They are not the same thing, and if you don’t pay attention to the difference, you may find yourself on a direct flight from Miami to Seattle with all sorts of stops in between.

Here’s a simple explanation of the difference.

Non-Stop Flight:  You will travel from your Departure City to your Arrival City without any scheduled stops in between.  One take off, one landing, one airplane.  It’s the fastest way to get from one place to another, and often the most expensive.

Direct Flight:  You will travel from your Departure City to your Arrival City on the same flight, but there may be stops between the two.  There may even be a change of planes, although that is not typically the case.  Multiple takes offs, multiple landings, and potentially multiple aircraft.  This is a lengthier way to get from one place to another, and with every stop you increase the chances for delays, cancellations, weather problems, or mechanicals. 

And as a third option, you may be making a Connecting Flight.  You will travel from your Departure City to a Connecting City where you will go to another flight, sometimes another airlines, and get on connecting flight that will take you to your Destination City.  There are lots of factors that go into making a connection, so keep in mind minimum connection time.

Given a choice – I’d always recommend choosing take a direct flight.

Image credit:  SXC

Post from: Fly Away Cafe

I think the ability to research, sleuth out the best and perfect deal, and make reservations yourself is a wonderful thing.  BUT – it also means that you have to take responsibility for those reservations, including the mistakes that you make.

One mistake that I’m seeing on a regular basis, is travelers not allowing sufficient time to make a connection.  This can have unintended consequence that can wind up costing you money.

Here are a few scenarios, and my recommendations on making sure you have enough time to make your connection:

You are traveling domestically on Airline A and are connecting to another domestic flight also on Airline A:

If it’s a large airport, I’d allow no less than 45 minutes.  That gives you time to get off one plane, walk to another gate, and board another.  It has a little built in room in case there’s a small delay.  I’ve seen people do it in 30 minutes, but I’d not take that chance unless it is a very small airport.  Under 30 minutes is just asking for trouble.

You are traveling domestically on Airline A and are connecting to a domestic flight on Airline B:

I’d probably go with 45 minutes unless I knew that the connecting gate areas were at opposite ends of a busy airport.  Then I’d allow an hour.

You have purchased two separate tickets (rather than one) and will need to get to another gate to make that flight:

This is the riskiest scenario of all.  Because you have two different tickets, and if you miss the connection, the second airline will assume you are a no show and will cancel your ticket.  Will you be able to convince them to reinstate it?  Maybe.  Will there be a fee associated with it?  Most likely.  If you are going to take this option, I recommend leaving lots and lots of time to make the connection.  Don’t try to cut it short and find yourself without a flight.  Depending on the airport and the airlines, I’d suggest hours and hours of a cushion.

You are traveling domestically on Airline A and are connecting to an international flight on any carrier:

I’d allow no less than an hour at a smaller airport and 90 minutes at a major hub.  The reason?  You will most likely have to go to the international terminal, and that’s going to take some time.  Depending on the airport, you may have to go back through security (LAX for example).  That means you need to allow for time in line and clearing security.  You also want to make sure there’s time for your bag to make it as well.  And if you’re flight is early and everything goes smoothly, you can use those few extra minutes to browse duty free!

What about an international flight?  Any difference?

You are traveling international inbound to the US on Airline A and are connecting to another US flight.

You will have to go through customs and immigrations inbound to the U.S., and depending on the airport, time of day, and number of other international arrivals, this could take awhile.  You will need to claim your bags and get them checked to your final destination, then clear security again and get to your departure gate.  If you make the trip regularly, and know your airport and its traffic patterns, or are continuing on the same flight number, you will probably do fine with 90 minutes.  If you are not an experienced traveler, are planning on making major purchases abroad, are traveling with children or a large group, or in any way can’t run through an airport if time is tight, I’d recommend allowing 2 hours.

