Interview flight questions

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aayz345

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Is it a good idea to go for direct flights? Choosing flights with 1-2 stops is much cheaper, but idk if it’s worth it. Any advice is appreciated
 
aayz345 said:
Is it a good idea to go for direct flights? Choosing flights with 1-2 stops is much cheaper, but idk if it’s worth it. Any advice is appreciated
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Nah, do the 1-2 stops. You are already going to go into $250K of debt - save a few hundred now while you can.
 
LizzyM said:
You do run the risk with every transfer of having a delay or cancellation. Given the stakes, I’d go nonstop on the way out and as cheaply as possible on the way home.
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One of my friends brought this up. My interview will be in Wisconsin, which is a long flight coming from CA
 
As stated before take into account time, effort, and money. I personally have been saving a lot of vacation days at work for interview season. So each interview I'm flying in a day or two early. This gives me a full day to rest, practice, and explore the area if I want. Shop around, I actually came out ahead financially even with the extra nights hotel stay vs flying direct in some cases. Also consider redeye flights to save some cash and on hotel fee's. For example if your interview is on Friday, you can catch a red-eye Wednesday night and arrive Thursday morning. This way most of the day before your interview is not lost to traveling and you don't have to foot that extra hotel bill for Wednesday night.
 
If you have to fly with connections (or even if you have direct flights) then choose your airlines in this order
  1. Delta
  2. United
  3. American
  4. Frontier/Allegiant/Spirit
This has been my experience with delays, canceled flights, etc.
 
Last edited:
Cornfed101 said:
If you have to fly with connections (or even if you have direct flights) then choose your airlines in this order
  1. Southwest
  2. Delta
  3. United
  4. American
  5. Frontier/Allegiant/Spirit
This has been my experience with delays, canceled flights, etc.
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I would take southwest off that list. Southwest is absolutely terrible in big pricing and connection time...
 
If direct flight costs are especially high because you're flying into a smaller city, flying direct to the closest large city and connecting there may be an option. For example, flying from California to Wisconsin -- If you get to Chicago, your options for getting to Wisconsin expand exponentially -- especially once you factor in trains, buses and renting a car. (Of course, by then you've blown any cost savings.)

But yeah -- direct is almost going to be worth it in terms of time and reduced risk.

MemeLord said:
I would take southwest off that list. Southwest is absolutely terrible in big pricing and connection time...
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Really? That has not been my experience at all. Also, they're great about luggage and much more flexible than other carriers about changing your itinerary. They're different from other carriers, but IMO, better.
 
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MemeLord said:
I would take southwest off that list. Southwest is absolutely terrible in big pricing and connection time...
Click to expand...

Fine, I haven't actually flown southwest much, but I've heard they are the best...
 
DokterMom said:
If direct flight costs are especially high because you're flying into a smaller city, flying direct to the closest large city and connecting there may be an option. For example, flying from California to Wisconsin -- If you get to Chicago, your options for getting to Wisconsin expand exponentially -- especially once you factor in trains, buses and renting a car. (Of course, by then you've blown any cost savings.)

But yeah -- direct is almost going to be worth it in terms of time and reduced risk.



Really? That has not been my experience at all. Also, they're great about luggage and much more flexible than other carriers about changing your itinerary. They're different from other carriers, but IMO, better.
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I will admit, I have to fly out of a small airport which might affect my southwest experience.
 
MemeLord said:
I will admit, I have to fly out of a small airport which might affect my southwest experience.
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I live like 40 minutes from PHL, so I have tons of options.

Im not big on Southwest, either. I just hate the general boarding bs especially. I am a companion pass holder so that works out well lol

I just prefer Delta. Hate AA.

Will admit, though, Frontier has been really accommodating in the past with schedule changes. They give vouchers for your “inconvenience” and we earn enough miles on vouchers to score a free round-trip flight to San Diego lol
 
ciestar said:
I live like 40 minutes from PHL, so I have tons of options.

Im not big on Southwest, either. I just hate the general boarding bs especially. I am a companion pass holder so that works out well lol

I just prefer Delta. Hate AA.

Will admit, though, Frontier has been really accommodating in the past with schedule changes. They give vouchers for your “inconvenience” and we earn enough miles on vouchers to score a free round-trip flight to San Diego lol
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My previous experience with Delta boarding has been a mess for me 🙁 though may just have been an off day.

What has been your experience with AA?
 
Fruitjuice said:
My previous experience with Delta boarding has been a mess for me 🙁 though may just have been an off day.

What has been your experience with AA?
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They lost my bag, rep blamed me for it, and it randomly arrived seven weeks later.

