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Travel Tips

This page provides air travelers tips on "packing smart" so that your belongings arrive in great shape, as well as some general information on carrier's baggage policies. This page also would like to make getting away as easy and fun as possible for those age 65 or over by offering some travel tips to Seniors who are keen on life and life's adventures.

Tips to help make your air travel an enjoyable experience

The airline carrier is dedicated to making your air travel an enjoyable experience by providing the best possible service to passengers. For this reason, the carrier makes every effort to handle each customer's baggage efficiently and as carefully as they would their own.

In the normal course of air travel, however, luggage may encounter some disturbances as it is moved on conveyors, loaded on carts, and transported to and from the aircraft. Rain, snow, strong winds, or intense sunlight may also be encountered between airport terminals and aircraft. Once luggage has been loaded in the aircraft bins, it will shift about during takeoff, landing, and in turbulence.

A little advance planning and careful packing can protect luggage contents from damage during these normal rigors of air travel. 

View a list of items that are considered dangerous when transported by air and should not be packed in checked or carryon baggage (see Travel Information & Conditions).

• When purchasing luggage, select pieces that are lightweight, roomy, and durable. Material and design should be able to keep contents dry in adverse weather. Be sure that each piece has a secure lock.

• Prior to packing, make a list of everything you want to take and check off each item as it is packed. This will help make sure you don't forget anything (it's no fun to discover your toothbrush is still at home when you need to brush your teeth). It will also serve as a handy inventory list should your luggage become lost and you need to file a claim.

• Airline passengers are limited in what they may now carry onboard the airplane (see Carrier for details). 

• Bag dimensions are limited.

• Personal-type items include purses, briefcases, cameras, food containers, or laptops (case included).

• A child safety seat that does not meet the normal carryon size limitations may be brought onboard only if a ticket has been purchased for its use in a passenger seat. Carriers may have special Infant Fares available for children under two years of age who occupy child safety seats. All child safety seats used onboard the aircraft must be FAA approved.

• Keep your jewelry, keys, wallets, eyeglasses, tickets, money, passports, cameras, and other valuables with you in your carryon luggage. Also carry on any medication that you may need during your trip. Although it doesn't happen often, flights can be delayed or luggage lost, and you may need your medication before you receive your luggage.

• Always put your name and address on the outside of all baggage, both checked and carryon. We recommend placing your name and address on the inside as well, since outside tags can come off.

• Be sure to remove any old destination tags from your luggage. You certainly don't want your bags to end up in the wrong city!

• Put cosmetics, shoe polish, nail enamel, liquor, perfume, and anything else that might spill, break, and stain your clothing into re-closable plastic bags or unbreakable containers. Hazardous materials are not allowed onboard. Please view the list of items (see Travel Information & Conditions) that are considered dangerous when transported by air and should not be packed in checked or carryon baggage.

• Placing garments in plastic bags (such as those that come from a dry cleaners) before folding and packing will help to prevent wrinkling.

• Rolling up pants, t-shirts, etc. like a newspaper will lessen wrinkling.

• Placing rolled up socks and other soft clothing items inside shoes will save space and help the shoes keep their shape.

• Purchase travel size bottles of shampoo, conditioner, and other toiletries or place just the amounts you will need of these items in small containers to take with you. Carrying around several big bottles can get awfully heavy; plus, they take up lots of space in your luggage.

• Mom's good china should never be put in a suitcase. Fragile items may be included in your carryon allowance and brought onboard the plane. If you decide to check a fragile item, it's important to make sure it is properly packed to withstand the normal rigors of air travel. Fragile articles are accepted as check baggage only at the Customer's own risk.

• Don't over pack your luggage. Over packing can wrinkle clothing and cause baggage to rip apart or pop open during handling and transport. Don't take the chance of losing items you have packed. If your bag cannot be easily closed, take something out!

• Remove hooks and straps before checking luggage. These are easily caught in baggage handling machinery, which can cause extensive damage to your bag.

