Travel Tips
For the lastest information and tips on airline travel visit the Transportation Security Administration (TSA) website.
These tips are mostly for those of us who don't (or can't) travel Business or First Class. But even so, there are many general tips that will help anyone have smoother travels by air.
Quick Tips
- Don't wear a belt when at the airport
- Empty your pockets into your carry-on before security
- Dress comfortably
- Stay hydrated, drink water
- Bring snacks and entertainment if you are picky
Departures Check-in at the airline's website before your flight, and use the electronic kiosks at the airport whenever possible. These kiosks print your boarding pass, saving you time, especially when some airlines have separate queues for those passengers that have already checked in. (You can also proceed directly to security after printing your pass if you have no bags to check in.)
Security check can go smoother and faster if you:
- Do not wear a belt. Yes, you have to take it off for security, so just skip the hassle.
- Wear shoes that don't require a lot of work. You have to remove them and put them back on for security, so keep them easy. No knee-high boots, no complicated lacings, etc.
- Take everything out of your pockets beforehand. Everything! Put items from your pocket into your carry-on outside pocket so you don't have to fill your pockets while others are trying to get through security as well.
- Take your jackets and sweaters off. These will go through x-ray, so be ready.
- Be ready! Usually it's the person in line who's not ready beforehand that causes the line to slow down. Multiply that buy everyone who wants to get on a plane, and you've got a traffic jam. Don't be one of those people.
If you lock your luggage, unlock them BEFORE security asks you to do so. Use TSA approved locks so security doesn't have to cut your locks off. The lock's packaging will state whether they're TSA approved and can be purchased at the airport or travel stores.
Remove previous flight tags and stickers from your luggage to prevent confusion.
Arrivals Make your luggage distinguishable. Feel artsy? Paint it! Have kids? Sticker it! Or, sew some patches on. (You can also buy luggage that isn't black.)
All claims about missing or damaged luggage should be made at the airport, before you leave.
While Flying Get up and stretch , walk the aisle, and hover around any spacey spots on the plane to stand for a bit before sitting back down. Commit to some seated exercises, especially if you're stuck in the middle and can't get up as often as you should. NWA has illustrated examples
Take off your shoes . This can relax your body during flight and help the swelling that may occur at such altitudes. Walk around in those warm socks we talked about, or just pack a pair of small slippers in your carry-on.
Thankfully, no one on the flight cares what you look like, so dress comfortably! Wear looser garments like sweatpants or a comfortable pair of jeans. Use button or zip-up jackets or sweaters. Wear a warm pair of socks as temperatures can drop while in flight. Don't wear a top that causes you to constantly fidget. Depending on the climate of your destination, you can layer, or keep that outfit on the very top of your luggage so you can change in the airport's restrooms. If you MUST wear a suit on the flight, choose your most comfortable, pack the jacket and shoes in your garment bag, and tie the tie later.
Bring some food in your carry-on incase the airline runs out, which happens (trust us), or if you need an extra snack. Choose food that is compact, easy to eat, and won't make a huge mess. Health bars usually fill you up, but snacks such as cookies and chips are always a treat. Water is the best bet for quenching thirst; sodas and juices keep you wanting more. (Check with airport security about bringing liquids through - sometimes you can't, and must purchase them afterwards.)
Fight jet lag by setting your watch to your destination's time as soon as you're on the plane. If you'll be sleeping, eat before the flight and inform the attendant you won't be having a meal. (Don't cover your seat belt so that they don't bother you to check if it's fastened.)
Carry tissues! Even some handy wet wipes.
Many people swear by such things as Airborne - in any case, take extra care of your health and hygiene to prevent jet lag and illness. Wash your hands and keep them away from your face as much as possible. Protect your fellow travelers too; cough and sneeze into your handkerchief or arm, not your hand - or worse yet, into the air! On shorter flights, you can wear a protective mask if you're really worried about the passenger behind you that may sound like he's coughing up a lung.
If there's a more comfortable seat open, ask the flight attendant if you can sit there.
Recirculating air not only increases your chances of getting sick, but it dries out your nose and skin. Carry a small bottle of hand lotion and some lip balm. Also, try breathing your nose into a hot towelette that the airline may give you - this can help relieve your airway.
For long flights, we would highly recommend investing in a neck rest . Carry a soft one, or pack an inflatable version in your bag. The soft ones are more comfortable, but aren't space-friendly. Eye masks are handy too if the airline doesn't give you a pair.
Entertain yourself. Bring some reading material, or music/DVD player. Catch up on your magazine subscriptions and toss them (into a recycle bin!) at your destination. Or, finally finish that bestseller you started last summer and keep "forgetting" to bring back to the library. If you have a portable DVD player, bring some movies incase the airline picks that awful romantic comedy again. If you're laptop's small enough, use that and entertain your neighbors too, just make sure it stays out of their way.
Health Tips
For the lastest information and tips on travelling safety and health concerns visit the Center for Disease Control (www.cdc.gov) website. They also have a special section for travelers where you can pick your destination and read the notices.
- Periodically wash your hands with soap and warm water, a cleansing wipe, or disinfecting gel.
- Keep your hands away from your face as much as possible.
- Drink bottled water and check the seal if water quality is in doubt.
- If water quality is in doubt, use bottled when brushing your teeth.
- Don't forget your sunscreen, lotion and lip balm.
Medications Visit your doctor a month before your trip. Any vaccinations should have time to work their magic and become effective enough to protect you when arriving at your destination. Also, any side effects from a vaccine is best handled way in advance of departure.
Common medications can be difficult to find in another country. Pack disinfectants and over-the-counter medications. (Check if your store has a "travel section" where everything comes in small packages.) We recommend bringing the basics: something for pain, headache, motion sickness, and diarrhea. Don't forget anything for the kids if they're tagging along.
Be sure to bring enough prescription medication for the length of your travels.
Carry a list of all names and dosages of any medications . If an emergency occurs, rescuers will have some knowledge of your medical history. Have the list in an obvious place where someone may look, i.e. your wallet or medical alert tag.
If you have any allergies or medical problems , be sure to wear a medical alert tag (bracelet, anklet, or necklace), or have an identification card that prominently displays your condition. Have the name and phone number of your doctor on the tag or card, if possible.
Driving or Flying If you're flying (or on a long drive), be sure to stretch your legs and walk a bit. Blood clots can occur in anyone, regardless of health status. You may want to wear compression stockings if you have irregular circulation, are pregnant, or are completely healthy and just want the extra help.
If you're pregnant and planning to fly , check with your doctor and the airline to be sure you can do so at this time. The American College of Obstetricians and Gynecologists (ACOG) recommends that the safest time to fly while pregnant is between weeks 18 and 24, and not to fly after the 36th week. Airlines have their own flight restrictions for pregnancies, which can vary according to whether you are flying domestically or internationally, and which airline you will be flying. (Some airlines won.t allow you to travel for 30 days before your due date.)
