Air Traveler's Survival Guide

Modern day air travel is an ever evolving venture. Years ago, the leisure traveler knew what to expect when arriving at the airport to travel. Today, changes in airline operations and security measures have changed the travel experience of the air passenger. Knowing what the new rules are can mean the difference between an enjoyable trip and a forgettable experience.

There are two general groups of airline passengers, Business travelers and leisure travelers. Business travelers are the experienced road warriors, and generally are familiar with the procedures associated with air travel. They know how the process works, and have little difficulty with the rigors of air travel. The leisure traveler is the person or family who takes an occasional trip to visit relatives or travel to a vacation spot. This is this group that typically runs into problems when reaching the airport. Many of these passengers are the ones seen at the airports airing their grievances to customer service personnel, oblivious to the fact that they are to blame for their unfortunate situation. A few simple steps can keep the leisure traveler from becoming a victim of circumstance when traveling.

The leisure traveler, who occasionally travels by air can ensure a pleasant experience by following a few guidelines. These guidelines are simple, but pay great dividends. First, do some simple research about the airline you plan to use to travel with. Second, acquaint yourself with the travel policies of that airline and the airports you will travel through. Third, be aware of the security requirements for air travel. Airport security measures change often based upon national security threats as well as policy changes. Knowing what to expect will prepare the leisure traveler to meet the airline and security requirements.

The first step in planning air travel begins long before the day of the trip. For most leisure travelers, this process normally involves only finding the best fare for travel. This can be a mistake. Price is obviously an important factor, but other factors should be taken into consideration as well. When comparing the different airlines, other considerations should be: baggage allowance, pet policies, and route of travel. A passenger may find a fare a few dollars lower, and arrive at the airport to find that there is a surcharge for additional luggage. Such surcharges range from 50 to 200 dollars, and carriers vary in their baggage allowances. Saving 20 dollars doesn't make sense if one must pay 100 dollars in surcharges for additional luggage. Furthermore, those who plan on taking the family pet with them on their trip must also check on the policy of the airline regarding pet carriage and if there are any associated costs for doing so. Finally, airlines which route travelers through multiple airports will charge more taxes and fees associated with the total fare. Passenger facility charges and security fees are charged for each airport a passenger travels through. In certain cases, finding a nonstop flight which costs a few dollars more will be less expensive than a trip which involves stopping at multiple airports. The obvious benefit of nonstop travel is the time saved as well. A final financial tip for choosing an airline is the additional costs for amenities. Many airlines now charge for on-board services, such as meals. Make sure you are aware of any costs for such amenities and be prepared for them. Passengers can choose to fulfill meal requirements prior to reaching the airport if the savings warrant doing so.

The second step in preparation involves knowing the requirements of the airline and airport security prior to leaving home. Each traveling member must have a valid identification. Be sure your drivers license is not about to expire, as it will be meaningless when reaching the airport if it is expired. It will not be accepted. International travelers must also have a valid passport. Many countries also require a visa. Be sure to check with the airline regarding these requirements. Baggage allowance is a variable which most travelers do not even consider. Be sure you are aware of how many bags your airline permits and what charges will be assessed if the allowance is exceeded. Allowances vary between airlines, and do not only apply to the number of bags, but the weight as well. Knowing what you can bring will eliminate any surprises at check in. Carry on baggage now presents new considerations, as security restrictions limit what a passenger will be able to bring through security. Know what you are able to carry on board prior to checking in, as the opportunity to transfer items from carry on luggage to checked luggage ends once the checked luggage is turned in. Planning ahead will eliminate confusion and aggravation once at the airport.

On the day of travel, it is important to give yourself enough time to check in and navigate the security checkpoint. Arriving at the airport too late is one of the most common mistakes travelers make. Airlines will give general guidelines for arriving at the airport prior to the flight. It is best to be at the airport at least 30 minutes earlier than what the airline recommends. There are so many variables which can add time to a traveler's airport check in. Unavailable parking, long lines, and random additional security screenings can add significantly to the amount of time it will take for a traveler to get from their car to the airplane. The other benefit to arriving early to the airport is it virtually eliminates the chance of your luggage not arriving with you when you reach your destination. It takes time to screen check in luggage and get it out to the plane. If a traveler arrives for a flight at the last minute and checks in luggage, the odds are that the luggage may miss the flight that the passenger got on. In those cases, it will be on the next flight. The end result will inevitably be an angry passenger blaming the airline for lost luggage. In reality, the airline did its best, but was simply not given enough time by the passenger to get the luggage to the plane. Arriving early on the day of travel eliminates the possibility of any of these problems.

Finally, know what to expect from the airline in the event of any delay or cancellation. Inexperienced travelers believe that if a flight is delayed or canceled, the airline will automatically take care of them. This is not the case. Delays or cancellations due to weather or air traffic control are not covered by the airlines. If you experience such a situation, as a traveler, you are responsible for yourself until the airline can get you onto a later flight. Be prepared for this possibility and have available funds on hand in case this situation should happen.

Air travel is a safe, efficient, and cost effective means of travel. Whether or not it is an enjoyable experience rests solely upon the traveler. Plan effectively, know what to expect from your airline and what your airline expects from you, and allow enough time to prevent unexpected delays from ruining the travel experience. The traveler is the biggest factor in making the traveling experience an enjoyable one. Keep this rule in mind, and as they say in the business, enjoy your flight.