June 30, 2008

Summer Travel Tips From An Abused Frequent Flyer

Between graduations, business meetings, family events and visits to my vacation home in Massachusetts, I have been logging a fair amount of air-travel time lately. Unfortunately, much of that time has been spent on the ground, as I have experienced delay after delay on most of my recent flights. For once I actually agree with many of the newspaper writers who have been reporting that, ‘Things have changed for the worse’---that is when it comes to air travel.  By now I have made it clear that I don’t buy into all the negativity regarding runaway inflation, recession and the generally pessimistic forecasts about the future of our economy. I strongly believe in the resiliency of our economic system; the self-adjusting forces of capitalism…wait a second! You have heard enough about that already from me—back to flying.

I am writing this piece as I sit on yet another runway (for a projected 2 hours this time) during an ATC (Air Traffic Control) delay. ATC has shutdown all take-offs from the Northeast due to storms in the Mid-West. Mind you I am flying from Hartford to Fort Lauderdale, far away from the storms. Well at least I received an explanation this time, irrespective of whether I understand it or not. On the flight out to Hartford, I was delayed for an hour in Fort Lauderdale without any explanation at all. On my prior trip to Colorado I was delayed in FLL because there was, “no pilot to fly the aircraft” (he was delayed in New York?) and then delayed in CO because of some unexplained equipment issue.

So as I wait on the tarmac trying to return home, rather then dwell on the negative, I am going to provide some travel tips for the unwary. I do this in the hope that  I can save you a bit of grief when you prepare to hop on a flight during the summer travel season. These comments and tips are completely my own and come with no guarantees. As my e-mail distribution list grows (now over 1,000), my writings seem to “go viral,” that is to circulate quickly around the country; they end up reaching many people and places unknown to me. So I apologize to anyone, especially those who are involved in the operation of the Fort Lauderdale Airport, if I ruffle any feathers.

FRYE’S TRAVEL TIPS

CONNECTIONS--When considering booking a flight with connections I recommend following the sage advice that New Yorkers routinely dispense,  “Forget about it!”  As all Floridians know, a summer thunderstorm can materialize at any time. Once that occurs, especially along the east coast corridor, the entire system seems to go haywire and there is a good probability that you will miss your connection. If connections are unavoidable, I would begin flying as early in the morning as possible, when thunderstorms are less likely. Even those without connections should fly as early in the morning as possible to avoid those afternoon thunder boomers and reduce the odds of dramatically extended airport “hang” time and trip disruption.

BAGGAGE--We have all heard this many times before, but now more than ever “carry-on” is the way to go. In addition to the ever present risk of lost luggage, the new baggage fees and weight limits, when airport chaos reigns, checked bags slow you down and limit your options, i.e., you won’t be able to change your flight as easily and if you have to stay overnight in a hotel airport, you will be left without basic overnight necessities. Not having to worry about your bags greatly reduces some of the potential “hassle” factor inherent in summer travel, especially.

Try to lighten up when packing. Remember, many essential items may be inexpensive and can be purchased at your destination. If you travel frequently to the same destination, say to your vacation or kids’ homes you can even keep a second set of essentials and bulkier and heavier items there. For example, one pair of my athletic shoes or hiking boots (size 14) can fill up an entire carry-on bag. A solution for me is to keep extra pairs at my Massachusetts home.

FOOD--Plan in advance to bring your own or to buy in the airport. Some airlines (e.g. Delta-most flights) now sell some nice food items and small meals on the plane; you should check in advance if food will be sold on your aircraft. Most airports have good food options these days to either eat in the airport or to carry on to the plane. For a larger city airport, Fort Lauderdale Airport, in my own opinion offers one of the worst food experiences in the nation…Miami isn’t very far behind. Some of the Fort Lauderdale terminals do have new kiosks offering decent wraps, fruits, salads and some sushi. In general, those flying out of South Florida need to do some extra planning.

CHECKING-IN/BOARDING PASSES--To save time and lock in your seat preferences, I highly recommend going online to print your boarding passes well in advance of your flight. This is a relatively simple step that can eliminate the check-in process and make a big difference in flight comfort.

LEG ROOM---For those of us with longer bodies, the ‘EXIT ROWS’ are the only way to fly. If they are not available online prior to your flight, when you get to the airport, keep checking. Some airlines release these seats only at the airport. Often, they mysteriously become available at the last second. First Class, especially on the shorter flights is greatly overrated. Some first class routes now serve no food at all. I call the Exit Rows in coach, the new first class of modern commercial travel.

