Holidays can be stressful, and air travel doesn’t make them any easier. Here are seven things to consider before leaving for the airport.
1. Consolidate luggage, but don’t forget to weigh it. With most airlines charging for checked bags, it’s a moneysaver to check one larger bag over two or three smaller ones. But not if the larger bag is over 50 pounds. (Hint, put heavy stuff like books in carry-on bags and wear instead of packing boots.) Also, if any travelers are elite frequent flyer members, take maximum advantage of their free allowance.
2. If time allows, pack a lunch and snacks. With almost no free food left on planes, meal costs can really add up. Even McDonald’s usually costs more at the airport. And on busy travel days, there’s the added worry of the lines being too long to buy before boarding, and the limited onboard choices being sold out. Fortunately, except for US Airways, most carriers still have free on-board beverages.
3. To save time with TSA, leave off the hardware when getting dressed. Ditto tight boots or any shoes with lots of laces and buckles. Anything solid and metal, including belts and heavy jewelry, has to be taken off for the security line. With footwear, the easier on and off the better, just in case the few extra minutes turn out to be critical.
4. Check in online if possible. Most airlines will even allow check-in without printing boarding passes if a printer isn’t available. Again, one less step at the airport. With Southwest, online check-in means earlier boarding.
5. On the day of travel, call the airline – or go online – and check the flight status. If the plane is on time, great. If not, it’s a lot easier to fix things or look for alternatives in advance by phone, instead of standing in a long line at the airport.
6. At many big airports, privately-owned parking lots are generally a less expensive option, and travel agents often have discount coupons. (Although booking flights online and then asking a travel agent for a parking coupon is not going to help anyone’s travel karma.) For those planning to park at any airport over the holidays, it’s a good idea to call the lot in advance. The time to find out that a favorite lot is full is not upon arrival. (I have learned this one the hard way.) Same thing goes for finding out a parking lot has gone out of business.
7. Bring extra entertainment along. Sometimes the best-laid plans still go awry. And sometimes the inflight movie just won’t cut it. (Or the inflight system may not be working.) Whether it’s a book, a DVD player, toys, whatever, having something fun – in carry-on luggage – will make any delay more tolerable. Remember: one bored child, or spouse, can ruin your whole flight.
Janice Hough is a California-based travel agent a travel blogger and a part-time comedy writer. A frequent flier herself, she’s been doing battle with airlines, hotels, and other travel companies for over three decades. Besides writing for Travelers United, Janice has a humor blog at Leftcoastsportsbabe.com (Warning, the political and sports humor therein does not represent the views of anyone but herself.)
