Ten Practical Airline Travel Tips

1. First and foremost - bring your spirit of adventure!

Remember Murphy's Law? "Anything that can go wrong will go wrong!" For example, especially during the winter months, there might be air traffic control delays for weather related issues. So even though you look out of your window and see sunny skies, there could be inclement weather along your flight path or at your final destination.

Mechanical problems can also cause delays and even cancellations. They can be as critical as a hydraulic leak, or as mundane as a broken seat. Just remember, that while expediency and customer service are top priorities for an airline - safety always comes first!

Weight and balance issues can also delay a flight because of unequal weight distribution either inside the passenger cabin or in the cargo bins. At times it may require seating changes, so the more flexible you are, the faster the flight will get out.

Flight crew delays can also occur, since pilots can only fly for a limited time period, in-flight crews can miss their connections, or someone might call in sick. It doesn't happen often but be prepared. Most airline have back up flight attendants readily available. However, if a pilot calls in sick or times out, it may take as much as one to two hours to get a replacement. Overbooking is another reason for flight delays, which I'll cover below.

2. Allow plenty of time.

Again, this is an especially key point if you are planning to travel over the busy holiday season. Always arrive at the airport with plenty of time to organize yourself and your children calmly.

While curbside luggage check-in is available at some airlines and at some airports, you should call your airline to verify that the service is available. Another way to save time if you have an e-ticket, is to check in over the web and print out your boarding passes from your own printer. Most airlines offer this feature. You can also use the kiosks to check-in, get boarding passes and even check your bags to avoid the long lines at the ticket counter.

In addition, the TSA has been enhancing security measures throughout the airport environment, doing more random screening, employing additional canine patrols, stronger air cargo security measures, and more rigorous identity verification procedures. Thus, it's imperative that you check with your airline, or visit the TSA  web page to see the latest update on what can be carried through security so you don't get held up there.

You must check your bags yourself and must show a current, government-issued photo ID (i.e. driver's license or passport.) Be prepared to present your ID and boarding pass at the airline check-in counter, at the security checkpoint, and sometimes again at the gate. You may also be subject to additional screening at the gate. And not only can your items be confiscated by the TSA, but you can also be fined for even attempting to bring a banned item in your carry-on.

When booking your reservation, if at all possible try to fly on Nonstop Routings, as opposed to Direct to minimize connecting points. And always try to stay with the same airline. These days, flights are often sold in segments on many of the popular online travel websites. Most airlines will check your luggage through to your final destination on other carriers if they have agreements with them, but there is a greater likelihood of loss or delay in the transfer. Also, if you book a connecting flight on one airline that transfers to another you might find yourself going to another terminal - which means back through the security checkpoint!

3. Don't forget your mind when you pack everything else.

I see so many intelligent people who seem to have left their brains at home when they travel. While airline travel does breed a certain amount of anxiety, if you take on the spirit of adventure attitude you will have more fun and be much less stressed. One way to avoid the extra stress is to prepare well. A little research and planning can go a long way to insure you'll have a safer, more economical and enjoyable trip. Also, before you leave the house, ensure you have all your travel documents:

• A copy of your travel itinerary, including airline, flight numbers, departure and arrival times, any pre-assigned seats, hotel and rental car info
• Valid driver's license (and/or a current passport, for all travel outside the U.S. and identification purposes)
• Boarding pass (if you've checked in over the web)
• Frequent flyer card or the numbers and corresponding airline written down (although it's best to add them when you make your reservation to save time, and so you can ensure the mileage will be credited to all the segments of your trip)
• Credit cards - in case you get stuck somewhere overnight
• A small amount of cash for tipping and in-flight purchases. Since most in-flight food and beverage services will not accept credit or debit cards, this is always a good idea. *FYI - in some airports the ATMs are outside of the security checkpoint area

Also, per the FAA there are restrictions on the number of bags you may bring onto the aircraft with you, and the airline could be fined for not enforcing them. For most major domestic carriers, you can are allowed ONE carry-on item and ONE personal item. A personal item is considered a purse, briefcase, laptop or backpack - and NOT another suitcase. If you have more than the required limit, or your carryon item is too large when you get to the gate, you may be required to consolidate or check one of your items before boarding the aircraft. But also remember that every aircraft is different, and sometimes a bag might fit in the overhead on one plane, but not on the other. Thus, you may be required to check a bag at the gate.

If you are traveling with a small child, see the gate agent for a tag for your stroller or car seat before you board your flight. Most airlines will gate check these items for you at the door and you can retrieve them when you exit the aircraft for use inside the airport.

And most importantly, check your seat, the floor around you and the pocket in front of you before deplaning the aircraft. I can't tell you how many lost items are turned in every day - everything from cell phones and MP3 players to sweaters, and important papers!

4. Eat something before you go

These days, you will be lucky to find a bag of pretzels on most airlines. In first and business class, most airlines still offer meal service if the flight is at least three hours. In coach, some will offer sandwiches or snack boxes for purchase but supplies are often limited. If you are going on a long flight, check with your airline to see if food service is available.

Due to recent security changes you can bring food and beverages onto the aircraft now - but ONLY if they are purchased from a vendor inside of the secured area. However, airport food is often expensive so if you eat before you go you will save both time and money.

