Hi, I'm Nate the Stag

Get out of the gate: Nate's best tips:

• Refunds and vouchers

YES, you can get a refund or a voucher IF:1. it’s the Airline’s Fault (e.g., mechanical, crew, fueling, cleaning, IT, overbooking)2. If your delay is 3+ hours (domestic) or 6+ hours (international) or you miss your connection:→ You're usually eligible for:
1) Free rebooking on the next available flight
2) Meal vouchers or cash vouchers
3) Hotel and ground transportation if stranded overnight
4) Instead of everything above, you can choose a full refund, ESPECIALLY if your flight is cancelled.In case it’s not the Airline’s Fault - weather or other uncontrollable Causes.
1. You can still get free rebooking, but it's at the discretion of the company
2. You are not eligible for meals or hotels
Tip: Ask nicely—sometimes agents give vouchers even if it’s not required, or they may even advise you on how to get another connection

• Lost luggage

SECTION A: HOW TO FILE FOR LOST OR DELAYED LUGGAGEAt the airport: Go to the airline’s baggage service office near baggage claim. File a Property Irregularity Report (PIR) immediately before leaving the airport and get a claim number and copy.If you already left the airport: Call the airline’s baggage claim number or submit an online form. Most airlines require a report within 24 hours (domestic) or 7 days (international) for delayed bags.Damaged baggage: Must be reported within 24 hours of receiving the bag.Documents you need: Boarding pass, baggage tag, photos of your bag, and receipts for any essential items you purchase while waiting.SECTION B: COMPENSATION FOR LOST OR DELAYED BAGSDomestic flights (U.S.): Up to $3,800 per passenger for lost or damaged bags. Also, airlines must reimburse reasonable purchases during delays if you keep receipts (e.g. toiletries, clothing, etc.).International flights: Under the Montreal Convention, up to 1,288 Special Drawing Rights (about $1,700 USD) for lost or delayed luggage. File within 21 days for delayed baggage or 7 days for damaged baggage.SECTION C: WHERE YOUR LUGGAGE WILL BE DELIVEREDDomestic: Once located, airlines usually deliver your bag to your home, hotel, or other destinations for free.International: Bags may be delayed by customs but still will be delivered to your local address once cleared.Always confirm delivery details when filing the claim (address and phone number) and get any tracking information.SECTION D: TRICKY SITUATIONS WITH TICKETSOne ticket (single booking with multiple airlines): The final airline on your itinerary is usually responsible for delivering your bag if it is lost or delayed. If Airline A caused the delay or missed connection, Airline A must rebook you and coordinate with Airline B on your baggage. You can file with either airline because they share responsibilities.Separate tickets (different confirmation codes): Airlines do not coordinate. If Airline A loses your bag, only Airline A is responsible, and Airline B cannot help. You must collect and re-check your bag yourself if flights are separate.Domestic vs. international: On domestic trips, the first airline with which you checked your bag must track it. On international trips, either the first or final airline must handle the claim under the Montreal Convention. File claims with both if one refuses.

• Nate knows the law

Domestic Flights (U.S.)
Refunds:
If your flight is canceled or significantly delayed by the airline, you get a refund (even on nonrefundable tickets). Law: 49 U.S.C. § 42305(a), 14 CFR § 260.6.Meals & Hotels (airline fault):
For delays of 3+ hours, get meal vouchers. If you’re stuck overnight, get hotel + transportation.
DOT Customer Service Dashboard https://www.transportation.gov/airconsumerInternational Flights
Refunds & Rebooking:
Same as domestic flights—
Law: 49 U.S.C. § 42305(a), 14 CFR § 260.6.Meals & Hotels (airline fault):
Delay is 6+ hours, get a hotels overnight.Weather or Uncontrollable Issues:
Airlines do not have to give meals or hotels, but they must still rebook you or refund you.Tarmac Delay Rules (U.S.)
Law: 14 CFR § 259.4.Domestic Flights: Airlines cannot keep passengers on the tarmac for more than 3 hours unless it is for safety reasonsInternational Flights: Maximum 4 hours on the tarmacCare Requirements: After 2 hours, airlines must provide food, water, and bathroom access.Luggage Laws & Compensation for lost or Damaged Bags:Airlines are liable for baggage damaged or lost under 14 CFR § 254.4. Maximum compensation for domestic flights: $3,800 per passenger (2023 rate). For international flights, up to $1,700 USD.

