As much as many of us would like to, sometimes it simply isn't possible to avoid traveling during peak periods. The airports seem stuffier, there isn't a seat to be had and with the constant announcements, gate changes and delays, it may seem like you'll never be airborne. Many of these things are unavoidable, but here are a few tips to avoid some other possible travel headaches:
* More people, more germs. Bring a hand sanitizer with you and use it often to give you a fighting chance against the flus-in-waiting.
* More people, more germs. Stock up on chewable vitamin C's or your vitamins of choice.
* For airport security - remove batteries from travel alarm clocks. The sound of a ticking clock in carry-on carries problems *For airport security - if you are bringing gifts as part of your carry-on allowance do not wrap them, especially if they are indistinguishable, cylindrical objects.
* To block out the noise of the chaos around you, consider toting a pair of ear plugs with you. You can see what's going on, but that doesn't mean you have to hear what's going on.
* Bring liquids for the airport wait or purchase them there. There aren't enough plants in airports to compensate for the oxygen depletion caused by shoulder to shoulder passengers. Try to keep from being too thirsty before you even get on the plane.
* Crosswords, puzzle books, magazines and other disposable reads are great for the longer line-ups and you won't be as upset as if you accidentally lost a favorite book in the airport or on an aircraft.
* Moisturizers or body spritzers can help serve as pick me ups through incessant lines, and also help combat the dryness when you are in the air.
* Prepare yourself for worst case scenarios. The fact is that flights are already full for the most part. One delayed or cancelled flight can throw off a good chunk of other flight schedules. Keep a copy, or write down, the other flights to your destination that day.
* Prepare yourself for worst case scenarios. Keep the airline's reservations office number with you. If and when flights cancel, it is sometimes better to just call reservations than approach overloaded airport counters.
* Prepare yourself for worst case scenarios. Give flight numbers to your meeting party and have them check to see how your flight is progressing so that you don't have to worry about constantly updating them. Having to call back and forth to your meeting party when your flight has taken its third delay just adds more stress to your travel situation.
* Prepare yourself for worst case scenarios. Call the airline, or download from the airline's site, to find out their policy in case of delays. Not all airlines are the same on this so it is important to know if you are entitled to a meal voucher, a phone call, etc.
Sometimes things will go wrong during busy times at the airport. With hopes that some of these tips will help numb the sting of a bad air travel experience, or help make a good one.
How to Avoid Frustration at the Airport Airline travel, especially during the busy holiday seasons, doesn't have to be a nightmare. While it is nearly impossible to avoid the mad travel rush altogether, here are some things you can do to make your holiday travels less stressful.
Here's How:
1. Get prepared for your flight with a good night's sleep and by eating a light meal before your trip. Drink plenty of water or juice before and during flight to prevent dehydration.
2. Leave for the airport early enough to allow extra time for potential airport traffic, parking delays and longer luggage check-in and security screening lines.
3. Plan to arrive at the airport at least one hour before your flight is scheduled to leave; two to three hours for international travel.
4. Travel with a PASSPORT and valid photo identification and keep it with you at all times. This includes driver's licenses, passports or official state ID's. Some airports will not accept college IDs as valid identification.
5. Make sure that all checked and carry-on bags are properly tagged, inside and outside, with the ticketed passenger's name, address and phone number. Free identification tags are available at airport ticket counters.
6. Always carry medicine, cash, jewelry, passports, visas, business papers and other valuables, such as cameras, on-board with you.
7. Do not leave your luggage unattended or with strangers.
8. Do not pack hazardous materials, such as matches, lighters or flammable liquids in your luggage.
9. Always bring something along to keep you occupied (a book, game, etc). Also, don't forget a few snacks, especially if you are traveling with kids.
Tips:
1. Be aware that jokes regarding security issues, such as bombs, are no laughing matter and will be taken seriously. In the past, arrests have been made in response to these types of comments.
2. If you really need to be somewhere, don't book your tickets on the last flight of the day. If the flight is cancelled, you will have no alternatives.
3. If you know there will be inclement weather at your departure or destination city, it's a good idea to call your airline's reservations center and/or check their Web site for the status of your flight(s).
4. If you are traveling bearing gifts, be aware that they may need to be unwrapped to go through security. This especially holds true for many electronic devices, as well as tools and other questionable objects.
5. If you are playing chauffeur for friends or family, pick them up at the departure level and/or drop them off at baggage claim. It may seem backward, but it reduces the chance you will become stuck in traffic, especially at peak times.
To learn more about this author, visit Deborah Chapman's Website.
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Deborah Chapman
(Visit Deborah's Website)
I am an independant travel consultant
working with Sears Travel. I have been in
the travel industry for over 20 years and
have the experience and technology to help
you with all your travel needs.
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