There are, of course, exceptions to all of these recommendations, but these are the guidelines that I personally start with.  If missing a connection has serious repercussions (missing the last flight that gets you in on time for a cruise departure, missing the last flight of the day to Europe, or something like that), I try to take an earlier flight or leave additional time to make my connection.

NOTE: If you don’t have checked bags, and can make an earlier connection, you can always ask your airline to stand-by for the earlier flight.

Image credit:  SXC

Post from: Fly Away Cafe

For many travelers, however, the landing and deplaning process can be just as confusing and challenging as the boarding process.

Here’s the scoop on how the landing process works and some tips that will make it easy for you to get off the plane.  Frequently flyers – pay attention, because you should take some of the suggestions to heart.

• Once the aircraft is on the ground and taxiing into the gate, most airlines allow you to use your cell phone.  What you cannot do, however, is stand up and get it out of the overhead, or unbuckle your seat belt and get it out from beneath your set.  If you’ll want to use it on taxi in, keep the phone handy.  And stay buckled up and in your seat.
• Even though the aircraft is on the ground, it takes awhile to get to a jet way.  The taxi time can change with inclement weather, so a short taxi last time does not necessarily mean a short taxi this time.  Stay in your seat, keep your seatbelt buckled, and leave all your carry on items where they are – which should be properly stowed.  If there’s a wait to get to the jet way Flight Attendants will be making this announcement again, and sometimes  it will come from the Flight Deck as well.  When we can see the end of your seatbelt hanging in the aisle, we know you’re not buckled in.
• Even though the plane stops, you might not be at the gate.  There can be lots of stops and stops before you get to the gate, so just stay in your seat, keep your seatbelt buckled, and leave all your carry on items where they are – which should be properly stowed.  (Are you noticing the theme yet?)
• When the seatbelt sign is finally turned off, it’s okay to unbuckle and start putting on your coat and gathering your items.  Stand up if you’d like to, but know that you’re not going anywhere for a little while longer.  As you move around and get your things, be careful not to bump and bang into other passengers.
• The jet way has to be attached to the plane, or stairs rolled up to the door if there are no jet ways, and that still takes a bit of time.  The front door doesn’t get opened until these are in place, so it’s going to be another couple of minutes before anything more happens.

Finally, though, the door WILL open.  There may be an exchange of arrival paperwork, and then passengers can deplane.  Here’s where it can get a little tricky once again.  Remember the process for boarding – well, think of the deplaning as the same process in reverse.

• Be very careful when taking your bags out of the overhead bins.  You may have heads below the bins and you don’t want to conk someone on the head. 
• First off the plane will be the first class passengers, because they are sitting up front and closest to the door.
• After that, proceeding in an orderly fashion, row by row starting with the row closest to the door, will make things move most quickly.  Let the people in front of you get off rather than trying to climb over them.  This seems like common sense to me, but every day I see people at the back of the plane try to make it off first!
• If you’re going to need a little extra time to gather your stuff and get off, let people behind you go by and wait for a break in traffic.  If you have kids that need longer, this will help them take the time they need and reduce stress for you, them, and the people behind you.
• As you slowly walk forward and off the plane, take a moment and thank your flight crew.  It’s a simple thing, but it will make our day.

You have finally arrived at your destination.  Let go of all your travel stress and forget about all the headaches involved in getting there.  Put on a new attitude, even though you may not feel like it, and be a fun, happy person to be around.

Happy Holidays everyone, and may all your travels be on time!

Photo credit:  SXC

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Post from: Fly Away Cafe

Hopefully, you’ve managed to get through airport security and are patiently awaiting the call for your flight’s departure.

With all that you’ve been through so far, whether it’s general holiday travel stress or exacerbated weather-related travel stress, you’re still going to have to get all your stuff on that airplane.  And that’s easier said than done with all the general crankiness going on out there.

Following a few basic guidelines will help the airplane boarding process go smoother for you and for the people around you. 

