Air Travel Tips
- Traveling alone can be an intimidating
experience, especially for those who don't do it often. Knowing what to
expect and thinking about the challenges solo air travel throws at you
ahead of time c an make it an easy and efficient experience.
Avoid checking a bag. This is true of any air travel really, but I find
it's much easier to be a self-contained entity when alone, leaving as
little responsibility to the airline as possible. There's nobody to
search for the right baggage claim with you or to help you talk to the
agent if a bag gets lost. By keeping everything with you, there's less
chance of error.
Along those same lines, don't be afraid to gate check a bag (usually
signified by yellow tags put on the bag as you board). This works
differently from normal bag checking, as any gate checked bag is only
given to the airline as you board the plane, and is retrieved right as
you exit the plane. The bag never actually goes through the whole
luggage system - that invariably ends misplacing things.
Traveling alone seems to increase the chance of you being searched at
security, particularly if one is not obviously on a business trip. Just
assume you will be searched and pack accordingly.
The biggest advantage of traveling alone is usually the ability to get
an exit row seat. If the airline you are flying with allows online
check-in (usually available 24 hours before departing time) exit row
seats can usually be obtained there. If not, make sure to ask at the
gate, as most of the time there will be the odd one exit row seat that
nobody has taken because they want to sit with their traveling
companions. They get company, you get leg room. Sometimes a book and
being able to stretch is better than someone to talk to.
A Little Preparation ...
- I find that a combination of several common tips goes a long way
toward preventing flying problems, or at least making them more
tolerable. I go with one carry-on, make sure it's a little smaller than
the minimum size, bring my own food and drink onto the plane, bring at
least one good book if not two, eat in the airport before the flight,
and get to the airport a little early. I've never had to check a bag,
and I've never had missing or damaged luggage. I've never been bored
during flight delays. I've never been hungry or thirsty on flights. A
little preparation goes a long way.
Advance Attention to Safety
- When boarding the aircraft, make a mental note of all exits, and count
how many seat rows you pass from the exit to your row. This will
expedite your escape route in case of an emergency landing if there is
smoke and/or power loss in the cabin. And by all means, pay attention to
the flight crew! No matter how boring or uninteresting it may sound,
their instructions are vital ... and read the aircraft emergency
procedure manual completely before takeoff. These are located in the
pouch right in front of you. Do this - it pays to be prepared for
flight. Knowledge is power, and armed with the basics you can sit back
and enjoy your flight.
Advance Seat Assignment
- When buying airline tickets online, call the airline to get seat
assignment immediately if no seat assignment is given. If you arrive at
the ticket counter without seat assignment on an overbooked flight, you
probably will get bumped off the flight and forced to take a later
flight - which can be several hours or even a full day later. Due to
overbooking, getting seat assignment in advance can reduce the risk of
getting 'bumped'!
Air Quality
- The air that you breathe inside an airline cabin isn't nearly as good
as what you will find most other places. The cabin is pressurized, since
the air is so thin at altitude. However, they don't pressurize it to sea
level; it is substantially weaker. (This is part of why air travel can
be so draining; you can end up with mild altitude sickness!)
Furthermore, the air is very very dry. This can lead to dehydration,
which can also make you feel lousy. I strongly advise bringing a litre
or two of water with you, and guzzling that non-stop throughout the
trip.
Finally, the air is filled with the exhaust products of your fellow
travelers. One of these can be cigarette smoke; while smoking has been
banned on domestic US flights, such rules are not followed around the
globe. Although it might horrify some Americans, not all countries even
mandate separate smoking sections!
Another exhaust product is germs. Because airplane tickets are so
expensive, and because such effort is involved in making such a trip,
people will fly sick. If your immune system is compromised in any way
(HIV, chemotherapy, immunoglobulin deficiency), you may well want to
wrap your face in a scarf or wear a surgical mask.
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Air Sickness
- If you get motion sick easily, you may be more comfortable if you take
some sort of motion sickness drug before you fly. Note that you must
take the drugs before you get sick; there is unfortunately nothing that
I know of that will relieve motion sickness once it has started. My
personal drug of choice is Dramamine, a readily-obtained
over-the-counter medication. Unlike Bonine, another over-the-counter
drug, it tends to make one drowsy. I feel that this is a benefit on a
long plane ride! Another motion sickness treatment (usually used for
boating) is Scopolamine patches. These patches go behind the ear, and
usually have no noticeable side effects. I believe that in the USA, a
prescription is required. Furthermore, there can be unpleasant side
effects, such as dry mouth, blurry vision, and one other one that I
forget. (Oh yeah - loss of memory.)
Motion sickness is caused in part by a discrepancy between what the eye
sees and what the inner ear feels. (This is why the driver of a car gets
sick much less frequently than a passenger: the driver is continuously
watching the road, getting a good idea of what is coming next.) It may
help to close your eyes the moment you start to consider thinking about
getting airsick.
If you do come down with discomfort, one relatively easy but
embarrassing way to feel better is to empty your stomach. 'Barf bags'
are usually located in the pouch on the back of the seat in front of
you. Frequently, using them reduces and/or eliminates the discomfort.
Airplane
Temperature
- Because of the altitude, airplanes can be quite cold (especially the
floor). I always take a jacket with me on the plane and take one of the
blankets that the airline provides. Wool socks are not a bad idea
either. On the larger planes, there is usually a little fan that blows
on you. The airflow can be adjusted by twisting the unit.
Airport Maps
- The internet has wonderful maps of airports available. I have printed
up copies and taken them along, making changing airplanes much easier. I
have also looked at the lay-out of the planes to see where my seat was
located.
Aisle Seat or
Not?
- When traveling by air in high risk areas, always request a window
seat. If the flight is high-jacked, terrorists tend to hit the people
sitting on the aisles as well as pull out people in aisle seats for
mistreatment. It pays to be harder to get to! This may sound extreme but
living in South America it is something I always practice.
Aisle Seat,
Please
- When traveling alone ask the person beside you if you can have the
aisle seat. This means that you won't have to bother the person beside
you if you have to get out of your seat. I would rather be bothered than
to bother another.
