| This article presents several tips that will help you get | | | | way you would in your vehicle. (You do buckle up, |
| the most out of your next flight, whether domestic | | | | right?) If your plane encounters heavy air pockets or |
| or international. Be sure to collect and/or print out the | | | | inclement weather that buffets the aircraft, your ride |
| entire series of articles. | | | | will be much more comfortable. |
| - If you are a smoker, tough luck! Most flights | | | | - Nobody likes to deal with the hassles of lost |
| prohibit smoking. More and more countries have | | | | luggage. However, sometimes passengers are to |
| banned 'lighting up' in public areas. Try to quit before | | | | blame because they leave old luggage tags on their |
| you travel. Alternatively, make sure you stock up on | | | | bags. Be sure to remove ALL old tags before you fly. |
| nicotine patches and gum before you leave. | | | | - Here is a cache-22 situation: airline water is |
| - If you are tall, try to book your flight early and | | | | notorious for carrying microorganisms that can |
| request a bulkhead or aisle seat. You will have more | | | | adversely affect your health. Drinking bottled water is |
| legroom. However, these seats are popular, and | | | | an alternative, but with liquid restrictions, you will |
| disappear quickly. | | | | have to check with your airline to see what they |
| - Many airlines will give you a considerable fare | | | | permit you to carry onboard. You may be able to |
| discount if you are traveling to the funeral of a family | | | | purchase water or beverages from vending machines |
| member. Be sure to notify the air carrier about your | | | | after you pass through security. |
| circumstances when you book your ticket. They may | | | | - Make sure that your luggage and other belongings |
| ask you for details such as the name and phone | | | | are completely under your control while you stand in |
| number of the funeral home, and your relationship to | | | | line, eat in an airport restaurant, browse through the |
| the family member who has passed on. | | | | duty-free shop, etc. It only takes seconds for a thief |
| - If you fall ill before a flight, some air carriers will | | | | to grab a valuable item if you are distracted for any |
| allow you to reschedule or cancel. However, you will | | | | reason. Wrap straps around your arms or legs or use |
| need to document your illness via a letter from your | | | | your common sense to ensure that everything is in |
| physician, and there will be forms to complete. To be | | | | your sight and/or attached to your body. |
| on the safe side, purchase travel cancellation | | | | (c) Copyright Kathy Steinemann: This article is free to |
| insurance before you go. | | | | publish only if this copyright notice, the byline, and the |
| - Keep your seatbelt buckled in the aircraft the same | | | | author's note below (with active links) are included. |