By
Erik Hastings

Be a part of the solution; reschedule all non-essential air travel for the next few days. Airports (and airlines) are dealing with new TSA restrictions and added holiday volume of travelers, so if you don’t have to fly, then don’t. At the same time, I hope airlines get with the program and let us change our flights to ease congestion, without charging us.

You may find this hard to believe, but this recent terror plot that was foiled on board a Delta/Northwest flight is a GOOD thing for the flying public! Here’s why: This incident shines a very bright light on airport screening of passengers, carry-on and checked luggage and cargo on passenger airliners. The reality is, not EVERY person is thoroughly screened. Not EVERY carry-on is checked for bomb-making materials and not EVERY piece of checked luggage is checked for explosives.

According to the Transportation Security Administration (TSA) we will see additional security at the screening checkpoints and may have more rules on board commercial aircraft. No blankets on our laps in the last hour of flight. No potty breaks one hour before landing, higher level of screening before boarding, etc. The bottom line is these new rules will change as we continue to play this ugly cat and mouse game with the ones who want to blow us out of the sky.

So here’s a thought. Why not kick some SERIOUS money to airport screening and overhaul the current retro-fitted rinky-dink dog and pony show. I’m talking about full body scans (yes the ones where the screeners see everything!) and put an Air Marshall on every flight. Expensive? Yes! Effective….I have a feeling these measures will eliminate air terror.  Then the terrorists can focus on other ways to disrupt our lives.

On your next trip to the airport, pack less, arrive early, keep calm, stay alert, be nice, remember who started all this (the terrorists not the airlines) and keep smiling.

Be strong my flying friends, and say a little thank you prayer for those brave folks who prevented this piece of garbage from killing 250 people the other day!

By
Erik Hastings



The holiday travel season is upon us and now more than ever, we need to be aware of our behavior and be a part of the solution (not the problem) when traveling this year. Not to sound preachy, but this is go time people! This is what we practice for. Lots of flights, lots of people, lots of children, lots of luggage, smaller planes, delayed flights, crowded airports, weather delays, and you can be a help or a hindrance. Generally speaking, you need to plan for the worst and be hopeful for the best. The following list is a general guideline for domestic travel within the country of your primary residence. If traveling internationally over the holidays, pay extra attention to passports, ID's and currency. And, don't leave one of your children behind like they did in the movie Home Alone. Here's a little advice to be a model traveler.

Why Bother?
At all times, remember why you are traveling. Chances are you are traveling over the busiest travel period to be with family and/or friends. Whatever the reason, remember it. Nobody is FORCING you to travel over the holidays (and if they are, seek some professional help 'cuz that's not healthy).

Confirm Your Itinerary
Car rental, flight, hotel. These are the biggies. A few days before your scheduled travel day, call the companies and make sure your itinerary details are correct. Be particular about the correct spelling of your traveler's first and last names (this is essential for getting through security). All names must match EXACTLY as your ID.

Passport
I usually use my passport as my ID on all trips (even within the US). I do this because it is universally accepted form of ID and because TSA screeners can easily check them. No matter where I am in the world, my passport is the best way to identify myself.

Print Out Documents
If you got a confirmation email, print it out and put it in a "travel day" folder that you will be bringing with you. If you didn't get a confirmation email, get a verbal confirmation (over the phone) and write down the record locator number. All details must be included about the particular company. Address of hotel, direct phone number, etc.

Pack Responsibly
This is a careful balance of need vs. want. Remember, some airlines (most actually) will charge you to check luggage. Consider the ramifications of checking your suitcases. Pack light and for function on your trip. No more than two pairs of shoes, (the heaviest you need to wear on your travel day), etc. Weigh your checked luggage at home. All airlines have a weight restriction. Keep your bags as light as possible not just to avoid a fee, but remember, you are going to have to drag it around. A good rule of thumb is to only pack what you can COMFORTABLY carry without assistance.

24 Hours
24 hours before your departure time is a critical part of the travel day timeline that is often overlooked. This day is where you can solve potentially time-crippling issues like getting the car serviced, filling up the tires, filling the gas tank, etc. Also, this is the time to look over your "before I leave the house" checklist. The night before travel day, I place all critical items directly ON my packed suitcase. Wallet, passport, travel folder, etc.

If Flying, Check In Online
Most airlines allow you to check in up to 24 hours in advance of your departure and I highly recommend doing so. This is where you can pick your seats (perhaps get an upgrade) or an exit row (for more leg room) and print out your boarding pass.

Carry On
I get bored on planes because I usually can't sleep. So I always bring the following: a small snack (protein bar or nuts), breath mints and gum (for both me and sometimes my seat mate), a newspaper or magazine, my IPod (with a movie on it), and a pad of paper and a pen. After I get through security, I buy a bottle of water.

Car Service
Weigh your options carefully on how you're going to get to and from the airport. This is not the best time to rely on ANYONE else to drive you to the airport. Either drive yourself and park it in long term (and maybe have a friend come pick it up later in the day) or get a car service. A little piece of mind goes a long way when you hire a professional driver on your travel day.

Leave Early
if you are driving, consider the traffic patterns of both your departure and arrival destinations. Try not to be part of the crowd. If you are flying, arrive AT LEAST 90 minutes prior to your departure time for domestic and 3 hours prior for an international flight.

TSA
Going through security is so much easier if you don't pack liquids in your carry-on; avoid them if you can. Shoes go directly on the belt, laptops go in a separate bin (by themselves) and you must take off your coat or bulky sweater. Keep your boarding pass and ID out and available through security until AFTER the metal detector. Slip on shoes are helpful but no bare feet...think of the germs on that floor...gross.

