Air-line Traveler--Tips and Etiquette Request

[along-for-the-ride]

This summer, I plan to fly from Georgia to North Dakota to visit my grown children and my granddaughters, whom I haven't seen in over two years. (They all moved up there). I have not flown since the early 80's and, ofcourse, this was before 9-11.
I have been visiting the Travel sites to get an idea of the flight schedules and the cost. I will be traveling alone and will probably have atleast two stops.

I am a believer of enjoying the trip as well as the destination.
Any advice on how to help make this trip enjoyable and safe? I am excited about this trip, and a little nervous.

Any input is most appreciated.

[Lon]

Originally Posted by along-for-the-ride

This summer, I plan to fly from Georgia to North Dakota to visit my grown children and my granddaughters, whom I haven't seen in over two years. (They all moved up there). I have not flown since the early 80's and, ofcourse, this was before 9-11.
I have been visiting the Travel sites to get an idea of the flight schedules and the cost. I will be traveling alone and will probably have atleast two stops.

I am a believer of enjoying the trip as well as the destination.
Any advice on how to help make this trip enjoyable and safe? I am excited about this trip, and a little nervous.

Any input is most appreciated.

As one who does considerable flying, both nationally and internationally, I
feel qualified to respond to your question.

First, don't overpack for your trip and take only a small carryon with any drugs or prescriptions that you are taking. Put all and every metal object that you might usually wear in the carryon. Doing this will make you metal free and thus go through the airport scanning devices much easier. Ask for a seat assignment before hand. If you want a window seat, ask, if you prefer an asile seat, ask. If you have dietary requirements for meal flights, ask for that ahead of time. (All folks with dietary requirements are served first). Finally, get to the airport in plenty of time to avoid the rush of long lines. Due to security reasons, flying today just isn't as much fun as it used to be. Relax and have a good trip.

[john8pies]

It`s only natural to be a little worried especially if you haven`t flown for some time and especially in view of the events of 11 September 2001. nevertheless, please try to put this in some sort of perspective (difficult I know but maybe you have a good friend or somebody you could confide in) - the LIKELIHOOD of your being involved in any air crash etc is MINIMAL and far, far less likely than being in a car accident or an accident in the kitchen! You`ll be fine, so good luck, enjoy the trip!

[along-for-the-ride]

Thanks so much for your input.

I will be checking back again for any more advice.

[along-for-the-ride]

An Update----I now have the money for my airplane ticket...thanks to my sweet husband who made and sold some of his terrific woodwork. I plan to purchase my tickets later on this week for my July 15th to July 23th roundtrip ticket. I already have a good idea of the price. I plan on just going to the airport and booking my flight in person. The airport is only 45 miles away. Any advice?

[capt_buzzard]

They say that travel broadens the mind. Have a nice trip.

[Lon]

Originally Posted by along-for-the-ride

An Update----I now have the money for my airplane ticket...thanks to my sweet husband who made and sold some of his terrific woodwork. I plan to purchase my tickets later on this week for my July 15th to July 23th roundtrip ticket. I already have a good idea of the price. I plan on just going to the airport and booking my flight in person. The airport is only 45 miles away. Any advice?

I hope when you get to the airport the price is close to what you are expecting to pay. I received an email this AM that three of the majors have kicked up their rates, effective today.

[JAB]

Originally Posted by along-for-the-ride

I plan on just going to the airport and booking my flight in person. The airport is only 45 miles away. Any advice?

Why go all the way to the airport to buy your ticket? Since you post here and obviously have a computer, why not try some of the travel sites and bargain shop for the best rate? Even the airline's own online site will give you a better rate than what you'd get in person precisely because they don't have to pay a ticket agent to issue you a ticket.

Another thing to remember - try and get an e-ticket (electronic ticket) as compared to a physical ticket for your flight. Some airlines will charge you an add'l $10-$20 if they issue you a ticket as compared to an e-ticket.

[Lon]

Originally Posted by JAB

Why go all the way to the airport to buy your ticket? Since you post here and obviously have a computer, why not try some of the travel sites and bargain shop for the best rate? Even the airline's own online site will give you a better rate than what you'd get in person precisely because they don't have to pay a ticket agent to issue you a ticket.

Another thing to remember - try and get an e-ticket (electronic ticket) as compared to a physical ticket for your flight. Some airlines will charge you an add'l $10-$20 if they issue you a ticket as compared to an e-ticket.

Good advice Jab----It's the only way to buy tickets anymore. Much cheaper.

[along-for-the-ride]

Thanks for the advice.
I have gone to Orbitz and Travelocity and Expedia to compare prices. When I want to book the flight, they will want a credit card number. I do have a credit card, but there is not quite enough balance in it for a round-trip ticket. So, that is the hold-up on that for me.
If they could just accept the fact that I have a credit card, book the flight for me at their price, and then I could pay at airport..........