Otherwise, i think ive had the most success with AA as far as on time flights go hahah im just bitter. We also have like.. 200k points with them so i gotta learn to love them
 
MemeLord said:
It would be more than enough if the people with overhead baggage would wait until the end and if they actually put their baggage over their own seat....No baggage, get up and go, then everyone with overhead get up, get it, get out. Easy peasy. This "front to back" bull**** slows down the experience so much.
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Dudeee i’ll never understand why everyone crams into the aisles.
 
MemeLord said:
It would be more than enough if the people with overhead baggage would wait until the end and if they actually put their baggage over their own seat....No baggage, get up and go, then everyone with overhead get up, get it, get out. Easy peasy. This "front to back" bull**** slows down the experience so much.
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YES THIS

Even at a huge airport it’ll take me 10-15 mins to get across all the gates. But I literally don’t step out the plane until +20 minutes after landing due to waiting for people in front of me to exit.
 
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ciestar said:
No, dont even bother with #4 lol
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I ranked #4 for a reason. I think they still deserve mention (trapped by weather in Denver because United was being stupid. Frontier saved the day), but they are not ideal.
 
Cornfed101 said:
If you have to fly with connections (or even if you have direct flights) then choose your airlines in this order
  1. Delta
  2. United
  3. American
  4. Frontier/Allegiant/Spirit
This has been my experience with delays, canceled flights, etc.
Click to expand...

No Southwest?
 
MemeLord said:
It would be more than enough if the people with overhead baggage would wait until the end and if they actually put their baggage over their own seat....No baggage, get up and go, then everyone with overhead get up, get it, get out. Easy peasy. This "front to back" bull**** slows down the experience so much.
Click to expand...

Yes! I think that those who do not use the overhead bins should get priority in exiting the aircraft. Bins don't open until everyone who wants to leave before the bins open has departed.
 
LizzyM said:
Yes! I think that those who do not use the overhead bins should get priority in exiting the aircraft. Bins don't open until everyone who wants to leave before the bins open has departed.
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Fruitjuice said:
YES THIS

Even at a huge airport it’ll take me 10-15 mins to get across all the gates. But I literally don’t step out the plane until +20 minutes after landing due to waiting for people in front of me to exit.
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ciestar said:
Dudeee i’ll never understand why everyone crams into the aisles.
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Despite many controversial opinions, the one thing that Memelord can get everyone to agree on is ****ty airline service lol
 
Cornfed101 said:
I had Southwest on there and Memelord freaked out about it. I have heard Southwest is good, but I have never flown them
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I have since discovered my poor southwest experience is specifically derived from a feud between Delta and Southwest at my small regional airport which causes limited southwest selections. Go ahead and throw her back in there.
 
ciestar said:
They lost my bag, rep blamed me for it, and it randomly arrived seven weeks later.

Otherwise, i think ive had the most success with AA as far as on time flights go hahah im just bitter. We also have like.. 200k points with them so i gotta learn to love them
Click to expand...

AA is garbage. I have flown hundreds of times in my life (probably 50-100 times on AA). I had to fly AA for work a lot and we had flights cancelled probably 25% of the time and delayed upwards of 75% of the time. Flights canceled for lavatory doors being jammed, hazmat fires in Charlotte, oxygen masks missing. Not worth the hassle if you ask me. I have flown probably 500 Delta flights and had this happen a half dozen times.
 
One HUGE plus for Southwest is that they are the only ones without cancellation/change fees. This has been incredibly useful, since if you get multiple IIs you can string them together/ easily adjust your schedule. Normally it doesn’t matter, but for the interview cycle I’ve been trying hard to use southwest exclusively.
 
Cornfed101 said:
AA is garbage. I have flown hundreds of times in my life (probably 50-100 times on AA). I had to fly AA for work a lot and we had flights cancelled probably 25% of the time and delayed upwards of 75% of the time. Flights canceled for lavatory doors being jammed, hazmat fires in Charlotte, oxygen masks missing. Not worth the hassle if you ask me. I have flown probably 500 Delta flights and had this happen a half dozen times.
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Overall, I would say Delta is my personal number one as they are overall just a more comfortable flying experience. Granted, their fees and such are sky high.
 
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I’ve flown a lot with United and AA and Southwest. I preferred United over AA by far, but Southwest fits my needs best. I’m s young single broke grad and their free two carryons and checked bags as well as their wanna get away fares are cheaper than United’s basic economy really works well for me. Also the fact that their crew is always friendly and they have the best or one of the best on time rates are huge pluses. I’ve never flown delta so can’t comment on that.
 
Thanks for everyone for contributing to this Informative thread haha. I’ve booked a nonstop departure and a 1stop arrival flight with delta and United.
 
