Wyndham Wisdom

In the Air + On the Road Reader Tips

Tips and Suggestions: Flying Tips | On the Road

Flying Tips

• Rub eucalyptus oil on your hands and cup them over your nose to open your sinuses on take-offs and landings.
• Top Ten Flying Tips:
  1. Don't procrastinate. Book early.
  2. Save Money. Travel during off-peak times.
  3. Pack smart with security in mind. Keep your jewelry in your carry on or purse.
  4. ID your baggage, but don't lock it. (Get a "Big Tag" from Travel Essentials)
  5. Check in early. Take an hour for yourself.
  6. Arrive early at the airport; avoid the lines.
  7. Dress for success to navigate security. Slip-off shoes are the way to go.
  8. Stay Alert. Don't forget your photo ID.
  9. Don't Wander. Stay close to your departure gate.
  10. Relax. Enjoy your flight to the vacation of your dreams.
• Upgrade to Elite Status on your favorite airline. Avoid some of the headaches of summertime travel by qualifying for elite status with your frequent flyer program. You'll have access to reserved seats at the front of the coach cabin, separate lines at ticket counters, and pre-boarding privileges allow you to stow your carry-on overhead first. Inevitably during the summer, when the overheads are full, the last people on board usually have to check their larger bags.
• Plan ahead when reserving your seat. Are you antsy after your flight and anxious to get off of the plane? If so, reserve the seats closest to the front of the plane for easy escapes. Wait until you check in to request emergency exit rows for extra leg room - but make sure that you are comfortable with the requirements.
• Check in for your flight online the night before you leave so that you can skip lines at the airport.
• Aisle or Window? They both have advantages. When traveling in the morning, request an aisle seat. At night, ask for a window so you can nap and rest without distraction.
• Stick with one airline and rack up all the miles. That's the easiest and cheapest way to upgrade to first class, which affords you several opportunities - a better space in which to work, ability to meet other successful business people or potential clients and the first-class service.
• Always have a back-up plan when you're traveling by air. If you are unable to make your scheduled flight, know the times of the next available flights or fly to an alternative city and drive in. If this is not feasible, make conference calls from the airport.
• Take advantage of delays. Have fun at the airport when delayed. Sit in a quiet spot and read a good book and have a cup of herbal tea.
• On long flights, such as international flights, bring your slippers from home in the carry-on luggage. You can take your shoes off and then when you need to get up and walk or around or go to the restroom, you do not have to put your shoes back on. They're also handy to have for walking around your hotel room.
• When flying, wear an inexpensive, plastic watch. Metal jewelry, shoes and watches will set off the alarm at security checks and now that the security screen devices have been set to their ultra-sensitive settings, even watches with minimal bits of metal.
• When traveling by air, I put my boarding pass and photo ID in a clear plastic pouch worn around my neck. When going through airport security, it's readily available and I don't misplace it while struggling with a computer, etc.

On the Road

• When packing the car, load up the "goody bag" last for easy access. Pack snacks and drinks for the family to save money on your drive. Have each child pack their own backpack with games, books and water bottles. Freeze the water bottles the night before you leave to keep drinks cold.
• Make a run to the local Dollar Store to stock up on toys for your tots. If you have a DVD player, be sure to bring a variety of movies for long car rides as well as headphones.
• If you are renting a car for your trip, spend the extra money for a navigation system to cut down on the time spent stopping for directions. As a backup make sure that there are maps in the car as well.
• Check online for coupons for car rentals or look into getting an Entertainment Book that offers coupons for all major rental companies.