11 Tips For Smooth Air Travel
Getting around the airport is easier with this wheeled carry-on!
With summer fast approaching, it’s time to start planning your warm-weather getaway. To help make your trip as safe and successful as possible, here are some tips for getting ready, getting there and getting home. Bon voyage!
MONTHS/WEEKS BEFORE
Step 1: Book early.
Popular flights can fill up quickly in the summer. The further in advance you book, the better your chances of getting a good deal on flights, hotels, rental cars, etc.
Tip: Travel during “off-peak” times (i.e., mid-morning through early afternoon or in the evening, Monday through Thursday).
Tip: Check prices often. You will learn the average price, better enabling you to grab the great deal when it pops up.
Tip: Consider a travel agent. Most of us do our booking ourselves online, but travel agents can often help you find hidden deals and point you to less-traveled sites and destinations.
Step 2: Research your destination.
In addition to making it a richer, more interesting trip, research will turn up any safety or health issues at your destination.
Tip: If shots or medicines are recommended, visit your healthcare provider at least 4 to 6 weeks before departure.
Tip: Get a passport. As of January 2007, U.S. citizens traveling by air outside the U.S. are required to present a valid passport. This could include land border crossings by 2008.
Tip: Security information for a given country can be found via the U.S. State Department’s Travel Advisory web site.
DAYS BEFORE
Step 3: Keep important travel documents and materials in one place.
Tip: Store the following in a sealable plastic bag or pouch:
- Airline contacts and confirmations
- Car rental reservations
- Travel agent contact information
- Frequent flyer details
- Itineraries
- Medical prescriptions
- Copies of tickets and passports
Step 4: Pack early and wisely.
Tip: Create a packing zone where you can gather everything you plan to take.
Tip: When it‘s time to put items in your luggage, cut the amount in half. You‘ll be glad you did.
Tip: Consider packing old socks and underwear, or buy disposables. These you can wear and toss, lightening your load and making room for souvenirs.
Other packing tips:
- Pack some sealable plastic bags of various sizes. You‘ll be surprised how handy they can be.
- Pack medicine, jewelry and other valuables in your carry-on baggage.
- Place all undeveloped film and cameras with film in your carry-on baggage as checked baggage screening equipment can damage undeveloped film.
- Organize your kids‘ clothing by outfit and pack each outfit in a large zippered plastic bag. Dirty clothing can be returned to the bags.
Step 5: Check in early.
Some airlines will let you check in as early as 30 hours before departure and select seat assignments and print boarding passes and receipts.
DAY OF DEPARTURE
Step 6: Check flight status.
Call the airline or check online to make sure your flight is on time. Some airlines even provide a service in which they will call you to notify you of delays.
Step 7: ID but don‘t lock your baggage.
Place tags inside and outside of your baggage. If you must lock your bag, check the TSA Web site for acceptable locks.
Tip: Label your laptop computer. Laptops are the number one forgotten item at screening checkpoints.
Tip: Do not put your street address on your luggage as that can alert potential thieves that your home is empty.
Tip: Avoid checking bags if you can. Otherwise, make sure to pack extra clothing and supplies in your carry-on bags in case your luggage is late or lost.
Other departure tips:
- Give your luggage to the skycap. It may cost you a couple of bucks per bag but can save you time in line.
- Don’t forget your photo ID if you are over 18 years of age.
- Pack snacks for the family. A collapsing insulated bag can help keep items fresh.
WHILE THERE
Step 8: Be healthy.
Each year millions of Americans travel abroad. About half will get sick or injured during their trip.
Tip: Wash your hands often with soap and water. If soap and water are not available, use alcohol-based hand gel (with at least 60% alcohol).
Tip: Drink only boiled or bottled water or carbonated drinks from sources you trust. Avoid tap water, fountain drinks, and ice cubes.
Tip: Eat only fully cooked food or fruits and vegetables you have peeled. Remember: boil it, cook it, peel it, or forget it!
Other health tips:
- Avoid poultry farms, bird markets, and other places where live poultry is raised or kept.
- If visiting an area where there is risk for malaria, ask you doctor about malaria prevention medication. In most cases, this must be taken before, during, and for a period of time after your trip.
- If traveling to a spot with troubling insects, try repellant with 30%-50% DEET.
- Avoid handling animals, especially monkeys, dogs and cats.
Step 9: Be safe.
Consult your guidebook and any information unearthed during your pre-trip research regarding any possible dangers or threats. Ask the desk clerk or concierge at your hotel if you have questions. If there‘s something you would be heartbroken to lose or have stolen, leave it at home.
Tip: Limit the amount of expensive-looking jewelry you bring and wear.
Tip: Consider leaving your purse at home and carrying all money, credit cards and important ID beneath your clothes in a money belt.
Tip: To avoid the hassles of traveler‘s checks, check to see if your destination has ATMs. If so, just bring your debit/credit card. It‘s more convenient, avoids exchange commissions and assures you the best rate.
Step 10: Limit souvenirs.
So many souvenirs end up as just more clutter once we get home.
Tip: Collect postcards and make a scrapbook of your trip.
Tip: Give your kids a set amount of money for souvenirs for the duration of the trip.
Tip: Try giving each family member a disposable camera and a small journal. Combine the results later in a family album.
Step 11: Try something new!
Even if you‘re traveling to a city or area you have visited before, make a point of experimenting. Some of our best vacation memories start from trying a new food, drink or activity.
Tip: If you‘re traveling with traveler‘s checks, make copies of the checks, but remember to keep them separate.
Tip: Have each person carry copies of the passport of the others in your group.
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