The roar of airplane engines, the drag of suitcases on slick tile, and the ding of an airport intercom system serve as exciting reminders that a travel experience is about to begin…after, of course, the flight to your destination. Whether your time in the plane will last two hours or 12, you can experience an efficient and comfortable flight with proper pre-flight preparation, knowledge of airline policies, and the utilization of easy in-flight routines.
This FAQ guide provides information on how to prepare for the airport and answers questions you may have about your flights with Odysseys Unlimited.
If you have a smartphone, one of the best things you can do well in advance of your flight is download your airline’s app. Airline apps are one of the most convenient ways to receive updates about your flight(s). Most apps will send you flight reminders, allow you to check-in and receive your boarding pass, and notify you in real time about cancellations or delays. Some apps allow you to re-book or re-purchase flights; others feature in-flight uses such as providing a way to purchase snacks and Wi-Fi while in the air. Some even contain in-app airport maps. Downloading and becoming familiar with your airline’s app is one of the most useful things you can do for a seamless travel experience.
Do your future self a favor and pack intentionally. You should pack your most important items in your carry-on to ensure that you have everything you need on hand – and so that you are prepared in the unlikely case that your checked luggage is lost.
Your personal item and/or carry-on should include:
You should store everything else in your checked bag. Check out our Packing Tips: Essential Items post and our “Packing” Travel Tip category on our blog for more ideas on what to pack for your tour.
Odysseys Unlimited offers the option to request premium economy and/or business class airline upgrades for the trans-oceanic flights of many of our tours. Check your tour page on our website or in our catalog to see if your tour offers the option to request an airline upgrade. This information can be found with the dates and prices chart. Kindly note that airline upgrades with Odysseys Unlimited are based on request and are not guaranteed as they are subject to availability with the airline(s).
If you wish to purchase an airline or seating upgrade through the airline(s) directly, please do not do so until your tickets have been issued and you have received your final e-tickets (approximately 2-3 weeks prior to departure). Airline itineraries and flights are subject to change prior to the issuing of your final e-tickets, so if you purchase any airline or seating upgrades before then, they may not be honored.
Also note that airline and/or seating upgrades purchased through the airline(s) cannot be refunded by Odysseys Unlimited if your flight is cancelled or missed.
If you received your preliminary airline itinerary and do not see seats listed on your itinerary and cannot choose them online, have no fear. Increasingly, and at their discretion, airlines are restricting seating assignment to flight check-in. We will do everything we can to secure seats for you prior to check-in if possible, and if we are successful, you will see your seat assignment(s) reflected on your final e-tickets. If not, you will be able to choose your own seat at check-in. Please feel free to let us know your seating preferences prior to receiving your preliminary airline itinerary (approximately 2.5 months prior to departure) and we will do what we can to honor them – but do know that we cannot guarantee certain seating arrangements as it is dependent on availability.
Lastly, if you choose to purchase seats through the airline(s) prior to the issuing of your tickets, we cannot guarantee that the airline(s) will honor them.
Odysseys Unlimited tours include the cost of luggage handling for one bag per person in the tour price; however, additional baggage fees levied directly by airlines may apply and are subject to change at any time. You should confirm checked baggage cost directly with your airline(s) prior to departure.
Make sure to check the weight and size restrictions for all luggage (personal item, checked bag, and carry on) on your airline’s app or website to ensure that your bags are suitable for your flight. Additionally, carefully read the “Luggage Guidelines” document on your My Odyssey portal to see if there are any tour-specific weight or size restrictions for your luggage. You may also find our Luggage Tips: Weight Limits, Long Transfers, and Checked Bag Charges blog post helpful.
In the unfortunate event that you miss your flight, please work with the airline(s) to re-purchase or re-book your flight. You may be able to do this through the airline app, or at the airline’s desk at the airport. Once you have rebooked your flight, please let us know your new flight information via email or by calling our Customer Service department so that we are able to notify any relevant services, such as your airport transfer (if you are air-inclusive), what time you are arriving.
If your flight is delayed and as a result you will miss a connecting flight, you should communicate with the airline(s) to get re-protected on a new flight. Do this by visiting the airline’s desk at the airport; some airlines may allow you to use their app or website to re-protect your flight as well. Once you have secured new flights, please let us know what your new flight itinerary is by emailing or calling us so that we are able to notify any relevant services, such as your airport transfer (if you are air-inclusive), what time you are arriving.
In the unlikely event that your flight is cancelled, communicate with the airline to get re-protected on a new flight. You can do this through the airline app or website for many situations, or by visiting the airline’s desk at the airport. Once you have secured new flights, let us know what your new flight itinerary is by emailing or calling us so that we are able to notify any relevant services, such as your airport transfer (if you are air-inclusive), what time you are arriving.
The most important thing to remember in the event of any flight interruption is that it is always easiest to work with the airlines first.
Careful forethought and simple preparation can make all the difference in staying comfortable on your long-haul flight(s). Some tips to consider are listed on our How to Stay Healthy while Traveling blog post. We also suggest that you:
In the unlikely event that your luggage is misplaced or lost by the airline, do not panic. If you followed our packing tips, you should have everything you need for the next few days in your carry-on bag. In the meantime, you should immediately notify the airline before leaving the airport so that they can attempt to track down your bag and get it to you as soon as possible. More information on lost luggage can be found on our luggage-specific blog post: You arrived, but your luggage didn’t…now what?
The last step in your airplane adventure is to meet up with your tour. For air-inclusive guests, Odysseys Unlimited will send you information before your departure on how to locate your transfer to the hotel. This information will be in your final tour documents sent approximately 2-3 weeks prior to your flight. If you are arranging your own flights, please contact our Customer Service department if you wish to request a transfer.
Regardless of how you feel about flying, the relief and excitement of stepping off an airplane and into your travel destination is universal. We hope this post answers some of your most pressing questions about flying with Odysseys Unlimited. If you have further questions, airline websites can be a helpful resource; often, answers to questions are dependent on the airline you are flying with. We are also happy to help you in preparing for your trip; should you have additional questions, please contact us by email at [email protected] or by calling our Travel Counselors at 1-888-370-6765.
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