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Travel Like a Frequent Flyer Even If You’re Not

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By Peggy Hattendorf , Travel Editor

 

The habitual flyer has developed a system that fits the demands of frequent travel. Her routine starts prior to leaving the house or office. This savvy traveler boards the aircraft quickly, removes necessary items from her bags, stows carry-on luggage in the overhead compartment, and moves in from the aisle allowing other passengers to get to their seats. She’s not the one who practically “disrobes” in the aisle, takes time to secure all belongings, while leaving a queue of people backed up all the way onto the jet bridge.

You don’t have to travel a lot to act as efficiently as a frequent flyer. That said, here are frequent flyer characteristics that you can adopt:

  • Backs up computer files and keeps important documents in electronic form.
  • Develops a unique system of handling and accessing passwords in the event her phone is lost.
  • Saves important travel contact information, confirmation numbers and downloads travel apps– airline, hotel, car rental company, limousine service, Uber or Lyft – to her phone.  And downloads reading materials to her tablet or reader ahead of time.
  • Arranges for pick-up or stoppage of mail and newspapers.
  • Uses carry-on luggage only to save time and prevent a mishap with misdirected checked bags.
  • Places all items needed in flight in one area of the carry-on bags for easy access.
  • Prints boarding passes or downloads to phone.
  • Remembers to note the parking stall number at the airport by referencing it in her phone or taking a picture of the stall number.
  • Comes prepared to shut off the world – if only for a little while. Packing essentials – light jacket or coat, travel pillow and blanket, scarf, socks, headset, tablet/notebook, earplugs and sleep mask.
  • Arrives early to the airport because . . . she’s prepared for the unexpected . . . .
  • Registers for TSA pre-check to use the expedited screening line. Here there is no need to remove shoes or take laptops and clear toiletry bags, with 3-1-1 size products, out from luggage.
  • Joins an airline club with annual membership fees – $400-$750. These clubs offer complimentary coffee, teas, snacks, business services and shower facilities.
  • Purchases water, beverages and food once through the security check point. Some flights offer beverage service only, and on occasion, flights with meal service may not have enough meals for the entire economy section.
  • Limits the amount of caffeine, alcohol and soft drinks consumed during flight as these beverages tend to dehydrate and cause sleep disruption.
  • Has a backup plan for flight cancellation. She moves to the customer-service line and while waiting uses her phone to contact the airline or travel agent to arrange alternate bookings.
  • Understands the Bill of Rights for airline passengers. https://transportation.gov  Check this website for rules on bumping, delays and cancellations. In general, when a flight is delayed or cancelled, as the result of a mechanical or crew problem, the compensation comes from the air carrier usually in the form of vouchers for meals and hotel accommodations. However, if it is a weather related issue, there is no passenger compensation.

Above all, air travel requires a lot of patience. Airports are crowded, people are in a hurry, and flights are delayed. However, the savvy traveler knows how to take this in stride and just chill.

 

 

A staff report from the online editor of Hers Magazine.

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