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June 3, 2016
Tips for mitigating the stress of air travel this summer
 
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Dear Family Travelers:



Yes, airports are crowded --packed, in fact. Yes, getting through security can take a long time-so long that some passengers are complaining they are missing their flights. You don't want that to happen to your family especially because in this day of filled-to-capacity airplanes, you'll be hard pressed to get seats together on another flight.



The head of security for TSA has been removed from his post, and many people are blaming TSA screeners' incompetence for the snarled lines. No one is expecting dramatic fixes anytime soon, unfortunately.



That said, here's how to minimize airport stress this summer:
  1. Book flights early in the day and when possible, non-stops. Even if you pay a little more, it is worth it. Delays typically get worse as the day goes on. And if you are flying non-stop, you won't have to deal with the nightmare of being stranded if your connecting flight is cancelled-as has happened to me.
  2. Book a seat for your baby or toddler so that you can use your safety seat. Everyone from the American Academy of Pediatrics to the FAA recommends their use. Yes your child can fly free until they are two. However, they are far safer in turbulent skies restrained in a child restraint system than on your lap. Just make sure your safety seat is government-approved for use on planes --most are. You will need your safety seat when you arrive anyway. (There is also a CARES child safety device you can purchase for children between 22 and 44 pounds
  3. Sign up for TSA PreCheck (Kids 12 and under traveling with an eligible parent or guardian with the Precheck indicators on their boarding passes can also participate in expedited screening; those 13 and older have to apply themselves. This is a program that allows you expedited screening at more than 160 airports with 12 participating airlines. It means you don't have to take off your shoes, belts or jackets, or take out your Laptops or liquids. Most important, it can save you considerable time as there are special PreCheck lanes at airports. The cost is just $85 for five years.
  4. If you think you will travel overseas in the next five years, it is worth it to apply for Global Entry that helps speed travelers through customs and immigration. (You simply go to a kiosk where you put in your passport and have your fingerprints checked as opposed to waiting in a long line. The fee is $100 for five years and your enrollment makes you eligible to apply for PreCheck at no additional charge. The drawback: Kids must apply individually.
  5. Check everyone's backpacks to make sure there are no liquids (no more than 3.4 ounces with the small containers in one quart-sized clear plastic zip-top bag). If your bag is flagged for searching, that will take more time. In case you are wondering, the carry-on liquids rule is due to the threat of explosive liquids that can be turned into potential weapons.
  6. If you have a medical condition or are traveling with a baby, you can bring aboard items such as breast milk, baby formula, prescription drugs and over the counter medications. Yes, there have been cases where such items have been questioned by screeners. Bring a letter from your physician and tell the TSA officers what you are carrying and why.
  7. Pack the equivalent of a school lunch and an empty water bottle for each member of the family (you can fill it once you are through security). Remember, if the lines are long, you may not have time to buy food-the lines will be long at food vendors too! And you can't count on food (even pretzels) being available on any domestic flight these days. You also want food at the ready when the kids are hungry.
  8. Allow extra time! With so many summer travelers, it is going to take longer simply to get to the airport, park and get to the gate.
  9. If you are checking bags, expect long lines to check your bags, even if you have checked in online. I've seen lines for "bag drop" as long as the check-in lines.
  10. Can you travel with carry-on bags? Given fees for checked bags, that will save you time (you can check in online and head straight to security and leave the airport as soon as you arrive) and money (although some airlines are now charging extra for checked bags as well). An alternative is to pack a duffle (or two) and send ahead to your destination. It likely will cost less than checking a couple of bags at $25 per (unless you are flying overseas or Southwest, which doesn't charge for bags). However, be mindful of limited space in overhead compartments so don't stuff those carry-ons too full!
  11. If you are putting a child on a plane solo, make sure you are aware not only of the accompanied minor fees but what is required from the person picking the child up at the other end of the flight. Also make sure the kids know where they are going (there have been instances, albeit rare, where kids have been put on the wrong plane). If you are sending your teen alone and they aren't required to be a designated unaccompanied minor, make sure that they know what do in case their connecting flight is cancelled or no one is there to meet them (identify themselves to an airline official!) Make sure the kids have some money or a cash card and the phone numbers of those dropping them off or picking them up. Be prepared to wait at the airport until they leave.
  12. Be prepared to fend for yourself if the seats you've arranged on the flight have been changed and suddenly your kids are not sitting with you. Airline personnel don't always help. Offer to buy a passenger a free drink or snack for the inconvenience of changing seats; bring some extra treats you can offer.
Most important, keep smiling. It will help!


  






   
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