Comments on: 7 Tips for Easier Air Travel During the Holidays

By: Empress Juju

Empress Juju — Wed, 04 Feb 2009 21:03:08 +0000

Planes WILL leave without you when you are at the gate (ask me how I know this :(…). I try to get on when they call my group number for boarding, but I never rush to be at the front of that line.

On flights without assigned seats, I go back to just behind the wing, so I’m not one of the people blocking the aisle while others are boarding.

If you can travel ultra-light, it’s worth checking online for the under-seat carry-on measurements, so you don’t even need to angle for bin-space!

By: mapgirl

mapgirl — Thu, 29 Jan 2009 05:11:16 +0000

Where are these clueless people who let their laptops get stolen? Sorry, but every airport I’ve been in doesn’t really let this happen, esp now that TSA has tightened access past the security gate. After my condo and my car, the laptop I carry is probably the most expensive thing I own. (And right now it’s work-issued so it’s not even mine.)

I wear boots all the time on planes. The trick is to have some socks on so you don’t have icky barefeet on the ground. (LVS is disgusting that way. Too many peeps in sandals. I’ll take close-toed shoes and socks in and out of McCarran, thanks.)

The other trick here IS PAY ATTENTION TO THE TSA ANNOUNCEMENTS THAT TELL YOU WHAT TO TO DO. I like to get some value out of my freakin’ tax dollars. Perhaps I am tetchy about this having worked for that particular three-letter agency, but the signs are informative if you listen to them. (Although I admit, they could translate them into more languages. Flying out of international terminal at IAD has one too many tearful foreign goodbyes that make me roll my eyes. Let’s get a move on people. I have somewhere to go…Sorry you haven’t seen them in 20 years, but you really do have to let them stop holding up the queue and get on the plane.)

eek. I’ll stop now since this is turning into a travel rant.

By: Cap

Cap — Wed, 31 Dec 2008 22:52:56 +0000

LarryB: You have definitely flown plenty more than me, so perhaps its a regional thing I experienced. You’re right though that they’ve extensively reduced schedules in many parts to cut cost and expenses. If anyone has a carry-on that needs overhead bin space (especially if its an awkward space luggage), definitely board ASAP so you don’t have to deal with bag being checked in at gate.

Which reminds me that I should add sensible luggage to the list of tips.

By: LarryB

LarryB — Mon, 29 Dec 2008 21:11:13 +0000

These days, virtually ALL flights are full due to reduced schedules. (I’ve been on just short of 50 flights this year, so I’ve got first-hand experience.) With a carry-on that needs bin space, I always board as soon as I can to avoid having my bag gate-checked.

By: Dawn H.

Dawn H. — Thu, 11 Dec 2008 15:46:11 +0000

Don’t let your guard down while at the airport. There have been reports of scammers who try to rip off people who carry laptops with them when they put it through the metal detector.

You can read about details of the scam in yesterday’s blog on the site I write for, http://www.creditfyi.com

By: Dawn

Dawn — Wed, 10 Dec 2008 15:39:48 +0000

I agree with Cap, a lot of times people want to travel dressed like they are going for a night on the town or something. Hair done up, women wearing high heels and tight clothes.
Stay practical ladies

By: Cap

Cap — Tue, 09 Dec 2008 17:32:42 +0000

Great tip Dee, thanks for sharing. I should have included dress for comfort and dress for practicality at the airport. I’ve seen people that have so much accessories that they’re practically a walking jewelry stores. Eesh.

By: Dee

Dee — Tue, 09 Dec 2008 08:42:33 +0000

8. Do not wear elaborate outfits that you are just going to have to take off at the security checkpoint.

This includes tightly-tied tennis shoes, multiple belts, layered jackets, boots, etc.

(longtime reader)