Travel&Vacation

Airfare Question of the Month

Dear Jessica
,

What can I do to make traveling this summer less of a hassle?



S.W.

Dear Reader,

Good question. Experts predict this summer will be the busiest since 2000, so you have cause for concern. Of course, many hassles are out of your control: long lines, inept or rude employees, and full parking lots come to mind. But, if you prepare before you leave for the airport, you may be able to ease your headaches.

If you’re traveling internationally, be sure you have the required identification and visas. Most travelers know that passports are now required for air travel to Mexico, Canada, and the Caribbean, but some countries also have strict rules, like requiring a particular number of blank pages in passports or six months’ validity past departure date.

If you plan to leave your car in an airport parking lot, check to see if you can reserve a spot before you get there. AirportParkingReservations.com and ParkFlyRideUSA.com are good places to start. Even better, have someone drop you off to avoid the hassle entirely.

Take advantage of online check-in if you aren’t checking bags; that way, you can head right to security when you arrive. If you decide to check bags, you can still check in online, but usually it isn’t worth it since you’ll still have to check your bags at the airline’s counter. When you arrive, see if the curbside baggage check-in line is shorter than the lines inside. Avoiding a long line is worth it, even at $2 per bag.

Of course, if you’re flying Southwest, you can check in online up to 24 hours before your flight to score a coveted “A” boarding pass.

Security hassles are always a problem these days. The TSA continues to mandate its 3-1-1 policy for carry-ons, as inane as it may seem. Remember, that’s three-ounce or smaller containers of liquids or gels sealed in one zip-top quart-sized clear plastic bag, and one bag per traveler placed in the security bin. Though I’ve read stories of travelers getting through security with full-sized bottles of shampoo, it’s probably not worth the risk of being stopped for an individual search. Also, be sure to check the TSA’s list of prohibited items before you fly.

You can also save time at security by having your boarding pass and ID in hand, taking your laptop out of its case, and removing your shoes (yes, even flip-flops) before you reach the screener.

The TSA offers both a checklist for travelers and a pamphlet with travel tips for those readers seeking more information on summer travel.