Flying internationally - is it really that bad? Possibility for stand-by cheap tickets.

[Twomoles 8]

So I have a possibility to attain cheap stand - by tickets, considerable savings, but with everything going on - strikes, missing luggage, cancellations etc - if planes are totally full I will not have a spot.

Plus I would be traveling with my kid. Is it too risky? I have done it before covid just fine, but now I would have at least two plane changes.

I was thinking maybe I should just fork up and buy tickets - but maybe it is so bad that I should give up on traveling now anyway - even people traveling with decent companies like SAS and Lufthansa are dealing with so much grief.

Stories and advice appreciated.

[TBoneTX 45,266]

Flying from where to where?  If not nonstop, would you reach your destination or be stuck in the middle? How old is your child?  Details, please.

[milimelo 4,477]

I'd consider which countries you'd have to transit (my no go would be CDG, UK, Germany, Amsterdam given prior problems) and how many connections. Then decide. 

[Palawan 131]

Seems to me like international flights are not being disrupted like domestic flights

[milimelo 4,477]

3 minutes ago, Palawan said:

Seems to me like international flights are not being disrupted like domestic flights

Except they only check your bag to the first destination then you have to pick them up (miss the connection) and re-check them with limited amount of time between flights. That would be a pass for me. Example from a family that was heading overseas for work - they still don't know where their bags are. 

[Palawan 131]

37 minutes ago, milimelo said:

Except they only check your bag to the first destination then you have to pick them up (miss the connection) and re-check them with limited amount of time between flights. That would be a pass for me. Example from a family that was heading overseas for work - they still don't know where their bags are. 

I personally never check bags going internationally, I always carry a backpack and a carry on.

 

 

[Twomoles 8]

Kid is 8. So yea we need stuff and luggage. With covid direct flights from PIT to Europe do not exist anymore  , so connecting to an international hub here and then to a hub in Europe. So 2 stops, 3 planes. With my stand by tickets I would probably spend something around 1000, the way it looks like tickets from airline would be around 3500. I just wonder is it really that bad or is media exaggerating as usual.

[Lil bear 4,189]

1 minute ago, Twomoles said:

Kid is 8. So yea we need stuff and luggage. With covid direct flights from PIT to Europe do not exist anymore  , so connecting to an international hub here and then to a hub in Europe. So 2 stops, 3 planes. With my stand by tickets I would probably spend something around 1000, the way it looks like tickets from airline would be around 3500. I just wonder is it really that bad or is media exaggerating as usual.

Depends on where you are hubbing. Yes it is pretty bad in some hubs .. not so bad in others .. everywhere and every airline is understaffed. Media highlighting some areas .. but i don't see them generally  exaggerating the issue. Travelled through DFW last week … all 8 pieces of luggage transferred at the same time .. 2 hrs between incoming international and connecting domestic flights.. 4 pieces made the connection and 4 didnt . 

[mam521 2,062]

3 minutes ago, Twomoles said:

Kid is 8. So yea we need stuff and luggage. With covid direct flights from PIT to Europe do not exist anymore  , so connecting to an international hub here and then to a hub in Europe. So 2 stops, 3 planes. With my stand by tickets I would probably spend something around 1000, the way it looks like tickets from airline would be around 3500. I just wonder is it really that bad or is media exaggerating as usual.

Really depends on the airline and the airport for your connections. 

 

Schiphol is legitimately bad unless it's essentially some "flagship" flights for KLM. I know Frankfurt has had some delays, but that's to be expected.  Some of the less popular airports seem to have less issues and if you can get to Europe, there's nothing stopping you from taking a train in lieu of another flight if you can make it work. 

[Twomoles 8]

dang, Amsterdam was one of my preferences, always thought KLM is pretty reliable. thanks. Frankfurt is my other good option for me to connect, except that Lufthansa still have not reached a deal.

[Twomoles 8]

2 hours ago, Lil bear said:

Depends on where you are hubbing. Yes it is pretty bad in some hubs .. not so bad in others .. everywhere and every airline is understaffed. Media highlighting some areas .. but i don't see them generally  exaggerating the issue. Travelled through DFW last week … all 8 pieces of luggage transferred at the same time .. 2 hrs between incoming international and connecting domestic flights.. 4 pieces made the connection and 4 didnt . 

Where were you coming from? by the way were the planes full and fully booked?

[Twomoles 8]

On 7/29/2022 at 5:24 AM, milimelo said:

I'd consider which countries you'd have to transit (my no go would be CDG, UK, Germany, Amsterdam given prior problems) and how many connections. Then decide. 

Yes, totally trying to avoid UK. Have not heard bad things about Polish or Czech so much. Were planes fully booked?

[Lil bear 4,189]

44 minutes ago, Twomoles said:

Where were you coming from? by the way were the planes full and fully booked?

Sydney Australia that journey. Paris through Chicago in late April

 Fully booked both trips 

[milimelo 4,477]

We flew last week (Middle East to Eastern Europe) and it wasn't bad. We were in business and had full load of bags (6) but it all made it in on time. Connected through Vienna. They offered to check in our carry on bags (thanks, no thanks) and our child's car seat - no, the child will use it on flights. I'd say flights were 75-80% full.

[Twomoles 8]

Thanks!