Hassles in the Air

HASSLES IN THE AIR
By Laura Quarantiello
® 2003 Tiare Publications Group
(378 words)


Planning some air travel this holiday season? Better bring a book to
read. And get to the airport - e-a-r-l-y!

Although the airline industry isn't back up to its pre-9/11 passenger
load levels, the number of people traveling on the nation's airlines
is increasing, just in time for the holiday season. More people, more
flights equal more airport bottlenecks. That's the theory, anyway.
Due to congressionally-mandated budget cuts for the Transportation
Security Administration there will be fewer security screeners to
staff airport checkpoints. The result may well mean longer lines and
more headaches for passengers traveling over the holidays.

Although the TSA is hiring part-time screeners, transferring
screeners from less busy terminals and opening extra security lanes,
you could still find yourself stuck in full waiting mode! A book or
magazine and a healthy dose of patience will help. You can reduce
your chance of running into delays by following a few simple tips.

Get there early! You've heard the experts say to arrive 90 minutes to
two hours before your scheduled departure time. They're not kidding.
Do yourself a favor and show up early to allow yourself time for
parking, check-in and screening.

Pack smart. If you're carrying gifts on your trip don't wrap them
until after you reach your destination. Security officials may need
to open wrapped presents if they trigger and alarm, and that will
delay you even more. (For more on smart packing see:
http://www.tiare.com/a_packing.htm)

Dress for success. Avoid wearing shoes, clothing, jewelry and
accessories that contain metal. These often set off security devices.
Put metal objects such as jewelry, change, keys, cell phones, pagers
and PDAs in your carry-on bag.

Protect your equipment. Place all undeveloped film and cameras with
film in your carry-on luggage. Put identification tags on all your
bags, especially electronic items such as your laptop computer, PDA
or cell phone.

Remember the 1 + 1 rule: Carry-on baggage is limited to one carry-on
plus one personal item. A personal item can be a purse, small
backpack, brief case, and camera case or laptop computer.

A little pre-planning and a bit of patience should see you through
your trip. Welcome to the holidays, enjoy your visit, and don't
forget to bring a book!

(End)

Laura Quarantiello is the author of several books, including "Air-
ways: The Insider's Guide to Air Travel" û stuff the pros know and
you don't! It's as necessary to your trip as a boarding pass! More
info: http://www.tiare.com/airways.htm