Planning to fly to Charlotte for the 2007 Benson Family Reunion? Make your air reservations now!!! Experts are already sounding the "trouble" bell for the summer flying season http://www.usatoday.com/travel/columnist/brancatelli/2007-04-13-summer-travel-forecast_N.htm. Airlines are carrying record passenger loads and this spells almost certain trouble when coupled with increased summer travelers flying airlines with fewer and fewer employees.
Take it from Mark who flys almost weekly to various destinations across the USA for work...it pays to plan ahead and make your flight reservations early - - especially in the summer time.
Following are summer travel tips that were published by a travel expert in 2006 that can help make your airplane trip to Charlotte as stress-free as possible.
SUMMER TRAVEL TIPS
1. Skycap. Instead of waiting three hours to check in a bag, give it to the skycap. It may cost you a couple of bucks per bag but believe me, halfway through the check-in line you will wish you had.
2. Electronic check-in. Some flights are eligible for online check-in. By avoiding the check-in mess, you can go directly to the security mess.
3. Early bird. Take an early flight. As the day progresses, there is a greater likelihood of flight cancellations and weather delays.
4. Bring a jacket. Some of the coldest flights I have ever flown have been in the summer, when the pilots overcompensate for the heat by cranking up the air conditioning to Siberian levels.
5. Don’t stop. Pay the extra money and book the nonstop flight if available. You may get a good deal by connecting through Chicago, but believe me you will pay for it later.
6. Be prepared. Don’t have something crucial planned for the first two days of your trip. For example, if your cruise leaves on Friday morning, don’t leave Thursday night.
7. Make the call. Call the airline before you leave for the airport to make sure your flight is on time. Sign up for e-check, a service many airlines provide; it will call your cell phone to inform you of any delays. If you are being picked up at your destination, make sure your driver has a number to call to verify your arrival time.
8. Do unto others. Treat other travelers and airline employees as you would like to be treated yourself. Put yourself into their shoes and realize that you are not the only person in this world.
9. Stick to the favorites. If you have had better experiences on one airline than on others, stick with it, even if it is a little more expensive, or leaves at a less convenient time. Your judgment is key.
10. Pack a lot of patience. Don’t let small inconveniences ruin the whole trip. Things go wrong in life and your airline journey may be no different.
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