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Allow for Delays Between Flights
- Avoid booking flight segments close together. Major airlines consider
a connection as tight as 35 minutes to be a valid connection, but this
is often not enough time if there are long lines at security! If travel
time is not critical, consider allowing at least 2 hours to make each
connection. If you are not delayed, you can use this slack time to eat
at the airport, where the food is likely many times better than what you
may (or may not!) get in the air. (Most major American airports do not
require a re-screening if you are merely changing flights, as long as
you don't leave the secure area.)
Another Use for
Bookmarks
- I've got a couple of plastic encased bookmarks--the paper part is
inside a plastic pouch that's open at the top. You can buy these type of
bookmarks at most large bookstaores. I can slip my driver's license and
any tickets for gate checked bags inside it, then slip the bookmark into
the pocket of the boarding pass folder.
Are You Willing
to Drive a Little to Save a Lot?
- If someone gave Grandpa and Grandma 16 $100-bills, would they drive 64
miles?
Their first grandson has arrived and Grandpa and Grandma want go to
Detroit as soon as they can and need the following itinerary:
Raleigh/Durham to Detroit: Monday, December 10
Detroit to Raleigh/Durham: Friday, December 14
Lowest fare is $1080 round trip per person / $2,160 round trip for 2
If they can save some money, Grandpa and Grandma are willing to drive a
little.
A check of
alternate cities for Detroit:
Flint, Michigan is just 64 freeway miles Northwest of Detroit at $234
round trip per person / $469 per couple. If Grandpa and Grandma fly to
and from Flint instead of Detroit, they save $1,691!
I don’t know where you shop, but where I do $1,691 will buy a lot of
diapers.
Can you save money? Choose your city and check it out! http://www.terrytrippler.com/drive_a_little_save_a_lot.htm
Ask for Exit
Seats
- When asked if you want window or aisle seats, ask for exit seats. Now
you won't have that annoying seating row in front of you. You'll get the
same legroom in coach as in first class. On top of that, the toilet is
right next to you. Really makes a difference on those 12-hour flights.
Atlantic Flights
- It would be best to have a few items of clothing in your hand luggage,
at least to ensure you have a change of clothing for two days. This is
just in case your luggage has another destination in mind (some of my
luggage has travelled to places I have never been). While most of the
airlines will provide you with some means of purchasing the basic
necessities, if you happen to arrive at your destination on a weekend or
public holiday, this may not be possible. Lost luggage will usually take
a day or two to show up, so plan with that in mind.
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Automobile/Airline Adapters
- There have been a few instances of airline power adapters not
working with in-seat power sources. This can happen when an adapter is
required to produce the fully rated 70 watts to fast charge the
internal laptop battery but the in-seat power system is not designed
to produce that much power. With an adapter efficiency of 90%, the
70-watt load tries to pull 78 watts from the in-seat power unit, and
it safely shuts down. The safety circuits in the adapter also sense
the overload and also safely shut down.
This can happen with any of the in-seat power systems that have
current limited outputs of around 5 amps (Note that 5 amps at 15 volts
= 75 watts). This can also happen with any brand of power adapter and
with any laptop that draws up to 70 watts.
Many of the in-seat power systems were designed when laptops used
between 54 and 60 watts. The need for higher power was not foreseen by
the airlines.
Solutions:
- Turn off the laptop before plugging the
adapter into the in-seat power system. Most laptops will draw less
than 70 watts when only charging the battery. Allow the battery to
charge for 15 to 20 minutes then try to operate while it continues to
charge at a somewhat lower level.
- Remove the laptop battery before plugging
the adapter into the in-seat power. The operating power of a laptop is
far less than the combined operating and charging power. Note that
without the internal battery any interruption in in-seat power will
cause a loss of unsaved data.
Avoid Airport or Port Parking
Charges
- Don't pay for airport or port parking charges. Use an airport transfer
service, which will take you and collect you from the airport etc. from
outside the terminals, and can carry your party in one car/bus for a
fraction of the price of taxis, trains, and buses. Find them local in
your area in most directories or newspapers in the summer months.
Avoid Cramps
- Prior to long distance flying, I always have a workout in the gym. (Go
for a long fast walk if you're older.) It keeps you form getting cramps.
Avoid Stiff Muscles
- Avoid stiff muscles by trying to keep them in motion. They can ache
from being too still for too long at a time. Every 10 or 15 minutes,
help your circulation and muscles by rotating your shoulders (backward
and forward) and bending your neck to each side by lowering your ear to
your shoulder (and repeating on the other side), as well as back and
forth (chin to chest, then back). Also, get up and walk around once in a
while to keep that blood flowing!
Avoiding Ear
Problems
- Before the plane takes off, suck gummie bears or any type of sweet.
This will lessen the effect of getting the pressure into your ear while
the plane is taking off.
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Backpack Essentials
- For those travelling with backpacks, bring along several large orange
garbage bags to protect the pack from luggage carousels and machinery;
prior to checking your pack in, write in large letters across the
garbage bag your itinerary and flight numbers, then slip it over the
backpack and tie tightly. Your pack is now immune to the gnashing teeth
of the luggage carousels, and you'll have no trouble identifying the
pack on the carousel.
Backpack for
Carry-On
- I use a medium to large size leather backpack for my carry-on. It
allows me to have both hands free for handling luggage, tickets,
boarding pass, etc. After I check my luggage I can carry it by the
handle. I alway pack magazines, newpapers, and a paperback for the
flight and any unexpected delays. It is also a very good idea to pack
sandwiches and snacks - you never know when you might need them. After
reading the magazines and newspaper and eating your snack, you have room
for souvenirs or fragile purchases on the return flight.
