If
you have been following the Travel section of your newspaper
recently, you are probably aware that the airlines, formerly
only “in trouble,” have now graduated to the
“crisis” level.
If you are planning a trip
that includes air travel, it will help to be aware of the
following:
- Many companies have cut
down on the number of planes flying major routes, resulting
in even more crowded planes. You need to reserve early,
and if you prefer aisle or bulkhead seating, some airlines
are also charging extra for those. One trick, since airlines
often hold a few of their best seats for last-minute elite
flyers, is to ask at the gate, just before boarding, if
any prime seats have opened up.
- It will be more difficult
to use airline credits, and I wouldn’t be surprised
if they are soon completely discontinued. There will be
fewer “bargain prices” and many additional
add-ons. For example, airlines are now starting to charge
for your first checked bag on domestic flights and currently
under discussion is a charge by the weight of each individual
passenger ... something I think would be so unpopular,
it would cause flyers to rightly revolt at such a discriminatory
and embarrassing measure.
- Arrive at the airport 1½-2
hours before flight time, especially if it is an international
flight.
- Have all liquids in your
carry-on bag in containers holding 3 ounces or less and
in see-through plastic bags. Prescription medicines should
be in their original containers showing your name and
the prescription number. Wal-Mart currently has some great
3-ounce plastic containers with colored lids that I found
perfect for shampoo, body lotion, etc.
- Wear shoes that slip on
and off easily for going through security and for added
comfort while airborne. I’m addicted to Merrell’s
which I find meet the above requirements and are also
very comfortable for walking.
- As to clothes, some travelers
roll their clothes or fold them around a core piece, like
a makeup or jewelry box, but I am still of the layer and
tissue-paper school of packing. I layer a few pairs of
pants on the bottom of the suitcase and then use the large,
plastic bags (Stop & Shop has new ones with snap closures)
for sweaters, tops, accessories, etc.
A suitcase with two outside pockets will hold nightwear,
underwear and a bathing suit and in that way the rest
of the suitcase remains undisturbed when you take out
the things needed most frequently. Any jewelry (I take
a minimum of little value) and cosmetics go in a carry-on,
along with a book, any on-plane meds, a sleep mask and
a cardigan sweater.
- I also have TSA combination
locks, available from Guilford Traveler, for both suitcases
and I keep them locked in transit and in the hotel rooms.
Bags should be tagged inside and out with your name and
address to make a reunion easier if your bag takes a different
route than you do.
Even though my sophisticated San Francisco daughter thinks
it looks suburban Connecticut matron, I love a big Laura
Ashley handbag when I travel. They are light with many
compartments for sunglasses, pills, passport and even
a small travel toothbrush and toothpaste ... great for
freshening up after a long flight.
- Well before leaving, be
sure to have a physical exam, update immunizations, see
your dentist and check on your insurance needs to find
out your carrier’s policies for obtaining medical
care in another country.
Jean Cherni
is founder of Senior Living Solutions, a retirement advisory
service. Contact her at jeancherni@sbcglobal.net or
15 The Ponds, Branford 06405.
H. Pearce Company REALTORS®
is a full-service real estate company with more than 100
agents and branch offices in greater New Haven and the Shoreline.
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