• Back

Hostels Near Airports:

Lounges At Airports:

• Back

🧼 Free Airport Essentials
Ask at airport info desks: Many airports offer free hygiene kits (toothbrush, toothpaste, wipes) to stranded passengers.Airlines may provide meal vouchers after delays or cancellations—always ask politely.Free phone chargers or charging stations are usually located near gates or lounges.🌐 Free Wi-Fi in Airports
Most U.S. airports offer unlimited Wi-Fi.If it’s a paywall, try these common passwords:Network: Boingo or FreeAirportWiFiPassword: airport123, freewifi, or flyfree (worth a try!)Or visit https://www.killingtime.com for updated info.🛋️ Lounges That Might Let You In
Some Priority Pass lounges will let students 18+ enter if space is available.United, Delta, and AA lounges sometimes allow access if you’re rebooked due to delays.Always ask—being polite and student-traveling alone helps.😴 Places to Sleep (Free & Safe)
Minute Suites sometimes offer free short naps during major delays—check near your gate.Chapel or meditation rooms in airports are often open and quiet.Airport hotels may allow you to rest in the lobby or provide emergency access—ask front desk if they support students stuck at gate.🎒 STAG Tip Cards
Print or screenshot these for fast reference:✅ How to ask for a meal voucher✅ How to ask for hotel assistance✅ Student-friendly lounge checklist
(Coming soon—join the list to get them!)📱 Apps to Download Now
LoungeBuddy – find lounges and see entry optionsFlightAware – real-time flight statusMyTSA – security wait times and alertsGoogle Translate – for international travelers💡 STAG Hack of the Week
“If you’re stuck overnight, ask airport security or gate agents where other stranded passengers are staying. It’s often near a warmer, well-lit corner—or even a lounge hallway.”

🛫 Best Airlines for Students (2025)
✅ Southwest Airlines
🥇 #1 for Economy Service (J.D. Power 2025)✈️ 2 free checked bags🔄 No change or cancellation fees😄 Friendly and helpful staff💡 Great for budget and last-minute student travelers✅ JetBlue Airways
🥇 #1 in First Class, #2 in Economy📶 Free Wi-Fi and entertainment🍿 Snacks included💺 Comfortable seats + legroom💡 Great experience even on low-cost routes✅ Delta Air Lines
🏅 Consistently top-ranked for premium and economy👨✈️ Professional staff and reliable schedules✈️ Access via StudentUniverse and similar platforms💡 High-quality for longer or cross-country flights✅ United Airlines
🎓 5% youth discount for ages 18–23🔓 Book via the United App for discount💡 Solid for solo student travelers needing flexibility✅ American Airlines
🎒 Strong AAdvantage program for young travelers💳 Points + loyalty perks add up over time💡 Good if you travel often from AA hub cities💡 STAG Tips for Booking
Use StudentUniverse, CheapOair, or United App for youth discountsAlways compare baggage fees, change policies, and refund optionsFor best service and value, fly Southwest, JetBlue, or Delta

✈️ Top 10 Airports Where You're Most Likely to Get Stuck
1. Atlanta (ATL)
2. Denver (DEN)
3. Salt Lake City (SLC)
4. New York JFK (JFK)
5. New York LaGuardia (LGA)
6. Newark (EWR)
7. Orlando (MCO)
8. Miami (MIA)
9. Philadelphia (PHL)
10. Boston Logan (BOS)💡 Tip from Nate: These airports have the most delays or cancellations this summer—plan ahead, fly early, and always pack snacks!