- Book your ticket ASAP
If you must book last minute, remember, you have options. The key to securing the best deal is flexibility in travel dates--ask your ASTA travel agent to check into holiday fares; the slow week between Christmas and New Year's; or consider flying into an alternate airport and renting a car. If your holiday vacation includes international travel, make sure you have a valid passport. Your travel agent can advise you on the new rules and how to apply.
Source ASTA
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- Arrive early
Difficult airport parking, long lines at security checkpoints and the possibility of the airline overselling the flight and bumping passengers, should all be considered when deciding what time to arrive at the airport. Give yourself plenty of extra time. Need some incentive? Keep in mind that those who arrive earliest for an overbooked flight stand the greatest chance of staying onboard.
Source ASTA
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- Keep a close eye on all your belongings
Just as airports are extremely crowded during the peak holiday period with travelers, they can also be fraught with thieves working the airports. Be aware of your surroundings and maintain a close watch over tickets, wallets, purses, and other belongings at all times.
Source ASTA
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- Avoid getting bumped
1) Get an advance seat assignment. Passengers with seat assignments are typically only bumped if they arrive late and their seat assignment is released. 2) Check-in online. Most airlines allow you to do so within 24 hours of departure. Seat assignments that were not available at the time of ticketing may be available when checking in online. 3) Don't be late. If all else fails, get to the airport early. Some airlines reserve a portion of their seat assignment inventory for airport check-in. If you are denied a seat assignment at check-in, put your name on the "standby" seat assignment list.
Source ASTA
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- Remember 3-1-1
New regulations limit the amount of gels and liquids passengers can take through security in their carry-on luggage to travel-size toiletries of three (3) ounces or less that fit comfortably in one (1) quart-size, clear plastic zip-top bag and the one (1) bag per passenger must be placed in the screening bin.
Source ASTA
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- Know your limits
Pack light and know baggage limits. Some airlines place special restrictions during the holidays and allow only one carry-on. Ship your gifts to your destination ahead of time. If you do not send your gifts ahead, do not wrap them before the flight. With safety a priority for all airlines, security personnel will need access to all items. Pack collapsible gift bags to be used as wrapping upon arrival.
Source ASTA
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- Don't Confuse Your Airplane with Santa's Sleigh - Pack Light
It's the time of year when you are most tempted to travel with a lot of stuff, but it's the worst time of year to do it because every other traveler is doing the same. We can't emphasize this enough -- bringing more items, whether it be carry-on or check-in, significantly increases your odds of losing luggage, or getting items damaged when storing them in overhead bins or below seats. Packing light also saves time. Mail gifts ahead of time if possible, or buy gifts when you arrive at your destination. Be extra careful if you are traveling to the Caribbean, Latin America, and Mexico as additional baggage restrictions are in effect from December 1, 2007 to January 10, 2008.
SeatGuru.com
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- Make Your List of Security Rules, and Check it Twice
With airport traffic at its peak during holiday season, it's that much more important for travelers to be familiar with the rules before they check in. If you have questions about security rules or prohibited items, check the Transportation Security Administration's website or SeatGuru's Traveler Resources (http://www.seatguru.com/articles/tsa_prohibited_items.php) for the most up-to-date information. Give a second thought to all gifts being carried onto the plane, even items like jelly or jam are considered liquids and will not be allowed on the flight if the jar is greater than three ounces.
SeatGuru.com
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- Spread Holiday Cheer -- Not Germs
Red noses are cute on reindeer, not people. Do everyone a favor -- yourself, the loved ones you are visiting, and your fellow travelers -- by staying off a flight if you are sick. If you are feeling the signs of something coming on and must travel, be liberal in your use of hand sanitizer, bring a face mask, and keep plenty of tissues on hand.
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- You Can get Away with Last Minute Shopping for Holiday Gifts, but Not Flights
Some risk-taking travelers believe in getting better deals shopping for flights at the last minute. Good luck with that during the holidays. If you are planning to fly in late December, you should try to book at least two months in advance. Since that is no longer an option for this year, you can find deals by flying on the holidays themselves, such as Christmas Day or New Year's Day.
SeatGuru.com
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