What to Know Before You Go

BY ASSIA MORTENSEN

Many of us will hop on a plane this holiday season and hope for a smooth trip. We talked to frequent flyers and culled information that will hopefully make airline travel, if not enjoyable, at least not as bad as a day-long root canal.

Call Ahead:

Call the airline before you leave for the airport to make sure your flight is on time. Consider signing up for e-check, a service many airlines provide, which will call your cell phone to inform you of any delays. Consider taking an airbus or airline taxi, or getting a ride instead of driving yourself.

Choose Your Airport:

Los Angeles International Airport has grown to be the busiest airport in California, encompassing approximately 3,500 acres and serving some 60 million

passengers. When possible, choose a smaller, less crowded option like Burbank or Long Beach Airport. This may save you aggravation, parking headaches and a great deal of time in traffic to and from this major California travel hub

Quick Check-in:

“Instead of waiting three hours to check in a bag, give it to the skycap,” recommends James Wysong, flight attendant and author of The Air Traveler's Survival Guide. Some flights are eligible for online check-in, which Wysong maintains, is another way to save time. “By avoiding the check-in mess, you can go directly to the security mess,” he says.

Speeding through Security:

Prior to going through a security checkpoint, you will likely need to remove your shoes and jackets or sweaters. Metal in clothing can set off detectors, so security often recommends taking off jewelry, removing coins, etc. and placing them in your carry-on. Pack cameras and film in your carry-on as well. (Security screening equipment for checked bags can damage undeveloped film.)

While it is still possible to bring gels, liquids and aerosols through security, now the items have to be in three-ounce (or smaller) containers and placed in a one-quart-size zip lock bag. Larger amounts of prescription medications, breast milk and other medical necessities (like blood products or bone marrow) are allowed but must be shown to security screeners. Security will also rid you of items like knives, weapons (or items that may be used as weapons) and lighters. For checked baggage the agency recommends not packing wrapped gifts.

ID Please:

You will need a photo ID and a boarding pass to enter security-screening areas and a valid passport is required for international travel. Please note, apply for

passports well in advance. Due to increased passport requirements, the wait time for receiving a new or renewed passport has been extended.

Get Comfy:

Use a comfortable neck rest (for long hauls) or a pillow. Bring a warm jacket,

blanket or throw. It’s great to carry a pair of thick socks in your bag, so you can slip off your shoes and relax your feet in fresh, warm comfort. You may want to bring an MP3 player with soothing music, a DVD player with films and/or a stack of new magazines and interesting books. Chewing gum or sucking a mint can help prevent your ears from popping during take-off and descent. Be sure to drink lots of water and avoid dehydrating beverages. You may want to keep some moisturizer in your carry on to combat the effects of drastic temperature changes. In addition, stretch occasionally; take the time to get up, stretch and walk the length of the plane and back. This will keep your circulation going and decrease the chances of stiff legs or pain.

A Note on Luggage:

Consider buying colored or patterned luggage to make yours more distinguishable from the sea of black bags in baggage claim. (Tying a brightly colored scarf to your bags can also make them easier to spot.) You may want to inspect your luggage before you leave the airport; if the luggage was broken in any way, you can claim the damages, and it’s better to know before you arrive at your destination. Don't pack any fragile material in your luggage. If you have something fragile (or very valuable) to transport, take it with you as a carry-on luggage.