Tip of the Week: Safety Tips for Holiday Air Travel
Air travel over the holidays can be challenging at best. Airports are crowded and delays are always a possibility.
These simple tips will help ease your way and ensure you arrive safely:
1. Pre-plan your connections. When booking your flight, plan carefully for sufficient time during layovers to connecting flights. It is good to allow extra time for flight delays and weather issues.
2. Leave early. Holiday travel guarantees you will encounter congested traffic, full parking lots, crowded ticket counters and long TSA lines. Factor those delays into the time you need to leave for the airport and make sure you give yourself ample time to get to the gate well in advance of your scheduled flight.
3. Travel Light. It’s a good idea to fit everything into your carry-on and eliminate checked baggage. Liquids, gels, creams, and aerosols must be travel size, 3.4 oz., and carried in a quart-size clear plastic bag that can be easily removed for separate screening.
4. Get Past Security Quickly. When traveling anywhere, it’s advisable to check-in and get to your departure terminal as quickly as possible. Limit the time you spend in crowded areas outside the secured airport zones. Consider signing up for TSA’s PreCheck Program to shorten your time in security lines. Wear a jacket with plenty of pockets for coins, keys, cell phone, belt, and anything else that needs to be screened and placed on the conveyor belt. Wear shoes that slip on and off easily and pack liquids and laptops at the top of your carry-on so you can easily access them for screening.
5. Know What to Do in an Emergency. If you encounter an emergency don’t panic and don’t run but leave the area immediately. Avoid crowds and move toward an exit. Once safely away from the emergency, call home or your country’s consulate or embassy to let them know what’s happening, where you are, and if you need assistance.
6. Use travel apps. Using airline travel apps on your smartphone lets you easily access up-to-date flight information to keep abreast of delays. Apps can give you gate information, security wait times and in-terminal dining options if needed.
7. In the event of a flight cancellation – call the airline. Don’t stand in line with the crowds at the airline counter. Calling the airline directly usually gets faster service for rebooking flights.
8. Keep your phone charged. Invest in a battery pack charger or solar charger for your mobile device and always have a car charger handy for when you are on the road. Communications are critical in an emergency situation.
9. Pay attention to your surroundings. Practice good situational awareness and be alert to unusual behavior of others. If you see something suspicious, leave the area immediately and report the suspicious activity after you are safely out of the area.
10. Trust your gut. If you feel something is suspicious, act without hesitation. Trusting your instincts and acting immediately can give you the precious time necessary to get to safety.
With preplanning, extra time and by following our security tips for air travel, you should have safe and stress-free holiday air travel.
Have a safe and happy holiday!
Additional Reading:
U.S. Passports and International Travel Alerts and Warnings
Get Help in an Emergency while traveling abroad
Travel Safely around the globe
STEP Smart Traveler Enrollment Program allows U.S. citizens and nationals traveling abroad to enroll their trip with the nearest U.S. Embassy or Consulate.
 Kathy LeodlerChief Executive Officer Email:kathy.l@rampartgroup.com Phone: (360) 981-2703 PI License #3555 |
 Paul LeodlerExecutive Vice President Email:paul.l@rampartgroup.com Phone: (360) 981-3397 PI License #4180 |
We at Rampart Group are committed to your security. Call 1-800 421-0614 or contact us today with your security or investigative needs.