How to Deal With Airline Cutbacks

As YSN’s resident road warrior, needless to say, I travel a lot. In fact, I became a Platinum member of American Airlines’ frequent flier program for traveling more than 100,000 miles last year! That’s a lot of hours spent in security lines, terminals and, unfortunately, flight delays so I thought I’d share a few of my personal tips for making travel more of a pleasure and less of a pain:

Instructions

Difficulty: Moderately Easy

1. Unless you get airsick, always eat a good meal before you board AND bring more food with you. You never know anymore if any snacks will be available on your flight or how long your trip will take, despite the estimated travel time.
2. Dump your bottled water at airport security, and immediately suck it up and buy another when you get to the other side. Don’t expect the flight crew to keep you hydrated any more than you expect them to feed you.
3. Bring your own headsets - good ones - and if you are noise sensitive or just easily annoyed, consider buying those awesome Bose noise canceling headsets. Worst case scenario: invest a buck or two in good earplugs.
4. Be prepared to entertain yourself. Don’t show up empty-handed: bring a book, magazine, journal, video iPod or game with you (if not all of the above). Again, you never know when you might be delayed or whether they’ll show a movie on-board. Keeping yourself busy will keep you calmer and preoccupied.
5. If you get cold easily, shove a pair of socks in your carryon or purse, and even consider buying one of those great little blankets by NAP. Also find the thinnest, lightest and most comfortable flats or flip flops and throw those in your carryon, too. It’s amazing how many miles you can log schlepping from gate to gate or terminal to terminal at some airports.
6. A few other things that might be helpful: an alternate form of ID, a copy of your flight information; a rolling carry-on; an extra collapsible bag or tote; all the power cords, chargers and extra batteries you need for a 24 hour period; about $100 cash for any emergencies; a credit card for any “acts of God” that force you to stay in a hotel unexpectedly or rent a car, an airport lounge/club card (if you can afford it, they make a HUGE difference! I have one for American Airlines’ Admirals Club); and lastly…
7. Have the right attitude and expect that you WILL encounter challenges. If everything goes off without a hitch, you’ll appreciate it more. Also realize that you are not in control or the ticket agent/flight attendant/pilot’s biggest priority that day. You’re not alone in your frustrations so be respectful of EVERYONE you meet along the way. Find humor in anything you can too and roll with whatever comes your way!