Just here to say that this thread is amazing, for someone who has has almost minimal flight experience. Thanks everyone!🙂
 
Engrailed said:
Just here to say that this thread is amazing, for someone who has has almost minimal flight experience. Thanks everyone!🙂
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As someone who flies too much, I feel the need to pass on more knowledge. Here are some other tips:
- If you can avoid checking a bag, do so (and of course you should be able to unless you're packing in a bunch of interviews into a long trip). The best feeling in the world is walking out of the airport right past people waiting at baggage claim.

- When opting for the cheapest flight option, remember that cheapo airlines like Spirit don't include any bags except a personal item, so no included carry on bag. You have to factor that into the cost differential. And also the fact that Spirit once left me stranded in New York for 2 extra days. (If you're splitting tickets, I recommend picking the cheapo airline option for the non-time pressure flight home but avoiding it on the way there)

- Always check flight prices for nearby airports. I believe there is an option on google flights that lets you do this.

- The markup at airport shops is like the movies. If you have room, bring your plane snax from walmart instead of buying them there.

- To have the best shot at a seat with no one next to you, when choosing from the seat map, look for a row that has one seat taken on either the aisle or window and then choose the other available aisle/window seat. (i.e. if it looks like _ _ x, take the other outside seat, like x _ x). Its not a guarantee, but people will avoid taking the middle seat of a crowded row, so unless the plane is full, this is the best shot.

- Never assume that 6 am weekday flights will have an empty airport/security line. Sometimes that's when it's the most crowded. Business trips I guess?

- If you have the spare money for TSA precheck, it will save your life at least once. (Non-interview related for most people, but if you do a lot of international travel, Global Entry has also saved my life many times.)

- My biggest tip of all, if you have a hard time sleeping on planes and you're doing a red-eye or something of similar length: Eyemask. Earplugs. Window seat. Melatonin.
 
Southwest lets you change dates (fare difference) or cancel without penalty (money goes into your account and can be used). Also if you can afford buy noise cancelling headphones.
 
Jeremy Bearimy said:
- To have the best shot at a seat with no one next to you, when choosing from the seat map, look for a row that has one seat taken on either the aisle or window and then choose the other available aisle/window seat. (i.e. if it looks like _ _ x, take the other outside seat, like x _ x). Its not a guarantee, but people will avoid taking the middle seat of a crowded row, so unless the plane is full, this is the best shot.

- My biggest tip of all, if you have a hard time sleeping on planes and you're doing a red-eye or something of similar length: Eyemask. Earplugs. Window seat. Melatonin.
Click to expand...

Great tips! I just have trouble sleeping while upright... Hopefully, I figure that out before I am an old man because I feel like that is a prerequisite.
 
Cornfed101 said:
Great tips! I just have trouble sleeping while upright... Hopefully, I figure that out before I am an old man because I feel like that is a prerequisite.
Click to expand...
I'm also bad at sleeping upright. But I forgot one more sleeping tip!! If you bring a backpack, when you want to sleep, put the backpack on your lap or on the tray table in front of you. Now you can lean forward and sleep on the backpack. Combined with the eyemask/earplug thing, I have slept full nights like this on planes!
Like this, but you can just use your bag:
1568300364291.png
1568300380406.png
 
In my experience, Southwest is HIGHLY variable depending on where you are flying to/from. From some airports they are the absolute cheapest and easiest option, for others where they don't have a strong presence I've seen their tickets be like triple the price of other airlines. Definitely worth checking though, and the free bags is a big bonus

If you're booking a flight with a connection, make sure that layover is long enough to allow wiggle room for late arrival/deplaning/finding your new gate. I've seen some connection options that offer a barely 30 minute window - that's just asking to miss your connection if you encounter any small delays. Personally I think an hour is usually good (barring bad weather/bad luck), 2 hours is long but safe, 3 hours+ you'll probably die of boredom but you'll definitely make your connection.
 
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Jeremy Bearimy said:
As someone who flies too much, I feel the need to pass on more knowledge. Here are some other tips:
- If you can avoid checking a bag, do so (and of course you should be able to unless you're packing in a bunch of interviews into a long trip). The best feeling in the world is walking out of the airport right past people waiting at baggage claim.

- When opting for the cheapest flight option, remember that cheapo airlines like Spirit don't include any bags except a personal item, so no included carry on bag. You have to factor that into the cost differential. And also the fact that Spirit once left me stranded in New York for 2 extra days. (If you're splitting tickets, I recommend picking the cheapo airline option for the non-time pressure flight home but avoiding it on the way there)

- Always check flight prices for nearby airports. I believe there is an option on google flights that lets you do this.

- The markup at airport shops is like the movies. If you have room, bring your plane snax from walmart instead of buying them there.

