Turkey Day Travel Tips

If you’re like many Americans, you’ll be traveling to be with your family on Thanksgiving. Because I will be one of those millions at the airport on Wednesday, I thought that I would offer some advice to make your traveling experience less aggravating as possible.

Since 2007 has been one of the worst years in airline travel for various reasons, it is in your best interest to pack patience because you’ll need it. I traveled several times this year and none of my experiences were pleasant. There was always something causing a delay whether it was the weather or a computer glitch, it just seemed like the airline Gods were frowning down on passengers consistently.

So here are a few tips that I hope will help ease your traveling woes:

1. Wear comfortable shoes that are easy to take off during the security checkpoint.

2. Empty the loose change from all of your pockets to speed up the security check process.

3. Bring a good book or magazine (too bad there isn’t a BGG magazine…yet!) to help pass the time.

4. Subscribe to an airport Internet service (typically no more than $8.99/month) for your laptop. That way you can always have BGG at your fingertips!

5. Bring healthy snacks to munch on while you wait. Remember, everything sold at airports is ridiculously higher than neighborhood drugstores, etc.

6. Be sure to fully charge your iPod or MP3 player the night before your trip. It will help you relax and tune out annoying passengers.

7. Don’t check your bags if at all possible. This will save you a lot of time and in some cases, your belongings. With the insurgence of bags being checked due to the 311 rule, (liquids no larger than 3 oz. in a clear plastic bag) more bags have been lost a result.