Baggage Care and
Attention
- When you claim your bag at the airport, check it over before you leave
the bag claim area. Look for any new damage on the bag, and to be sure
that it was not opened and something taken (airlines have time limits
for when these can be reported, and they will need to see the damage
before opening the claim for damage or pilferage). The baggage service
desk for the airline is normally right in the claim area; this is also
true for Customs arrivals. It is especially important to fill out the
misplaced baggage information before leaving Customs, as Customs will
have special forms that may help the baggage clear without your presence
at the airport. If you have combination locks or keys for the baggage,
these should be left with the paperwork for your baggage - as it will
prevent delays in getting your bag or possible bag damage from Customs
opening the bag.
Baggage Screening
Can Ruin Film
- Newer baggage screening may ruin film, so carry it with you in your
pocket and lay it in the basket when you deposit your keys to go through
the screener. And if you find this too hard, you may just need to buy it
when you arrive.
Be an Early Bird
- Whenever flying don't book yourself on the last flight of the day. If
you miss your flight you will end up stuck in an airport or hotel for
the rest of the night.
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Bring Your Own Headphones
- Bring your own headphones for listening to movies and music, they work
the same as the ones they sell on the plane for a ridiculous
'entertainment fee'.
Budget Water
Sense
- Everybody says to drink lots of water when you're flying - the really
annoying thing is that, at airports, water is sold in tiny little
bottles at outrageous prices. If you take along your own large empty
plastic coffee mug (the kind with a plastic cover and a hole for
sipping), airport coffee shops will fill it to the top with ice water
for free.
Butter Too Cold?
- Place your frozen butter on top of the hot entree's aluminium foil to
melt it before peeling off the foil. That way, you can spread it on your
bread easily.
Chamomile for
Jitters
- Nervous passengers might consider taking a few chamomile tea bags for
the journey. They are tiny, flat, lightweight, and a double stregnth
brew acts as a natural sedative. Unlike various travel tablets avaliable,
chamomile will enable you to relax without leaving you heavy headed and
drooping all over your neighbour. Just ask the flight attendent for the
hot water when tea and coffee is offered.
Chapped Lips?
- BRING BLISTEX!! On the plane, this can be invaluable. If your flight
is over 1 hour long, I strongly suggest you make this tiny tube of lip
moisturizer a part of your carry-on bag. Almost nothing is worse than
severe chapped lips in the very dry environment of the plane. Even if
your lips are not chapped when you take off, the dry recycled air will
do the job quickly! Blistex is tiny, and if you have dry elbows or
heals, it can also be used as a skin moisturizer. It is shareable, as
you can sqeeze it on to fingers instead of lips, and in very desperate
situations, it can be put on the face in small amounts to get rid of
that dry, tight feeling. I hope every one will heed this advice; as a
veteran flyer, it is a small thing that can make a huge difference!
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Check In Early
- Check In at least 90 minutes before departing (overseas) or you may
loose your seat. When you check your luggage, make sure they tag it
directly to your destination. If you have to change airlines, you may
not have enough time to claim luggage, pass through customs and
immigration, and catch your next flight.
Check Your
Destination Tag
- During airline check-in, especially for flights originating from
airports outside the US, check the airline destination tag. If not, your
luggage may end up in MNL (Manila) instead of MIA (Miami); DKR (Dakar,
Senegal) instead of DAC (Dhaka, Bangladesh).
Christmas Traveling Tips
- Before you leave, call the airline and reconfirm your flight(s) and
leave a phone number where you can be reached.
Once you arrive at your destination, contact the airline again and
reconfirm your return flight and leave a phone number where you can be
reached.
We don’t care what anyone tells you, it is important to reconfirm your
flights. Way too many air travelers have had way too many trips
interrupted or ruined by airline schedule changes, lost reservations or
reservation errors than anyone in the airline / travel industry will
ever admit! Trust us on this one folks! Reconfirm! Reconfirm! Reconfirm!
Get to the airport early (2 1/2 hours before domestic flights and 3 1/2
hours before international flights).
If you are planning to carry-on gifts, make sure they are unwrapped, or
they will be unwrapped for you at security. (USPS, UPS or FEDEX sounds
great!)
Believe it or not some jewelry can be a problem. A beautiful broach
(with a long pin) could be disallowed as carry-on. Can it be put in
checked baggage? Yes, BUT the airlines are not responsible for the loss
of jewelry in checked baggage.
Connection
Flights
- Book all flights with at least 2 hours between, because if you have a
delay, the airline has to get you the next possible flight + hotel +
dinner, if there is no flight on the same day. If, however, you do not
have at least 90 minutes before your flights are scheduled to board,
then the airlines will consider it to be your fault and will not
reimburse you for a missed connection.
Deep Vein Thrombosis on Long Haul Flights
- Deep Vein Thrombosis (DVT) is a killer. It can strike anyone from the
elderly to the super-fit athelete. The most likely cause of DVT is
inactivity, which is why long haul flights are considered potentially
dangerous for this disease. Passengers are particularly at risk if they
are in the following groups:
- Increasing age
- Co-existing medical illnesses
- Heart disease/lung disease
- A history of cancer
- A past history of blood clots
- A history of thrombophilia (increased
tendency for blood to clot)
- Immobility
- Recent history of surgery or injury
- Oral contraceptive pill/hormone replacement
therapy
This is quite a large proportion of the
population and we should all be taking precautions against this.
Exercise has been advocated as a preventative method - however an
airplane is hardly a suitable gym, with narrow aisles and other
passengers and crew you might disturb. I recently flew for 12 hours
overnight in the window seat and there was no way I would have been able
to get out of my seat every hour as is currently recommended. But there
is a solution, an easy and affordable solution - The Airogym DVT
Exerciser - designed to simulate the walking motion of the legs. It was
designed with cramped airline seating in mind.
It is a compact, inflatable exerciser, easy to use and carry with you on
all flights. The added bonus is that is also prevents foot / ankle
swelling. I have never before been able to get my shoes back on after a
long flight - after this flight - no problems at all
Dress Presentably for
Upgrades
- If interested in getting an upgrade (first class) you must be
wearing clothes that are presentable. This means dress slacks for
men and a button down shirt, no jeans or shorts allowed. Females
should dress in smart casual or business attire. This is for
international travel - I'm sure a domestic flight would not be so
strict.