- To have the best shot at a seat with no one next to you, when choosing from the seat map, look for a row that has one seat taken on either the aisle or window and then choose the other available aisle/window seat. (i.e. if it looks like _ _ x, take the other outside seat, like x _ x). Its not a guarantee, but people will avoid taking the middle seat of a crowded row, so unless the plane is full, this is the best shot.

- Never assume that 6 am weekday flights will have an empty airport/security line. Sometimes that's when it's the most crowded. Business trips I guess?

- If you have the spare money for TSA precheck, it will save your life at least once. (Non-interview related for most people, but if you do a lot of international travel, Global Entry has also saved my life many times.)

- My biggest tip of all, if you have a hard time sleeping on planes and you're doing a red-eye or something of similar length: Eyemask. Earplugs. Window seat. Melatonin.
Click to expand...
You weren’t lying about the food...5.99 for a ten piece nugget? Outrageous.
 
Here’s my n=4 for the interview season so far, but having travelled to one city, 1/4 of my AA flights were delayed. I really wish I had direct flights from my school. I’m so glad it’s the final flight (back to school), but I’m also not happy to take an uber home at 3 AM.
 
Cornfed101 said:
If you have to fly with connections (or even if you have direct flights) then choose your airlines in this order
  1. Delta
  2. United
  3. American
  4. Frontier/Allegiant/Spirit
This has been my experience with delays, canceled flights, etc.
Click to expand...
Un-American airlines is definitely bottom of the list. I have a literal lifetime's worth of complaints about them, but the bastards delayed one of my connecting flights to an interview by over 4 hours over a power outlet. I landed at 3am and was expected to be at the school at 7:30am....


Spoiler alert: I did not receive an acceptance to that school.
 
I travel frequently. I am anti American Airlines. Recently delayed flight going to an interview. Luckily made it in time but not worth the stress. Delta has been reliable in my experience traveling.
 
tcatr said:
I travel frequently. I am anti American Airlines. Recently delayed flight going to an interview. Luckily made it in time but not worth the stress. Delta has been reliable in my experience traveling.
Click to expand...

Delta is one of the more expensive airlines as well... Do they have any sort of rewards program (where you make an account with them, but without registering for their credit cards etc) and so if I accumulated miles by booking trips with them, I would get points or something later down the line? In other words, is loyalty to Delta worth it?
 
If you miss the connecting flight due to a delay, do they just let you on the next plane headed to your destination? Or tell you tough-luck?
 
OxenFoxen said:
If you miss the connecting flight due to a delay, do they just let you on the next plane headed to your destination? Or tell you tough-luck?
Click to expand...

In my experience, an airline will book you on the next flight that has space available. In some cases, the next available flight might be the next day! In January, American put me up in a hotel for a few hours overnight and booked me on a super-early flight (6 a.m.?) the next morning. When I finally arrived at my destination, I was a sleep-deprived mess.
I've also arrived to make the connection, only to have the connection cancelled. Then the airline will try to book you on the next available flight or to a nearby airport (e.g. within 75 miles). I've also heard of airlines moving passengers by bus after re-routing a plane to another airport.
My most unusual experience was a snow related mess that required us to be re-routed about 300 miles (it should have been a non-stop flight btw), put up overnight in a hotel, given vouchers for dinner and breakfast, and flown out the next morning on a special flight for those who had been inconvenienced the previous day.
 
Engrailed said:
Delta is one of the more expensive airlines as well... Do they have any sort of rewards program (where you make an account with them, but without registering for their credit cards etc) and so if I accumulated miles by booking trips with them, I would get points or something later down the line? In other words, is loyalty to Delta worth it?
Click to expand...

Yes, they have Sky Miles
 
LizzyM said:
In my experience, an airline will book you on the next flight that has space available. In some cases, the next available flight might be the next day! In January, American put me up in a hotel for a few hours overnight and booked me on a super-early flight (6 a.m.?) the next morning. When I finally arrived at my destination, I was a sleep-deprived mess.
I've also arrived to make the connection, only to have the connection cancelled. Then the airline will try to book you on the next available flight or to a nearby airport (e.g. within 75 miles). I've also heard of airlines moving passengers by bus after re-routing a plane to another airport.
My most unusual experience was a snow related mess that required us to be re-routed about 300 miles (it should have been a non-stop flight btw), put up overnight in a hotel, given vouchers for dinner and breakfast, and flown out the next morning on a special flight for those who had been inconvenienced the previous day.
Click to expand...

Really wish I saw this thread before booking a flight with a connection
 
OxenFoxen said:
Really wish I saw this thread before booking a flight with a connection
Click to expand...
Don’t do any connections into Rochester MN. Go to MSP and drive/take a shuttle. Not worth it.

Just an FYI to anyone reading. 4 hour delay for a 15 minute flight that would otherwise have been an hour drive.
 
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