It may not seem like it, but there is a process for boarding a flight.  While airlines may vary the process a bit, it won’t be by much.  If everyone follows the process, the right thing happens – that is, everyone gets to their seat, has room to stow their bags, and there’s a minimum of delay.  BUT, when people don’t follow the process, it can become a mess.  It’s just not a good time of year to have this type of mess.

With most airlines, there is an order to how passengers are called for the boarding process.  It will generally be in the following three groups:

1. Pre-Boards. Families traveling with infants and small children, passengers sitting in First Class, and passengers needing a little extra time for boarding. This last category generally means elderly passengers, those who have difficulty with walking, special needs, things like that. It does not mean people cranky people who have been stuck at an airport for days.  Pre-boarding is design to allow people who need time to get settled, without holding up a long line of people adding to stress on both sides.
2. Next comes elite pre-boards.  Yes, it sounds snobbish, but this is the passengers at the premium level of the frequent flyer program.  While they may not be sitting in First Class this trip, their loyalty buys them an early boarding and a little extra time to get settled.
3. Then it’s everyone else in groups.  The agent will start at the back, working forward in groups of rows.

This is where you’ll have the first opportunity to slip up and delay the boarding process – boarding out of turn.

Please board when your group is called.  If not, you will likely be asked to step aside and come back when it is your turn.  Just sit and the gate and watch it happen, and you’ll start shaking your head wondering why people can’t follow directions.  Each time it happens, it adds a few precious seconds to the boarding time.  And remember, the goals is to get everyone on and get going as quickly as possible.

There are enough seats for everybody, and even if there isn’t, it’s not a matter of who gets to the seat first.  And no, there’s probably not enough room for all the bags.  But boarding by turn helps the Flight Attendants onboard make sure that passengers who are seated at the back take their bags to the back.

Once you’re in line for your correct boarding category, have your boarding pass out so you can hand it to the agent.  They’ll need to check it off, scan it, or enter it into the computer, so have it out BEFORE you get to them.  You no longer have to present ID to board, so it’s okay to have that put away.

You still have to stow your bags, so keep reading!

Now some recommendations for stowing your bags:

• Once you finally get on the plane, walk down the aisle until you reach your row.   Carry your bags with caution, as all too often I’ve seen passengers get whacked by a backpack when someone turns around.  Those straps, packages, and rollers can really hurt if you bang into someone.
• Some roller bags are too large to roll down the aisle, so be prepared to carry it. 
• Do NOT stow your bags in the first overhead that you come to.  This is one of the reasons that things go so sideways with carry on bags, and it’s very irritating to hear so-called travel experts tell people to do this.  Doing this makes you part of the problem.  Stow your bags above your seat.  Flight Attendants in the cabin are going to be trying to keep passengers from stowing bags up front, making sure that there’s room for everyone.
• When you get to your row, quickly stow your bag overhead and step out of the main aisle to get settled.  If it’s going to take you a couple of minutes, let the people behind you pass so you don’t hold up the entire line.
• Be prepared to put a bag or package beneath the seat in front of you.  This is your personal stowage area and your are probably going to have to use it.  If you aren’t prepared to use the space in front of you, re-think whether you should be carrying it on.  And yes, I know that there isn’t much leg room if there’s a bag under there.
• If the area above your seat is full, don’t yell at the Flight Attendant about it.  The overheads are to be shared with everyone, and are not for your sole personal stowage.  Another reason why there’s not enough room is that people carry too much on.  It’s not our fault that the overheads fill up.
• Scoot the stuff that you place in the overhead close together.  Lots of gaps in the spacing just means wasted space.  Keep everything neatly packed up there, and you’ll get the most use of the space.
• If you’re putting a roller bag in the overhead, try putting it in perpendicularly to the aisle.  This won’t work in all overhead, but give it a try.  If it doesn’t work the first time, try turning the bag around so that wheels face out.  It won’t work on every plane, but when it does it help saves a lot of space.  Don’t put your bag in parallel unless it won’t fit any other way. 
• The aisles are going to be crowded, meaning that you are going to have to be fairly self-sufficient in stowing your items.  If your bag is too heavy to lift overhead, place it beneath the seat.  You may be able to get some help from the Flight Attendants or from other passengers, if they can get to you, but if you don’t want to throw your back out lifting your bag, why would you ask someone else to.