Also, don't plan on buying something to eat at the airport if you have a tight connection. You may find yourself running just to meet your next plane. Bring extra food with you if you plan to be in the air for a while.

*And here's another little tip: If you are going on long flight and you plan on watching the in-flight movie, consider bringing along your own headset to avoid the $4-$5 fee the airline charges!

5. Don't get drunk or act drunk!

Due to FAA regulations, intoxicated passengers are not permitted to fly. And believe me, I've seen my share of drunks lately, as well as those who may have only have had only one or two drinks but who are denied boarding because of their behavior at the airport.

In today's world of extreme precaution, your behavior will be taken very seriously. If you smell like alcohol and act the least bit intoxicated you may be asked to take a later flight. But if you mouth off or get angry, you may be denied boarding altogether, and could possibly be escorted out of the airport by an armed police officer. And of course, never joke about having explosives or weapons or you might find yourself facing the federal authorities!

In addition, the atmosphere in an aircraft cabin is pressurized to about the same altitude as Denver, Colorado, so any alcohol you consume onboard the flight will affect you more strongly than it will at sea level. I'm not saying don't drink, but know how your body reacts to alcohol and as always, moderation is the key.

6. Use your resources and ALL your God-given senses

This goes back to packing your head with your luggage. Read the signs at the airport and look for connecting gates on the flight information screens. This is very important as departing gates can and often do change. If you arrive at your connecting city, always check the gate on the screen - even if the gate is on your boarding pass or was given to you by the flight crew. I've seen more passengers miss their connections because they went to the wrong gate.

And please try to avoid asking the gate agent for the connecting city unless you are truly confused or don't see it up on the screen, as we are often trying to close a departing flight or get a new one ready. Most airlines have passenger assistance or customer service counters that are better suited to help you than a busy gate agent.

Listen to the boarding announcements for your flight. Airports are admittedly chaotic, and often there are several flights departing at or around the same time. Don't relax so much that you forget to board. YES! I've seen it happen, where someone will come up to me after a flight is gone and ask when boarding will begin. I try soooo hard not to laugh or look at them like they are crazy. And I want so badly to ask, "Didn't you just see the line of people getting on the plane here about five minutes ago?" 

But the truth is that it happens more times than you'd think. Folks will listen to the boarding announcements for another gate and not realize their flight has already boarded, or they just zone out thinking they have more time than they really do and so they don't pay attention. That's why it's so important to pack your head and all your senses when you travel!

And now regarding the sense of touch, this is a touchy one ... If you are too large to fit comfortably in a standard coach seat, then please consider purchasing an extra seat or one in first class. Need I say more?

7. Be flexible!

During busy travel seasons some flights do get overbooked. That means you might get to the airport, check in and find you don't have a seat assignment. You may be asked if you are willing to take a later flight in exchange for a free round trip flight coupon. If you can, it's a great way to get a free or reduced price flight at a later date. Most airlines offer them and they are often transferable and good for one to two years.

If you can't take the later flight, others with seats will be offered to give up theirs. Be patient, as they are many people who seek these opportunities and will take advantage of them. Also, seats may open up because connecting passengers are delayed or don't show up. The best days to fly are Tuesdays and Wednesdays. Sundays are the worst. Also, early morning and late night flights generally have the lowest passenger boarding totals.

And along with flexibility, be humane. For example, if you see a mother and young child are separated, and by moving your seat you could bring them together - then do it. A small act of kindness could go a long way. Think about it, if adults have anxiety about flying, how do you think young children who don't fly often feel when placed next to two large strangers? Helping a child sit next to their parent or sibling could be the nicest thing you do all week!

8. Mark your property

While passing through airport security checkpoints, keep your eyes on your equipment as much as possible. These days, laptops must be removed and fed into the x-ray machines at the airport security checks. There have been reports around the country that this has caused some travelers to pick up the wrong ones, which is why tagging your computer for easy identification makes sense. Some people use colored paper, duct tape, or put some type of sticker on their laptop.

Likewise, tie a brightly colored ribbon around the handle of your suitcase for easy identification when it comes around on the carousel. Since this idea has gotten more popular lately, you might want to make your tie even more unique by using a strip of printed fabric.

9. For frequent flyers

If you plan to or currently travel frequently, then consider joining an airline elite membership club. These clubs generally have membership fees and some have minimum travel requirements. While there are some costs involved, there are also lots of perks:

• You get the short line. If you need any help, you'll get the most and be the first to get it
• You'll get the first shot at the extra first class seats, exit row seating or other upgrades
• You'll be much less likely to be bumped
• When you do have to wait, there are special private waiting areas in the club rooms. These areas often have much more comfortable seating and can have business services available
• You may also be entitled to special deals that are only offered to elite club members

10. Last but not least - smile at your friendly gate agent! (and of course the ticket agents, baggage handlers and inflight crew too!) 

We work hard, and do our best to ensure your travel is as safe, seamless and enjoyable as possible!

HAVE FUN!!!!!!

Other useful websites for travelers:

ASPCA: Airline travel tips for pets

Airline Travel Tips for your Laptop (essential for avid Gatherers!)

Air Travel Tips for Senior Citizens

Airwise (additional links to travel resources)

Aviation Consumer Protection Division of the DOT (know the rules and your rights)