How can you avoid these problems? It may not be entirely possible. But here are some tips.
- Expect crowded terminals and stressed employees.
Keep a positive (or at least fatalistic) attitude. Be prepared to sit on the floor or on your luggage if flights really back up. Bring a book or magazine to read. (I have a very happy memory of having my hair French-braided while sitting on the floor of the old Athens airport, much to the amusement of our group, and for about a hundred Greek passengers, several of whom offered advice to the inexperienced braider.)
- Allow yourself extra time, or, better yet, true flexibility.
Unlikely to get that flight from Athens to Santorini today? Have an alternate plan in place. One suggestion: if you intend to stay a few days in Athens, be prepared to break them up to allow you to rearrange your schedule. This may require an alternate hotel plan (or two) in the wings, in case your main choice can't accomodate last minute changes.
- Book flights early in the day. If these are cancelled, at least you have a better chance of ultimately getting on a plane to your destination. Also, don't rely on the revised "delayed" schedule. Several times I've been told that the flight won't leave for hours, only to suddenly be summoned to the gate for take-off. If you really want that flight, stay at the gate.
- Use local travel agents to help you shift your plans inside Greece. Your home-based travel agent is probably too far away to be of help now, and the local Greek agents will be more up-to-date on what the situation really is.
- If you have a choice in how you want to travel to the islands, consider using the hydrofoils and ferries.
This can help you avoid airline and airport problems. Making a last-minute change? Check the weather - rough water may sideline the hydrofoils and/or delay the ferries.
Now a couple of general notes: All airlines, literally worldwide, are cracking down on carry-on luggage and overweight checked baggage. Travel light, and don't expect the same oversize piece that slipped by last year to be allowed as carry-on this year. And don't fight it if it is - you won't win. The standard carry-on limit, in the bets of times, is usually only one piece on most international airlines. U.S. travelers, take notice.
Olympic Airlines charges overweight by the pound - be prepared for the unexpected expense. Carryon isn't weighed but just judged by size - if you just had to have that twenty-five pound replica bronze head of Alexander, consider dragging it on-board as your carryon. They also limit checked luggage to two pieces without charging extra.
Don't be tempted to get a light-packing companion to take one of your pieces - I did this once on a flight home and the anomaly caused me delays and suspicion at every leg. I was a passenger who mysteriously "lost" a piece of luggage to the checking system - and this can make you show up as a suspicious, possibly dangerous character. (What was in that "missing" bag? Where did she leave it behind? Why?) Pay the extra charge, if any - it may save you from scary, tedious questioning- later on in your journey.