• Be sure to lock your luggage prior to checking it in, and keep the key with you.

• Airlines usually begin accepting baggage for check-in two hours before scheduled departure time. While we are unable to hold baggage for longer periods of time, many airports have storage lockers for rent.

• When checking luggage, allow sufficient time for it to be placed on your flight. Baggage checked less than 20 minutes before scheduled departure at curbside or at the ticket counter will be tagged with a Late Check-In Tag. Although every effort will be made to get late checked baggage on your flight, in the event your baggage does not arrive with you at your destination, the carrier may not assume delivery charges to get your baggage to you.

• When you've checked your luggage, make sure you receive a separate claim check for each piece of baggage you've checked. Check to make sure that the city shown on the claim check(s) matches your final destination.

• All carryon luggage is subject to inspection at the security checkpoint. It could be required that gifts be unwrapped for inspection, so it's best to wait to wrap them until you've reached your destination. The following items are considered dangerous and are not allowed in carryon luggage:

   

  • knives, including hunting and cooking knives

  • handguns and rifles, including compressed air and CO2 powered weapons

  • mace, pepper spray, or tear gas

  • clubs, nightsticks, or brass knuckles

  • any hazardous material as defined and regulated by Federal law

  • balloons filled with helium gas

  • handcuffs

   

• Never pack anything considered a hazardous material. Seemingly harmless materials can be dangerous onboard an aircraft. Leave home any flammable liquids (paints, solvents, etc.), household items that contain chemicals (bleaches, drain cleaners, and the like), matches , and other flammable or potentially toxic materials. Variations in temperature and pressure can cause such goods to leak or ignite.

• If traveling with an electric wheelchair, you must check in for your flight at least one hour prior to departure to allow for disassembly, when necessary, and proper packaging of batteries. Bringing along assembly instructions will help prevent damage during disassembly and will speed delivery time upon arrival at your destination.

• Some airlines do not accept styro-foam coolers. All perishable items are accepted at the Customer's own risk. The perishables must be completely frozen and packed in a hard, durable ice chest.  Preferable refrigerant would be a frozen gel pack(s) placed inside the plastic bag with the frozen perishable item(s).  A small amount of ice is acceptable when packed in a separate, leak proof bag inside the ice chest. Loose ice is not permitted. Dry ice is acceptable in quantities under 5 pounds, provided it is shipped in a package vented to release the carbon dioxide gasses to prevent a build up of pressure. The outside of the container must be marked "DRY ICE" or "CARBON DIOXIDE SOLID" and display the net weight of the dry ice.

• Guns and ammunition may be transported only as checked baggage with certain airlines in some countries. All firearms must be unloaded and presented for inspection by the airline. A Firearms Inspection Tag will be affixed. The luggage or other container in which a handgun is transported must be locked. Other firearms must be encased in a container manufactured for the transportation of firearms and of sufficient strength to withstand normal handling and prevent damage to the weapon during transport. Ammunition must be contained in the manufacturer's original container or an equivalent that is sturdy and durable and provides for sufficient cartridge separation. The airlines prohibit ammunition from being carried, in any amount, in the aircraft cabin.

• Never leave your luggage unattended. If you must leave the area where you have placed it, even for a moment, take your luggage with you.

• When boarding the aircraft, any carryon item with hard edges or inflexible surfaces should be placed under your seat or on the floor of the overhead bin. Don't place it on top of other items in the overhead bin. Luggage shifts about within the bin, and it could fall out and injure someone when the bin door is opened.

• When leaving the aircraft, check to make sure you have all your carryon items with you. The airline cannot be responsible for carryon items left onboard the aircraft.

• When claiming your checked baggage, check the claim check number and name tag to make sure it is yours. Many pieces of luggage look alike, and you don't want to walk off with someone else's.

