Road & Travel Magazine's Blog

Holiday Air Travel Tips

Don't Get Caught in a Holding Pattern

by Courtney Caldwell

Anyone who has traveled during the holiday season knows how challenging it can be with crowds, security and possible weather delays. Being prepared is the best way to prevent what can be a very stressful situation. Here are a few holiday travel tips to help you through the chaos:

• If at all possible, avoid traveling on the Wednesday before and Sunday after Thanksgiving. These are known as the busiest travel days of the year. Also, put some distance in days before and after Xmas... the weekends before and after are not only the busiest but also most expensive.
  

• Go online to confirm your seat assignment. This will save you from waiting in a long line at the airport. Most, if not all, airlines offer check-in services online so you can easily print out your boarding pass at home. Once you get to the airport, just check your bag curbside and you're ready to go.
  

• Another way to save time is to use a kiosk check-in when you arrive at the airport. These lines move much more quickly than waiting in line for an agent at the counter. Everything is automated but there are agents to help you just in case you need them. While you can add checked luggage to your boarding pass you will have to stand in line to give it to an agent at the counter, however.

• Arrive at the airport two hours before your flight is scheduled to depart to allow for long lines and delays. Rushing will only cause more stress and ruin your holiday. Click here for all tips
  

Vet Pilot Offers Summer Travel Tips

CAPTAIN KAREN KAHN OFFERS TIPS FOR TRIPS
 THIS SUMMER SEASON

Summer is just around the corner and the thought of a relaxing vacation is on the minds of grounded jet-setters who are itching to get away. Many are already beginning to plan out their summer destinations and this popular travel season is sure to be a busy one yet again. Knowing this better than anyone, seasoned commercial airline pilot Captain Karen Kahn offers several tips to help restless travelers keep their cool at the airport this summer.

Before Arriving at the Airport:

•    Pack smartly. Place all your valuables (jewelry, electronics, etc.) in your carry-on luggage. Bags are subject to screening and hand-searches and many airlines are not responsible for lost or damaged items. In addition, place an identification tag on the outside of your laptop as they are the most forgotten item at screening checkpoints.

•    Know your limits. Don’t forget to place all of your liquids and gels in a quart-size Ziploc bag.  Many stores now offer miniature sized toiletries for this reason.  Additionally, many airlines tack extra fees onto bags that exceed their weight limit rules. Pack only what you need and check with your airline regarding their specific regulations.

•    Go online. With many airlines you can print boarding passes on their website to skip long waits at the airport.  Some companies also offer text, email or phone notifications regarding your flight so you stay updated on your flight’s status.

•    Dress: Less is better. Keep in mind all of the airport’s security screening procedures.  If possible avoid items such as belts, hard to remove shoes, hats, and any jewelry that contains metal as removing these items takes unnecessary time that could make the difference between making and missing your flight. [Read More]

RTM Launches 14th Annual Sexy Car Buyer's Guide

 
Hello faithful RTM Blog readers... we appreciate the support you've sent our way since the RTM blog has been up and running and we look forward to entertaining and educating you even further with the relaunch of the RTM website. It never went away. In fact, RTM has been up and running for 22 years; however due to the recession and subsequent shortage of staff, we were challenged with keeping up two blogs and publishing new articles and covers in the RTM website until now.

That said, effective August 1, 2010, RTM is back on track with the relaunch of its new home page design, which leads with its 14th Annual Sexy Car Buyer's Guide. We'll be publishing all new articles and home pages on the 1st and 15th of every month. A link to each new issue will be posted in this blog for easy access, and as a reminder that all new content has been posted  for your viewing pleasure. Starting in 2011, RTM will return to its weekly format.

Thank you for your support as RTM enters into the this new chapter of its third decade. Courtney Caldwell, RTM Editor-in-Chief.

Get Through Airport Security Quickly

Avoiding a headache at airport security simply requires organization and preparation. Here are some tips for getting through security quickly.

1. Pack Smart. Your carry on should be a layer of clothes, then electronic, more clothes, and then any heavier items. This will help transportation security officers see what's in your bag. Innocent items can actually appear to be potential threats in an X-ray image, simply by the way they are packed.

2. Dress the Part. Security officers have to identify any metal that is detected at the checkpoint. If the metal detector alarms when you pass through, you will be required to undergo additional screening. This includes a hand-wand and pat-down inspection. Take out body piercings, avoid clothing with a lot of metal pieces and try to wear a pair of comfortable slip on shoes, as all travelers are now required to take off their shoes at security.

3. Be Prepared. Do you have your boarding pass and passport with you? Are they at the bottom of your bag? Keeping all your papers and documents easily accessible will help you move through security quickly.

4. Arrive on Time. Arrival time recommendations vary by airline and day of travel, so check with your carrier. Most suggest you check in two hours before boarding. Remember to give yourself adequate time to check your baggage and move through security.

5. Think Before You Speak. Belligerent behavior, inappropriate jokes and threats are treated very seriously. It’s best to keep any sarcastic or rude remarks to yourself or else you may find yourself missing your flight while being interrogated by security officials.

Click here for more air travel tips from Road & Travel Magazine.