Tuesday, November 22, 2005

Thanksgiving travel tips

Here are some tips that might come in handy if you are planning to fly for the holidays!

I have noticed non-seasoned travelers putting more undue stress on themselves then they have to.  Here are some things to keep in mind the next time that you fly.

Saving Time With Check-in: 

Most airlines allow you to check in online and print out your boarding passes from home, for domestic flights.  This saves you from having to wait in line at the ticket counter, and if you don't have any checked bags you can go straight to the security check point. 

If you DO have checked bags, I would suggest that you use the skycap, if available.  For about $2 a bag, plus a small tip, you can check your luggage at the curb, and not have to mess with dragging them thru long lines.  But with most smaller airports, like the ones that I fly into, long lines don't seem to be a problem.

Don't have access to a computer?  Use the self service machienes.  The advantage in using the self-service machienes is that you can choose where you want to sit!

 

Getting Thru the Security Checkpoint:

Please visit www.tsa.gov for an up to date list of items that you can not have in your carryon or checked luggage.  For example, lighters, lighters lighters!

You must remove your shoes to have them x-rayed, so make sure that you wear shoes that can be taken on and off easily.

Put all loose change, wallets, belts, chewing gum, keys, in your carry-on instead of your pockets, untill you get thru the check point.  Not only does this save you time, but it also keeps you from loosing your treasures.

Keep your boarding pass and ID ready, you'll have to show it several times before you get to where you need to go.

Also, on a side note, CREW MEMBERS and other airport employees, are allowed to go to the front of the line.  You can't go anywhere without us, and the extra 30 seconds it takes me to clear security in front of you, will not make you miss your flight.

 

Traveling Smart:

If you are traveling on a legacy carrier this year, you might want to bring your own travel pillow and blanket.  To cut costs, some AAirlines have done away with pillows and blankets completely.

Also we are getting into the winter season which means that de-icing the aircraft is possible.  This could mean some waiting time.  So pack a bottle of water, and some snacks in case you encounter some delays during your journey.

Also I suggest that one always packs in their carry-on: a bottle of water, snacks, band-aids, pain reliever, lotion, any special medication that you need, pillow and blanket, and some reading material.  Having these things with you will make your trip alot smoother.

Also if you choose to bargain shop for your airfare this year, be wary of cheap fares that cause you to use 2 or more different airlines to get where you need to go.  Each airline is only responsible to get you from A to B, and if you miss your connection to another airline, you are pretty much on your own.  Also keep in mind that if you are going from one airline to another, that you will have quite a walk.  In most airports, each airline is seperated in different ends.  Also pay attention to connection times.  Try to aviod a 30 minute connection, especially this time of year.  It's better in the long run not to have to run a marathon to get to your next gate!

 

Good luck and have a safe holiday!

Back and better than ever...

Folks, I appologize for the inconvience, I expect to be updating this journal shortly...

 

I just got my laptop back from Dell...  I will spare you the details about THAT drama!  If you buy an extended warranty from them, make sure it's the IN HOME service!  Now I am back, and better than ever...  Well, maybe the same. 

Things have been crazy the past few weeks.  I had to have emergency oral surgery on the 4th.  All that I have to say is, don't wait around, take care of your teeth.  Neglect with only cause you more problems in the long run.

For those of you who were concerned about me living in a gang infested neighborhood, fear no more... We moved into our new apartment on the 5th in the Lakeview area.  Luckily we hired movers, especially after my ordeal with the oral surgen the day before.  That's the best money that I have ever spent!  Four hours later, we had everything in our new place.  I now live in a 3 bedroom apartment, on the third floor, with NO BARS on my windows, and everything WORKS!!!   Ahhhhh....  It's the simpler things, like a working sink, that make it all worth while.

I am also stuck working on the Embraer this month, so that I could have Thanksgiving off.  Little good it does me, because all the flights to RDU are full, and with my company taking most of the flying to and from there, home for the holiday is pretty much hopeless.  You can't jumpseat, if there is no jumpseat on the plane.