TenTips for For a Smooth Trip
Airline travel used to be fun, exciting and glamorous. Not these days. In fact, it can be downright stressful, even for road warriors.
On a recent visit to Los Angeles my patience was put to the test at every turn. Here are some tips to make your next trip go more smoothly.
On a recent visit to Los Angeles my patience was put to the test at every turn. Here are some tips to make your next trip go more smoothly.
- Secure your seat assignment when you book. If you get to the airport later than you should they can and will bump you.
- Pack wisely. Pack what you can roll or carry yourself. Curbside check-in can now cost up to $20, and airlines are beginning to charge for ALL checked baggage. Don't waste your luggage space. If you are traveling with other people, share toiletries and other essentials. Better yet, on longer trips just shop for what you need when you arrive at your destination.
- Have a change of clothes, or at least underwear, in your carry on. If you have a long delay at least you can freshen up. Ditto if your bags do not arrive when you do.
- Put your address on the inside of each piece of luggage. If your needs to be checked at the gate because of overcrowding this may help you get it back if it gets misrouted.
- If you must use a Sky Cap, tip him appropriately. I had a Seinfeld experience when I apparently tipped less than I should. He deliberately put the wrong tag on my bag and I didn't see it for almost 3 days.
- Send your luggage in advance. For a fee you can send excess luggage and sports equipment ahead of you. It will be waiting at your destination and that's one less thing for you schlep through the airport.
- Program the airline's 800 number into your cell phone. If your flight is delayed you won't be part of the herd at the ticket counter. Deal directly with customer service.
- I your flight is REALLY delayed due to airline issues invoke Rule 240. They must put you on the next plane, even if it is on another airline, if the delay is non-weather related.
- Call your credit card company and tell them where you are traveling. Creditors have a habit of putting a hold on out of town charges if they think there might be fraud involved. Great idea but it can be both frightening and embarrassing if you are trying to rent a car or check into a hotel.
- Keep an extra set of keys with you at all times. The last thing you need is to be locked out of your car or home when you return. I'm usually tired and running on fumes by the time I get home and locksmiths know they have a captive audience.
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