The Wall Street Journal recently ran an article entitled “How to Travel Smart This Summer”. Here I will summarize their thoughts as well as add a few of my own since travel has gotten even more complicated and expensive with the high cost of fuel.
Don’t change your mind
The fees of most airlines and many hotels have increased. In this tight market, these providers are less likely to be forgiving on a change and are going to take the opportunity to extract more money from your wallet now that you are probably in panic mode. WSJ says that American is now charging $150 on changes.
So before you hit the Buy button, make sure you have all the details figured out.
Ship your luggage
It may make sense to ship luggage to your destination. It also may make sense to buy or rent while you are there. For instance, if the only reason that you are renting a minivan is to tote your clubs or luggage around, perhaps you can save a few bucks by renting the clubs at the golf course. Also shipping your big items to your hotel or condo may allow you to save on the vehicle as well as save some airport fees.
As the Wall Street Journal points out:
Package shippers like FedEx Corp. or United Parcel Service Inc. or luggage shippers like Luggage Forward Inc. or Sports Express LLC may now be an attractive alternative. With FedEx, you can ship three bags — two 40-pounders and one 60-pound bag, from Dallas to Boston and back for about $250 if you use the three-business-day service, and the price might be a lot less if you have access to a corporate account with discounts at FedEx. Put the bags in shipping boxes or just use tags that shippers now have for luggage. Package shippers can track the bags, too — something airlines don’t do. On United, those same three bags would cost you $450 round trip if traveling alone.
What is the weather going to be like?
You should be looking at weather conditions all along your trip. If there is bad weather expected you might get the airline to change your itinerary for free so that you can avoid the problems. Dealing with weather and angry travelers is a huge cost for the airlines and sometimes they can work with you to avoid problems for you and them.
Check the status of airports
Some airports are an absolute zoo at certain times of day and on certain days. Figure this out in advance and avoid those times or at least plan accordingly. There is nothing more frustrating than being caught in a long security line because you thought it was only going to take 15 minutes to get through security.
TSA has some historical times for different airports that you can judge the wait time. My personal experience is that this information is a little too optimistic. I suggest doubling the times. Also, airports may post their wait times and usually these pages are listed on this TSA site.
Your best option is to assume the worst and get their early. You can always enjoy a beverage in the concourse and start reading that great beach novel that you bought.
To make your security experience smoother:
You should also check out this list of what is not allowed by TSA.
Pack something to eat
While you can’t pack liquids due to TSA regulations, you can pack food. Having a substantial snack with you will cut your costs and give you the energy to get through the day. You may also wish to purchase a bottled water or soft drink in the airport (after security) to take on the plane. Unless you have purchased a first class ticket, don’t expect any food on the plane aside from peanuts or pretzels and a small cup of a soft drink.
Tags: airlines, airport, Beach, food, Golf, Hotels, luggage, security, shipping, sports, TSA