Return to the "POINTER VIEW"Feb. 2, 2001
Return to the "POINTER VIEW"
Feb.
2, 2001
Here are some tips to help make your
travelling easier
Editor’s Note: The
following information is also available, along with other helpful travel tips, on the CFSC
Internet site. You can log on at http://trol.redstone.army.mil/mwr then click on
the ITR Tips icon at the left. Scroll through to view topics offered.
Air Travel Tips
As you prepare to take to the skies, there are some simple steps you can take to help keep your travels safe, stress-free and enjoyable. Here are a few recommended by the Federal Aviation Administration:
n Get to the airport early! Extra-crowded airports and security procedures require that you build in plenty of extra time, especially if your are traveling with children or someone needing special assistance. n Build even more time into your schedule if you are driving to the airport. If possible, use public transportation or have someone drop you off -- the terminal isn’t the only crowded place at the airport. n Don’t leave your car unattended in front of the terminal and be sure to observe all parking restrictions. Because of increased security, local parking rules are being strictly enforced. n Keep your photo identification handy. All airlines require you to have proper identification to fly. If you do not have a photo identification card, make sure you have two pieces of identification, one of which must be issued by a government authority. Minors are not required to have identification. Failure to have proper identification may result in additional security scrutiny. n For international flights, airlines are required to collect your full name and ask you for a contact name and phone number. The Department of Transportation recommends that you provided the information. Furthermore, you need to check in two hours early. n Keep your eyes open for unattended packages and bags and report them to authorities. Watch you bags and don’t accept packages from strangers. n Be prepared to answer questions about who packed your bags and whether you might have left them unattended at any time. Think carefully and answer honestly -- history has shown that criminals and terrorists use unwitting passengers to carry bombs or other dangerous items on board aircraft, either by tricking passengers into carrying packages or by simply slipping items into unwatched bags. Answering "yes" to either questions will only lead to a little extra scrutiny of the bag. Do not joke about this. n Do not joke about having a bomb or firearm in your possession. Security personnel are trained to react when they hear these words. Penalties can be severe and can include the possibility of time in prison and/or fines. n Both carry-on and checked bags are subject to being hand-searched, so it’s a good idea to leave gifts unwrapped until after you arrive at your destination. If airline security personnel cannot determine by X-ray the contents of a package, they can and will open it, or ask you to open it, for inspection. Additionally, most airlines have a limit of two carry-on bags. Expect that to change in the near future to only one carry-on. n Leave your firearms at home and do not pack fireworks, flammable material, household cleaners or pressurized containers. Remember that violators of hazardous materials regulations are subject to civil penalties of up to $27,500 per violation as well as possible criminal prosecution. n Finally, remember to smile!Luggage Tips
Did you know that the original meaning of luggage is ‘what has to be lugged about’?
If you are purchasing luggage for the first time or replacing your luggage, here are several areas that you will want to be aware of when choosing your new luggage.
First -- bulk is the issue, not weight. If you can’t convince yourself to travel light, try to travel small. A lightweight, large bag is harder to manage than a small, heavy one. Take the overhead bins on an aircraft, for instance. As long as you can hoist it up and in, a small bag will be more manageable than a large one that barely fits down the aisle, let alone in the overhead bin.
Second -- Bring along what makes you happy. Don’t deny yourself your favorite pj’s, pillow or picture of your dog if you need them to make you feel comfortable. Settling down for the night can be made so much more pleasant by adding just a little touch from home.
Third -- Where you are going and your intended length of stay will help to determine what type of luggage is appropriate. But what should you look for when buying luggage? Take along a tape measure. Buying a suitcase or carry-on bag that doesn’t conform to the airlines size regulations won’t serve you well. If the suitcase is more than 67 inches (height by width), it’s probably too big. For a carry-on, keep it to 24 inches. If most of your travel is business, inevitably you will be spending a lot of time zipping through airports the size of small countries. Consider a bag with built-in wheels.
Fourth -- When checking bags, remove all straps that can be removed and place them in the bag or in your carry-on. Straps can get caught in the conveyor belt.
Fifth -- Remember that dark colors hide the streaks and smudges that come with life in the belly of an airplane. Be sure to find out what cleaning materials can be used on your luggage.
Sixth -- When buying luggage, the durability and strength of fabric is measured by "deneer." The higher the deneer rating the longer your luggage is likely to survive rough handling.
And last, but not least -- Ask your fellow travelers, friends, family and neighbors their favorite brand in style that has served them well on their journeys -- find out what they wish they had and what they could live without.
When all is said and done, pack light. Roll -- don’t fold. Keep all valuables in your carry-on and have a safe and stress-free trip.