10 Best Holiday Travel Tips
Date Added: November 24, 2007 10:06:18 PM
The holidays are here once again and with the holidays there is also additional stress. When it comes to travel, there is no more stressful time of the year to book tickets and arrange accommodations. Not to mention getting through the current airport security.
Everyone has a different horror story when it comes to passing through airport security during the holidays. To ease that stress, here are several tips you can use to make it go a little smoother.
Ø You should pack lightly – Lines get delayed when the x-ray technician need to pass baggage through the scanner more than once to get a clear look at the contents. But the scanner needs to be able to determine the contents of the bag. The only exceptions to the 3-1-1 rule are baby-formula, breast milk or medications so have these items ready to show the screener.
Ø Check-in online – This will go a long way in reducing stress at the airport. Try printing out your boarding pass at home.
Ø Buy your tickets in advance – When you purchase tickets as far in advance as possible it reduces your chances of secondary screening for the flight.
Ø Don’t bring prohibited items – inadvertently bringing prohibited items will cause line delays that no travelers want. The airlines have confiscated over 45 million items to date and really don’t need any more. Check with your airline for a list of items not allowed.
Ø Stay calm through the process – If you get disruptive it could result in a fine up to $5,000 from TSA. Do not say anything that could be construed as a threat or refers to weapons. Not even as a joke.
Ø Curb-side check in – This service can save you a huge amount of standing in line so use it and be prepared to tip the porter.
Ø Arrive early – At least 2 hours early for domestic flights and allow 3 hours for international flights. You have no control over the other passengers and one of them may do something stupid to delay everyone else. In addition to the normal things that can happen to cause delays.
Ø Personal items – place any items that you would not want displayed to the general public in checked bags. Also included items that may be somehow mistaken for an explosive device when viewed by an x-ray.
Ø Dress appropriately – Avoid baggy pants, skirts, dresses, body piercings or excessive jewelry. These will increase your chances of a secondary screening. Remember to wear slip on shoes.
Ø For best deals – book travel for Monday, Tuesday or Wednesday and avoid traveling during the peak holiday times. The best time of day for flights is prior to 10 AM and later than 3 PM.
Remember these tips when you are preparing for travel to make it a little less stressful trip.
