Airline Travel Tips

Airline Travel Tips: Flying Doesn't Always Lead to Disaster

Can you feel your teeth grinding as you imagine flying to your destination? If youare traveling a great distance over the holidays, the last thing you need is a stressful airport experience to start your vacation on the wrong foot. Consider some of the simplest airline travel tips that can alleviate your worries.

1.  Plan ahead for your own sanity. Waiting to the last minute always leaves a great deal of your trip up to happenstance.  Of all of the top travel tips you may find, this is the one piece of advice that will be well worth spending the extra time and effort.  Contact your travel agent to book your vacation in advance as soon as you can manage or go to http://www.standardvacationfinder.com for the best and lowest vacation prices.  Then, you will be able to avoid peak travel dates, get lower airfare, fly direct (or minimize your connections) and fly early or late in the day to avoid the bigger crowds.

2.  Leave at least an extra hour earlier. As you prepare for your vacation, give yourself more time than usual, especially during winter, in order to anticipate the peripheral delays that could occur. Remember to bring some reading material while you wait in the security line or at your departure gate.  In cities with snow or ice, arrival delays can exceed two to three hours and de-icing procedures can take an hour before takeoff.

3.  Pack as light as possible for your vacation travel. Since more airlines are getting stricter on baggage limits and weight allowances, packing less and lighter suitcases could save you money and time.  If you are planning your vacation travel to be with your family and friends, consider shopping online and having your gifts shipped to your destination.  This strategy will help cut down on luggage and minimize the risk of losing any special gifts.

4.  Steer clear of influenza. Winter travel can be a frequent contributor to the cold and flu time of year, adding a miserable element to your winter or vacation travel stress.  Before you leave, visit your doctor's office to get the flu shot or nasal spray flu vaccine.  Most germs will spread by contact, so wash your hands or use a hand sanitizer constantly (SEE MY HEALTH ARTICLE)

5.  Stretch your legs often. If you find yourself in cramped quarters or passing time on long flights, there is the possibility you could develop Deep Vein Thrombosis (DVT), leading to blood clotting in your legs.  So, remember this essential airline travel tip on your next flight — take some time to walk around and stretch your arms and legs once every hour.