Travel

1) Good planning is key
Remember to set a reminder that you might CheckIn for your flight at the earliest possible time. Having a mobile boarding pass on your phone is the best option, because rarely are you without it. If having a mobile boarding pass is not possible, print your boarding pass at home before you arrive at the airport. If you fail to do any of the above, you will be wasting time at the airport, and may miss having a spot for your CarryOn bags on the plane, or being able to seat where you want if seats are not assigned.

Unless you're the one with the weak bladder, you might be happier choosing the window seat rather than the aisle. If you're anything like me, once I'm locked in, I'm locked in until I reach that arrival gate. Plus you get a great view for no extra charge.

Try to give yourself at least one day before your cruise ship sets sail, or that long drive in your rental car, that big tournament event, your wedding day and especially before international travel after a domestic flight. Arrive at the airport early to avoid the dreaded Late Checked bag. Luggage is often delayed at the worst possible time.

2) The best and worst times to travel
The best times to travel seem to be the months of May and September. The weather is generally good, the kids are still in school so you don't have over crowding at some of you favorite locales and, you can sometimes find some really low fares because it is off peak season. The worst times to travel are for the holidays of Thanksgiving and Christmas. Those weather delays can really be a drag on the excitement of meeting family and friends. Airports are really crowded and because of the volume of bags that are checked, there is a greater chance of lost or delay of receiving your luggage at your destination.

3) CarryOn vs. Check luggage
If possible, only use CarryOn luggage so that you can have a quick exit pass the baggage claim and out of the airport when you arrive at your destination. CarryOn luggage is far less likely to suffer damage, because it's not placed of the baggage conveyor belts and not mis-handled by baggage handlers. Put name tags on your CarryOn bags with your cell phone number. The number one rule to remember when you have CarryOn items, make sure you have all your belongings when you deplane. Not only are CarryOn bags sometimes forgotten and left on the aircraft, but cell phones, wallets, books, glasses, hats, coats you name it. Only one percent of these items left behind are ever reunited with their owners once you leave the aircraft.

Size does matter, here smaller is better. A small duffle bag or backpack that will fit underneath the seat in front of you is best. You won't have to worry about it NOT fitting in the overhead compartment if you board the plane last and having to check it as check luggage. You will have easy access to your cell phone, tablet or laptop without getting out of you seat. And last and most importantly, no one is going to take your bag by mistake from the overhead compartment.

Never place your belongings in the back seat pocket. This is the easiest way to forget and leave something on the plane. Out of sight, out of mind! We all have to check our bags at some point or another. It helps to add some unique visual means to help identify your luggage on the carousel so that it is less likely to be taken by mistake by another traveler. Also, such distinguishing features will help the baggage staff assigned to look for a lost luggage have another means of confirming your missing bag. After landing, it is a good idea to go immediately to the baggage claim area and stand near the beginning of the carousel belt. This helps prevent someone taking your bag by mistake or theft. If you have an issue with your checked luggage, it is better to bring this to the attention of those working in the Baggage Service Office before leaving the airport.

4) Pack light
Pack only what you know you will use, and if you are travelling for more than two weeks, plan to wash on the road. Too many people over pack and don't forget about those extra bag fees, over weight charges and damage to your luggage. If you are ever in doubt about the weight of your bag, place it on your bathroom scale. Most airlines have a 50lb. limit before over weight fees kick in. Remember to only use TSA locks if you use any locks on your bags.

5) Roll for that wrinkle free look
Bags will hold more if the clothes are rolled rather than folded, and they look better too.

6) Split up clothes when travelling with others
When flying and especially if you have a few stopovers, divide the clothes between different suitcases and bags. If one persons bags doesn't arrive at your destination, you will still have clean clothes available in the other bag. Airlines generally don't compensate for lost luggage for the first 24 hours so this will save you money if it happens to you. Also take only the credit/bank cards you plan on using, and split up your cash with a traveling companion.

7) Avoid Transfer Flights
Don't assume because you change your flight because of a cancellation or delay, that your checked luggage will follow you to a new destination or earlier flight than originally planned. It's hard enough for ramp crew to get your luggage on a direct flight, add moving your bags sometimes with with two or three connections, you're asking for double trouble once you reach your destination. Also a non-stop flight is always better than one with any stops.

8) When it looks like rain
It is always handy to have a few plastic bags around certain items, especially toiletries. The plastic bags from your dry cleaners can also come in handy. Line the inside of your luggage with plastic bags. This will help keep your clothes dry if your luggage is not covered while waiting to be loaded or unloaded on the tarmac, and it's pouring down rain.

9) Don't let "Jet Lag" get you down
1) Avoid flying at night when possible; 2) Get some sleep if it is nighttime at your destination and stay awake during your flight if it is daytime at your destination; 3) Drink plenty of water, not alcohol; 4) Try to keep your feet flat on the cabin floor and avoid crossing your legs and feet. Get out of your seat and walk the isle to stretch your legs, get off the plane if possible at stopovers; 5) Go outside ASAP to take in the natural sun light.

10) Ten things to NEVER pack in your checked luggage
1) Car/House keys; 2) Medication; 3) Cash; 4) Business presentation/suit, Wedding tux/gown; 5) Perishable foods; 6) Wine bottles; 7) Jewelry; 8) Tickets of any kind; 9) Cell phone/charger or anything electronic. Airlines don't generally compensate for damaged or loss of electronic equipment; 10) Anything that might be needed on your travel day. For more tips and info visit the TSA website.

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