Air Travel Can be Easy and Enjoyable, in Spite of Airline Regulations and Security
by Timothy Rea

You can avoid the most common air travel issues if you are prepared.  Follow these simple tips to make travel easy and pleasant.

In the past few years, air travel has become uncertain and stressful for many people who are confused by a constant stream of new regulations and security guidelines. 

Here are a few things you can do to make your trip go smoothly:

Many people book flights using frequent flyer programs or discount flight websites.  If you use these methods, always be sure to check cancellation policies, financial penalties for changing a flight date or time, and any applied black out dates for using your discount.

If you think you might have to change your flight, check the availability of flight or itinerary insurance so you don’t lose a lot of money.

Find out about baggage limitations (number of bags, total weight of bags before you will pay a premium), number of carry on items and restrictions in size, weight and content for carry on items.

Check your airline’s website or call them to find out what items you can pack in your checked luggage.  Matches or lighters, scissors, pocket knives, pressurized cans, items that may explode, and other things may be subject to confiscation for carry on and some of these may even be forbidden in checked bags. 

If you put these items in your checked bags, your bags will be opened and inspected by the airline.  

If you are traveling overseas or across domestic borders, find out what you can take out of the country, and what items you can buy and bring back into the country without paying a duty fee or having the item confiscated. 

Be sure you have all the inoculations recommended by the State Department and that you carry all your important papers with you (don’t pack them in checked luggage).  You will need your passport, birth certificate, or visa ready at hand for customs, etc.

Most airlines do not serve meals on domestic flights anymore.  If you DO get food, it will be crackers, a granola bar or some cheese.  Bring snacks or sandwiches if you need to eat during the flight – especially I f you have hypoglycemia or diabetes.

ALWAYS carry critical items in your carry on (necessary medication, baby bottles).  It is also wise to carry a toothbrush, razor, and some night clothes in case your checked luggage is lost or you have to stay over in another city because of airline delays.  

Remember you should NEVER carry an item or bag on the plane for anyone you don’t know.  You are responsible for the contents of anything you bring onboard.

If you or someone in your travel party needs help getting to and from the gate or the terminal, call the airline and make these arrangements in advance.  The air carrier will provide a wheel chair and an attendant to help you.  You can also make arrangements for an escort for children traveling or for those adults traveling alone who might require in-flight medication or assistance.

Print eTickets on your computer if you can so you don’t have to wait for tickets to arrive via snail mail – especially if you booked a flight that is leaving within a day or two.

If you have a cell phone or laptop computer, you can also register for automated notification of flight changes or delays.

Before you leave your house, be sure you have your driver’s license or another form of photo ID.  You can’t board an airplane in the U.S. without your flight ticket and a photo ID.   You will be required to show this ID at check in and on your way to the gate.

NEVER make a joke about security or terrorist activities in an airport.  Security staff are trained to take these jokes seriously (they can’t afford to make a mistake) and your little joke can result in interrogation. 

At the very least you will probably miss your flight, and you MAY be held as a suspect!
Follow these rules and guidelines for a more enjoyable trip, and a smoother check-in and flight for you AND the airport and airline staff.

Writen By Timothy Rea                      Copyright 2006
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