Matthew Olivolo April 29th, 2008

I ran across some very helpful travel tips on a travel site called Trifter.com. I thought these tips would be very useful for our Mobile Edge customers. With the constant changes in air travel rules and regulations it is important to stay up to date. Mobile Edge laptop bags are TSA compliant and can be easily store in any overhead storage or underneath airlines seating. Check back frequently for Travel Tips for business travelers with useful tips from industry experts from around the world.

Tips from an insider. With high fuel prices, airlines are changing and customers will be faced with new challenges. This guide will give you an idea of what to expect to ensure the smoothest experience possible!

Arrive to the airport at LEAST an hour early.
As airlines cut their staffing to cope with the rising fuel costs, the first place to cut is in the lobby where you check in. Per the contract you enter when you purchase a ticket, you agree to be in the boarding area within 20 minutes of departure, or your seat will be given away. By cutting lobby staff instead of gate staff, the flight does not face an increased risk of a delay and any passengers who miss their flight are not offered any compensation and are likely going to be put on standby for flights throughout the day.

Check-in online as soon as possible.
Most of the time, this is within 24 hours of departure. People who check in earlier can choose better seats and are more likely to get a seat assignment. If you check in and aren’t given a seat assignment, this probably means the flight is oversold and the agents will be relying on mis-connects and no-shows to get you on-board.
Sign up for mileage programs.
Even if you don’t travel often and aren’t particularly loyal to any airline. Membership will give you status above those without it. Additionally, some programs let you store seat and meal preferences in your account so you’re much more likely to get the seat you want (aisle or window) without even having to ask for it.

Remove batteries before flight.
Gillette razors and electronic toothbrushes can turn on during the baggage sorting and loading process and cannot be loaded onto an aircraft. If your bag is unlocked, an agent will probably open your bag to remove the batteries. If you lock it - even if you use a TSA approved lock - the agents cannot turn off the device and your bag will remain at the airport until it stops vibrating so it can be loaded.

NEVER loose your cool with an airline employee.
It’ll never be in your interest. Agents actually have a lot of control over your experience and are willing to go the extra mile for those who they really feel sorry for. Nobody feels sorry for somebody who is being loud, rude, or threatening. That’s the best way to get the middle seat in a row where the televisions and audio doesn’t work… or to be put on standby instead of receiving a confirmed seat on the next flight… or being charged fees… or not receiving compensation for whatever issue you encountered. Seriously, be nice and you are much nicer to get what you want.

Watch your alcohol consumption at the airport.
Too many people miss their flights because they’re too drunk to go - especially those who are stuck at the airport for a while and think they have nothing better to do. Airline employees must stop passengers who seem to be intoxicated from flying, so limit consumption on the ground. Have your drinks in the air.

Don’t take stuff you don’t really need.
Okay, so you have heard this tip before, but I have to emphasize this because you will be heavily fined for having too many bags or bags that are over 50 lbs. We’re talking $25 for a second bag, and $100 for a third and fourth on most airlines. Or $100 for an overweight bag - and the fines will be cumulative. So if your second bag is 55 lbs, it will cost you $125.

Don’t even try to carry on more than one roller-board and 1 personal item (purse, laptop, etc).
The airlines are anticipating a surge in carry on luggage to avoid the new baggage fees, so countermeasures are being implemented. If you try to board with more than 1 suitcase and personal item, you may be sent back to the lobby to check the other items. Yes, you will miss your flight and will be put on standby if the next flight is full. Or you could be charged at the gate. And if you’re one of the last people to board, you could be denied boarding for not following regulations and the terms of your contract of carriage.

To see the full list of travel tips, visit the Trifter website by clicking here.

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