Flying Tips

Spend an hour or so making a checklist a few days before your trip. Your checklist should include rental car and hotel reservations, plane tickets, things to pack in your suitcase, special trip arrangements, etc.

Take the earlier flight. This will increase your chances of getting where you need to go. Frequently, there are plane delays and cancellations.

Leave an hour earlier than you usually would. This will allow you extra time for traffic and airport security. Sometimes the lines can be very long.

Check your bags with the skycap instead of at the ticket counter. Although you'll need to tip the skycap, it can save you some time and trouble at the ticket counter.

Take advantage of the electronic ticketing check-in. This will keep you from having to wait in long lines.

Assuming you're not flying first-class, request one of the seats at the very front or in the exit row. You usually have a bit more leg room.

Always take a light jacket - you would be surprised how cold it can get on the airplane, even in the dead of summer.

Pack a set of earplugs in your carry-on bag. Some smaller and mid-size planes have extremely loud engines that can actually make for a long, painful flight.

Pack some snacks before you go. Nowadays you never know if the crew will have anything for you. And if they do, it can sometimes be costly and/or, you may get hungry before they're ready to serve.

If you're taking a long flight, be sure to drink plenty of water beforehand. The air on the planes can get pretty dry at times

Be careful lifting your luggage. Believe it or not, tens of thousands of people a year are treated for injuires related to lifting their luggage. When lifting, always bend at your knees, not at your waist.

Older people taking long flights should get up and walk around periodically to keep their blood flowing. This can help prevent dangerous blood clots.

If you travel with your laptop or CD or DVD player, obey the instructions of the flight crew. On most flights, use of these items is restricted to after takeoff and prior to landing; however, depending on the length of the flight or the aircraft itself, there's a chance you may not be allowed to use these devices at all! The flight attendants will inform you as to when your devices may be used. And remember, cell phones are NOT permitted for use once the door of the airplane is shut!