Be Prepared
- Your tickets should already be booked, but if not, do it NOW!
- Avoid heavy travel days.
- Book your reservation to leave days before the holiday and return a few days after the holiday.
- Check in online.
- Bring a copy of your itinerary in the event the airline doesn’t have a record of your reservation.
- Make sure all of your luggage has your name and address on it and remove prior airline tags.
- Bring a few snacks for the flight.
- Bring gum or breath mints so you are easier to sit next to.
- Bring an ipod (make sure it’s charged) or a good book.
Be Flexible
- Have a flexible itinerary.
- Consider traveling out of an alternative airport. For example if you normally depart from LAX, give Burbank airport a try. You may find shorter lines and happier people.
- Be prepared to sleep at the airport. Carry on a toothbrush, toothpaste and deodorant. If your flight is canceled or delayed you may find yourself lounging in a terminal for the evening. Having a few small toiletry items can make it a little easier.
Be Organized
- Get a carry on with wheels.
- Make sure you know where your boarding pass, passports, ID, etc. is.
- Tie a colored ribbon on the suitcase you check in so you can easily identify it when it’s coming down the chute or lined up amongst 100 other bags.
Be Considerate
- Clean out your purse or laptop bag/backpack before you head out to the airport. Don’t wait to get to the security line before you realize you may have a lighter or some other item in there that could hold you up or get you pulled off for a second inspection. Take a little time at home to make sure you are only taking what you need and that your small liquid items are in a zip lock bag.
- Wear clothing that is easy to slip in and out of in case you are required to remove a sweatshirt or take off your shoes or hat.
- Don’t chat up the person sitting next to you. If they are not very responsive to you, leave them alone.
Be Savvy
- Know what kind of tickets you are buying. What are the restrictions attached? Can you change flights? What is the penalty?
- Choose your seating when you purchase your ticket online. Get what you want.
- Check the internet for the airport you are flying in and out of. Find out what are the best parking lots, restaurants, shuttle service, etc.
- Ask for a first class upgrade. Some airlines will allow you to use rewards points to upgrade at the ticket counter.
- Make sure you have a mileage rewards point account with the airline you are traveling on. Some partner with car rental agencies for deeper discounts.
*For more information and tips visit: Uptake