As a touring photographer who works primarily in the US and the Caribbean, I spend most of my time flying on Southwest Airways. Since I steadily journey for picture shoots and weddings, I sometimes discover myself at my most popular airport—Baltimore Washington Thurgood Marshall Worldwide (BWI)— anyplace from two to 3 occasions per thirty days. I used to be really at house over the Christmas holidays after I noticed the reviews of individuals stranded throughout the nation. At first, I considered leaping off the Southwest bandwagon. Then I remembered that I’ve many flights booked by purchasers who count on me at their occasion or location in 2023, and rebooking on one other airline is one other headache I need to keep away from. So I got here up with some fundamental pointers for myself and others as we enterprise deeper into 2023 within the pleasant, or typically unfriendly, skies.
Suggestions for the Touring Photographer Flying Southwest (and Different) Airways:
1. Talk with Your Consumer: As quickly as you recognize concerning the delay, please attain out to your buyer to allow them to know what is occurring and if you anticipate arriving.
2. In case your flight is considerably delayed, you need to look into different flight choices to see if yow will discover one that may get you to your vacation spot as quickly as potential. Attain out to a journey agent or airline to search out out if different choices can be found.
3. Contemplate different modes of transportation: If no different flights get you to your vacation spot on time, think about a rental automotive or practice.
4. Create a contingency plan: In case you can not arrive on the marriage ceremony on time, you will have to make a contingency plan forward of time. Discovering a further photographer to cowl the marriage or occasion ought to be a part of this plan.
5. Be prepared for additional prices: Delays can typically imply extra expenses, like lodge stays or meals, so you need to plan for that. You need to be ready to pay for these bills or negotiate along with your shopper to see if they’ll pay.
General, staying calm and being proactive about discovering options to issues are important. You possibly can maintain your online business and your relationship with the shopper from being damage by the delay in the event you maintain the shopper knowledgeable and are keen to be versatile.
Let’s hope the 2023 journey season is healthier than the way it ended.
Upward and onward, touring photographer!
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