• If your luggage is damaged or does not arrive as scheduled, immediately notify the airline. Claims generally must be filed, in person, within four (4) hours of your flight's arrival.

• Most airlines do not accept live animals except for assistance animals trained to aid persons with disabilities.

• For each ticketed Customer, the airline allows a certain number of pieces of baggage to be checked free of charge. Excess baggage will be accepted for an additional charge.

• Maximum allowed weight and maximum size of luggage are generally applied (see Carrier for details). Oversized and/or overweight items may be accepted for an additional charge. Fishing rods will be accepted at no extra charge if encased in a manufacturer's container or for an additional charge if encased in a container furnished by the airline. Depending on the overall weight, an item may have to be shipped as Air Cargo.

• Improperly packed and/or fragile items will be conditionally accepted and the airline will not be responsible for any damage to items that are tagged with Conditional Acceptance.

• The airline's liability for loss or damage of checked luggage is limited to the proven amount of damage or loss, but, in no event, shall not be greater than a certain amount per ticketed passenger (see Carrier for details). If your baggage and the contents contained therein is valued at more than this amount, you may purchase excess valuation insurance at time of check-in. If we damage your wheelchair or other assistive device or mobility aid, we will pay for the documented cost of the repair.  If we lose your wheelchair, mobility aid, or any other assistive device, or if we damage it beyond repair, we will reimburse you the documented original purchase price, without depreciation.

• Most airlines will not take responsibility for money; jewelry; cameras; video and electronic equipment, including computers; silverware; precious gems and metals; negotiable papers; securities; business documents; samples; items intended for sale; paintings and other works of art; antiques; collectors' items; artifacts; manuscripts; furs; irreplaceable books or publications; and similar valuables contained in checked or unchecked baggage.

Travel Tips for Seniors

Senior Fares

Many of the airlines offer special Senior Fares to those people with time and the yearn to travel. Travelers 65 years of age or over may get details on fares, limitations, and any restrictions from the airline's Sales Agent or a travel agent. Fares are subject to change until tickets are purchased, but Senior Fare tickets are sometimes fully refundable (check with Carrier for details and restrictions).

Packing and Travel Tips

See also general travel tips above.

• Leave all jewelry, furs, medicine, eyeglasses, airplane tickets, money, passports, camera equipment, and other valuables out of checked luggage. Carry these items with you. Most other carriers will not reimburse you for these kinds of losses.

• Take a statement from your physician detailing any particular problems, allergies, and the like, and a copy of medication and eyeglass prescriptions. Anticipate any medication you may need and carry it with you (don't pack it).

• Convert cash into traveler's checks that can be reissued if lost. Carry the serial numbers separately from the traveler's checks.

Tips for Making Reservations

• You may make reservations by calling the airline, book via the airline's Website, or via your local travel agent. Airlines compensate travel agents through commissions, so most travel agents do not charge the traveler a fee for services.

• When asking about price, be sure to ask for the Senior Fare if you qualify. Senior Fares normally apply only to those in the traveling party who are age 65 or over. The airline may have other discounted fares for those not meeting the above age requirements. Some restrictions and seating limitations may apply.

• When talking with Reservations Sales Agents, if you do not completely understand the information they give you, ask them to repeat or explain it. Be sure to write down the information for your use. Also, make sure the Reservations Sales Agent has heard and spelled your name correctly.

• If you are traveling during a holiday period or weekend, be sure to make your reservations as far in advance as possible.

• If it is convenient to your travel plans, mid-day and mid-week travel times are less crowded and afford more personal service at the same price for Seniors who are traveling on Senior Fares.

• Some airlines offer reservations and information services for hearing impaired Customers who have access to a so called TDD machine (check with the airline for details).

• If your plans change, please cancel your reservations so others may reserve the seats.

• Making a flight reservation and purchasing a ticket are two separate functions. Making a reservation confirms a seat on a particular flight. It is necessary to actually purchase a ticket in order to confirm a fare.