After your bags are stowed, it’s a matter of buckling up, turning off your electronic gear, and getting ready for take off.

I know that not everyone is going to follow these suggestion, although the boarding process would work a lot better if they would, so just remember that good manners, a polite attitude, and a little common sense will get you through. 

Safe travels everyone – and happy holidays!

Photo credit:  SXC; row of seat, interior of plane

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Post from: Fly Away Cafe

After you check your bags, take a deep breath, queue up, and get ready to wait.  The lines are likely to be long this time of year, but there are things you can do to put that time to good use.  Sure you can chat on your phone or with your traveling companions, but do that after you have everything everything else prepared and ready to go.

Here are my recommendations for breezing through the security process:

• Have your photo ID out of your pocket or purse, and have it tucked together with your boarding pass.  Keep this handy, because you’ll have to present both to the TSA official when you get to the front of the line, and then again when you go through the metal detector.  I’ve mentioned this before, and I’ll keep mentioning as long as I see people stalling the process by waiting till they’re asked for ID.
• Once you’re at the front of the security line, get off your cell phone.  You need to pay attention to where you’re sent, get your things into bins and bags on the conveyor belt.  In other words, you’re going to need both hands free.
• Once you get in the line to go through the metal detector, start getting ready.  Remove your shoes and jacket, and place them in a bin – again BEFORE you get to the front of the line.  Cell phones and iPods, too.  Ditto for the change in your pockets or any other metal your might have – though why you haven’t packed this away is beyond me!  All this goes is a bin.
• Remove your 3-1-1 liquids and gel bag and put it into a bag as well.  This can go with your jacket and shoes.  If you haven’t removed them, your bags will be inspected and items removed.  If your liquids are too large they will be confiscated or you will be directed to check your bags.  Don’t waste your time, and everyone else’s, by not following the regulations.  (I see this happen EVERY SINGLE DAY and can’t figure out why people won’t comply.)
• Remove your laptop and other large electronic items from your bag and put them into a SEPARATE bin. 

Much of this can be done before you are at the front of the line, but realizing you can’t remove everything, just be ready when it’s your turn.  Know where everything is so you don’t have to fumble around causing delays for everyone behind you.

If there are crew members or airport employees, they will be in a special line and likely directed to the front of the line in a sanctioned “cutting in line.”  Some airports have dedicated lines for employees, but most now just put everyone through the same lines, sending employees to the front.  If you have employees “cut” in front of you, don’t become hostile or aggressive.  TSA is on alert for any aggressive behavior, and when it’s directed to a crew member it’s likely to cause even more concern.  We’ll be fast and get through as quickly as we can so you can have your turn.

• Once you get a little closer to the front of the line for the conveyor belt, place your luggage, carry on, purse, packages, etc. directly onto the belt.  These do not need to be in a bin.  Do not carry anything to the x-ray scan, except your boarding pass and ID.
• If, despite all your planning and efforts, you are having problems getting everything together and on the security belt, motion to the person behind you to go ahead.  It’s just good manners to keep the line moving.
• After all your bags and stuff is on the conveyor belt, step aside and stand inline to walk through the metal detector.  Line up and walk through AFTER you have been motioned to do so.

But what if the metal detector goes off?  Now what?  Keep reading to find more tips on getting through security.

Hopefully, by following all previous suggestion, you’ll walk through the door frame and keep on walking.  But if the alarm goes off, stop and return to the front side of the door frame. 

• TSA officials will have you check your pockets to see if you’ve forgotten anything.  Step aside from the line to do this, letting people behind you pass through.
• If you’ve forgotten something in your pocket, place it in a bin and send it on through on the conveyor.  People will be irritated with you.  They’ll wonder why you thought you could get through with the bag of quarters from the slot machine jackpot you won.  Deal with it in a way that allows other people to get through and you’ll save a little face.

