Air Travel Tips
April 30, 2007
As many military families prepare to take a summer vacation or a trip over the Memorial Day weekend there are some simple steps you can take for safe, less stressful, and more enjoyable travel when flying the friendly skies. Here are a few recommended by the Federal Aviation Administration:
Get to the airport early! Extra-crowded airports and security procedures require that you build in plenty of extra time, especially if you are traveling with children or someone needing special assistance.
Build even more time into your schedule if you are driving to the airport. If possible use public transportation or have someone drop you off ~ the terminal isn't the only crowded place at the airport!
Don't leave your car unattended in front of the terminal and be sure to observe all parking restrictions. Because of increased security, local parking rules are being strictly enforced.
Keep your photo identification handy. All airlines require you to have proper identification to fly. If you do not have a photo identification card, make sure you have two pieces of identification, one of which must be issued by a government authority. Minors are not required to have identification. Failure to have proper identification may result in additional security scrutiny.
For international flights, airlines are required to collect your full name and ask you for a contact name and phone number. The Department of Transportation recommends that you provide the information. Furthermore, you need to check in 2 hours early.
Keep your eyes open for unattended packages and bags, and report them to authorities. Watch your bags and don't accept packages from strangers.
Be prepared to answer questions about who packed your bags and whether you might have left them unattended at any time. Think carefully and answer honestly -- history has shown that criminals and terrorists use unwitting passengers to carry bombs or other dangerous items on board aircraft, either by tricking passengers into carrying packages or by simply slipping items into unwatched bags. Answering "yes" to either question will only lead to a little extra scrutiny of the bag. Do not joke about this.
Do not joke about having a bomb or firearm in your possession. Security personnel are trained to react when they hear these words. Penalties can be severe, and can include the possibility of time in prison and/or fines.
Both carry-on and checked bags are subject to being hand-searched, so it's a good idea to leave gifts unwrapped until after you arrive at your destination. If airline security personnel cannot determine by X-ray the contents of a package, they can and will open it, or ask you to open it, for inspection. Additionally, most airlines have a limit of two carry on bags. Expect that to change in the near future to only one carry on.
Leave your firearms at home, and do not pack fireworks, flammable materials, household cleaners, or pressurized containers. Remember that violators of hazardous materials regulations are subject to civil penalties of up to $27,500 per violation, as well as possible criminal prosecution.
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Finally, remember to SMILE!
What is an E-Ticket?
Electronic Ticketing, or E-ticketing, is when you make an airline reservation, and no paper tickets are produced. Your travel consultant generates a computer record advising the airline that your ticket has been purchased. This record is stored in the airline's computer system. When you check in for the flight, you will need to show an official photo ID, such as a driver's license or a passport. At this time, the airline issues the boarding pass for the flight. Note - if you require a "receipt" for your travel voucher, ensure you ask the agent to provide a "receipt."
Why is this a good thing? First of all, E-tickets save you time and money as well as making your travel experience less stressful. The transaction is complete when you receive your e-mail/fax confirmation from your travel consultant. There is no waiting for a ticket to be delivered. There are no fees for prepaid tickets or overnight courier service. And, as anyone who has ever lost an airline ticket in the past can tell you, the best part is that there are no tickets to forget or misplace!
Good news for those of you "crossing the pond": E-ticketing has moved into the international arena. Last October, United Airlines began offering electronic tickets on all of its service between the U.S. and the U.K., and TWA began selling electronic tickets on its St. Louis-London route. Other carriers that sell them internationally include American, which offers them on flights to the Virgin Islands and Germany; Delta, on flights to the Virgin Islands; and Northwest and TWA, on flights to Canada. Alaska Airlines offers electronic tickets on all of its services, including flights to Canada, Mexico and Russia. Given the apparent success of ticketed travel within the States, it's not surprising that airlines want to expand the service overseas. Fans of paperless ticketing will be happy to note that U.S. carriers plan to offer the service on many more routes in coming months.
Fees for Booking Travel Via the Web
Airlines that currently do not apply transaction fees for the use of their services via their respective webpage:
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Alaska Air, America West, American, Continental, Delta, Northwest, Southwest, TWA, US Airways, United, Midwest Express<
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Fare finder sites that currently do not apply transaction fees for the use of their services via their respective webpage:
Fare finder sites that currently do apply transaction fees for the use of their services via their respective webpage:
Note - transaction fees are always subject to change. Additionally, if a customer "links" to one of theses national sites from a local travel agent, transaction or processing fees could be applicable.
Luggage Tips
Did you know that the original meaning of 'luggage' is 'what has to be lugged about'?
If you are purchasing luggage for the first time or replacing your luggage, here are several areas that you will want to be aware of when choosing your new luggage:
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Bulk is the issue, not weight. If you can't convince yourself to travel light, try to travel small. A lightweight, large bag is harder to manage than a small, heavy one. Take the overhead bins on an aircraft for instance: as long as you can hoist it up and in, a small bag will be more manageable that a large one that barely fits down the aisle, let alone the overhead bin.
Bring along what makes you happy. Don't deny yourself your favorite pj's, pillow or picture of your dog if you need them to make you feel comfortable. Settling down for the night can be made so much more pleasant by adding just a little touch from home.
Naturally, where you are going and your intended length of stay will help to determine what type of luggage is appropriate. But what should you look for when buying luggage? Take along a tape measure. Buying a suitcase or carry-on bag that doesn't conform to the airlines size regulations won't serve you well. If the suitcase measures more than 67 inches (height by width), it's probably too big. For a carry on, keep it to 24 inches. If most of your travel is business, inevitably you will be spending a lot of time zipping through airports the size of small countries. Consider a bag with built-in wheels.
When checking bags, remove all straps that can be removed and place them in the bag or in your carry-on. Straps can get caught in the conveyor belt.
Remember that dark colors hide the streaks and smudges that come with life in the belly of an airplane. Be sure to find out what cleaning materials can be used on your luggage.
When buying luggage, the durability and strength of fabric is measured by "Deneer." The higher the Deneer rating, the longer your luggage is likely to survive rough handling.
And last but not least, ask your fellow travelers (friends, family, neighbors) their favorite brand or style that has served them well on their journeys - find out what they wish they had and what they could live without.
When all is said and done, pack light, roll - don't fold, keep all valuables in your carry-on, and have a safe and stress-free trip!
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