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Find Deals
on Air Travel at Expedia.com
Air Travel Tips and Hints
 Ticketing: Although airline ticket prices
keep rising, the ability to shop for competitive prices has really increased in the last few years. Rather than
accept the first quote, you can take advantage of the online options that are available. Expedia and  Travelocity,
for example keep an up-to-the-minute status on the best deals.
Luggage: Even if you only do a minimum
amount of travel, one of your best investments should be in a quality set of luggage. Cheap luggage just doesn't
last--it breaks and gets damaged--and usually is not very adaptable. Gains in luggage design made over the last
few years mean that you can transport a lot more in a single bag than you could in the past.
Seat selection: Try to get your seat
selection and boarding pass as soon as possible. If you are flying in coach and are looking for legroom, the first
row in the coach cabin (the bulkhead row) and the window exit rows offer the most room.
Pre-flight check: Don't wait until the
last minute to pack. If you wait until right before you leave to do your packing, even a minor glitch can
cause you to miss your flight. Leave adequate time for the trip to the airport. Sitting in a lounge waiting for
a flight is no day at the beach, but sitting there after your flight has left is much worse! Prepare for the worst--the
worst traffic, the worst parking congestion at the airport, long lines at the ticket counter and gate.
Checking in at the airport: You generally
have 3 options:
- At the curb. If you are pre-ticketed with boarding passes in hand, being
able to check in curbside is a big time-saver.
- At the ticket counter.
- At the gate. If you have no baggage to check you can present yourself
to the ticket agent at the desk a sufficient time prior to the scheduled departure. If the flight is overbooked
and there is the possibility of being bumped, your chances of staying on the plane are better than those who have
not checked in.
Getting bumped: Depending on your mood,
temperament and schedule, this can either be a blessing or a curse. If your schedule is flexible and you are being
financially compensated by the airline, bumping can be a great money saver. If you are brave, you can ask to be
put on the voluntary bump list. If you have tight connecting flight schedules or simply need to arrive at your
final destination by a specified time, bumping, not matter what the reward, won't make your day!
In flight: Drink plenty of bottled water
(avoid the water in the lavatories at all costs) to combat the desert like air conditions of a modern jetliner.
Move about as much as possible, subject to seat belt warnings. Keep your circulation moving, even if it just means
rubbing your legs. Sitting in the same spot for 6 hours can make even the most athletic body stiff and sore.
Lost luggage: Although less than 5% of
all luggage gets lost (and eventually returned) and a tiny percentage get permanently lost, if it actually happens
to you, the low odds are little consolation. To minimize risks
and problems:
- Make sure there are permanent tags on all your bags. They'll cost you
a few dollars but the paper and stick-on variety are just too easy to lose.
- Have additional ID information inside the bag. This is one that will
prevent your bag from ending up at the dead luggage depot, since there is still a way to connect your luggage to
you, even if all the outside tags end up missing .
- Pack all necessities in a carry-on. This includes medicines, eyeglasses,
important documents and expensive items. See
additional hints on packing.
If your bags are MIA:
- Present yourself immediately to the airline office near the baggage
claim area and fill out a lost bags report. The quicker you can get the process started, the more likely the luggage
will be returned to you in a reasonable amount of time.
- Get vouchers or commitments for immediate necessities--shaving items,
deodorants, toothbrush, toothpaste and the like.
- Make sure the airline will have an easy way to contact you, especially
if you are attending a convention or a meeting that will put you out of the hotel most of the day.
Jet lag: Try to "pre-adjust"
as much as possible--sleep later or rise earlier and retire the same according to the destination time. Adjust
your meal times to match those at your destination. While traveling, drink as much fresh water as possible. Do
not drink alcohol--it only aggravates the condition. Wear loose fitting clothes: they help your circulation.
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