Getting a Better Seat

Getting the seat you prefer on an airplane has become increasingly difficult. Reaching the airport at a reasonable time before takeoff used to ensure a decent seat. But this is no longer the case, since airlines preassign seats when reservations are made.

If you're assigned to a seat you don't really like, go back to the desk when all the prereserved seats are released (usually 15 minutes before flight time).

All the prime seats for passengers who didn't show up are available then.

If on the plane you discover that you don't like your seat, don't wait until the plane takes off to find a better one. Look around the plane, and the second before they close the door, head for the empty seat of your choice. Don't wait until the seat-belt sign goes on.

By prereserving a single seat on a nonjumbo where the seats are three across, you'll increase the odds of getting an empty seat next to you. Ask for a window or aisle seat in a row where the window or aisle is already reserved by a single. The middle seat between two singles is least likely to fill up. Desperation measure.- Say you're very overweight and need an empty seat next to you so you won't crowd the other passengers.

There are other facts that every shrewd traveler should know.
If you carry a hanging bag on the plane and put it in one of those little front closets, someone else can easily take it by mistake.

Those bags all look alike. Be aware.- Luggage you carry onto the plane is not insured against such mishaps.

Tie a bright-colored ribbon or string around the handle. A name tag isn't enough. If someone else picks up your bag, the ribbon should alert him/her to the mistake.
If you change your reservation to a different flight and your ticket must be changed, don't wait in the long line at the airline's front desk. As long as your destination remains the same, you can take your ticket directly to the gate and change it there - even if you've switched airlines or fares. The desk at the gate has a charge card imprinter to deal with any changes.

Added advantage.- You're less likely to miss your flight by waiting in line if you're already at the gate.

If you've rented a car and don't want to drag your bags on and off the rental agency's airport bus, drop your bags off first at the curbside check-in and then return the car. Tip the curbside checker You don't want your luggage to be "accidentally" misrouted. Advise the attending porter of your destination.