“I’m sorry, your flight leaves from the other airport.”

These are not words you want to hear when trying to check-in for a transatlantic flight with only an hour before departure.  Silly me for assuming my flight home left out of the same airport I flew into. 

Making it to a flight on time, and in one piece, has always been a challenge for air travelers, but no time of the year is more challenging than the holidays.  Once you’ve set foot in the airport, things are largely out of your hands—planes and lines aren’t going to move any faster just because you will them to.

So, what can you do to help ensure that you arrive at your loved ones’ doorstep with presents still in hand and holiday cheer that’s not just from the four mini-bottles of whiskey consumed on the cab ride from the airport?  Prepare properly.  Follow these ten tips, and you just might make it to your plane on time, without running over Grandma Harriet en route:

1)      Always check which airport you’re departing from.   Seems unnecessary.  Obviously not—a lesson I learned the hard way. 

2)      Allow an extra hour.  Airlines suggest leaving two hours before a flight?  Leave three.  Especially at the holidays. 

3)      Check-in from home.  Print boarding passes from your home computer, up to 24 hours before your flight! 

4)      Avoid main baggage check-in counters.  Use any other baggage handling method possible: online baggage check-in (if your airline offers it), skycap, or direct luggage shippers.

5)      Pack your toiletries correctly.  The rule’s 3-1-1: Three liquid ounces max per container, all in one quart-size Ziploc bag--that is all the liquid/cream/gel/oil you can carry onboard with you.  The rest goes in the checked suitcase. 

6)      How will you get there?  Determine your ride beforehand, making sure to leave extra time for things out of your control, like…

7)      Traffic.  Unless you can teleport yourself through space, you will be fighting traffic to get to the airport, so check for problems beforehand, even if you’re not the one driving. 

8)      Know where you’re going.  Whether driving or public transpo, map your route, and parking (if necessary), ahead of time.  Note: Independent parking garages often allow you to make reservations in advance, and they’re less expensive and crowded than official airport parking.

9)      Have some pocket change.  Never leave home without cash—you may need singles/change for tips, the bus, a luggage cart, or food.

10)   Pray.  Sometimes, that’s all that can help when you’ve done everything you can, and you’re still left tearing to the gate.  That, and good running shoes.  Just better hope there are no Grandmas in your way as you make the mad dash.

#####

TRAVEL HELPERS:

• Luggage Shippers: Companies like LuggageFree.com and VirtualBellhop.com will ship your bags direct from your home to your lodging, but they charge for it.  For just $30, BaggageDirect.com will hand you your boarding pass at your front door, then handle sending your luggage through your airline for you (limited airlines only).
• Carry-On Rules: Check http://www.tsa.gov/travelers/airtravel/prohibited/permitted-prohibited-items.shtm for the latest list of allowed carry-on items.  Keep a copy of the list with you, in case you run into any hassle along the way. 
• Taxis & Shuttles: 1800TaxiCab.com
• Airport Parking: AirportParkingReservations.com
• Maps & Traffic: http://maps.yahoo.com gives real-time traffic information with your directions.

Susan Michelle is a travel lifestylist based in Los Angeles, CA.  For more travel tips or hot spots from Susan, visit CompassTravel.Info or write Susan-Column@CompassTravel.Info.

-