Learning the 1-3-1 Rule Can Save You from a Travel Nightmare
When your travel plans go off without a hitch, you’ll breathe a sigh of relief. That’s what cloud nine feels like! But when delays and cancellations hit, even the most seasoned jet-setters can be in for a rough landing. Following one savvy strategy, however, could keep things soaring: the 1-3-1 rule.
This simple technique could help you score a new booking and continue on your way ASAPinstead of having your trip completely derailed.According to Scott Keyes, the founder and chief flight expert at the flight-deals app Going, the 1-3-1 rule sums up the current best practice for dealing with unexpected issues. “It’s a handy all-of-the-above approach to maximize your chances of getting a good replacement flight,” he says.
Ahead, Keyes breaks down the method for us and explains why this flight trick can be a total game changer for you on your next trip.
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What is the 1-3-1 rule?
The 1-3-1 formula gives travelers a way to feel prepared and be proactive when faced with service disruptions. Here’s what each number in the 1-3-1 rule meansand how it can help you.
1: Stay informed with one travel app
Reliable travel apps like Flighty and FlightAware outmaneuver travel chaos by keeping you in the loop with real-time updates to flight statuses, delays and gate changes. Speed is critical since disruptions result in empty seats on available flights getting doled out on a first-come, first-served basis. “Being the first in line can mean the difference between a minor inconvenience and an extended delay getting to your destination,” Keyes says.
3: Triple your contact methods
When a flight plan changes, act fast by contacting your airline through three key channels:
- In person at the airport
- The airline’s app or website, or online via social media
- Over the phone with customer service
And yes, you should do all three in rapid succession instead of waiting to hear back from one channel at a time. Keyes recommends multitasking while standing in line by opening the airline’s app to see about flight-change options. You can also post complaints and ask for help on an airline’s social media accounts because perception matters to carriers, but Keyes notes this strategy isn’t as effective as it once was due to the rise of apps to help passengers. Next, call customer service. “You may be able to rebook yourself well before you reach the front of the line,” he says.
1: Use a new federal resource
The U.S. Department of Transportation developed the Airline Customer Service Dashboard, a tool designed to hold airlines more accountable as a result of disruptions. It clearly outlines major carriers’ legal obligations to their customers, including a guarantee to compensate passengerssuch as with cash refunds, meals and hotel accommodationswhen flights are delayed or canceled.
In the case of controllable cancellations, almost all major carriers are required to rebook passengers at no extra cost, and that includes on partner airlines or those with agreements. Waiting for longer than three hours for a new flight? You’re almost always entitled to food vouchers, but the dashboard will tell you if your airline must also offer a credit or travel voucher to make the inconvenience a little less painful.
Why is the 1-3-1 rule so effective?
The 1-3-1 rule is successful because it relies on speed and uses multiple avenues to secure a new flight. When Keyes gets alerted to any issues with his itinerary, he doesn’t waste time. His go-to strategy is all about efficiency.
First, he says, “I hustle to the line because it’s first-come, first-served.” While waiting, he takes advantage of downtime by opening the airline’s mobile app. “I’ll see if I can rebook myself before I make it to a gate agent,” he notes. If neither option works and he’s still in line, he’ll call the airline directly. “[Phone] agents have the same power to rebook you,” he points out.
And this strategy works. “Nearly every time I’ve had a flight disrupted,” he says, “I’ve been able to get a decent replacement flightno dayslong waitsthrough an airline’s mobile app or by quickly getting in touch with an agent.”
Additional strategies to make flights hassle-free
Making a few tiny tweaks to your itinerary can make a journey a lot less stressful. From choosing the best timetable to forgoing checked bags, here’s what you need to know.
- Fly in the morning. Flight disruptions often have a domino effect, so taking the earliest flight of the day gives you a better chance of dodging delays and cancellations.
- Avoid major holidays. More travelers mean more opportunities for disruptions. If your schedule allows, travel on the days before or after the peak holiday rush.
- Opt for larger airports. Smaller airports may struggle to handle major weather events or large-scale disruptions, whereas larger hubs are better equipped to manage such situations and handle more rebooking, thanks to a wider range of flight options.
- Pack light. Disruptions often cause baggage delays or mishandling, so sticking to carry-ons ensures your belongings stay with you.
About the expert
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Why trust us
Readers Digest has published hundreds of travel stories that help readers explore the world safely, easily and affordably. We regularly cover topics such as the best places to visit (and the best times to visit them), tips and tricks to zoom through airport security, flight-attendant secrets, hotel-room hacks and more. Were committed to producing high-quality content by writers with expertise and experience in their field in consultation with relevant, qualified experts. We rely on reputable primary sources, including government and professional organizations and academic institutions as well as our writers personal experiences where appropriate. For this piece, Aaron Rasmussen tapped his experience as a longtime travel writer and travel guidebook editor to ensure that all information is accurate and offers the best possible advice to readers. Read more about our team, our contributors and our editorial policies.
Source:
- Scott Keyes, founder of Going; email interview, January 2025
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