"Senior Moments" Articles
*as featured in The New Haven Register, Living Section

Well-grounded advice for air travelers

By Jean Cherni, H. Pearce Company's Senior Living Services Program

Articles

2008

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. Corporate and & Commercial offices are located in North Haven, where the company was founded in 1958. All listings can be found in color on the web at: www.hpearce.com.




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