Wednesday, May 20, 2009

Last Minute Flights

Why Air Travel Just May Be the Most Important Part of Your Trip?

Are you in the process of preparing for a trip that requires you to travel by air? If you are, you should know the impact that your air travel experience can have on your vacation. Unfortunately, this is something that many individuals do not think of until a complication arises.

For starters, traveling by airplane is important to the overall success of your trip, as it is how you will get to your destination. If you miss your flight, you may, literally, be out of luck. Depending on the situation at hand, you may be responsible for buying your own replacement tickets. For that reason, you will always want to arrive to the airport early. You will also want to make sure that you follow all airport rules and restrictions, especially at airport security checkpoints.

Another one of the many ways that your air travel experience can impact your vacation is by ruining it. Remember that your vacation starts and ends with a plane ride. If you have an unpleasant experience, like with a rude airline attendant or a problem at an airport security checkpoint, your vacation will likely get off to a bad start. This can have a significant impact on your mood, as well as how you look at the rest of your vacation.

Your air travel can also have an impact on what you get to do and see while on vacation. This is impacted by the money that you have. When booking a flight for your trip, be sure to compare prices. The less you spend on your airline tickets and the less you spend on food and snacks at the airport, the more money you will have to put towards your vacation. This may mean that you can stay at a vacation resort as opposed to a traditional hotel. It may mean that you can enjoy dinner at a nice restaurant, as opposed to a fast food joint. It may also mean that you get to participate in activities or visit attractions that weren’t previously on your to do list because of costs.

As you can see, there are a number of different ways that your air travel can impact your vacation. With that being said, it is important to remember that you do have some control. There are a number of steps that you can take at the airport and while in-flight to help ensure that you have a pleasant experience, as well as a great vacation.

As a reminder, it is important to not only know all airport security rules, but to also follow them, especially when packing. If you do not bring any prohibited items, especially in your carry-on bag, you will likely get through airport security with ease.

Be sure to follow all directions given to you by airline attendants. If you are supposed to stay seated in-flight, be sure that you do. If you have to go to the bathroom, ask an airline attendant for advice; however, do so politely. Better yet, make sure that you go to the bathroom beforehand. As previously stated, there are always steps that you can take to improve your travel.

Finally, don’t let anything get you down. Of course, customer service is important and all airline attendants and security personnel should be kind and treat you with respect, but also remember that we all have bad days. For that reason, don’t take anything too personal.
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Sunday, May 3, 2009

Family Travel Deals

Family Travel Deals - Air Travel Tips for Parents with Teens

Are you the parent of a teenager? If you are, are you in the process of planning a trip that requires air travel? If so, you may be looking for tips that can help you and you family have a nice and pleasant flight.

When traveling with a teenager, you will find that you are very lucky. This is due in part to your child’s age. Teenagers are likely to be more pleasant and cooperative on flights, especially when compared to toddlers and preschoolers. Still, you may be looking for some extra tips, just in case.

One of the first things that you will want to do is teach your child the importance of watching what is said at the airport. With security concerns, it is not uncommon for travelers to be detained for a closer look, even just when joking. Many teens do like to joke around, so be sure to let your teen know the danger of doing so. Make sure that they know not to repeat certain words in an airport, such as knife, gun, bomb, or terrorist. Your teenager may already know this important piece of information, bt there is no harm in providing a quick reminder.

If you let your child pack their own bags for your trip, be sure to give them a quick look over. The checking of your teen’s carry-on luggage is extremely important. Does your child have anything in their carry-on bag that may result your family being stopped at an airport security checkpoint? As for checked baggage, make sure that your child’s bags are not overfilled. Also, make sure that they don’t put anything of great value or importance, like a digital camera or a laptop computer, in a checked bag, as damage can occur.

You will also want to make sure that your child has a drink or snack for the trip. This is particularly ideal for short flights or picky eaters and drinkers. Although many dry snacks, like chips, are okay to pickup before arriving at the airport, drinks are another story. Due to a limit on liquids, have your child get a soda, water, or juice at an airport store, namely one that is positioned after you have passed through all needed security checkpoints. This approach may cost more money, but the end result is much less hassle.

Since all passengers are allowed a carry-on bag, you will want to make sure that your child brings things that interest them. For example, books and magazines are cheap ways to keep teens occupied on an airplane ride. Extra items that are perfect for teens include handheld video gaming consoles, DVD players, and MP3 players. There are some locations in the United States where you can rent these items if you or your teen doesn’t already own them. When using anything electronic, be sure to bring a few extra batteries and keep them in your purse or in a carry-on bag.

As highlighted above, there are a number of steps that you, as a parent, can take to ensure that your next family flight is pleasant for you and your teenager. Although teenagers are more likely to be pleasant and cooperative, the above mentioned points can still provide you with much needed assistance, as well as comfort and peace of mind.
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