Dry Air on the Plane
- If the air gets too dry in the plane, wet some paper towels and
breathe through the wet towels.
21-Apr-2001 Simin Wang ID40
Evian Spray
- Evian spray - the greatest invention ever for air travel! Great
way to freshen up and moisturize your skin. Especially useful if
your nose feels so dry that it hurts.
Fear of Flying?
- Most people have a fear of heights. This is a reasonable survival
trait! However, when coupled with extreme media coverage of
disasters, this can lead to very debilitating fear of flying.
Furthermore, for many people, not having any control of the plane
makes the fear worse. This is not unlike how one usually worries
more as a passenger in a car than as a driver of a car. This is not
necessarily a rational fear, if looked at in the context of all
possible hazards. There are far fewer fatalities per airline
passenger-mile than there are per automobile driver-mile. This is
probably due in part to the fact that someone else is doing the
driving, and that someone else has been extremely well trained, is
not tired, is not drunk, and has a backup in case he or she spills
coffee in his or her lap.
Knowing a little bit about aerodynamics can sometimes reduce your
anxiety. Despite what we all learned from watching Saturday morning
cartoons, you do not hang in the air until you look down, you can
not run into and become part of a painting, and, in particular, you
do not go straight down the moment you run out of speed. Cartoon
Laws Of Motion do not apply in The Real World.
Even if airplanes flew like bricks, the plane would cover quite a
few horizontal miles were it to fall. But planes are not bricks,
they are sideways sails. Lift is generated by the forward motion of
the plane, so the plane does not even fall as fast as a brick. In
the time that it takes for the airplane to get to the ground, the
pilots have quite a bit of time to search around for a convenient
highway to land on. Captain Tom Bunn, who is both an airline captain
and a licensed therapist, tells me that a 747 at cruising altitude
that lost all power to all engines would have about 132 miles to
find a suitable road on which to make an emergency landing. Captain
Bunn is president of SOAR, which counsels people with fear of
flying.
(A friend of mine swears that the way to conquer fear of flying is
to take soaring or hang-gliding lessons so you can feel the force of
the lift. Windsurfing might also help.)
Furthermore, commercial jets always have at least two (and usually
three) engines. The chances of two failing simultaneously are very,
very slim. So relax.
Personally, I lost all fear of flying after living close to an
airport for a few years. The airplanes kept going up and they kept
landing. They kept going up, and they kept landing. Over and over
and over again, hundreds of times per day. And never once did a
plane crash at that airport. This made me understand at a very
visceral level just how safe air travel is.
If all this logic doesn't help you, join the ranks of thousands and
do what they do: get drunk before you get on the plane! (Note: I got
some pretty irate email from an airline steward complaining about
how awful drunkards were to deal with on the plane. If you aren't a
happy drunk, booze might not be the best relaxant.)
12-Nov-2005 Tim Matthews ID1538
Food on the Plane
- Food on airlines is about what you would expect, considering that
all the food must be prepared ahead of time and served to a large
number of people with very different taste preferences. It is
amazing that the food is as good as it is, but still, it frequently
will not please you. U.S. carriers are pretty good about
accommodating standard dietary preferences, but you have to help
them out. If you are vegetarian or keep kosher, tell your travel
agent when you purchase the ticket, and the airlines will usually
accommodate you.
If you have food allergies, you are probably safest bringing your
own food with you. (In fact, even if you eat anything, you are
probably better off bringing your own food with you!) Be advised
that many countries have import restrictions on foods; If you bring
food, be sure that you either finish it all on the plane or make
sure that it will clear customs.
Morley Selver suggests never getting on an airplane hungry. You
might think you will get a meal shortly, but the following could
happen: 1) Everyone boards the aircraft, then they decide they have
to fix something. They are not sure how long it will take, therefore
nobody is allowed off. 2) You take off on a 3-hour flight that has
2-1/2 hrs of turbulence where the flight crew is not allowed to
serve meals. 3) You do not like the food. 4) There is an electrical
problem with the galley and you're half of the plane does not get a
meal.
The best bet is to eat before you get on or take something you can
snack on (e.g. a granola bar). If you take two, you may be able to
sell one for a few bucks! :-)
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Forgettable 'Fun' Stuff
- I always carry on board while I'm travelling by air
overseas: many magazines, crosswords, and some stuff so that I can have
fun during the flight that may happen to be very long and borring. I
always also carry a book, and depending on the weight of my hand
baggage, I 'forget' all the stuff like: magazines, crosswords, etc. ...
on board. That way I'll not have to carry a heavy load and during the
flight I'll have heaps of fun with my things.
Free Luggage
Labels to the Rescue
- Don't put your home address on your luggage label when you are flying
out. It can easily be ripped off your luggage by a thief who knows where
you live (and that you are away). Use your destination address or better
still, use a tracking luggage label like the ones you get free from
Gate Check It:
- Anything you have with you upon boarding the plan that won't fit
easily in the overhead compartment and that will impede your travel
through the airplane should be gate checked. It's safe, and by the time
the airline lets you off its airplane your bags will generally be
waiting. DO NOT put your bags under the seat. You lose valuable leg room
and won't be able to move your legs around during the flight.
Get More Leg Room
on the Plane
- Being an everyday kinda guy ... I can't really afford to fly first
class on my trips overseas -but do a bit of research and while cheking
in ask for the WINDOW SEAT NEAR EMERGENCY EXIT ... You will get enormous
leg room.
Getting the Meal
You Want
- On long international flights, there are usually one or more meals
served and two meal choices to select from. If the flight is crowded and
you are one of the last passengers served, you can bet your choice of
meal won't be available. This can be a problem if you're on a long
flight and the only meal selection available is something you don't
like.
To ensure your choice is available, when you check in request a seat
toward the back of the plane - as the meal service tends to start there.
Or better yet, request a special meal such as children's or vegetarian
when you book your travel. You'll get the meal of your choice and be
served first.
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Ginger for Motion Sicknes
- If I get motion sickness, I like to take ginger root. The ancients
used to take it when going on a long trip on a boat. They've also done
studies to prove that it really does work (and it's better than motion
sickness drugs - and they are scientists).
