Alaska Airlines, the leading air carrier for most Alaskans, has published an extensive list of travel tips for the holiday season. These suggestions could go a long ways towards making a trip south for Christmas less stressful you and your family. The greatest thing is that these hints aren’t necessarily season specific. They are likely to help all year round.
- Check in online or at a kiosk. Kiosks are often available off airport at major hotels and other locations. Allow adequate time after checking in online or at a kiosk to check baggage.
- Understand your carriers limits for carry-on baggage. Alaska Airlines allows one carry-on bag and one personal item like a laptop computer or purse. Carry-on limits vary with different airlines.
- Properly label luggage. Place a legible label containing the passenger’s name, address, e-mail address, permanent phone number and a phone number for the destination on the inside and outside of the bag.
- Stay abreast of changing fees. Alaska Airlines charges $15 for a first checked bag, $25 for a second and $50 for a third one. Overweight bags cost $50. Other air carriers often charge more than this for checked bags.
- Passports are required for travel outside of the United States. This includes travel into Canada and Mexico.
- Arrive early to avoid a last minute rush to reach the gate. Alaska Airline recommends arriving at least two hours before domestic departures and three hours before international departures. Specific airports may vary from these guidelines. Regardless of these recommendations, passengers must be at the gate, ready to board the airplane at least 30 minutes prior to domestic departures and 40 minutes before international departures.
- Plan your logistics for reaching the airport. Transportation is slower during the holidays and parking lots are often full. Taking a shuttle to the airport can make the process easier.
- Be prepared for security checks. Avoid bringing prohibited items and materials. Understand the rules for bringing gels and liquids through airport security. It’s 3-3-1, three containers, no larger than three onces in size, in one quart-size clear plastic zip-closure bag. This plastic bag is screened separately from other items. Hints on how to improve the screening experience can be found at tsa.gov.
- Leave gifts unwrapped until you reach your destination.
Following these hints will prevent many potential travel disasters and smooth the way home for the holidays.
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