euro flight and airline ticket cost part was about 10 euros. Then I got 30 euros back as those were taxes and surcharges. Some airlines will ask very high processing fee like 20 euros to make it for passengers economically unbeneficial to claim back those taxes.

[@scottgordon1781]

Hmm seated lower deck Cathay Pacific A 380 , delay to take off , 15 mins , ask , platitutude from crew , 30 mins , I wanted to know more for my connection flight . Was eventually told ' Something fell off in the upper cabin , has been fixed , waiting for engineer to sign off . Missed my next flight !

[@sgrant9814]

Delay reporting departures is beyond annoying in april i had a delta flt from mex city to atlanta I arrived at the gate an hour early and the plane was sitting at the gate. We boarded 20 min late and once all were boarded and door closed pilot announces we have to be fueled and it will be 10 minutes. We left the gate an hour later , lost our place in line on the runway, had to go,to back of line delaying us a further 45 min. My 3 hr layover in atlanta was thus reduced to 55 minutes but i made it (i run fast) Why was the plane not fueled in advance esp as it was sitting there for over an hour prior to boarding? And 10 min turning into one hr is inexcusable.

[@ErinFindsHerWay]

My parents were delayed 5 or 6 hours on a flight from Tampa home. They kept delaying in increments and it was after midnight before they got home. My mom demanded and got a full refund. Last time I flew, the issue I ran into was the gate for my connection changed 5 times in 30 minutes. It was three gates fairly close together, but with fellow passengers getting texts and gate agents confused, it got really annoying.

[@PortableProfessional]

Good for your mom for speaking up! Too often we just let it go which is what the airlines count on!

[@HR-wd6cw]

Padding flight times is an old trick actually that many people do in manufacturing and other jobs to make them look better. Obviously you don't want to make this an extreme (like adding an extra hour when it's not needed as this may discourage passengers from taking the flight, but for example, adding 5-10 minutes on both ends of the trip -- take off and landing, and providing a TOTAL time plus a few minutes is a good measure -- nobody complains if they arrive early). On one occasiona, I had a flight delayed going from Atlanta (Georgia) to Chicago by about 3 hours. The issue with this delay was that the plane was there, but being repaired, and initially it was only to be 30 minutes but ended up being about 3 hours before we actually left the gate. Luckily this was a direct flight so I wasn't that worried about it, but it was more annoying because by that time, I had been at the airport about 6 hours (I arrived about 3 hours before the original flight time because I had to return the rental car anyway and wanted to make sure I had time... Iguess in the end, there was no real rush but at the time, I also didn't know there was going to be a 3 hour delay). Luckily I bought a book and and my laptop so I had stuff to do. I was just hoping to get home in the early evening, not at 11pm. They did say that if they could not take off by 11pm that the flight would have to be cancelled (as the original departure time was 5:20pm or something like that and my guess is that some airports end take-offs around 10-11pm -- although Htsfield-Jackson is a large, busy airport so likely they would have just lost their landing spot at O'Hare in Chicago). But at the same time, this is a route that United makes many times per day too, it's just once the plane was fixed, we had missed the last regular -- non delayed flight -- left before 9pm. We didn't leave until about a little after 9pm so we had already missed the last flight out that day). I do wish that there were "laws" perhaps that non-refundable tickets at least give you the option for a full credit or full credit minus a processing fee maybe (so maybe $50) IF you cancel far enough in advance so that the airline can resell your seat to someone else. Say you cancel more than 30 days out on a non-refundable ticket, they should be required to issue you 100% credit (in the form of credit or a voucher, but not a full refund to original payment) minus a processing fee. I think this would give more confidence to fliers to book tickets sooner since they know that if they have to cancel, providing they do it say 30-60 days out, their loss will be minimal and they don't run the risk of losing their entire flight value, which in some cases, can be rather substantial, and this is one thing I'm contemplating for an upcoming trip (paying extra for a refundable ticket or risking it and saving $250 round trip for an overseas flight -- I'm tempting to just pay the extra as this would mean I could get a full refund to original payment method if I cancel at least 48 hours in advance I think, so this gives me some assurance, but it costs me $250 if I don't need it, but that does also include a checked bag so it may be worth it in reality).

[@SteveGrin]

Whatever you do stay off Turkish Air, by far and away they are the worst about delays. In one trip we had all four flights delayed, 2 of them has us staying overnight in the airport.

[@ej2953]

I was on a Braniff flight years ago that had about 12 off duty stewardesses as passengers and about 8 to 10 regular passengers. I had a whole row to myself.