Sometimes, though, you really have done everything right and the metal detector still goes off.  Don’t get angry, just be prepared for a hand wand screen and a pat down by the TSA.  Try to keep a positive attitude about this.  It sucks.  I know.  Certain pieces of my uniform do this too, so I know how it feels.  You can’t change it at that point in your travels, so just change your attitude about it and you’ll have a more pleasant experience.

It’s still not over yet, and there’s much you have left to do.

• Once through the metal detector, slide your bags down to the end of the conveyor belt.  You can put your shoes on there – out of the way of other people trying to come through behind you – as well as lift up your bags and get everything back together.  Keep aware of your environment, and don’t block people behind you.  If you need extra time, that’s not a problem, just stand to one side so others can pass.
• As you pick up your things, stack up the empty bins.  If you don’t they’ll just start bunching up and nothing else will get through.  This part of the process is about paying it forward since it helps the people behind you.  Do it!

That’s it – you’re finally through and ready to head to your departure gate!  Safe travels!

Photo credit:  wikimedia, conveyor belt; metal detector

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Post from: Fly Away Cafe

It doesn’t seem like I should have to spell this out, but most every day that I fly someone mentions packing one of these items in their checked bagged.  Usually, it doesn’t present a problem, but DON’T PACK THESE ITEMS IN YOUR CHECKED LUGGAGE!

1. Itinerary.  Keep a copy of your itinerary in your checked bag, but make sure that you have a copy with you as well.  If your bag does go missing, you’ll need to know what reservations you have, confirmation numbers, phone numbers, etc.  I keep my itinerary on my phone and computer as well, but have it on paper as well. 
2. Ticket.  People actually pack these away, and I want to scream WHAT WERE YOU THINKING?  Take all tickets with you, from plane and rail tickets to admission and concert tickets.  Treat these like cash.
3. Money.  And while we’re on the subject of cash, why anyone would pack money is beyond me.  This goes for any form of cash, too – credit cards, travelers checks, bearer bonds, whatever!  Keep it with you!
4. Identification.  You need it to get through security, but make sure that you don’t send any with your checked bags.  If it’s lost or stolen, don’t given anyone additional information that could lead to identity theft.
5. Jewelry.  A few months ago, I saw a woman with a bag too large to fit in the overhead bin refuse to give up her back to be check because it had all her jewelry in it.  Good move.  But a better move would have been to pack it all in a carry on that would actually fit on the plane.  When she took out all her jewelry there was so much that she had to put it in a large shopping bag.  Think twice about packing that much of the good stuff, even when it’s in your carry on, as you may be making yourself on a target for theft.
6. Fragile items.  Glassware, antiques, and other expensive goo-gaws should be in your carry ons.  If they’re too large to carry on, you should arrange to have them packed properly and shipped.  But don’t trust their safety to the baggage handlers.
7. Camera gear.  If you are traveling with a large amount of professional gear, you already know how to pack it for transport.  You may decide to check it, or you may decide to use one of the shipping services that will have it waiting for you at your destination.  For the rest of us, don’t pack your gear or film away.  Why trust your precious memories to someone else.
8. Perishables.  Food should go with you.  Mayo gone bad or a rotting piece of fruit is going to stink up the joint.  Don’t let it stink up your clothes.
9. Medication.  This falls within an exception to the 3-1-1 liquid rule (check the TSA website for more details).  If your bags are delayed or lost, you won’t want to be caught without medications that you need.  If you must travel with large amounts of medications, consider shipping them ahead to your destination, or arranging to have prescriptions filled on the road.
10. Keys.  You’ll want to be able to get into your car or into your house if your bags are delayed.  And you certainly wouldn’t want your house keys falling into the hands of a thief.

The above items are the MUST go in carry on list!

