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Posted April 1, 2006

LESSONS FROM OUR ROAD WARRIORS FOR SURVIVING AIRPORT CHECK-IN  

We at Travel by North Shore have some well worn travel Road Warriors. Sitting around the water fountain we have captured our top 5 tips for avoiding hassles at the airport.

1. Check-In Online:
Avoiding the log check-in counter will do wonders for setting a positive tone for your trip. If you cannot check-in at home and print your boarding pass, then use the check-in kiosks which are prevalent at most airports. True Road Warriors will know were the check-in kiosk that are off the beaten path are located!

2. Get organized at Home:
Chose your travel attire carefully. Avoid items with large metal objects. Place unnecessary items in your carry-on luggage. Dress for your destination and wear shoes that you can get in and out of quickly. Some more sound advice from our Road Warriors is to check your socks! You will most likely have to take off your shoes while passing through security and you don’t want to be caught in that pair of socks with the hole in the toe.

3. Pack with Knowledge:
If you are not a frequent traveler visit TSA’ website (www.tsa.gov) for the latest do’s and don’ts. Ensure that no restricted items wind up in your luggage or you will be subject to additional “special” screening.

4. Power Up:
Make sure any of your electronic items are fully powered in the event you are asked to power your items up. Laptops and video cameras require separate bins while passing through security screening. Don’t try to shove everything in one bin to pass through the X-ray machine and please check your pockets for metal objects!

5. PPA (Planning, Patience and Attitude):
PPA is our single most important factor for surviving the airport check-in process.

Plan on arriving at the airport early. For casual travelers that means 90-120 minutes prior to departure for domestic flights and 120-180 minutes for international flights. This may seem extreme, but while you are relaxing reading a book at the gate the late arrivals are sweating it out in a long security line.

Be patient. Delays are inevitable and totally out of your control. If you cannot control the situation there is no sense is getting all bent of shape! Rolling with the punches is the best way to wait out a delay. Have water, snacks and a good book within reach.

Attitude is #1. I have seen many travelers really lay into the gate agent for a flight cancellation; when in reality the gate agent is the only one that can assist you. Being courteous, respectful and appreciative will get you everywhere! Have your airline’s phone number available and if your flight gets cancelled call the reservation center immediately. They can re-book you just as fast as the gate agent. 

For more travel related information, please come check us out at: www.TravelByNorthShore.com.

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