Have Details When
You Need Them
- Have a typed copy of all passport numbers with issue dates and expiry
dates and dates of birth of children - so that you do not need to get
out your passports or other documents when going through customs etc.
You have the info. to complete the numerous forms without having to show
where you keep your documents. Also, take a spare photo of all your
family members to enable you to comply with any immigration or visa
needs.
How to Get Some
Sleep on Your Flight
- If you are flying a red-eye (overnight) flight, and the plane is not
too full, you can usually move around to a seat that has vacant seats on
both sides and then you can stretch out for a nice sleep. But note that
you are required to keep a seatbelt on and visible. If you are on a
red-eye flight and cannot find 3 vacant seats, you still can get some
sleep if you have those neck pillows that go around your neck - they
keep your head from falling over and waking you up.
Identify Your
Bags as Fragile
- When you first arrive at the check-in counter, request that your bags
be deemed 'fragile'; this will keep them at the top of the pile and they
will be among the first to come out in the baggage claim!
Inflatable Travel
Pillow
- In preparation for long flights, purchase an inflatable travel pillow
(Walgreen's has them) to keep your neck positioned and supported. The
U-shape helps maintain your neck's natural cervical curve. It can be
used back home, too, while watching TV or snoozing in the recliner
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Keep Hydrated
- For those travelling on a long flight, be sure to drink lots of water
2 days before, and no caffeine (or little caffeine) during the flight.
This will help your body accustom to the air pressure and jet lag. Ask
for fruit on the flight and try to limit salt intake.
Keep in Shape While you Travel
- Walk the airport! Great way to exercise, the people-watching is great,
and it makes the upcoming flight much more bearable. So many great
airports with wonderful sights and sounds ... Skip the airport TVs and
bars, and hit the ground. Dallas, Atlanta, and Las Vegas are my
favorites. Oh, and skip the escalators and use the stairs.
Keep Your
Valuables Safe
- Be sure to keep your valuables (passport, tickets, and wallet) in a
small waist pack or pouch so that you can carry it around your neck or
middle. Especially in busy airports you should never put these valuables
in your backpack or purse. Criminals have lots of handy ways to
unknowingly get into your backpack or snatch your purse. Be careful!!!
Kid-Friendly
Meals
- When traveling with children, call the airline 24 hours before your
flight and request special children's meals. Meals will be much more
kid-freindly
Know How to
Operate Electronic Equipment
- Be prepared to demonstrate the operation of electronic equipment when
boarding aircraft.
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Know the Seat Assignment
- Before making airline reservations or requesting seat assignments, it
is better to know the seating configuration of the aircraft that you are
flying. Seatguru.com has the details of seats for most US airlines. It
shows which seat to avoid and which seat is better.
Low Humidity
- When flying, the low air humidity can really affect you. Undereye
moisturizer works great to protect and moisturize your lips, which can
otherwise end up cracked and dry. (I like the plain, unfragranced
undereye moisturizer from the Body Shop.) Also, if the flight attendants
offer you a warm, damp towel near flight's end, take it! It can be a
very refreshing comfort.
Miscellaneous Tips for Air Travel
- These tips can
help you cope when you travel by air:
- If your flight gets cancelled, instead of
running with the crowd to the airport counter, try calling your travel
agent or the airline to get a new reservation.
- If you have carry-on bags, think about
getting a seat assignment toward the back of the plane. You board
first and have an easier time stowing your bags.
- To avoid being delayed at the airport, call
the airline before leaving to be sure the flight is scheduled to leave
on time.
- If your flight is delayed you may be
entitled to a refund, even on a nonrefundable ticket!
- If you'd like a better seat on your flight
be sure to ask at check-in. Bulk-head and exit-row seats are usually
last to be assigned and may be available.
- Extra time in between flights? Often you can
use the executive lounge of an airline for a one-time use fee, usually
around $25.
- Need to alleviate ear pressure when flying?
Place a hot cloth in cup and hold it over your ear. Try it, it works!
- Using your laptop in-flight? You'll need to
bring an auto/air adapter to be 'plugged in' when you fly.
Moderation is the Key
- If you are going to consume alcoholic beverages, consume them in
moderation. The lack of oxygen while flying greatly intensifies the
effect of alcohol in your blood stream.
Money-Saving
Options
- Picking mid-week flight times is a great way to save money while
traveling. Instead of flying on the weekend, choose mid week dates for
your departure and arrival flights. Not only will your tickets be
cheaper, you’ll usually be able to avoid the hassle of crowded airports.
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New Horizons for Air Passengers
- 2003 travellers from Britain's North West can look to
ever wider horizons thanks to no-frills airlines operating out of
Manchester and John Lennon airports. News reaches Abletogo's
Travelsleuth that Monarch Scheduled has more than doubled its 2003
flight programme to Spain and Portugal, with introductory offers of £49
one way.
At the same time Liverpool's John Lennon Airport is expected to expand
its flight capacity further with no-frills carriers easyJet and Ryanair
battling for an increased share of North West traffic to destinations in
France, Germany, Holland, Switzerland and Spain.
Lufthansa's fledgling budget airline German Wings starts twice daily
flights from Manchester to Cologne in Oct/02, while Belgian airline VLM
now flies 5 times daily to London City airport. In 2003 the airline will
be flying daily to Faro in Portugal and twice daily to Alicante and
Malaga in Spain. This will not be the end of the story. Easyset's merger
with Go this summer should enable the carrier to open up Scottish,
Italian, Czech and Danish routes from Liverpool in 2003. I see a
problem, however, in the likelihood of aggravated airport congestion at
peak departure times, both in the terminals and on the runways.
Elsewhere this is reaching unacceptable levels, but efforts to relieve
the space shortage are running into local controversy. London Stansted,
which posted a 13.7% rise in traffic Sept/02, is meeting stiff local
opposition to its proposals for an additional runway and terminal space.