[@CapricornGirl9]

Flew Allegiant a few weeks ago, the loading process was super easy and we were all on the plane 20 - 30 minutes before our scheduled departure time. Instead of leaving early, we sat there twiddling our thumbs until the scheduled departure time.

[@887363]

That might be due to slot restrictions at the airport you were arriving at. Taking off early might have put you all in a situation where you had to fly in circles due to not being able to land

[@luvmyrecords]

I don't mind the padding of arrival times, as it helps with plans at the destination. If I am early, great, but if I am "on time" per the posted arrival, I am not late to the rental car counter, or more importantly, someone picking me up isn't kept waiting despite our delays. Recently, a Delta flight I was to take to visit my girlfriend originally was delayed an hour, and then they sent a notice that my flight wouldn't be leaving for another five hours. I appreciated the truthful notice, because I was able to return home, and eat at home. As a night owl, a flight at 12;30 a.m. was no big deal, but this way, I was able to tell my girlfriend not to wait up for me, and make plans to call a car service upon landing. (The bonus was a deserted Delta terminal at LGA, and I was got to enjoy a nearly empty airport and the few amenities still open.

[@shapinglifewithrealityvlogs]

Wonderful Vlog. Love from Pakistan

[@PortableProfessional]

Thanks you so much! Cheers from Canada!

[@bazzer124]

It's definitely no secret that airlines automatically figure in time for delays such as weather, late connecting flights, boarding and deplaning issues. Actual departure and arrival times are estimates at best. When was the last time your flight left or arrived at the posted times? Cheers....

[@joanneloy9296]

I tried the text the flight number for updates, on android and iphone. It does not work in Canada.

[@stevehirjak7824]

Frontier cancelled my flight and refused to offer any type of credit except to book me three days later (on a 5 day trip). Gave up after six months of calling and complaining. Got nothing. Haven’t flown them since, nor Southwest, who also stole a ticket from me back when their ticket booking agents stole flights and went to jail. I got caught in that and they kept my money. No flight credit, no nothing.

[@threesixfiveart563]

My first flight in a two leg flight was delayed by 8 hours… of course they had to rebook my 2nd leg, it was a horrible long stressful mess and i missed a full day of my trip and was given a $15 food voucher after the initial hour of delay which allowed me two packaged snacks (we were told not to leave the gate) What a rip off.

[@Flights-gq8po]

I was delayed over 4 hours in a flight from Thailand to Qatar where I was transferring to a Qatar--> USA flight. Obviously I lost the connecting flight in Qatar and was given NOTHING. I had to purchase a flight from NY to Florida because of that 4 hour delay.

[@sonicpsycho13]

When I was about 7, I was flying alone and my first flight was late, so the airline held my connecting flight. Once we arrived, I was personally escorted off the plane and to my connecting flight, like a VIP. Airlines don't want to deal with young kids overnight.

[@snowqueenaz9463]

i love ghost flights! I have had many with Southwest. The crew will sit with me and can have great chats.

[@ulvesparker]

Me too. I lay across 3 seats and sleep. I chat with the crew and have snacks. I take walks around the plane. And never worry about the lavatory being occupied, stinky, or dirty. It is the closest I'll get to a private jet 😄

[@cheriem432]

Dear Snowqueenaz, is there some magic way to find them?

[@seawinegirl]

How do you book a ghost flight?

[@JohnSmith-bz9be]

How do we find these magical flights?

[@snowqueenaz9463]

@@cheriem432 How to get these flights try booking the first flight of the morning. Also find Puddle Flight. Would fly from Vegas to Anaheim at 6:30am.

[@LGnLA]

Yesssss, last summer, delay after delay, then canceled... we were stuck in Miami... a friend and I booked another flight to Jamaica different airline... we were the only two that got a REFUND YAYYY😊😊!!! The other portion of our group, waited hours for a later plane (to accommodate the delays/cancelations); same airline so got no refund!!!😮😢😢😢

[@berourke]

I have over 900,000 miles on American, got so tired of the delays that start at 15 minutes and end up being 12+ hours, don’t fly American anymore

[@joanneloy9296]

My daughter's full flight was canceled about 10 minutes after the gate agent asked for volunteers to gate check their carry-on.

