Air-line Traveler--Tips and Etiquette Request

[along-for-the-ride]

This summer, I plan to fly from Georgia to North Dakota to visit my grown children and my granddaughters, whom I haven't seen in over two years. (They all moved up there). I have not flown since the early 80's and, ofcourse, this was before 9-11.

I have been visiting the Travel sites to get an idea of the flight schedules and the cost. I will be traveling alone and will probably have atleast two stops.

I am a believer of enjoying the trip as well as the destination.

Any advice on how to help make this trip enjoyable and safe? I am excited about this trip, and a little nervous.

Any input is most appreciated.

[Lon]

along-for-the-ride wrote: This summer, I plan to fly from Georgia to North Dakota to visit my grown children and my granddaughters, whom I haven't seen in over two years. (They all moved up there). I have not flown since the early 80's and, ofcourse, this was before 9-11.

I have been visiting the Travel sites to get an idea of the flight schedules and the cost. I will be traveling alone and will probably have atleast two stops.



I am a believer of enjoying the trip as well as the destination.

Any advice on how to help make this trip enjoyable and safe? I am excited about this trip, and a little nervous.



Any input is most appreciated.
As one who does considerable flying, both nationally and internationally, I

feel qualified to respond to your question.



First, don't overpack for your trip and take only a small carryon with any drugs or prescriptions that you are taking. Put all and every metal object that you might usually wear in the carryon. Doing this will make you metal free and thus go through the airport scanning devices much easier. Ask for a seat assignment before hand. If you want a window seat, ask, if you prefer an asile seat, ask. If you have dietary requirements for meal flights, ask for that ahead of time. (All folks with dietary requirements are served first). Finally, get to the airport in plenty of time to avoid the rush of long lines. Due to security reasons, flying today just isn't as much fun as it used to be. Relax and have a good trip.

[john8pies]

It`s only natural to be a little worried especially if you haven`t flown for some time and especially in view of the events of 11 September 2001. nevertheless, please try to put this in some sort of perspective (difficult I know but maybe you have a good friend or somebody you could confide in) - the LIKELIHOOD of your being involved in any air crash etc is MINIMAL and far, far less likely than being in a car accident or an accident in the kitchen! You`ll be fine, so good luck, enjoy the trip!

[along-for-the-ride]

Thanks so much for your input.

I will be checking back again for any more advice.

[along-for-the-ride]

An Update----I now have the money for my airplane ticket...thanks to my sweet husband who made and sold some of his terrific woodwork. I plan to purchase my tickets later on this week for my July 15th to July 23th roundtrip ticket. I already have a good idea of the price. I plan on just going to the airport and booking my flight in person. The airport is only 45 miles away. Any advice?

[capt_buzzard]

They say that travel broadens the mind. Have a nice trip. :driving:

[Lon]

along-for-the-ride wrote: An Update----I now have the money for my airplane ticket...thanks to my sweet husband who made and sold some of his terrific woodwork. I plan to purchase my tickets later on this week for my July 15th to July 23th roundtrip ticket. I already have a good idea of the price. I plan on just going to the airport and booking my flight in person. The airport is only 45 miles away. Any advice?


I hope when you get to the airport the price is close to what you are expecting to pay. I received an email this AM that three of the majors have kicked up their rates, effective today.

[Lon]

JAB wrote: Why go all the way to the airport to buy your ticket? Since you post here and obviously have a computer, why not try some of the travel sites and bargain shop for the best rate? Even the airline's own online site will give you a better rate than what you'd get in person precisely because they don't have to pay a ticket agent to issue you a ticket.



Another thing to remember - try and get an e-ticket (electronic ticket) as compared to a physical ticket for your flight. Some airlines will charge you an add'l $10-$20 if they issue you a ticket as compared to an e-ticket.


Good advice Jab----It's the only way to buy tickets anymore. Much cheaper.

[along-for-the-ride]

Thanks for the advice.

I have gone to Orbitz and Travelocity and Expedia to compare prices. When I want to book the flight, they will want a credit card number. I do have a credit card, but there is not quite enough balance in it for a round-trip ticket. So, that is the hold-up on that for me.

If they could just accept the fact that I have a credit card, book the flight for me at their price, and then I could pay at airport..........

[Lon]

along-for-the-ride wrote: Thanks for the advice.

I have gone to Orbitz and Travelocity and Expedia to compare prices. When I want to book the flight, they will want a credit card number. I do have a credit card, but there is not quite enough balance in it for a round-trip ticket. So, that is the hold-up on that for me.

If they could just accept the fact that I have a credit card, book the flight for me at their price, and then I could pay at airport..........
That will never happen. You must make financial arrangenments in advance and have it paid for by check, cash or credit card. If you wait until you go to the airport to buy a ticket for the flight, you have no guarantee that you can even get on that flight. Most flights are pre-sold out in advance. It's not quite like getting on your local bus.

[along-for-the-ride]

I had gone to the airport to book and to pay for my ticket ahead of time, but that was a waste of time................but.....good news................

I do have my iternary and my ticket will be here soon, thanks to Expedia and my hubbys boss who let us use his credit info.( We are re-embursing him later this week, with gratitude.) So, soon, I will be flying the friendly skies to see my family!

I have a feeling Airline companies do not want to see cash as payment for a ticket. This makes them suspicious or something. They don't seem to want to work with you to book a flight for you to your destination. A 9-11 backlash?

I am going to travel as light as possible, bring a good book to read, my "Grandmother Remembers.." book to work on and just enjoy the trip.

[along-for-the-ride]

Has anyone packed a VHS tape or a Cd game in their suitcase?

I would like to bring a home movie and a game that I don't play for my family to enjoy, but I am not sure it is a good idea. Will the contents of the tape or game be damaged by air travel?

Also--my hair curling rod--suitcase or carry-on? I ask because it is metal.

I sure would appreciate your advice.

I will be leaving Friday morning.

[along-for-the-ride]

Cd game and hair curler--no problem.

I enjoyed my visit and returned yesterday. The only problem is my suitcase is still en-route. Bummer. Delta.