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For every bigger
mouse trap, there is a smarter mouse! And if there is
one thing you can count on from TRAVELHOST readers, it’s
that they are smarter than the average traveler. You can count
on TRAVELHOST readers to hone their techniques for by-passing
confusion and obstacles, keeping things simple to minimize stress,
and maximizing opportunities to enjoy the exhilaration one finds
in the energy generated at airports, train stations, and new destinations.While
I know your experiences in 2007 will help you morph new techniques
for smooth sailing in your travels, I hope the following tips
will put you at the head of the line:
Rule #1: Everything
you knew yesterday is probably obsolete today! As close to the
day of your travels as possible, re-check with your airline(s)
to be certain you know how many checked bags per person you are
allowed, the maximum allowable weight per checked bag, how much
hand luggage you may carry on, and weight/size/contents restrictions
you should know. If you are flying with multiple air carriers,
they may each have different maximum allowable weights. Either
pack for the carrier that allows the least weight or, if you break
your trip in a city you return to, think about checking a bag
of items you don't need for the rest of your trip with the bellman
of your mid-way hotel.Rule #240: Now here are words you need to
memorize: “I want to invoke Rule 240.” Use this term
when an airline tells you that your flight is not operating today.
Your airline check-in counter is supposed to have a copy of this
rule, which explains what that specific airline’s policy
is for situations when you have a valid ticket but the airline
has a reason why they can’t fulfill the service you purchased.
For those times when the airline’s representative does not
seem to know what you are talking about, have a copy of the airline’s
Rule 240 with your travel documents. You can find it on-line at
the web site of each carrier you are flying. Make a hard copy
and produce it at the proper moment. Generally speaking, airline
agents jump into “Let’s -see -how -we -can –help-
you” mode when you speak the magic words, “Rule 240!”
Rule #3: New US airport
rules require travelers to leave checked luggage unlocked. The
problem with that is that there are more people than those who
work for the TSA who have access to your bags in the course of
their travels. How clever of the Master Lock folks to come out
with TSA accepted luggage locks! You remember this company! Almost
all TRAVELHOST readers had a combination lock on their gym lockers
made by Master Lock. Well, the company is still thinking about
your grown-up needs! They’ve come out with a variety of
locks that work on a combination but have a little spot for a
key to unlock it. The TSA has a master key that can open your
luggage should the TSA need to examine the contents. But, once
closed, the myriad of people who come in contact with your checked
baggage do not have entrée. Better still, the luggage locks
come in colors which will help you identify your bags as they
arrive at baggage claim. Also, think about putting these locks
on your hand-carried bags. Even after I wind the shoulder strap
of my handbag around my ankle and tuck the bag between my seat
and the wall of the aircraft so no one walks off with my purse
while I’m sleeping during a long-haul flight, it occurs
to me that someone could open that bag, or one in the overhead,
without waking me! These locks are the solution for added security
for you contents!
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