13 things airlines will not tell you

There are a lot of things airlines will not tell you. Here are 13 of those things airlines won't tell you.

1. Here's what a safety demo doesn't cover...

-At night, the lights are dimmed for your eyes to adjust to the dark in case you need to get out. The tray tables are put up at takeoff and landing so passengers can escape if needed. Your window shade should be open in the case of a crash, firefighters can see inside.

2. We're stingy about fuel

-It's not only expensive, but heavy to carry. Keeping levels low saves $$$. It also means that if rough weather occurs, an emergency landing is in the future because we're running low on gas.

3. If your flight is overbooked...

-...don't accept the first $200 voucher offered. We keep increasing the offer until we have enough volunteers who want to give up their seats. If we don't get enough volunteers, we bump you involuntarily and please insist on a cash reimbursement. Department of Transportation rules say you're entitled to as much as $1300 in cash, depending on ticket price and how long you're delayed

-Because of COVID-19 and spacing rules, airlines are running with more empty planes. Passengers are taking advantage of booking policies that allow for refunds and last minute change of plans. This translates into the airline being more flexible in offering higher compensation for overbooking. You have rights as a passenger and you have the right to compensation for the airline overbooking

4. Going on a group trip?

-Search for only one ticket at a time. This will save you money. It may not sound like it, but if you are looking for, say, four tickets and three are available at the lowest price, all four automatically get bumped up in price. During COVID-19, it's important to guarantee that the airline offers refunds for last minute plan changes due to travel restrictions, illness or other issues for all members of your party. It's recommended to travel with a budget airline that travelers will recommend

5. Lost luggage?

-Don't put off reporting it, despite the long lines. Report it as soon as possible, because there is a very short window of time to report it. If you miss the deadline, your claim may be denied

6. Pilots can't eat together

-It might sound strange, but it's a rule. Some airlines do not allow pilots flying together to eat food from same the source within an hour of each other. They either have to eat at different restaurants or one has to wait at least an hour to ensure that the pilot doesn't get sick or poisoned

7. The seats are shrinking...

-You're not going crazy. The seats are getting tinier. For example, Boeing 777s, usually used for long haul international flights, the seats were shrunk by one inch to squeeze an extra seat into the rows. During COVID-19, many but not all of the airlines, are refusing to book the middle seat in an attempt to give passengers more space and peace of mind. Check with the airline ahead of time to get the airline policy on reduced capacity and middle seat booking

8. SANITIZE!

-Airplanes can be filthy places. Not everyone is so considerate of covering their mouths and noses when they cough and sneeze. And it's not just that. People also take off their socks and shoes and allow their foot germs to get into the floor of the plane. In the wake of COVID-19, everyone is sanitary-minded now; you honestly can't blame anyone for wanting to be a little more sanitation-minded. Cleaning standards have increased in the wake of COVID-19. The policy is now standard to wipe down tray tables between flights. Airlines are now using air filtration systems, disinfectant fog, UV lights, EPA-approved cleaners to disinfect and sanitize the whole inside of the plane. This is all done in the consideration of safety for the passengers, even if the passengers take it for granted. Most experts in health recommend bringing your own sanitization items to sanitize all objects you may touch

9. If your flight is cancelled...

-...get in line at the ticket desk at the gate counter. Also get on the phone. You'll be able to reach an airline agent before you get to the ticket counter, where the already frazzled desk agent is scrambling to satisfy all of the angry passengers. With COVID-19 behind us, airlines are a little more prone to cancellations due to a high number of various factors out of anyone's control. While some airlines are taking the courtesy to help passengers, others are not doing as much. Check your airline's policies about cancelled flights and for policies on "unforseen circumstances" to see what will merit a rebooking or refund

10. We don't like price-comparison sites

-Sure, those commercials for Trivago, Priceline, etc., all make it look so easy to book vacations and flights. But airlines don't always like those sites. Airlines pay a fee every time you make a booking through one of those price-comparison sites like TripAdvisor, Orbitz, Trivago, Priceline, etc. Airlines are making it harder for passengers to use them, in the hopes of discouragement from using them. Some airlines, such as Delta and Southwest don't release fares at all to third party vendors like Trivago, TripAdvisor, Orbitz, Priceline, etc.

11. There's a certain time to switch seats

-About 100 days before your flight, look at the map of seats for your flight. That's when upgrading fliers from coach to business and some of the best seats open up. If you want to change seats, learn to do it the right way without disturbing your neighbor

12. It's absolutely disgusting when...

-...airplane crews see you walking around in bare feet!! That carpet is not the cleanest in town. People bring babies on the airplane and sometimes they spit up on that carpet. That carpet has seen every body fluid produced by humans-vomit, blood, fecal matter / urine and more. 

13. Know your rights

-When your flight is cancelled, we'll offer to book you onto a new flight. But keep in mind that even if you have a "nonrefundable" fare, we will give you your money back if you ask.