Travel Tips

More people are flying now than before 9/11. More than three out of  four airplane seats are full on average, and there are 40 percent fewer airline employees to serve those passengers. Almost three in 10 flights now run late. Reports of mishandled checked baggage have jumped by 28 percent in just one year.

Passengers are unhappy, airline employes are overworked, and the chief executives are busy giving themselves lavish bonuses rather than improving their companies� operations.

Regardless of the routes you fly or the class in which you travel, it may be  difficult this summer, and you need to protect yourself. We do not have a magic bullet, but we do have some practical tips to make your life on the road a little less bumpy.

What to Know Before You Fly
Since even the shortest flight can turn into a nightmare, you need to have a plan B and even a plan C. Before you leave home, spend a minute or two insuring you know which other carriers fly your route and what alternative itineraries can be arranged if your chosen flights are going to be cancelled. Airline agents may not know this information even in the best of times, and in a chaotic situation, they will be unwilling or unable to assist you. You have a better chance of making another connection if you have the data readily available.

Use Your Cell Phone
You can skirt some of the turmoil during an airport or airline meltdown by having the right numbers programmed into your cell phone. At a minimum, carry the numbers for reservations at the airlines you use most frequently, the hotel chains you prefer, and the major car-rental firms. The same for your travel agent and any special numbers you have for your frequent-flyer status.

With those numbers handy, you can quickly snare a decent hotel room near the airport if you need one, or you can rent a car and drive to your final destination. Moreover, having an airline�s reservation or the special frequent-flier phone number may help you to get priority treatment while the huddled masses tough it out at the ticket counters.

Lose the Luggage
When there is a crisis, fliers break down into two types: the hopeless ones who have to worry about checked luggage and the smart ones who travel only with carry-ones. Travelling with one carry-on bag with the most important things (passport, id, insurance document, airline tickets, list of all the telephone numbers hotels, travel agency and one warm fleece or jacket) and other medium size duffle bug or suit case with the rest of your belongings. You always have access to your clothing and supplies no matter how long the delay. In addition, you do not have to beg the airlines in vain for your luggage if you are stuck overnight in an unexpected place.

Of course, carrying on comes with its own challenges: You must pack less, cut frills, and edit your wardrobe. (One trick: Restrict your wardrobe palette to one colour and make sure each accessory you pack works with multiple outfits.) In addition, you can bring only very small amounts of liquids or gels (able to buy in Peru). If you cannot trim down what you need to carry, ship your excess bags. FedEx and U.P.S. are more reliable than the airlines anyway. (A growing cadre of specialists will ship your bags from your office to your hotel, but they rely on FedEx and U.P.S. too.)

Pack Emergency Rations
Not to take the "road warrior" phrase too literally, but you should carry a supply of food and water when you fly. Find room in your carry-on for a few protein or granola bars or some bags of nuts, raisins, or trail mix. Anything that is low in sugar, high in nutrients, and requires no refrigeration will do. Bottled water is crucial. Always take a moment to stop at a shop beyond the security checkpoint and pick up a bottle or two.

Final Recommendations
Many people think the worst part of a holiday or business trip is clearing security. One way to minimize that hassle is to know the rules and then dress for success. You dispense with a bug in your carry-on, wear slip-on shoes, and always travel with zip-top plastic bags in your pocket. While you are waiting in line, you dump your keys, change, watch, pen, and phone into a bag and then throw it into your daypack or briefcase. That means less fumbling with plastic bins and no problems with fishing your stuff out on the other side of the screening machines.

One of the most important actions is to LABEL ALL YOUR SUITECASES with a strong plastic tag and your name and address on it.

Have a Good Trip!