Starting in 2007, U.S. citizens will need a passport for any air travel
abroad -- even to Mexico, Canada and the Caribbean. Traveling anytime soon? Here are a few simple tips for domestic travel in the USA that will guarantee you saving time and anxiety during the boarding process and during your flight. Airlines have reported that flights will be more crowded this year as business travelers take more trips. So request Exit Row seating. If you can get it you'll thank me later.
Travel with only carry-on luggage as much as possible. It assures a quicker airport exit, car rental pick up, with no waiting and no lost luggage either. Most airlines board by group number and board from the back of the plane. So group five or six would be called first. The trick I like to use is to watch for the end of the line of the group that's called just prior to mine. Example: I get in line behind the last person in group three. When they call my group which is group two, bingo! I'm right there. This ensures that I board early enough to have ample overhead storage. The longer you wait to board the slimmer your chances become for convenient storage.
If you like the aisle seat like I do, check underneath the armrest for a release lever. This allows the armrest to lift up for an easy in and out of your row when it's packed with the pea sized bladder crew. This can also offer a bit more legroom on the aisle side.
What about food? If you anticipate needing to eat, buy your food in the terminal and brown bag it. A three-hour flight with delays can turn into five hours and then you're hating life. Pack raw almonds or walnuts and some raisins for a quick fix. It's true that some airlines offer food for purchase but the food is total junk. Heavily processed cheese, a mystery meat stick, fish crackers and an awful cookie. The sandwiches are not bad, but they are certainly not great either. Typically dry and bland, but sometimes better than nothing. Or is it? You will find that most carriers stopped serving nuts and pretzel snacks too. So don't count on it. You get a liquid diet and nothing more. The other problem with on-board food is the seating chart. The flight attendant announces that there's a fruit, cheese and cracker mix for sale, which I have had. Depending upon where you are sitting they may be out of that choice by the time they reach you. This has happened to me more than once. So bring your own food stash on board and you will be one happy traveler. Most terminals have decent salads and sandwiches for sale.
If you want a blanket a pillow or both, grab them from the overhead when you load your bags, otherwise they will be gone. What about my laptop? A laptop is very difficult to use in coach especially when the person in front of you is pushing the seat back for a nap. I put my briefcase on my tray and put my laptop on it to use as a lift. My laptop is now closer to eye level and can be shifted forward for ease of use. You will find this tip a real relief if you like to watch your own movies.
Is there a better option? Yes! My final tip is a simple one that can create the most ideal travel conditions. Fly First Class! Most of the poor man's issues that I've developed work arounds for quickly fade away. I flew First Class about four times in 2006 and I have struggled going back to coach each time. First Class food is great, you get free cocktails, roomy leather seats and warm nuts. Yes, warm nuts. Post your comments and travel tips. Wishing you safe travels.
Read More Airline Travel Tips
Every year Valentine's Day for me means pressure. Not because my valentine is demanding, she is thankfully not that. It's because not doing the right thing to express my love and devotion to her on that single day means instant death. If you're a man and you're not buried six feet beneath the earth, you had better figure out a way to romantically deliver a message of love to your sweetheart on February 14th. It's the law! Otherwise this will be a perfect time for you to pick out a casket for that long dirt nap. No pressure.
