| Are you planning a holiday or business trip abroad? | | | | Be sure you know how to operate your laptop |
| You will probably be flying for at least part of the | | | | computer, digital camera, portable audio player, PDA, |
| journey. Read the helpful tips in this article - and the | | | | etc. Security personnel may ask you to demonstrate |
| others in the series - to ensure that your experience | | | | electronic equipment. This will ensure that it does not |
| is more enjoyable (and possibly cheaper). | | | | harbor anything considered a threat to passenger |
| Flights are cancelled; it is an unpleasant fact. Before | | | | safety. |
| you head to the airport, make sure you have the | | | | Before you drive to the airport, call ahead to see if |
| airline reservations number written down or | | | | your flight is on time. You might be able to save |
| programmed into your cell phone. If the airline cancels | | | | hours in the air terminal waiting for a plane that will |
| your flight, you can calmly use your cell phone or | | | | be late. |
| head to the nearest pay phone and make an | | | | Some airlines will give you partial refunds or other |
| alternate reservation - while avoiding the stampede | | | | compensation if your flight has a considerable delay. |
| to the ticket counter. | | | | Be sure to ask. The noisy wheel gets the grease! |
| Noise-cancelling headphones are great for reducing | | | | If you need to use your laptop computer onboard, |
| cabin noise. You can turn them on and use them | | | | pick up an AC/auto/air adapter. It will allow you to |
| even when not listening to music, audio books, or | | | | plug into the aircraft's (or your vehicle's) 12-volt |
| movies. Another option is to buy cheap disposable | | | | auxiliary port. |
| earplugs - available at most pharmacies and | | | | If you ask the airline to classify your luggage as |
| department stores. | | | | 'fragile' it will be among the first to come out on the |
| Make sure you pack a change of clothes and | | | | baggage carousel and will generally be placed on top |
| essentials such as toothbrush and razor in your | | | | of other luggage. Note the word 'generally'. Nothing is |
| carry-on. If the airline loses your luggage, you will be | | | | set in stone. |
| able to cope. | | | | An inflatable travel pillow can save your neck if you |
| Never place anything like expensive jewelry or | | | | plan to nap on the plane. It will not take up much |
| irreplaceable items in your checked luggage. Pack | | | | room in your carry-on, and inflates quickly. You will |
| them in your carry-on or leave them at home. | | | | arrive at your destination without annoying muscle |
| Booking a flight midweek, for both destination and | | | | aches in your shoulders, neck, and upper back. |
| return flights, can save you money on tickets. You | | | | In the rush to prepare for your trip, do not forget to |
| will also avoid the crowds, which are especially heavy | | | | keep hydrated. Drink extra liquids for a couple of |
| during holiday weekends. | | | | days before you travel, and you will cope much |
| Terrorism is no joking matter, and airline personnel | | | | better with the ultra-dry cabin air. This will also help |
| have ZERO sense of humor when it comes to | | | | you to combat jet lag. |
| statements about bombs, weapons, and other | | | | (c) Copyright Kathy Steinemann: This article is free to |
| perceived threats. Do not make inappropriate | | | | publish only if this copyright notice, the byline, and the |
| remarks. They could result in you missing your flight | | | | author's note below (with active links) are included. |
| and being detained, or even jailed. | | | | |