Updated Holiday Travel Tips

 

A couple of years ago I wrote a well received post with travel tips for the holidays.  Things have changed quite a bit since then so I thought an update/reminder would be great for anyone headed to the airport this week.

Security

• There is a movement on line to refuse scanners on Wednesday and force mass pat downs which will seriously slow down security.  The idea is to cripple the TSA and trigger change.  I don't think people will really do this, just in case, you may want to get to the airport earlier than usual
• You have to take jackets, hats and shoes off still and shoes should go directly on the belt.
• Wear slip-on shoes without laces
• Pick the line without kids (good luck with that this week!) and it should be faster
• Southwest is the busiest airline and most people are sheep in an airport.  This means most will go to the security line nearest the Southwest counters.  Very often, the security lines at the other end of the airport near other airline counters are less crowded.
• Laptops still have to come out of your bag for scanning.
• iPads, netbooks and the new 11" MacBook Air can stay in your bag for scanning.  NOTE:  If there is too much stuff in your bag, they may stop you and re-run it.  So if you're packing a lot in your laptop bag, save yourself some time and just take the devices out for scanning.
• Very early morning flights are substantially cheaper and so they are ALWAYS crowded.  This is why the airport is so crowded at 4:30 am.
• You can refuse the scanners if you don't like the idea of the radiation but that triggers a pat down.   I guess you can look at who's patting people down and decide if you want them touching you - haha!

On The Plane

• I don't care where you are or what time of year it is, airports and airplanes are ALWAYS hot so dress comfortably and wear light clothes.
• Leave your bulky coats at home and opt for a much more travel friendly, thin, NorthFacejacket or pull over.
• Put your laptop bag or purse under the seat in front of you.  Trust me, the extra 2" for your feet is not worth the fight over bin space when bigger carry-ons need to be up there.  Be kind and don't be selfish and force others to check their bag because you want to put your computer bag or coat up there.
• Food is disgusting on the plane and smells awful to anyone not eating it.  Eat that mess before you get on the plane.
• Speaking of food, bring protein bars or mixed nuts and fruit with you instead of eating airportfood.  Other than the random Subway or the salad place at Chicago Midway, there is NOTHING in an airport that you should be eating.
• You will never read all that!  There is never enough time to catch up like you think you will.  Pick a book and a magazine or two.  Paper is heavy and if you are like me, when you get home you will wonder why you thought you'd have time to read all that crap you lugged around.
• Earplugs!  Pack them.

General

• Every airport Starbucks is awful.  Just awful.  Bring, or buy their VIA instant coffee and ask for a cup of water to go with it.  They won't charge for that and it's sooo much better that what they'll make you.
• Need to change clothes in the airport?  Often the family restrooms are open and there is plenty of room in there to change.