How to keep bad weather from ruining your vacation

December 6th, 2007 by Susan - NWA WorldVacations

As the fall and winter travel season approaches, many more of us are likely to get to our destinations via airplane. But if you have not traveled by air lately, you may be surprised that amenities and rules you were accustomed to are no longer in place. Here are some tips to help you and your family prepare for your air travel.

Downsize and check luggage
Try your best to pack light because it will benefit you in so many ways.
· First, it will mean you have less to carry around with you, both in the airport and on your vacation.
· Second, packing light will prevent you from paying extra charges to get your luggage on the airplane (the typical cost is $25 for bags that weigh 50 pounds or more).
· Third, packing light will help you follow the airline’s requirement of two checked bags; most airlines will charge ($80 or more) for a third bag.
· Fourth, put a change of clothes and your most important items (toothbrush, critical toiletries, and medications) in your carry-on, and check the rest.
· Finally, airport security has new rules for carrying on liquids. Be sure to pack all carry on liquids into a 1qt ziplock bag. Keep in mind, all liquids must be in no more than 3oz containers. If you do not need to carry them on, or they are over 3oz, put them into the bag you will check. Also, your water bottle or soda pop that you bought before security, will be taken by security. Buy that bottled drink after you go through security.

Carry-ons
You are allowed two items to bring on-board the aircraft with you, provided there is room: a purse or briefcase and one additional bag. Avoid carrying on too large of bags as the overhead bins can get over packed. Be courteous to your fellow travelers, and follow the airline’s guidelines. A flight attendant might ask you to check your bag if there is a lack of space. NOTE: Most airlines will allow you to still bring extra items like overcoats, umbrellas, walking canes and books, even if they don’t fit in your carry-on bag.

Assigned seats
Once you have booked your airline tickets be sure to choose a seat immediately, or have your travel agent choose your seat as your choices will become limited as your departure date draws near. Many airlines have recently introduced paid seat assignments, so you can pay an extra fee ($15 or so) to sit in certain “preferred” seat on the aisle or in the emergency exit row.

Pack a lunch, a dinner and a snack
Some airlines now sell trail mix, peanuts, and pretzels (sometimes a lunch box depending on the time of day), but you should be sure to carry exact change and small bills. But if your flight encompasses lunch, or dinnertime and you are traveling with two hungry children, plan ahead. Make sure the children have had a meal. Although it can be more costly, buy them a few snacks after security, just to make sure security does not allow some snacks, and takes them away. NOTE: Most airlines still provide beverage service, so you can probably plan on a free soda.

Be prepared, and visit our Before You Go page for more tips before planning your next vacation.

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