4 Tips to Help You Connect With an Airline Customer Service Rep Faster
Read today's edition of Gate Access • Aug 25, 2025
Happy Monday. Summer travel has been a mess this year, and airline customer service reps are tired. If you tried to connect with an airline customer service rep during this time, you probably experienced firsthand how difficult it could be.
Here are four tips to help speed up the process for you next time. Let’s get into it.
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💡4 Proven Ways to Connect With an Airline Customer Service Rep Faster
Double Up: Call While You Wait in Line
Don’t just stand in the airport customer service line. Call the airline at the same time. Often, the phone rep can resolve your issue before you even reach the counter.Use Lounge Staff as a Back Door
If you have lounge access, head back inside and ask a lounge representative for help. They tap into the same system as airport service desks, but often work in a calmer environment with fewer passengers competing for their attention. In many cases, they can make changes that regular agents can’t.Beat the Queue With Language Lines
When you call the airline, skip the English queue and opt for the Spanish language line. Because most passengers default to English, Spanish lines tend to be shorter. Don’t worry, you’ll still connect with an English-speaking agent, but you’ll cut off significant hold time.Leverage the Airline App Chat
Most airline apps have a chat feature that connects you to agents with real authority to resolve problems. Be polite, patient, and friendly. They’re more likely to go the extra mile for you when you’re nice. Here’s the insider tip: at the end of the chat, ask if they can offer you bonus miles for the inconvenience. It doesn’t always work, but when it does, you could walk away with extra miles on top of your resolved issue.
This Everyday Item Was Never Allowed by TSA in Checked Baggage
Recent media reports indicate that the TSA has announced new items that are banned, but this is not new news; cordless curling irons with a gas cartridge or butane have always been prohibited in checked luggage.
This doesn’t mean you can’t travel with curling irons at all. Corded electric curling irons AND hair straighteners aren’t restricted.
If you’re ever wondering whether you can bring something or not, the TSA has a "What Can I Bring" page, which is great. The only downside to that page is that it’s vague and gives no context for some items.
This is where Gate Access comes in to help provide more details.