
(At right: What you want to avoid.)
Fuel prices are high, the economy is slow, and airlines are cutting back accordingly. While the number of people flying is also likely to decrease, there may be more people herded onto remaining flights (and, thanks to new luggage surcharges, more stuff crammed in the overhead bin). Sounds like the recipe for a stressful flying experience, no?
We spoke with Jeff Burger, executive editor from Business Jet Traveler,
about what frequent leisure flyers can do -- besides giving up
entirely and buying their own planes -- to reduce stress when they
travel. Here are his four top tips for avoiding the
queues, the hassles and the wasted time. (Image via the Clarion Ledger.)
1. Join the Registered Traveler Program
For about $100 a year, passengers who pass a background check get a "smartcard" for use at the security checkpoints. The card gives you access to a reserved security lane' hence, a shorter wait at the security checkpoint. Other benefits include retaining some of your dignity, in the form of keeping your coat and shoes on, and your laptop in your bag. Some companies who offer this program are: Clear, Preferred Traveler, and FLO.
2. Ditch the Luggage
FedEx isn't the only way to go when shipping luggage. FlyLite stores your travel clothes and catalogs them online. Before a trip, you go to the Web site, check off what you want to bring, and it's waiting for you by the time you get to your destination...
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