Plans for an additional terminal 5 at London Heathrow to accommodate the
expected doubling of flight and passenger numbers by 2030 were given the
go-ahead in Jul/02 after an acrimonious 4-year long planning enquiry. It
now emerges that this is just 1 of 3 new terminals envisaged by the
government, outlines for which were squirreled away in an appendix
smallprint.
Talking of congestion, let's give American Airlines a much deserved pat
on the back for increasing their seat pitch, (the distance between a row
of seats), to 33-35 inches in their revamped economy class. Compare this
with 29 inches on BMI Baby, Easyjet, Monarch, and Ryanair, and 28-29
inches on charter flights operated by Air 2000, Airtours International,
Britannia Airways, and JMC.
The British broadsheet, The Sunday Times, has been campaigning on this
issue with the objective of persuading airlines to provide a minimum
seat pitch of 32 inches on long-haul economy flights, giving at least 30
inches of passenger space (distance from base of seat to seat in front).
They are also demanding more transparency in advertising to inform us of
the minimum seat pitch that we can can expect on our flights. Abletogo
strongly supports this campaign. The issue is not just a question of
comfort on long-haul flights but a matter of health, and possibly life
and death. The campaign has raised the public's awareness of the hazards
of deep vein thrombosis, (DVT), associated with inadequate legroom.
Those extra inches in seat pitch mean the difference between an
acceptable flight and an acutely uncomfortable experience for a
6-foot-2-inch longshanked elderly glogetrotter with a gamey hip like me.
The knowledge that cramped economy class conditions are also potentially
lethal can only add to my discomfort.
No Joking!
- Do not joke about bombs or guns - you could be prosecuted.
Noise
- Planes are very noisy. You might not think this is a big deal, but it
wears away at you. Consider bringing some earplugs with you. Most of the
large jets have sound systems built-in. Many of the newer planes also
have built-in TV systems for movies and infomercials. Usually, you have
to pay a small fee to rent headphones if you want sound. Be advised that
the sound quality will NOT rival that of a compact disk player: the
tapes get played over and over again, and the lack of fidelity can pain
a purist.
You can bring portable tape and/or compact disk players aboard with you,
but airlines may restrict their use (especially on takeoff and landing).
There is some concern that the electromagnetic fields generated by
consumer electronics can interfere with the airplane's navigational
signals. I don't know if these concerns have been empirically
substantiated, but I don't care. I'd rather be bored than in a plane
crash.
Noise-Cancelling
Headphones
- Noise-cancelling headphones have now come down to affordable prices of
about $50 (also available for $300 or more). These really help - as I
found out with a $69 Maxell pair on a 15-hour Australia flight. They
cancel out especially the low frequency noise such as the engine and
part of air conditioning and allow for great sound quality when watching
movies. Other brands are Aiwa, Sony or BOSE. They can also be
effectively used at home while mowing a lawn or vacuum cleaning. The
effect is quite amazing. Highly recommended for people who travel a lot.
Non-Flights
- Occasionally, you will not be able to go out on your scheduled flight.
Sometimes the bump will be because the passengers did not follow
statistical means, and fewer people cancelled than the airline expected.
In such cases, the airline will usually give you some sort of prize -
free tickets or vouchers for travel on that airline.
Occasionally, the bump will be for safety reasons. In the past three
years, I have been stuck on the ground because of fog, thunderstorms, an
(apparently false) smoke alarm, and an unresponsive backup rudder motor.
If you are stuck somewhere overnight because of something that was the
fault of the airline, they will usually furnish you with a hotel room,
breakfast, and the first flight out in the morning. If you are stuck
somewhere because of the weather, that's your own problem. Either you
hang out in the airport (another good reason to bring food with you!) or
you impose upon your great-step-half-aunt Martha that you haven't seen
in seventeen years.
If you miss a flight because of your own stupidity (like yakking for too
long with Aunt Martha), most airlines will help you out if it doesn't
inconvenience them too much. For discount airlines like Southwest,
however, you'd better make sure you don't miss your flight!
Morley Selver notes that if you are waiting to board a flight and it is
suddenly cancelled, there will be a race to the next airline counter to
try to get on the next flight. Instead of following the sheep to the
counter, head for the nearest phone and phone the airline reservations
system. You get the same result without standing in line.
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Not a Pet-Friendly Airline
- Southwest Airlines is NOT pet friendly! They do not allow pets as
cargo or in the cabin as other airlines do. We fly with our 2 little
4-lb. Yorkies and usually check them in as carry-on baggage. We ran late
on a Southwest flight and just carried them on without checking them in.
When the flight crew saw we had a pet, they notified the ground crew in
Boise where we had a scheduled stop and made us get off the flight! They
said they could not jeopardize the safety of 135 passengers for one.
What do they know that all the other airlines don't?! I will never fly
Southwest again with or without my babies!
Pack Disposable
Earplugs
- I have found it to be really helpful to carry disposable earplugs when
I fly. Using them reduces the stress associated with flying -
particularly if you are unfortunate enough to be sitting near a crying
child.
Pack Jewelry in
Your Carry-On
- If you must take expensive jewelry items, make sure they are securely
packed in your small carry on. I always carry a medium leather backpack
in which I keep these items. It can easily be placed safely under the
seat in front of you and carried easily to the restroom as well. I also
include a lightweight change of clothes, a nightie, and
toothbrush/toothpaste ... who knows where your other luggage may end up!
Pack Refreshments
and Snacks
- Bring your own sandwich and juices on the flight. Many times you will
be served with the usual peanuts and cup of juice, or on long-haul
flights, you could wait a long time for that food cart to reach you.
This way you can eat what you like, when you like. I sometimes bring
Chinese food (with chopsticks) on my 7-hour flights.
Pay Attention
- I have noticed from being a pilot myself and from flying on airlines,
that during the part where the pilot will give special verbal
instructions, many people tend not to listen. Pay attention to all
instructions and advice for all types of travel, even if it sounds like
something you think you know already. This may prevent a scare when
something 'unexpected', like an abrupt pull-up or short nosing down
occurs, because you will be aware of it before it happens. There is
plenty of time to converse when in the air or once you're on your
cruising way.
