Surviving the Holidays..at the Airport!
Source: Tween Parent Staff
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Excitement is in the air. The kids are off school. You're packed and ready to visit your family for the holidays or go on a well-deserved vacation. Before the fun can begin, you have to get through the airport. That thought is enough to make you go home and unpack.
Survival Tips For You
*Get seat assignments as soon as possible.
*Check-in on line. (Even if you have to check luggage you will save time with the ticket agent.)
*Pack light and ship your gifts. (Some airlines are charging a fee for checked luggage. Call ahead to find out your airline's policy.)
*Bring snacks for the plane and downtime at the airport.
*Pack cold medicine for you and your kids. Holiday season is flu season.
*Teach your kids what to expect during the airport security screening process. (See tips below.)
*If you are traveling on an e-ticket, carry a printed copy of your itinerary from your booking site.
*Confirm your flight time and rental car reservation 24 hours ahead of time. (It's also a good idea to reconfirm your flight time before you leave for the airport.)
*Keep your sense of humor.
Prepare For Delays
*If you don't have a direct flight and the weather looks bad, consider packing some overnight necessities in your carry-on luggage as a precaution.
*Carry hard copies of your contact numbers and reservation information.
*Pack chargers for all electronics that you may need at the airport in your carry-on bag.
*Make sure your cell phone, PDA, Blackberry and MP3 player are charged.
Survival Tips For Your Kids
*Pack a carry-on bag with a good book and favorite electronics.
*Pack chargers for electronics.
*Pack snacks (Don't pack drinks as you will not be allowed to take them past security.)
*Wear shoes that are easy to take off and put on.
How to Fly Through Airport Security
*Wear shoes that are easy to take off and put on.
*Remember the 3-1-1 rule. (3oz liquids in a 1-quart clear zip-lock bag per 1 person.)
*The zip lock bag containing your liquids should be taken out of your carry-on bag and passed through the x-ray machine separately.
*Declare any exempt liquids over 3oz, such as medicine, to a security officer.
*Take oversized electronics, such as laptops or DVD players out of your carry-on luggage and place in a separate bin. Smaller electronics such as MP3 players and cell phones can stay in your luggage.
*If possible, avoid wearing layers of clothing. All coats and sweaters must be passed through the x-ray machine.
*Avoid wearing accessories that contain metal, which will set off the metal detector.
*Remove all change, keys and other metal items from your pockets and place in the bins to go through the x-ray machines.
*Do not bring wrapped gifts through security. Security officers reserve the right to unwrap your presents to perform a thorough inspection.
*Have boarding passes and ID ready to show security officer.
*Review the list of prohibited items.
*For more information you can link to the Transportation Security Administration.
Plan to Avoid Delays
*Travel off-peak. By traveling on the day of the holiday or several days early you can save money and avoid delays and crowds.
*Fly non-stop or try to make connections in warmer climates to avoid weather related delays.
*Leave extra time for connections.
Travel Tips Section of the Tween Parent Community
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