[@mykofreder1682]

If they care a thing about environment, they should charge for slots if you use them or not and you get some money back if you give up your slot a week early. If slots become reliable there can be standby flights linking an unrelated location to the original flight. You create a Chicago to Paris flight out of an empty plane slot in Chicago and Paris going to places people don't go even domestic on the departure side. The airline may need to reposition the plane with tight turnaround, so they are forced to fly, if the turnaround is not tight, they should move to a slot at a less popular time. There are popular times because there are tight schedules on the other end for tours. Business travel wants to maximize time and maybe minimize nights at destination or start with a night to get started at the beginning of the workday with business activity, so domestic business flights before 11AM and 3-7PM are popular.

[@PortableProfessional]

Wow, sounds like you put a lot of thought into this! If only the airlines would do the same. Safe travels.

[@user-es6jk7bn5z]

Nobody mentions the airlines have to file flight plans and have to abide with these plans to ensure safety,all problems are taken into the overall flights and airlines have to plan as well

[@kwgm8578]

Good show, today. I have a little to add. For many years, airports have not been able to keep up with demand and have been slow or nelegent in adding gates. There are many reasons for this, but regardless, that's why you'll witness flights pushing back empty in some places. The slot at the other end must be occupied. It really is use it or lose it, and it's no secret that airlines need to shuttle 737s around a region to pick up passengers for the first flight of the day. A pilot calls this a "deadhead" flight. The need for deadheading was more common during the pandemic, but with the problems Boeing has been having, some Carriers have had to reactivate older planes unexpectedly. I returned from two-weeks in Puerto Vallarta recently and although my wife and I usually fly standby, we chose to fly with Southwest in expensive A1 class seats. On the way down, my checked bag went to Houston and I didn't see it again for over 48 hours. On our way home, we had to transfer in Phoenix and although there was supposed to be a ride meeting us at the gate to take us the long way between customs and our connection, it didn't. It was a long walk between gates for two elderly disabled premium fliers, and by the time we got to the connection terminal, they were calling our names on the PA, and everyone was boarding. I never do this because I have grown children who work in the business, but Southwest is going to receive my request for refund for over 48 hour loss of bags in Mexico, and for not honoring our high priced priority return tickets. Your video convinced me to shoot for the moon.

[@debrahall902]

Our plane landed in CDG Paris , the landing was in time but ... We had to wait 40 min in the plane until a gate was available , then it took 15 min to taxi to the gate . Waited at the gate 15 min before the door was opened and then 10 min waiting for the shuttle to go to the other side of the airport , 10 min ride and the gate for my connection was right at the end of a long corridor ( which to me seemed to be close to where we were sitting for the 40 min ) . I barely made it to the gate , after explaining to the gate staff that there was a problem and there were about 50 other people behind me for this flight the staff were not interested and the gate was closed and the plane pushed back on time . I had contact with a couple of passengers that were left behind and heard that there was no compensation because the inbound plane landed on time !

[@PortableProfessional]

Glad you were able to make your flight! Not sure what compensation should be when delays are on the ground but certainly does not sound right! You have just given me ideas for a future video😀 Welcome to the channel!

[@JMcMillen]

That's bad service and poor communication between airline staff. I've flown Southwest and seen them hold a flight for transfers that were running behind, including once when I was one of the transfers.

[@lynnstewart8313]

Why, after you pay extra to choose a seat, can the airline assign you a different seat? Your puppy is so sweet.

[@PortableProfessional]

They shouldn't if you paid for a seat. That's not right and I'm sorry if this happened to you. Ollie is also flattered. Thanks for watching 🥰

[@diamonddave2622]

The departure board at 2:50 is at LHR T2 - I was bored...

[@LeslieB-ln2yu]

Can you use your VPN when you are using an eSim? Also does Ollie stay with family or a dog sitter when you travel?

[@PortableProfessional]

Yes you can. Ollie is spoiled by family and friends when not with me!

[@PortableProfessional]

Yes you can. Ollie is spoiled by friends and family when he is not with me!

[@Mostopinionatedmanofalltime]

I guess over the last 35 years I’ve flown maybe 100 times? Not that much, but I’ve been lucky. I’ve never had a bag lost or shipped to the wrong airport. Flying during the 1980s was a more pleasant experience though. The seats were larger, and they had a lot more padding.😊

[@rogeroforlando8503]

Love seeing your dog. What is name and kind. He or she is so pretty.

[@PortableProfessional]

Love to hear it! His name is Ollie!

[@user-vo1jr7cg2k]

I was flying airforce they opened the door mid flight and told us to get out.

[@jumpingjeffflash9946]

the tips are awesome and Megan....you're absolutely beautiful too!