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Personal Space
- Oddly, something that helps you feel less cramped is to travel with a
friend instead of alone. The better you are acquainted with someone, the
harder it is to have your 'personal space' violated.
12-Nov-2005 Tim Matthews ID1532
Preserve Your Tan
- When you are travelling on a plane, take a small bottle of moisturizer
with you - as the air dries out your skin. Also make sure you lather it
on before you get on the plane, or by the time you get back you will
wonder where your tan has gone! (Your skin sheds off)
Prevent Blood
Clots
- On long flights, especially in coach, take a few minutes to get up and
walk the aisles. Or at least do some exercises ... move your legs and
arms to simulate walking If you are not allergic to it, take an asprin.
Blood clots can form on long flights when you do not move and they can
kill you. (See http://www.aviation-health.org/Health_Advice.html )
Prevent Boredom
- Except for the airline's own magazine, most U.S. airlines do not
provide other magazines on board. So, it is a good idea to bring your
own books and magazines, especially on extended trips to Europe and
South America.
Prevent DVTs on
Long Flights
- When on a long flight or a long road trip, try to get up and walk
around about every hour. Doing this will help prevent a deep venous
thrombosis (DVT), or a blood clot in the leg. If you can't get up to
walk, then try to move your legs in your seat every half hour.
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Prevent Lost Luggage
- I travel almost weekly with my job and have had my share of lost
luggage. Because my luggage carries work related materials, it is
important that it is located as quickly as possible. Tips to ensure this
are:
- Purchase luggage that is a color other than
black - because with the high percentage of black luggage out there,
yours will stand out.
- Always put a strap around your luggage. Once
again, this makes your luggage stand out.
- Carry a photograph of your luggage. I have
had numerous misplaced baggage agents tell me this makes the location
easier.
Privacy and Sanity Break
- Although this may sound strange, please keep in mind that I travel 75%
of my time for business. When you are tired of fighting for a place in
line and hearing that your flight has just been cancelled, take a walk
directly into the nearest restroom stall. I have found it to be my
sanctuary. After I shut my stall door and place my 35-lb. shoulder bag
down, nobody can bother me. Sometimes I even read a magazine between
flights.
Protect Your Driver's License
- Paranoid of losing my drivers license, I kept my recently expired
drivers license to use as photo ID for the airport security checkpoints.
My current DL stays safe in my wallet and I only got quizzed on the
expired date once.
Protect Your Film
- New 'checked luggage' explosive detectors/scanners WILL ruin all
undeveloped film - whether it is new in the box or exposed. It's okay to
check your camera gear, but get your film out of the 'checked luggage'
and carry with you. Standard X-ray screening will not hurt or damage
your vacation/family memories - but machines such as the InVision
CTX-5000 will 'fry your film'.
Protect Your
Luggage
- When waiting in line or sitting in the airport (or anywhere else, for
that matter), always have the strap(s) to your carry-on luggage wrapped
around an arm or a leg, then they won't disappear without your
knowledge. I carry this suggestion to the extreme if I am in a
questionable area. I have even straddled my large bags when I felt it
necessary - or at least have them touching my leg so I'd know if they
were moved.
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Protect Your Purse
- Whenever going on a plane do not carry your purse and backpack as a
carry-on. Put your purse inside your backpack.
Rear Seat Gives More Room for Carry-On Luggage
- If you're planning to carry on your luggage, make sure that you get a
seat in the rear of the plane when making your reservations. This avoids
the panic of trying to find overhead space since you're among the first
to board.
Reduce the
Pressure in Your Ears
- Chew gum as you are taking off. That way you can reduce the pressure
in your ears.
Remove Old
Luggage Tags
- One of the main reasons luggage goes to the wrong flights is because
of old destination tags and check-in tags. Remove these so that the
airlines don't get confused on the suitcase's destination.
Remove Your Shoes
- Before the plane takes off, remove your shoes (if you are wearing nice
fluffy thick socks and not BAREFOOT). The ascent and descent of the
plane can cause foot swelling, and a flight without tight shoes on can
make all the difference.
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Runners to the Rescue!
- Tired of your feet swelling on a long plane trip? I purchased an
inexpensive pair of runners with velcro closures. I can flip them open
or closed with the toes of the other foot so my feet can breathe. Better
yet, I'm not fumbling trying to change out of slippers or trying to tie
laces in the cramped seats in coach.
Safety of Airline
Water
- Research (MSNBC and Wall Street, 11/1/02) has indicated that airline
water (in the lavatory and galley) is full of microorganisms like
samonella, e-coli and germs that cause Legionnaires disease. Since
nobody monitors safety of airline water, it is advisable to bring your
own bottled water on board to make sure that you get to the destination
in good health.
Security Pouch
- Put your required government-issued ID, credit card and ticket info in
the Easy TravelAir Security Pouch before leaving home. You'll speed up
the clearance process & keep keep your ID and valuables safe and secure.
Smoking on International Flights?
- For all you smokers, on long flights bring a pack of nicotine patches
or nicotine gum to curb the cravings. Jonesing for a smoke on an
international flight can drive you crazy. Follow the usage/safety
directions.
Space Limitations
- One obvious problem on planes is lack of space. This does vary
considerably from airline to airline, and from airplane model to
airplane model. If you travel a lot, you might want to sample different
airlines and airplanes to determine your preferences. If you are very
tall, you may prefer an aisle seat. This will hopefully give you a
chance to stretch your legs into the aisle from time to time. Even
better is getting a 'bulkhead seat': there is usually more legroom in
those positions. Be advised, however, that those seats go quickly; it
pays to book ahead!
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Special Circumstances
- There are some things beyond your control, and airlines actually have
some flexibility in these circumstances.
If you are ill, you can usually cancel or reschedule your flight. You
will need a note from your doctor, and you will be required to fill out
a number of forms.
If you are flying to the funeral of a relative, many airlines will waive
the advance purchase restrictions on fares, resulting in much cheaper
tickets. You will need to tell the airline the name of your relative,
your relationship to the dearly departed, and the name and phone number
of the dearly departed's funeral home.
