Airline travel is more complicated than it used to be, notes Donna Donald, a family life specialist with Iowa State University Extension. “However it’s still possible to fly the ‘friendly’ skies with a little advance planning.”
Mrs. Donald suggests, “Before booking any reservations, do your homework — especially if you have not traveled for a long time. The Transportation Security Administration Web site, http://www.tsa.gov/311/index.shtm, gives good information about what you can carry onto the airplane. I also enjoy these tips from my Extension colleagues at University of Illinois, Penn State and Ohio State.”
• Pack lightly — all those little items add to the weight of your luggage.
• Plan connecting flights to have some time cushions — or you’ll be running a marathon at the airport.
• Choose your seats on the plane carefully.
• Choose your reservations carefully. The hotel description in the travel brochure that claims “ocean breeze” might mean “no air conditioning.”
• Take the number of your travel agent with you and/or the 800 number of the airline on which you are traveling.
• Check and double-check reservations.
• Arrive at the airport at least two hours early. Be courteous to airline staff. You may need a favor from them later.
• Pay attention to the latest information the airline gives about packing personal items, especially sprays and gels. Likewise, wear slip-on shoes because you may need to take them off to get through security checkpoints.
• Plan for some delays. Bring a book or magazine with you in case you need to pass time between flights.
• Keep your sense of humor.
“Traveling by air can be a good experience if you take time to plan ahead and prepare for those little unexpected delays,” Mrs. Donald said.