Tips for Summer Flights

Memorial Day marks the beginning of the summer travel season, which is traditionally the busiest time of the year for travel.  Families and students who can take some time off from the routines of school and work stream into airports, bound for their summer vacations.

Unfortunately, the warm temperatures of summer can lead to hot tempers- not to mention thunderstorms – and frustration when air travel doesn’t proceed as planned.  The good news is that you can take some practical steps to minimize stress and maximize your enjoyment of summer air travel.

The most important thing to do is to book your air travel as far in advance as you can.  Recent airline mergers have reduced the number of flights or even the size of aircraft available to some destinations, so the sooner you can make your reservations the more likely you are to get the best flights and prices.  If your travel dates are flexible, you may be able tot find some good values closer to the time you want to go.  However, if you’re locked into specific vacation dates, it’s essential to book as early as possible.  Early booking may also protect you from higher ticket prices that can result from rising fuel prices.

Be sure to secure a seat assignment at the time of booking, or as soon thereafter as possible.  When a flight is overbooked, passengers without seat assignments are more likely to be bumped off the flight.

Also, check in for your flight as early as possible.  Many airlines allow on-line check-in starting 24 hours before departure.  You can confirm your seat assignment at that time, too, or perhaps even find a better seat that’s opened up at that time.

To minimize luggage, pack light – no one at your destination is likely to care or even notice if you wear the same outfit more than once.  And, remember that Travel Security Administration rules still limit liquids or gels (shampoo, toothpaste, lotion, lipstick, etc.) in your carry-on luggage to containers of three ounces or less- and, all of these containers must fit comfortably in a single quart-size, clear plastic zip-top bag.

Be aware that some common “summertime” items, such as fireworks; sports equipment (baseball bats, lacrosse sticks, golf clubs) and camping equipment (tent stakes, jackknives) are not permitted in carry-on baggage.  (Fireworks, of course, are not permitted in checked baggage, either.)

In addition to assisting you with your travel planning, your travel professional can give you more tips that will help your summer air travel proceed smoothly, helping to ensure an enjoyable, relaxing vacation.