But be sure to save room for some items that will make the flight a little more enjoyable – reading material, a few toiletries, a bathing suit or lightweight change of clothes, iPod, snacks, and games or toys for the kids.

Image credit:  SXC

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Post from: Fly Away Cafe

While most of the time I carry on my bags, when I’m traveling for an extended stay, I usually check my bags.  I don’t want to lug them through the airport, carrying them up and down stairs, and I don’t want to have to worry about the 3-1-1 liquid and gel rule.

If you are traveling with small children or lots of bags or other stuff, checking your bags is the way to go.

The resistance to checking bags seem to center on two issues. 

People don’t want to wait in baggage claim for a long time.  I used to think this, too.  And then I looked at my watch and really timed how long it took for my bags to arrive.  It’s really only 5-10 minutes.  And that time is more than worth it to me to not have to drag everything around through the countless airports.

The other complaint is that no one wants their bags lost.  Despite lots of hair raising tales about bags going missing, and the horrible statistics on lost bags, I have never had a bag get lost.  I’m not saying that it doesn’t happen; I’m saying that you can take precautions to make sure that it doesn’t happen to YOU.

So today I share with you my 10 tips for making sure that your checked bags arrive when where you do:

1. It starts with packing — make sure that your bag is in good shape, no rips or broken zippers, and that it is sturdy enough to withstand the journey.  It doesn’t do any good for your bag to arrive in a timely, only to be split apart because a small tear became a large one.
2. Put a bag tag on the outside of your suitcase.  I use something brightly colored, to make my standard issue black bag a little more noticeable on the luggage carousel.  In fact, I usually use two bag tags, although I’m not really certain why I do that.  On the bag tags, I list a home, business, and cell phone, so there are lots of ways to find me.  Another option is brightly colored tape or decals placed on the bag.  And, there are more and more bright fashion colored luggage, so you don’t have to join the traveling crowd with boring black luggage.
3. Put a copy of your itinerary, along with your name, address, home phone, cell phone, and email, on the inside of the bag.  I usually place everything into an envelope and pin the envelope to a pocket of the bag.  I tape an additional business card on the outside.  If my bag goes missing, along with the exterior bag tags, the airlines can still find me.
4. If you check your bag with a curbside porter, make sure that the city code on the tag is the city code of your final destination.  (Which means that you need to know your airport codes.)  If you’re on a non-stop flight, this usually isn’t a problem, but occasionally, if you’re making a connecting flight, your connecting airport can inadvertently be tagged as your final destination.  Double check!
5. If you are checking your bags with a porter, tip them.  I know that you shouldn’t have to, especially now that there is a charge for curbside check in, but I do it and chalk it up to putting good travel-karma out into the world.
6. If you are checking your bags with a ticket agent at the airline counter, make sure that the tags match up, and make sure that in the crush of people in line, that the tags get on your bags rather than the person’s bag in the line next to you.  At peak travel times there can be lots of pushing and jostling, so don’t lose sight of your bags till they are correctly tagged.
7. Upon arrival at your destination, head off to baggage claim in an orderly fashion.  If you need to stop by and use the restroom, do so.  There’s nothing worse than people in the baggage claim area being grouchy because they have to go to the bathroom. 
8. Find the carousel where you bags will be arriving.  Don’t push your way to the front of the offloading area.  If you don’t know where the offloading area is, just look around.  It’s the area where everyone is pushing and shoving.  Why put yourself through that stress?  Just find a spot somewhere along the carousel, and let everyone else get stressed out over being first.  I usually pick a spot where no one is standing, and let the bags come to me.
9. When the bags start rolling by, you’ll be able to quickly spot yours because you put that brightly colored bag tag on it.  Lift it off the carousel and check to make sure that it is really yours.  If you are waiting for another bag, make sure that you don’t block access to the carousel area with your already claimed bag.
10. Keep your bag claim checks handy as you leave the baggage claim area.  Some airports still match them up.

