Air Fares
Hotel and Motels
Rental Cars
|
Ticketing: Although
airline ticket prices keep rising, the ability to shop for competitive prices has really increased in the last
few years. Rather than accept the first quote, you can take advantage of the online options that are available.
Expedia, OneTravel and  Travelocity all maintain
databases with up-to-the minute comparisons of the best available fares.
Luggage: Even
if you only do a minimum amount of travel, one of your best investments should be in a quality set of luggage.
Cheap luggage just doesn't last--it breaks and gets damaged--and usually is not very adaptable. Gains in luggage
design made over the last few years mean that you can transport a lot more in a single bag than you could in the
past.
Seat selection:
Try to get your seat selection and boarding pass as soon as possible. If you are flying in coach and are looking
for legroom, the first row in the coach cabin (the bulkhead row) and the window exit rows offer the most room.
Pre-flight check:
Don't wait until the last minute to pack. If you wait until right before you leave to do your packing, even a minor
glitch can cause you to miss your flight. Leave adequate time for the trip to the airport. Sitting in a lounge
waiting for a flight is no day at the beach, but sitting there after your flight has left is much worse! Prepare
for the worst--the worst traffic, the worst parking congestion at the airport, long lines at the ticket counter
and gate.
Checking in at the airport: You
generally have 3 options:
- At the curb. If you are pre-ticketed with boarding passes in hand, being
able to check in curbside is a big time-saver.
- At the ticket counter.
- At the gate. If you have no baggage to check you can present yourself
to the ticket agent at the desk a sufficient time prior to the scheduled departure. If the flight is overbooked
and there is the possibility of being bumped, your chances of staying on the plane are better than those who have
not checked in.
Getting bumped:
Depending on your mood, temperament and schedule, this can either be a blessing or a curse. If your schedule is
flexible and you are being financially compensated by the airline, bumping can be a great money saver. If you are
brave, you can ask to be put on the voluntary bump list. If you have tight connecting flight schedules or simply
need to arrive at your final destination by a specified time, bumping, not matter what the reward, won't make your day!
In flight: Drink
plenty of bottled water (avoid the water in the lavatories at all costs) to combat the desert like air conditions
of a modern jetliner. Move about as much as possible, subject to seat belt warnings. Keep your circulation moving,
even if it just means rubbing your legs. Sitting in the same spot for 6 hours can make even the most athletic body
stiff and sore.
Lost luggage: Although
less than 5% of all luggage gets lost (and eventually returned) and a tiny percentage get permanently lost, if
it actually happens to you, the low odds are little consolation. To
minimize risks and problems:
- Make sure there are permanent tags on all your bags. They'll cost you
a few dollars but the paper and stick-on variety are just too easy to lose.
- Have additional ID information inside the bag. This is one that will
prevent your bag from ending up at the dead luggage depot, since there is still a way to connect your luggage to
you, even if all the outside tags end up missing .
- Pack all necessities in a carry-on. This includes medicines, eyeglasses,
important documents and expensive items.
If your bags are MIA:
- Present yourself immediately to the airline office near the baggage
claim area and fill out a lost bags report. The quicker you can get the process started, the more likely the luggage
will be returned to you in a reasonable amount of time.
- Get vouchers or commitments for immediate necessities--shaving items,
deodorants, toothbrush, toothpaste and the like.
- Make sure the airline will have an easy way to contact you, especially
if you are attending a convention or a meeting that will put you out of the hotel most of the day.
Jet lag: Try to
"pre-adjust" as much as possible--sleep later or rise earlier and retire the same according to the destination
time. Adjust your meal times to match those at your destination. While traveling, drink as much fresh water as
possible. Do not drink alcohol--it only aggravates the condition. Wear loose fitting clothes: they help your circulation.
|
