Are You Planning a Trip This Summer?

Let’s face it. Your summer vacation is your time to unwind and relax after a long year of hard work. This time of year everyone wants to take that last
vacation before school starts back. Plus let’s face it, you’ve earned this time off and you want everything to go as smoothly as possible. Following these 10
tips can go a long way to ensuring a great travel experience for you and your fellow travelers.  (the following travel
tips are courtesy of American Airlines)

  1. Don’t procrastinate. Book early. During the summer months,  popular flights sell out early. Generally speaking, the longer you wait,
    the more expensive your trip.
  2. Travel during off-peak times. The major airport “hubs” tend to get more crowded during the “peak” traveling times (early
    morning, late afternoon). Try to travel during off-peak times (mid-morning through early afternoon or in the evening) from Monday through Thursday.
  3. Pack smart with security in mind. With increased security at every airport, it only makes good sense to pack accordingly. All your baggage will be
    screened and possibly hand-searched. Pack your medicine, jewelry or other valuables in your carry-on baggage. Do not pack or bring prohibited items to
    the airport. For a complete list of prohibited items, visit the Transportation Safety Administration’s Web site at www.tsa.gov.
  4. ID your baggage, but don’t lock it. Place identification tags on the inside and outside of your baggage. Label your laptop computer as well. Laptops are
    the number one forgotten item at screening checkpoints. And don’t lock your checked baggage.
  5. Check in early. Available online are automatic Flight Status Notification and gate/arrival time updates sent to your computer, phone or mobile phone.
    More than 90 percent of American’s customers fly on electronic tickets.
  6. Arrive early at the airport; avoid the lines. Think 60, 90, 120. Arrive 60 minutes before your flight if you are not checking any luggage, 90 minutes
    if you have luggage to check. For international flights, allow two hours.
  7. Dress for success to navigate security.  Metal may look cool to you, but the screening machines hate it. Avoid wearing shoes, clothing, jewelry and
    accessories that contain metal. Place your outer coat in a bin. Don’t take wrapped presents to the airport. Ship them in advance or wrap them upon
    arrival.
  8. Don’t forget your photo ID.  If you are over 18 years of age, you will need a photo ID. You must have your ID in hand at the security checkpoint and
    during the boarding process.
  9. Stay close to your departure gate. Don’t slip away to purchase a low-fat frozen yogurt with rainbow sprinkles when boarding begins. Board when your
    group number or row is called.
  10. Relax and enjoy your flight to the vacation of your dreams. You’re supposed to relax. If you packed wisely, checked in early, arrived early at the airport,
    prepared yourself for a smooth security screening and boarded on time, you have virtually eliminated the stress that can be caused by travel
    procrastination. Congratulations. And have a nice flight.

I hope your trip goes well.  Send us your comments about your trip.

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