• A customer may purchase Ticketless Travel over the telephone if paying by major credit card (check the airline for details). 

Tips for Checking In

• It is recommended that you check in one (1) hour prior to flight time. This allows you to have ample time to check your luggage and receive your boarding pass without having to hurry.

• Some Carriers issue tickets, check luggage, and reconfirm reservations at the "main lobby" ticket counter. Also, either at the ticket counter or at the departure gate desk (mainly in the USA) you must obtain a boarding pass for your flight. You must have a boarding pass to board the aircraft.

• Some airlines overbook their flights to allow for those passengers who "no-show" (fail to show up to claim) their reservations. Each airline has its own regulations and cancellation policy. Airlines may require that you check in to obtain your boarding pass and arrive at the departure gate at least 10 minutes prior to the scheduled departure time of your flight. Failure to comply with this policy can result in the cancellation of your flight reservation. If this occurs, you will not be eligible for denied boarding compensation.

• Upon receipt of your ticket, make sure that the ticket has the correct originating city (beginning city of your journey) and destination (ending city of your journey).

• Payment can be done in various way, varying from cash, credit card, debit cards, checks through traveler checks. If paying by check, you will be required to present a valid identification, such as a passport, driver's license or country/state-issued identification card.

• If you are traveling on a Senior Fare, you must provide valid proof of age (driver's license or other accepted identification) at the time of ticket purchase and when exchanging your ticket for a boarding pass. A Medicare card is not considered valid proof of age.

• If a wheelchair is required, request one at the "main lobby" ticket counter. If traveling with your own electrical wheelchair, you must notify the airline well in advance and check in for your flight at least one hour prior to departure.

• When checking baggage, be sure to give your final destination (ending city) to the Agent at the ticket counter and not the city where you might connect to another flight.

• Complimentary coffee, juice, and cold drinks are served on most airline's flights. Alcoholic beverages are often available for purchase. Nuts or other snack items are available on selected flights. Note: Not all airlines serve meals.

Tips on Travel Talk Language

Understanding some of the terms used in air travel should make your journey easier.

• Nonstop - The airplane travels from your originating city (beginning) city to your final destination (ending city) without a stop.

• Direct (also referred to as single plane service) - The airplane makes one or more stops en-route to the final destination, but the Customer does not get off of the airplane until the final destination is reached.

• Connecting - At a "connecting city" between the originating city and the final destination, the Customer will leave one aircraft and board another.

• Unrestricted fare - These fares are available to all Customers (regardless of age) and do not require advance reservations or advance ticket purchase. No penalties apply for itinerary changes or refunds. The term for this type of fare varies between airlines.

• Restricted fare - Certain discount fares may be available that are subject to specific reservation, ticket purchase, and travel requirements. Failure to follow the established fare rules may result in added expense to the Customer. Holiday blackout periods may apply and seats may be limited.

• Confirmed - A seat on a particular flight has been reserved by the Reservations Sales Agent.

• Standby - A reservation cannot be confirmed. The traveler will be given a seat only if one becomes available after all confirmed Customers have checked in and received boarding passes for the flight. On any flight with a stop, a standby Customer assumes the risk that he/she may be removed from the flight at the stopping place so that a confirmed Customer can be boarded.

• Ticket Agent - The person at the airline's ticket counter who issues tickets, checks luggage, issues a boarding pass and assists Customers in other ways.

• Gate Agent - The person at the airline's departure gate desk who checks Customers in for their flights and, depending on the country, may be exchanging the tickets for boarding passes.

• Pre-board - Boarding of Customers who need special assistance. Pre-boarding takes place immediately prior to the general boarding of a flight. The need for pre-boarding should be called to the attention of the Gate Agent when the Customer checks in to receive a boarding pass.

• Skycap - The person at USA airports who checks luggage curbside at the entrance to the airport terminal building. An appropriate tip is $1.00 per bag. In some cities, this person also provides wheelchair assistance.