Holiday Flying Tips
By: Source: AARP.org Date Posted: 2006-11-22 13:09:27.472635-05:00
Oh, the joys of holiday flying. The twinkling lights of the baggage carousel as it spins around yet again without any sign of your suitcase. The gentle scent of sweat wafting from the armpits of your neighbor in the next seat. The feel of a cold, sticky floor as you wobble through security with bare feet.
The holidays can provide some of life’s greatest joys—and some of air travel’s greatest frustrations. So we’ve prepared a quick list of tips to help your flight go more smoothly.
General Tips
- Don’t be on time-- be early! As much as three hours is being recommended by the travel industry.
- Check your airlines’ and local airports’ websites for the latest information on delays, alerts and baggage requirements.
- Confirm your flight ahead of time.
- Print out your boarding pass ahead of time.
- For transport of liquids and gels, follow the Transportation Security Administration’s “3-1-1” guideline:
- Only 3-ounce or smaller containers of liquids and gels are allowed
- Place containers in a 1-quart, clear, plastic, zip-top bag
- 1 bag per passenger, placed in a bin. For more information visit the TSA website, http://www.tsa.gov/ .
- Avoid clothing with metal parts as well as excess jewelry and coins—pack these in your carry-on bag.
- All shoes must be screened. Wear flipflops, sandals or other shoes that are easy to step in and out of. Be sure to wear socks or hose so as not to be barefooted on the checkpoint floor; however, some airports do offer paper "booties."
- Carry all eyewear and medications with you, and properly identified.
- Pack your coats and jackets into your luggage if possible.
Money and Safety
- Take a photo of the contents of your bag as you pack it—if it’s lost, you’ll have an easier time filing a claim for your goods.
- Have one-dollar bills readily available for tipping baggage handlers.
- Carry more than one form of identification with you, in case one is lost or stolen. And have photocopies of your passport in a different place than the original documents. In case your documents are lost or stolen, it’s much easier and faster to get a replacement passport if you have copies. Copies of credit cards and the phones numbers of their banks are also a good idea.
- Have your medical and contact information within easy reach for anyone who needs to help you.
- Consider shipping gifts ahead of time rather than packing them--the U.S. Postal Service , UPS and Federal Express websites offer assistance.
Travelers with Special Needs
Do you or a traveling companion have a pacemaker or need special assistance, like a wheelchair? The AARP Travel article Travelers with Disabilities offers help.
Food and Entertainment
- Many airlines now charge you extra for snacks. Instead, carry along you own. ( Try these easy spiced nuts! ) And beware the airport food courts-- healthy snacks are better!
- Bring your own headphones to view any movie or listen to the audio programs. Airlines charge up to $5 to purchase theirs.
- Download the latest music and audio books onto your iPod .
- Bring a good book or print out some Sudoku or a Crossword to complete while you’re waiting in line.
Health
- Drink water frequently, and bring a bottle with you on the plane (once you are in the secure terminal area, you are allowed to bring food and beverage purchases with you on the plane) especially during a longer flight--pressurized cabin air is very dry.
- Pressurized cabin air also tends to be cold–bring something warm to wear.
- If you haven't gotten a flu shot yet, schedule one soon.
- To promote circulation when flying, perform leg and foot stretches and exercises while seated. Take strolls up and down the aisles when possible to increase circulation. And avoid sitting with your legs crossed. Sitting cross-legged decreases circulation.
Traveling With Grandchildren
If little ones are joining you, remember:
- Plan for emergencies--get authorization from parents for emergency care and keep necessary medicines on hand.
- Plan in advance how you will handle a lost child--younger grandchildren should always have identification on them.
- Take snacks, games, puzzles and books to occupy all restless travelers.
Send Us Your Tips!
Do you have some suggestions for easier travel? Please share them with us at the free AARP Travel Message Boards.
Have safe and happy holidays!
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