That’s all there is to it.  Do what you can do, make sure that the people you can influence do what they’re supposed to do, and add in some good manners along the way.  Maybe you’ll find that checking your bags isn’t so horrible after all!

Do you have a tip for checking your bag and making sure it goes where you do?  Share it in the comments!

Image credit:  SXC

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Post from: Fly Away Cafe

Today, I tackle the the planning and packing that will help you comply with the liquid and gel restriction, and make getting through airport security a breeze.

Let’s be honest, the big headache at the airport is getting through security.  It’s time consuming, the rules seem to be continually changing, and there are different procedures in nearly every airport you transit.  Is it any wonder that the security process is one of the most stressful parts of travel?!

The best way to get through airport security is to plan ahead and be prepared.  Preparation and planning starts at home, from the things you pack to what you wear, so before you ever walk out the door read and remember these tips:

1. Don’t wear metal – wear something that will get through security easily.  Leave the big brass belt buckle in a bag, because trust me, it is not going to make it through the security.  The same goes for heavy metal jewelry, hair decorations, chains on your belt loops, etc.  I’m not saying that you can’t wear these items, but I am saying don’t try to get through security wear them.  Pack them away and put them on AFTER you’ve cleared the metal detector.  Remember, if you have to stop and take off all this in the security line, it’s going to take longer for you to get through, and it will hold up everyone behind you.  Don’t be that person!
2. Wear a coat that’s  easy to slip off.  Same goes for your jacket, sweater, or other outerwear.  If you’re going to keep it on while you’re waiting in line, you want something easy to remove as you get to the front of the line.  Again, remove it in advance – BEFORE you get to the security belt.  If you’re going to carry your jacket and put it on AFTER you get through security, it probably doesn’t matter.  Think about which option applies to you.
3. Wear shoes that are easy to remove.  You are going to have to remove them to go through security and then put them back on on the other side.  (More about the etiquette of this in a future post.)  Taking off and putting on boots and other complicated shoes, no matter how attractive, is a time waster.  I wear simple slip on shoes that are on and off in a flash.
4. Remember the 3-1-1 rule.  3 ounces maximum sized containers in 1 clear plastic zip bag, for each person.  That is all the liquids and gels that you are permitted in your carry on luggage.  If you have more than that, or larger sizes, place them in your checked luggage.  There are some limited exemptions from this rule (e.g., for medications, breast milk), so if you have special needs you can check the TSA website for specifics.
5. Think about what’s a liquid or gel.  It’s not just bottles of water and shaving cream.  It’s also hairspray, toothpaste, deodorant, mascara, lipstick, cheese spread, and more.  Take a closer look at this liquid and gel list for more examples.
6. Put all your liquids in a clear bag.  There are lots of attractive containers and packing for gel and liquid items, many approved for use by the TSA.  I’ve used them, but on occasion have been confronted by an overly zealous TSA official who has dumped everything out of my clear travel bag into a Ziploc bag.  Using a particular brand of clear bag is not a legitimate function of the TSA.  However, if you want to get through and on your way you should just comply for the moment, and then write a letter of complaint later.  Comply now, complain later is a good rule of thumb. 
7. Place your liquids bag where it is easy to get to it.  Since you’ll have to remove you bag of liquids to go through security, make sure you’ve packed it where you can get to it easily.  Don’t waste time unpacking your entire bag just to get to the liquids.  Pack it last and on top, making it quicker for you to get to.
8. Pack your laptop where it’s easy to remove.  It’s not just liquids and gels that have to be removed.  You will have to remove your laptop and place it in a big to go through the security screen.  Have it handy, so that you can remove it without unpacking your entire bag.

Now that you’re dressed simply, and have your items packed so that they are easily accessible, your ready to head off the airport and tackle that security line!

Image credit:  SXC

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Post from: Fly Away Cafe

While you can get away with being fashionably late to your office or party or neighborhood gift exchange, airport counters and security lines are not that forgiving. This will be a busy travel season, despite the recession, and if you’re one of the ones who’ll be flying it’s time now to start planning on how you’ll be getting to the airport.

