Changes in Attitude - Tips for Travelers

Airline Flights and SchedulesTo beat overbooking, arrive at the airport at least two hours early, even more at holiday times, and don't expect the rapid efficiency of Southwest Airlines. Get in line, keep an eye on your luggage, and relax, you'll get checked in in due time. Then be sure that the agent pulls only the correct coupons from your ticket and returns all the rest. Take note that your luggage has been tagged accurately and you have the claim stubs. As for schedules, don't be surprised or dismayed if your flight is not precisely on time. Find a comfortable spot in sight of the gate, and if you arrive at your chosen destination on the correct day with your patience and all your gear intact, consider yourself fortunate and go on about enjoying your holiday.

AccommodationsAssuming you've booked well in advance with a reputable operator, you should have pre-paid reservations and travel vouchers in hand. Your vouchers should include a confirmation number or name and clearly indicate the correct duration of stay and the class of room and other services for which you have paid. Nonetheless, many resort hotels expect a certain percentage of "no-shows" and overbook in retaliation. In that case, it can all boil down to first come, first served. Get to the hotel as soon as you can and stake your claim. If there simply is no room at the inn, be sure that the offending hotel arranges for your lodging at a property of equal or better quality, and have them provide your transfers as well.