Travel Tips for Flying Over the Holidays

There is no easy way to travel during the holiday season. This year appears to send a new curve with new security scans and pat downs that are all over the news and getting people nervous and aggitated. Airlines anticipate a 3. 5% increase in travelers this holdiay season. If you have travel plans this season, remember there are a lot of people to process through the airports and getting frustrated or loosing your temper is not a good way to start a trip. Here are some tips to help you keep your wits about you in the midst of all the chaos.

Check in online (or with your smartphones) – This helps you confirm the flight time for any changes, print your boarding pass, some airlines will also let you prepay any baggage fees so you do not have to deal with payment and lines at the airport. Check online for the flight status again before you leave for the airport to make sure nothing has changed.

Minimze – You will want to pack light. If you don’t it will cost you. Airlines are charging for extra bags and over weight bags. You will also find getting throught the screening process with extra bags is a big hassle. Make sure you pack clothes that you can mix and match. Clothes with lighter material that you can layer are the best way to pack. You also want to keep in mind that any gifts you are bringing can not be wrapped.   Size up your carry-on bag to ensure it fits our requirements (22″ x 14″ x 9″ with wheels and handles), and review checked baggage rules and fee information. Then, check baggage at the counter or curbside.   ** Take notice – some airlines even charge for carry on luggage now.

Carry on contents - With so many travelers and delays your carry on is your best friend during travel. Make sure you have a change of clothes in case someone spills or your bags get delayed. For this reason is is a good idea to include any medications that you need along with some sundries to get you through a day or two. Make sure you the sundries are limited to 3-ounce or smaller containers of liquids or gels and that you put them in a one-quart-size clear plastic zip-top bag before you leave home. Keep the zip-top bag at the top of your bag. Last but not least keep your entertainment items; book, crossword puzzle, ipod, etc. close to the top of the bag too.

Extra time – because of the new screening experts are suggesting arriving at the airport at lease 90 minutes early, 2 full hours is better. There is nothing worse that dealing with crowds while under pressue to make your flight. Don’t put yourself in that position.

Simplify – You already know the screening process takes the longest part of the airport experience. Being prepared before the line can save you and others time. Have your ID and boarding pass easily accessible. As great as accessories are, they should be packed and not worn, they are just more items you have to remove during screening. Remove your coat, jacket, or sweater before entering the security line and drape them on your shoulders if you are cold. Make sure you also empty your pokets of loose change, keys and any other metal items into your carry on bag before you get in line. Slip on shoes are the easiest since you will have to remove them for screening. Your coat and shoes should go in one bin. If traveling with a computer, it must go in its own bin thru the xray.

Most important, try to stay patient, the travel and screening process is not easy on you, your fellow passengers, or the security employees.

Travel Tips for Flying Over the Holidays is a post from: Atlas Cruises and Tours Travel Blog | Globus Tours | Italy Tours | Trafalgar Tours

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