7 uncensored things I learned from a Gate Agent
Monday, August 5th, 2024.
Gate Access
Happy Monday, Travel Friend! Last week, I had an incredibly candid conversation with a gate agent who has worked at three major airlines. I took this opportunity to ask questions we rarely get direct answers to. Since the gate agent recognized me from TikTok, it gave me an edge to ask the tough questions—and they answered without hesitation. Let’s get into it!
This Monday’s edition:
7 Uncensored Things I Learned From a Gate Agent
The Quick List (Essential Travel News & Updates in Under 3 Sentences)
Introducing The First Official Gate Access E-Guide
7 Uncensored Things I Learned From a Gate Agent
How Bad Weather Can Save Airlines When Crew Times Out
Crew timing out is an issue all airlines face occasionally. Timing out can happen for various reasons, but when it does, airlines are supposed to compensate passengers, as crew timing out isn't considered an uncontrollable event that exempts them from providing compensation. In contrast, weather-related delays or cancellations are uncontrollable events that protect the airline from such obligations. I've learned that gate agents often use weather as an excuse for crew timing out, claiming that extreme weather at point A impacted point B, causing the crew to time out. Legally, this allows the airline to avoid offering accommodations, although they may still choose to do so. If you find yourself in this situation, ask the gate agent to confirm if crew timing out was part of the cancellation. This question can increase your chances of being accommodated, as airlines prefer not to disclose this information to all passengers.
Here’s Why it’s So Important to Check into Your Flight ASAP
It's no secret that airlines oversell flights due to the likelihood of passengers missing their flights. But what happens when everyone shows up? This leads to the airline bumping passengers, meaning they remove you from the plane due to overbooking. This can be done voluntarily or involuntarily. To increase your chances of not getting bumped, check in for your flight as early as possible—passengers who check in last are more likely to be bumped. Check-in typically begins 24 hours before the flight, and most airlines prefer not to bump children and families.
How to Fly With a Check Bag For Free
On a full flight, the chances of overhead bin space running out are extremely high, but you can use this to your advantage. When this happens, the gate agent will announce that overhead bin space is limited and they’ll begin gate checking bags, meaning your bag will be taken at the jet bridge and stored in the cargo area. To take advantage of this, ensure your bag complies with TSA regulations for liquids, gels, and aerosols. TSA doesn’t care about the size of your bag. Wait to join the boarding line until the gate agent announces gate checking. I’ve personally used this hack with Delta, which is well-known for allowing this.
Gate Agents Know When You’re Skipping The Line
Sneaking onto the plane before your boarding group is highly frowned upon. Gate agents can see your exact boarding group or zone. However, if the boarding process is running behind, some gate agents might allow you to proceed anyway.
Will Your Connection Flight Wait For You If You’re a Little Delayed?
It happens—you’re running late due to delays and might miss your connection. If this happens, ask the flight attendant if there are other passengers with the same connection. Airlines typically won’t hold a flight for just a couple of passengers, but they may for a large group, usually 10 or more. By being vocal, you increase your chances of the flight attendant relaying the message to the ground staff. Gate agents are more likely to hold the flight if a large group is delayed. This tip can bring you some comfort mid-flight, knowing your chances of making your connection.
Gate Agents Encounter Passengers Without Boarding Passes Often
TSA now has a program where passengers can provide their ID, and the system automatically confirms flight reservations without needing a physical boarding pass. However, this has caused issues for gate agents because some passengers think they don't need to check into their flights. Remember, TSA and the airline operate separately. Always check into your flight at least 24 hours in advance. If you haven't checked in, gate agents can still get you on the plane, provided it’s not oversold.
Some Tickets Are Cheaper to Buy at The Airport
A gate agent confirmed that flights are often cheaper when purchased directly at the ticket counter at the airport for low-cost carriers, as this method can eliminate certain service fees. However, they also mentioned that it's best to purchase Delta and American tickets online. For online purchases, the best time to buy tickets is between 11 AM and 2 PM because a technology fee is temporarily waived during these hours for some airlines like Breeze Airways.
The Quick List
Essential Travel News & Updates in Under 3 Sentences.
Government Related
The Biden-Harris Administration proposed a new rule to ban airlines from charging fees for seating families together. The DOT's rule, which is set to go into effect in 2025, would require airlines to seat parents next to their young children for free when adjacent seating is available at booking, potentially saving a family of four up to $200 per round trip. The rule also mandates upfront disclosure of this right and imposes penalties on airlines that do not comply.
A US appeals court temporarily blocked the DOT's new rule requiring upfront disclosure of airline fees pending a full review, stating it likely exceeds the DOT’s authority and could harm airlines. The rule, issued in April, aimed to help consumers avoid unexpected fees by mandating fee disclosure alongside airfare. A hearing for further arguments is scheduled, and the rule had set compliance deadlines in late 2024 and early 2025.
Airlines & Airports
JetBlue announced that starting September 6, 2024, its Blue Basic fare will include a free carry-on bag. This enhancement makes Blue Basic one of the best values in the industry, offering features like the most legroom in coach, seatback entertainment, and free Fly-Fi on all flights. Customers who want to board earlier for overhead bin space can choose the more flexible Blue fare, which includes free seat selection and no cancellation fees.
Starting August 1st, Orlando International Airport (MCO) is offering extra perks through a free program called "MCO Rewards." By enrolling online and linking a credit or debit card, customers and employees can earn airline miles, gift cards, and cashback rewards when they shop, eat, and park at MCO. Points can be redeemed for airline miles by clicking the "Redeem" button on the MCO Rewards homepage
Systems & Services
CLEAR has introduced “CLEAR Scout,” a program in which a CLEAR ambassador will help locate forgotten items at the airport and hand deliver or ship them back to you. This is a new courtesy service for all CLEAR members.
Gate Access E-Guide
The first official Gate Access e-guide is here! Checkpoint: 60 Tips Passengers Should Know When Going Through TSA Screening. I discovered these tips during my time at TSA, and I’ve broken them down into bite-sized chunks for you to refer to when needed. Every week, I’ll unlock tips from this e-guide until all are revealed. All paid subscribers will have access to this guide, and a version will be made available for purchase after the weekly reveal. Check out the first week's reveal here.
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