First, please let me wish all of you a happy holiday season. If you are traveling, please travel safely.
In the excitement of the holidays we sometimes forget some very basic travel rules. So with the spirit of the holiday, some common sense reminders.
If you are traveling by air, confirm your flight. Within 24 hours log on to the airline website. If they have a pre-check in area, I highly recommend using this tool. The airline will require your ticket number or your airline confirmation code along with your name. some airlines will permit the confirmation also using your frequent flyer number if it has been added to your reservation.
On the day of the flight you want to again check for any changes or delays for your flights. Unfortunately, Mother Nature has not been weather kind in some parts of the country in the past few days. Your flight might be originating from a weather delayed area, so even if it is nice in your region, you may still have a delay.
Get to the airport early. Many travelers are used to getting to the airport by the skin of their teeth with only an hour prior to flight time. Even though the number of travelers this year may be less than last year, the airports will still be crowded. Leave ample to time to check your bags and go through security.
Pack your bags according to the weight limits imposed by the airline. Your bag will be weighed and you will be charged for overweight luggage. To check your luggage, weigh yourself on your scale at home. Then get back on the scale holding your luggage, standing backwards so someone can read the new weight reading. You will then know if you need to repack or add something to your carry on. To find out the about the weight restrictions, again, check the website of the airline under baggage rules. You will also find in most cases the rules for carrying liquids in your carry on. The rule easily remembered for liquids is 3-1-1; no more than 3 ounces of liquid per container, packaged in a 1 quart ziplock bag, one bag per passenger.
Your ID if you are traveling within the USA most be legally recognized picture ID such as a drivers license or state ID non-drivers license card. If you are traveling anywhere outside of the US you must have a passport. No exceptions will be made and your flight will be denied.
Did you rent car once you get to the destination? Be sure to have your car rental reservation and confirmation with you. You will want the information to speed up your processing at the rental car desk. Also if your flight is delayed, call the toll free number for the rental service, let them so. If you are deemed as a no show, they can rent your vehicle to someone else. If you call to apprise them of a delay, write down the time you called and the name of the person with whom you spoke.
Have you ordered a shuttle service to pick you up? The same rules for the rental car company applies. Let them know you will be late if you are delayed. If they have dispatched a driver and you are late, the drive may leave. If the driver leaves and needs to return, you will be charged a secondary dispatch fee. If the driver needs to wait, you may also be charged a supplemental fee.
Cruisers, if you are on the way to your ship, please do not wait for the last hour to embark. Again, lines will be long and you will need to get to the cruise port on time. Unless an inordinate amount of passengers are delayed from a particular flight, the ship sets sail on time. Use the baggage tags the cruise lines have provided in addition to your regular luggage tags. this will help cruise personnel identify your luggage and get it to your cabin as quickly as possible. Since the ship will be most likely filled to capacity, you may want to take a change of clothes in your carry on as you may wait longer than usual to get your luggage.
If you are driving, please make sure you have emergency supplies in your car. They include extra blankets, water and snack foods. Check the fluids in your car and the air pressure in your tires. Also check your spare tire. Be sure your lights and turn signals are all in order. Stop on the way for rest stops and have a beverage and food. If you feel tired, please pull off of the road. Follow the speed limits for your safety and the safety of others. Above all else, buckle up and be careful of your alcohol consumption. Please don't drink and drive.
Whether flying or driving, have your reservation for your accommodations handy. If you are going to be late, again, call them and let them know. You don't want to arrive to find out your room, the last one available, has been given to someone else because you were deemed as a no show.
One last thing...Remember you are going on vacation or to visit family and friends. Those who are serving you the reservations desks and airports are working on the holiday. Please try to be kind. If you flight is delayed, it is not their fault. Stay calm and don't scream at them or blame them. Then can only do so much. However, those who remain calm and collected are usually those who receive better services and faster resolutions.
Again, travel safely and enjoy your holiday.
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