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Written by Shonne Epperly-Elgin
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Wednesday, 12 December 2007 |
Home for the holidays, Hawaii for the holidays or “get out of town” for the holidays. Each one has a certain ring to it, but as any seasoned traveler knows, traveling during the holidays can be a hectic undertaking.
I would like to share a few tips for traveling this winter holiday season to help make your trip as smooth and easy as possible.
Traveling by plane:
1) Call your airline before heading to the airport to verify if your flight is on time.
2) Be sure to check in early. Most airlines suggest two hours prior to flight time for check in. This allows for time at the baggage check-in as well as the security lines. Many airlines now require you to check in at a certain time to avoid being bumped from a flight.
3) Bring proper identification. For domestic flights, that means your driver’s license which must match the name on the airline ticket. If under 18, they say ID is not required but I would suggest a school ID and for the very young, a copy of their birth certificate. For international travel, that means your passport as well as any country issued visas, if required. To fly out of the US (except to Puerto Rico and US Virgin Islands) you must have a passport. As of January 8, 2008, to travel by land or sea to Mexico and Canada you will need to have a passport as well. So if you depart on a cruise Dec 31, but don’t plan on being back until after the deadline date, you will need a passport. Contact the Placer County Recorders office or our US post office on Nevada Street for more information on obtaining a passport.
4) Check with your airline about baggage requirements. The weight limit for most domestic bags can not exceed 50 lbs. per bag or you will be charged for excess weight.
5) If you are taking gifts with you, I suggest not wrapping them until you arrive at your destination. Both checked and carry on bags will be subject to security screening and they may unwrap any gifts you have packed. Better yet, send them ahead of you. Mail & More or UPS can package them up and send them along. US postal service can send packages if you have them ready to go.
6) Don’t lock your checked bag. I know this doesn’t sound safe, but security can and will break locks off if they want to search your luggage. There are special TSA locks that you can use, but I’ve found it best not to bother. If you must take valuables, carry them on the plane with you. Otherwise leave them at home.
7) Did I mention get to the airport early?
You’ve checked in with the airline, checked in your luggage and received your boarding pass.
Now on to the security line drill:
1 ) Only ticketed passengers may go to the boarding gates, so keep your photo ID handy, as it will have to match your boarding pass.
2) Be prepared to take off your coats, shoes, and anything metal prior to going through the security barrier. Laptops and other large computer equip will have to be taken out of your bag and placed in a bin. Recently when I went through security my small items such as the Ipod, PSP and camera just went through the scanner in my bag.
3) They do still have a rule about traveling with liquids in your carry-on. 3 oz containers only, in a quart size ziplock bag. That means you cannot take water through security, but need to buy it on the other side.
Visit the TSA website for more information, www.tsa.gov/travelers/airtravel/simplifly.shtm
4) There will probably be a line, so be patient. Don’t say anything you might regret to the TSA personnel or make comments in line. Take it easy and get through the mess.
5) Once at your gate be sure to listen for announcements regarding your flight. There is always a slight chance they may change your boarding gate or departure time. Also, be sure to keep an eye on your own carry-on.
6) I suggest you bring some reading material, music player, game player or something to
keep yourself occupied. You never know if you may be delayed and need to be kept busy. As
we know, Sacramento often has delays due to fog and other cities may have weather issues.
It is best to be prepared.
Once at your destination:
Make sure you grab everything from the plane seat back and overhead bins. Once at baggage claim, keep an eye on your bags and make sure to check the tags.
For your return, follow the above steps.
Most importantly, have a great trip.
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Shonne Epperly-Elgin has been in the travel industry for the past 29 years. Her favorite itineraries usually include a beach, but she has cultural destinations high on her own travel agenda. She is the current owner of Havalark Travel in the Auburn Town Center. www.havalark.com
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