Flight Delay-Factors
Number One reason for a flight delay? Weather. Mother nature can really screw up the holidays; it is one of the biggest issues for airlines. Stay calm and remember why you are bothering to fly today. Mechanical issues is another reason why a flight can be delayed. Remember, finding a mechanical issue BEFORE the plane takes off is a GOOD THING. Be patient for mechanical delays. And finally, scheduling of arriving crew and airplanes can get a bit tricky so again, be patient and read your newspaper. :-)

Be Happy
Keep your cool and spread the positive smiley love! Ticket agents, flight attendants and your fellow travelers will notice and appreciate your positive attitude.

Have a safe and happy holiday travel season!

By
Erik Hastings






Ahhhh, holiday gift-giving time once again! Over the past year, we've been talking with travel product providers to find out the latest travel gift-giving ideas and we've come up with a few suggestions.

Of course, giving the gift of travel is an ideal way to motivate someone else to experience the potentially life-changing power of travel. By doing your part, you can feel good about knowing you did more than just give them a trinket. By the same token, by clciking the links below (or any of the links on our Shop For Travel Page) you are directly supporting Erik's positive travel mission.

An Expedia Gift Card
Expedia.com is the largest online travel agency in the United States. It fulfills millions of airline tickets, cruises, vacation packages, car rentals and hotel rooms every year. Book a flight or vacation package on Expedia, get a $200 coupon for future package purchase! - Expires 12/31/09. To see offers from other OTA's, click on our Shop For Travel Page.

How about Luggage?
We all know good luggage is priceless, but that doesn't mean you need to spend an arm and a leg. The folks at Luggageguru.com have a wide range of products to choose from.10% off on all products at luggageguru.com with coupon "cjcoup10"

A Night At A Bed And Breakfast
BedandBreakfast.com has made it easy to purchase a gift card good for thousands of certified B&B's nationwide. Sometimes, staying at a B&B with a personal touch is just what your giftee needs! Give the Gift of Adventure with BedandBreakfast.com Getaway Gift Cards

Southwest Airlines Vacations
Did you know that one of this country's leading low cost airlines has an entire vacation department? It's true! Soup to nuts you can book a vacation deal with Southwest Airlines and save big time! Check out Southwest Airlines Vacations' destinations. Find affordable air/hotel packages to exciting destinations from coast to coast.

A Lonely Planet Guide Book
Lonely Planet guidebooks have been an industry standard for over thirty years. They travel all over the world and report back their findings in their destination guides to help you make informed travel decisions. Save 10% off your next purchase at Lonely Planet! Use coupon code: CJCOUPON10

Of course, this is just the tip of the iceberg. To see more travel gift-giving ideas, click on the Shop For Travel tab at the top of the page.

Happy Holidays!

By
Erik Hastings

 

 

 

 

So, here's the deal - paying a fee to check your bag on a domestic carrier for a domestic flight is here to stay. While we can all spend time ringing our hands about whether or not these fees are good or bad for consumers or airlines, I thought our time would be better spent chatting about how to navigate through the fees on your next trip. See The List of Fees

1 Bag, 2 Bag... Red Bag, Blue Bag
With few exceptions, most domestic airlines charge a 10 to 20 dollar fee to check your first bag on domestic flights in the coach cabin.The charge for the second bag is generally the same and often more than the first. The easiest way to avoid a second bag fee is to be judicious about your packing and only check one bag. Some will argue that you should only bring carry-on luggage, but for some trips this is just unrealistic and let's face it, airlines rarely lose luggage any more.

The 3rd Bag
NEVER check a third bag is a general guideline. Here's why: the fees can be as much as 100 bucks or even more! If you absolutely have to take THAT much stuff, either be prepared to pay the airline these hefty fees or consider shipping items to your destination...or perhaps you should just stay home and have a garage sale to sell some of your excess stuff.

Your Carry-On Luggage
You should pack a carry-on bag plus your purse or a small briefcase; a rolling piece of carry-on luggage is preferable because you may be doing more walking than you think at the airports. Your carry-on should contain (at the very minimum) a complete change of clothes, a pair of shoes and other heavier items. Be mindful of the TSA rules about what you can (and cannot) bring on board a commercial aircraft. Pack only items in your rolling bag that you DO NOT need during the flight. Place this bag in the overhead compartment. Your briefcase (or purse) should be placed on the floor in front of you; this should contain all of your valuable items. On a side note, keep your passport and credit cards/cash safe and secure at all times; ideally on your person until you are safe at your destination.

One Way or Round Trip?
During trip preparation, be mindful that some airlines will charge you separately for both directions of the flight. This can add up quickly so pay close attention to these fees at the time you book the ticket.

Online Check In
You can also often save on fees by checking in and/or checking your bags online before you even leave for the airport.

No Fees!
First class passengers usually are not subject to checked bag fees. Also, persons with certain status levels do not pay baggage fees (i.e. members clubs). If you are flying coach internationally on US carriers, you usually do not have to pay baggage fees.

Weight Limit
Just like in life, watch your weight.  That is, the weight of your checked bags. Airlines have no problem charging you an additional fee for an overweight bag. if you think you're getting close to the maximum per bag weight, weigh them at home and try to divide weight evenly. Each airline has different weight limits depending on how far you are going.

Prized Possessions
Checking unusual items (golf clubs, skis etc.) or live animals (Fido or Fluffy) can also be the subject to an additional fee.

Gate checking
Checking your bag at the gate to avoid a baggage fee is not a good idea. If they haven't already, the airlines will eventually figure out this scam and will undoubtedly charge you for this.

All in all, it is annoying that the airlines are charging us to bring our stuff on vacation but unless the airlines figure out new revenue models, the fees are here to stay.  Let's just hope these fees remind all of us to pack a little less, ship any items we don't really need in our possession, and have a great trip!