As you’re making plans, remember to leave plenty of time to get to the airport, and make sure you take into account heavier traffic, less parking places, and longer security lines. 

Here are some options on how you can get to the airport.  Pick one that is economical – both in price and in stress level!

• Drive yourself and park at the terminal. Depending on where you live and the traffic patterns, this could take a fair amount of commute time. Additionally, terminal parking is generally the most expensive parking option, with prices in many airports nearing $30/day.  Sure, you have the convenience of complete control over your schedule, but compute the driving cost, parking cost, and time factor and see if this is really the right choice.
• Drive yourself and park off-site. Again, you have to deal with the traffic and commuting issue, but at least parking off-site saves a bit of money. Allow plenty of time to not only get to the parking lot, but also to get from the parking lot to the airport. The farther away the lot, the cheaper it will be.  Lots close to the airports are running around $15/day, and further away around $10/day.  If your off-site lot of choice accepts them, make a parking reservations to avoid finding the lot full on your travel day.
• Take a cab to the airport. You still have the traffic and commute to deal with, but you don’t have the headache of managing it.  The cab can take advantage of HOV or commuter lanes, and at most airports can drop you curbside at your airline ticket counter.  You can make a pick up reservation a few days in advance, and most accept credit cards.  This can be expensive for a short trip, but do the math and find out what you’ll save on parking.
• Use a car service. Although not available in all cities, I’ve found a car service to be more reliable than a taxi service when it comes to a timely pick up. Cars are clean and comfortable, and comparably priced to a taxi.  This is the option I use when I’ll be gone for any length of time.  During the holidays, I’d recommend making a reservation at least a week in advance.
• Shared van service. There are a variety of companies that provide these services, combining several pick ups in one shuttle. Because these are shared rides, it will take more time to get to the airport as you’ll make a couple stops, but you’ll also save some money.  The pricing is per person, rather than per trip, so if there are two or more of you traveling together, it’s probably more cost efficient to use a taxi or car service rather than to use a shared service.
• Stay at an airport hotel that offers parking in addition to the room.  For the price or a room, you can stay close by and take the hotel shuttle to the airport. If you live a ways away from the airport, this is a great option if you have an early morning flight.  The price of the room may offset the price of parking, and with some planning you can avoid peak traffic times.  There may be limits on how many days you can park free, so check to make sure than any limits meet your travel schedule.
• Public transportation. Depending on where you live this could be a subway, train or a bus. It’s cheap, it’s green, and it is relatively fast.  Unfortunately, this is not a viable option from my home, but it is in many major cities.  If you’re traveling with kids, remember that you’ll have to juggle your luggage and theirs, so think about  the additional stress this may place on you.
• Have a friend or family member drive you. This is probably my least favorite alternative, because you really are pushing your schedule and commute time onto someone else.  There are ways to avoid putting your travel stress on someone else, and that is always my first choice.  In considering this option, remember that you’ll need to bring home a gift or treat your chauffeur in some way, so it may be cheaper to consider another arrangement.

This time of year, I recommend planning to arrive at the airport at least two hours ahead of your scheduled departure for a domestic flight and three hours for an international flight.  That gives you plenty leeway for a few things to go wrong without disrupting or ruining the entirety of your travel plans.

Frequent travelers most likely know what’s the best way to travel to the airport, but it’s something that the infrequent travel often forgets. Planning ahead will not only make things less stressful, but will also help to make sure that you aren’t rushing around on the day of your flight.

Photo credit:  SXC

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Post from: Fly Away Cafe

One complaint that I hear is the people are forever having to show identification.  When you check your bags, when you check in for your flight, when you’re queuing up in the security line, and then again after you pass through security. 

Here’s what the TSA has to say about why all those ID checks are necessary:

Post from: Fly Away Cafe