AIRLINE AIRPORT CLUBS—I find them a good value if you travel frequently. They do allow you to stretch out and provide a decent atmosphere in which to wait out a travel delay. The airline customer service reps at the club check-in desks are extremely helpful and assist with flight/seat issues and requests. Some clubs offer decent free food and drink. There is absolutely no consistency in quality of the offerings or the amenities of the club lounges throughout the country. My comments on the quality of the clubs in the Fort Lauderdale are similar to the ones about the food selections in the airport. Note that presenting some credit cards that you already hold (e.g. AMEX platinum card) will gain you entrance into some of the exclusive club lounges, regardless of which airline you are flying .

MUSIC-HEADPHONES-COMPUTERS-iPod’s or similar devices are travel essentials today no matter how old you are (ask you children or grandchildren to help “hook you up.”) Combine your iPod with noise cancellation headphones and you can almost enjoy your travel experience. These headphones are wonderful remedies to crying babies and loud fellow passengers (Do you ever marvel, as I do, about how 2 complete strangers can be seated next to each other and then spend an entire flight in animated conversation?) Of course, your travel companion might not be too keen on your being unavailable for conversation for the duration of a flight (my wife, in particular, is less than thrilled with my “noise cancellation” system!)

I travel with the Bose Headphones along with my iPhone fully loaded with the music I enjoy. The iPhone, with its email and Internet capabilities has allowed me to begin leaving my laptop at home. (Although, having a laptop on hand should you need to research alternative flight/hotel plans when stranded after hours in the airport, can be invaluable.)  Note that Mike in our legal Department is loading a seminar on the latest changes in the Elder Law area on my iPhone while I am finishing this piece…so for my flight this weekend, my listening options will come down to Coldplay’s new album versus some boring bag of wind speaking on Elder Law—Finding the right balance in life…that is what it is all about, right?

AIRPORT SECURITY--Just know the rules, check your egos and be compliant. If you can, travel without the laptop and use a smaller PDA instead. This can help you save time as well as avoid aggravation and backaches. Also, make sure you know the difference between a quart size and gallon size Ziploc bag and keep a supply at home. When not checking luggage, if possible, buy a set of travel size (under 3 ounces) toiletries/cosmetics, and keep them in the Ziploc quart bag ready for inspection. Since you will need to remove shoes and metal belts and buckles when passing through security check points, make it easy for yourself, and avoid wearing items difficult to remove. Please note that the airport security agents are hard working individuals and seem to enjoy a smile and word of encouragement from us travelers every now and then. So give them a break, as being surly and negative will only serve to delay you longer and make life difficult for everyone.

TRANSPORTATION TO AND FROM AIRPORT-- On shorter weekend trips, I have been very satisfied with the valet parking service at FLL. This is offered in separate sections of the long-term parking lots at each terminal. I find the staff to be reliable and friendly and I appreciate the bottle of water they give me when I return home. However at $22 per day this can become an expensive option for extended stays.

RENTAL CARS--If you are a frequent traveler, Avis offers the “Chairman’s Club” membership, which I highly recommend. Upon arrival the Avis van will drive you directly to your car, with AC or heat already on, after having upgraded you to the best car available. When you are returning your rental car, an agent will actually hop into the car with you, and drive you to the airport.

DON’T SIT FOR TOO LONG!—We have all read about how important it is to stretch and walk around during a flight in order to keep the blood circulating, especially on longer flights. My doctor recently informed me that blood clots can occur in patients with even mild circulation problems and that the common practice on longer flights, to take a sleep medication and possibly sleep for hours (with legs crossed, restricting blood circulation) can be problematic-take heed.

INTERESTING AIRPORT SECURITY TALE--Recently, in the Hartford Airport, I was flagged for a bag inspection after my bag, apparently, flunked the x-ray exam. I was mortified when the agent pulled out a rather large Swiss army knife from an old shaving kit that I had grabbed for the trip and had long forgotten about. Rather then arrest me, as I feared, the agent was very nice and led me to a kiosk where I was able to mail the knife back home, rather then surrender it. As I contemplated my good fortune, I realized that the same pocketknife and shaving kit traveled with me 3 days earlier through the Fort Lauderdale Airport security system on the way to Hartford undetected…food for thought!

Enjoy your summer travel.

Austin A. Frye, MBA, JD, CFP®

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