12-Nov-2005 Tim Matthews ID1540
Split City Ticketing Can Save
You a Bundle
- This strategy is when you buy 2 round-trip tickets in order to save
big bucks or add a stopover. One ticket is to an interim city while the
second is between that city and your intended destination.
Two examples:
- San Jose, California to Cabo San Lucas
flights are offered by only one airline, connecting in LAX or PHX.
Instead, buy separate round-trip tickets San Jose-to-LAX and LAX-to-Cabo;
you can save a bundle. This exact example is in my book, Winning the
Airfare Game (Hawk Ridge Press, 2001).
- DC to Johannesburg flights on online booking
engines are usually too expensive. Look for separate flights between
DC and London AND London and South Africa. Most likely, you would be
connecting in London anyway.
Split tickets can be used to save money but you
can also build a stopover (in LA or London, for these examples) into
your trip. The cheapest fares usually do not permit stopovers. Check it
out for your next trip.
Stay Buckled Up
- Keep your seatbelt on ALL the time. Once your plane has taken off, you
can loosen it - but if your flight hits an air pocket things can get
messy.
tay Fresh
- Carry a toiletries bag with you on a long flight so that you can
freshen up before you reach your destination - and it also gives you
something to do!
Take Your Slippers!
- When on a long flight remove your shoes and put on slippers. This will
improve circulation in your feet.
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Thirsty on the Plane?
- Use insulated baby bottle bags, the kind that keeps them hot or cold,
for your sodas/drinks.
Try to Get
Bumped!
- If you want the airlines to pay you, try getting bumped when you fly.
Do it this summer when there are more people traveling, travel on a
Friday, going to a city like Miami, one where people have to be there on
time to catch their Saturday morning cruise boat, etc. The more urgent
the need for your seat the more the airline is willing to pay. I have
seen a family of 4 make over $1000 for the inconvenience of getting on
the next flight after only an hour wait. Read my 'Bumped' Article that
was picked up by the Chicago Tribune and 20 other newspapers across the
country.
Upgrade Early
- Upgrade as early as possible. Upgradable seats are limited. Try to
upgrade as soon as you book your flight or as soon as you are allowed to
upgrade according to the frequent flyer program's rule. Some airlines
upgrade you right away; others automatically upgrade you at a set amount
of time before departure, yet others require you to call or logon to
request the upgrades when the upgrade window opens.
Use E-Tickets
- If you are a frequent business traveler I suggest always going with an
e-ticket rather than a traditional paper ticket. I once had my corporate
travel agent book my flight with a paper ticket, and it was sent to my
home address. I'm home very infrequently and I didn't get the paper
ticket in time. When at the airport, while waiting for them to clear up
the problem of my not having a paper ticket in hand, I missed the
connecting flight.
Use the Airport
Shuttle
- If you don't want to stand around in an airport for 3 hours trying to
find transportation to your destination, and you don't want to spend a
fortune, a bus or airport shuttle is the way to go. Most large airports
have them. To shorten the time even more, call ahead and reserve one. It
doesn't cost extra. The companies are not all the same, so try to get a
recommendation from a local travel agent. Also, when you make your
reservation, make sure you find out WHERE to catch your ride. Airports
are large and confusing, but most have specific signs for transportation
services. Make sure you're at the right bus stop.
Wear Fire Retardant Clothing
- Wear fire retardant clothing, like wool, when travelling. Nylon
and synthetic clothing such as panty hose can melt to your skin if
you are caught in a fire on board.
Weigh Your
Bags at Home
- If you have a scale at home, and you know what the weight limit
is, then you can weigh your bags at home - and if your bag is too
heavy, then you need to lighten your load by removing non-essential
items.
What is the Correct Luggage Allowance?
- When booking a flight through a travel agent, double check with
the airline that the travel agent has given you the correct luggage
allowance. I was told that I was only allowed 1 piece of checked
luggage and 1 hand luggage at a combined max weight of 50 lbs. I had
not flown before and didn't susupect that this was wrong, but it
turned out that the luggage allowance was actually 3 pieces with a
total max combined weight of 183 lbs. - 70 lbs. per checked piece
and 43 lbs. per hand luggage.
What to Wear While You Travel
- Wear clothes that are stylish and slightly businessy, but not too
'businessy' (think blazers and bluejeans). Too businessy comes
across as arrogant, not businessy enough comes across as tourist.
Always think in layers. You never know what the temperature in the
terminal and the airplane will be. Take a blazer even in summer, and
always wear long pants. By the same token, always wear short
sleeves, even in the dead of winter.
Who Needs a
Suitcase?
- To travel with a backpack gives the freedom to use both your
hands. Important to consider: A 65 liter pack, with front zipper to
access contents at bottom of pack without unpacking, is plenty big
enough to travel 30 days, in both hot and cold weather including
heavy footwear. Pack a day pack in your main pack. At the airport
remove and use it as carry on luggage with essentials for several
days should the main pack get lost. Make sure your pack has a high
quality suspension system.
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Window Seat Warning
- If you're a window seat flyer special note when flying AirTran
airlines. The newer Boeing 717 planes they use have a peculiar seat
support system that limits the window seat passenger's leg room when
combined with the curve of the fuselage of the plane. There are two seat
supports for the seats in front of you. Not a big deal - except on long
flights for 6 footers plus. I suppose this would be the same on all
airlines that use the same age Boeing 717 aircraft, but AirTran is the
only one I've flown with the space limitation. I'm switching to aisle
seats on AirTran.
X-Rays Can Ruin
Enzymes
- Do not put your homeopathic medicines or supplements containing
enzymes through the x-ray machines - ask for them to be hand searched
instead.
X-Rays Can Ruin
Film
- When packing film and cameras, make sure to take them with you as a
carry-on. The machines that are used to x-ray the luggage that goes
under the plane can ruin your film. Just to be extra safe, take your
camera and film out of your carry-on bag when you go through the
security check - that machine can also ruin your film. The security
workers should be happy to be of assistance.
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