Traveling in the winter can be crazy. Don't let weather delays or changes throw you out of whack! A little preplanning will make your travel a little better and safer this holiday season.
Here are some things to remember:1. Give your itinerary to someone so they know when and where you are suppose to arrive and any connecting flights you will have. If there is weather trouble or delays it is easier to look for a flight by number than anything else.
2. Always carry an extra set of clothes. Pack a zip lock bag with clean clothes (at least a new t-shirt), a pair of underwear, and a sweatshirt. Also included in another zip bag, toothbrush & paste, deodorant, hair brush, medication, Tylenol, make up, etc. Christina was glad to have her toothbrush and a clean t-shirt... her luggage didn't show up for days.
3. Take food (beef jerky, granola bars, nuts, gum, candy, etc.) with you, airport food can get very pricey, and if you are there for long, food may run out all together. Always take your medication with you!
4. Carry your rechargers (phone, iPods, game boy, etc.) It is awful to be stranded and without power for the things that keep you connected. Try to start your trip with fully charged everything. We got stuck in an airport and our cell phone died. The recharger was packed in our suitcase on its way to Miami.
5. Bring something to do. Due to bad weather you may be stranded in an airport for hours, or even overnight. If you need to charge a phone, find a plug quick. Your computer, a couple of movies, etc. will help the time pass. Pack things that don't need electricity too: a book, cards, paper and pen for when your batteries do die.
6. Always carry some cash. Inevitably you will need to eat or get a drink. Carry water. You can always refill at a water fountain. I was stuck in Dallas without enough cash...and no where would take my credit card!
7. Carry a flashlight. I was at the Denver Airport once when the power went out. Luckily it was daytime. Being in the dark can be frightening, and light is calming. Throw some glow sticks in your bag and you'll have an instant party.
If you do get stuck in an airport, keep calm. Travel plans are delayed all the time. There is NOT a lot that you can do. Getting upset will not help the situation. (It is surprising how many people get mad at the ticket agent for the weather) Von was hired for a new job when the interviewer met him at the Atlanta airport, 13 hours after his flight was delayed. The interviewer knew he wanted to hire him after he saw how calm Von was in the midst of chaos and tension.
Get some food. Food shortages happen in airports when lots of people are stranded for long periods of time. (This is why you packed food!)
Call the people that are supposed to pick you up on the other end and let them know of delays. A typhoon kept my brother from getting home from his church mission in Taiwan. He never called. We went, waited, and worried at the airport until we found out where he was.
Find a seat and get comfortable. Introduce yourself to those around you. Make a friend. You are all in this together. You may find some very interesting people on your flight.
See if you can help someone, especially if there are stressed mothers with children. :-) Been there and had help from some very nice people when I traveled with young kids!
If you feel stressed, take in a deep breath and close your eyes and go to your happy place. Take a walk, swing your arms, do a little exercising. Sing Christmas carols. Play a round of Ninja Destruction! My brother and I once sat on a plane in Salt Lake City for 8 hours BEFORE we got off the ground! Emotions were tense! Stay calm and keep a smile on your face.
Never leave your stuff...yes, major headache taking it with you to the bathroom... better safe than sorry.
If you are tired, make sure that you wind your computer bag's strap around your leg so no one takes it away while you are sleeping. Wrap up some of those clothes you brought with you into a pillow.
If you are there for a long time, find a bathroom, wash your face, brush your hair, brush your teeth, change your shirt, freshen up a bit. Nothing feels better than being clean. It can change your whole attitude-besides helping you smell a little better! (Don't you wished everyone had packed some extra deodorant?)
After all is said and done, you will be back on the plane heading home... and what a great story you will have to tell everyone! If you think and prepare ahead what could've been a miserable event could turn into a memorable adventure! Fly safe.
