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 Airport Tips
We all know that airports can be a hassle these days but a little planning and preparation can make a big difference. Try these tips to help you breeze right through.
Before Your Trip
• Check your itineraries for seat assignments and make any ticket changes you need.
• Handle any special needs you might have before you get to the airport.
• Check to make sure the contact information we have for you is right.
• Take care of passports, visas, and any important papers you might need way ahead of time.
• Use our online Check-in tool and self-service kiosk to avoid long lines at the airport.
• Know the check-in requirements for your airport.
• Know the requirements for the security checkpoints where you'll be traveling.
• Check security checkpoint wait-times and allow plenty of extra time for busy holiday periods.
During Your Trip
• Check the display screens and monitors in the airport to find your gate.
• Arrive at the gate early with your boarding pass and e>ticket receipt.
• Keep an eye on the gate display screens that we have in most airports.
• Listen closely for announcements at the gate. It might be important stuff.
Baggage Tips
No one wants lost or damaged luggage. Here are some tips to help you and your luggage have an effortless trip.
Before Your Trip
• Put your name and the phone number of your destination on the inside and outside of your bag.
• Don't wrap your gifts since all luggage is subject to inspection.
• Travel light when you can. Try bringing one carry-on bag that will fit underneath the seat in front of you.
• Don't overstuff your bag. That makes it more likely to get damaged.
• Make sure your bags don't have any straps or hooks sticking out that could get caught on something and damage your bag.
• Stay within the baggage allowance.
• Carry valuables, medication, and travel documents in your carry-on luggage.
• Pack anything that might leak inside an air-tight plastic bag.
• Know the rules for any of your stuff that might be considered dangerous goods.
• Know the requirements for the security checkpoints where you'll be traveling.
During Your Trip
• Check with our airport agents if you need extra boxes or packaging.
• Check as many bags as possible to make clearing security checkpoints smooth and fast.
Tips For Healthy Travel
Wherever you're headed, you'll want to feel healthy and strong. Here are some helpful tips for not being under the weather when you're going above the clouds. Before Your Trip
Here are just a few precautions you can take ahead of time:
• Make sure your immunizations are current.
• If possible, delay your trip if you're not feeling well.
• If you're prone to air sickness, ask for a window seat over the wing.
• If you have any health questions, or if you suffer from a chronic ailment, motion sickness, or fear of flying, ask for advice from your physician.
• Stress is bad for you. Reduce stress by allowing plenty of time to check in and reach your departure gate.
• Always carry your medication with you—never pack it in baggage you're planning to check.
• Wear loose, comfortable clothing and shoes for your flight.
Want to read about some other ways to get ready for takeoff? Learn more about healthy travel tips for Before Your Trip.
During Your Trip
Here are a few things you can do to feel good while you're flying:
• Eat lightly during your flight.
• Stay hydrated while you fly.
• Leave room under the seat in front of you so you can stretch out your legs.
• If conditions permit, try to stand up and walk around the cabin every once in a while.
Want to read about some other ways to stay comfortable while you fly? Learn more about healthy travel tips for During Your Trip.
At Your Destination
Here are a couple of things to remember once you arrive:
• Never purchase local medications unless you're familiar with them.
• Wear sun block and sunglasses in the tropics and at high altitudes.
• Drink a lot of water to minimize altitude sickness.
Want some more advice about staying healthy once you get where you're going? Learn more about healthy travel tips for when you're At Your Destination.
Helpful Web sites
These sites offer comprehensive information about healthy travel:
• Centers for Disease Control
• Travel Medicine
• U.S. Department of State
TRAVEL ROAD TIPS WITH CHILDREN
Things To Do The Day You Leave 
Check out the route, know what roads you are planning on taking and find out if you need to avoid any road construction so you can avoid unnecessary delays.
Find some areas to take breaks along the way so your trip is less tiresome.
Play games in the car to help shorten the trip. Hunt for different license plate numbers, see who can add up license plate numbers of the cars that pass you the quickest. Kids get a head start since they are in the backseat. Play "I spy". See who can find the most out of state license plates. See who can find the most models of cars.
Bring along games or toys to help shorten the ride. Avoid items with lots of small pieces.
You might also consider small prizes or presents at regular intervals along the trip. New toys often receive the most interest and will help keep your child occupied.
If your children are old enough, give them a map of their own. Have them keep track of your progress by making them the navigator.
Schedule a quiet time for everyone in the car to enjoy. But, enforce the rules so adults are included and must also obey this rule.
Buy some new interesting audio books for a story time while on the trip.
If your music interests are vastly different than your children’s, you might consider getting them a portable CD or tape player and bring lots of batteries. But, agree in advance about its usage times. Bring a portable DVD player, DVD's, enough headphones, and a way to keep it player charged.
Take advantage of this time together and talk to your kids.
Wake up sleepers a few minutes before you arrive at stops. This will give them time to adjust and be ready to get out as soon as the car stops. |
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