Avoid These Travel Traps

Reducing stress when you travel is both a matter of what you do and what you don’t. Sometimes a simple change can save you a ton of money. Sometimes it will just save you a few minutes of discomfort.

Don’t Check Luggage

We all know that airlines are trying to get all the money they can. Who wants to pay $25 to check a bag? But the probable, is then your lugging a suitcase through the airport. What do do?

Whatever you do, don’t check your luggage. Most flights are running very near full capacity. Airlines cannot fit all those roller bags in the overhead bins. Every flight I’ve been on in the past six months has done complimentary bag check.

Save some cash and check at the gate for free.

Don’t buckle in

You’ve sat in the gate area for hours, you just want to get on the plane and sit; maybe sleep. Better yet, checking your bag got you bumped up to boarding group 2 and you get on just a little earlier. But, if you’re sitting on the aisle, don’t get too comfortable.

You are going to get up at least twice. Save yourself some aggravation. Wait to buckle in.

Don’t lean back

You’re settled in. You’ve sat through the safety lecture. You’re now in the air. Do you lean back? Three words of advice. . .DON’T DO IT! Sure, if you’re in First Class or Economy Comfort there is plenty of room. But, back in coach, there just isn’t room. You might be in front of this guy.

I know, I know. Even a few inches back makes a big difference. But, you get your comfort at some else’s discomfort. Don’t be that guy. . .or girl. . .woman. . .person.

Don’t stand up too soon

After the flight lands and the plane has taxied to,the gate, the captain turns off the fasten seatbelt sign. Now what? Go back to your book. You’ve got plenty of time. Typically if you are in the back half of the plane, you have ten to fifteen minutes at least. If you have the window seat and you stand up, you are going to be hunched over for those ten to fifteen minutes.

Enjoy your trip. Hopefully, these tips help make your plane trip a little less stressful.

Rodney M Bliss is an author, columnist and IT Consultant. His blog updates every weekday at 7:00 AM Mountain Time. He lives in Pleasant Grove, UT with his lovely wife, thirteen children and one grandchild.

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