More Than Points

As I stood in line waiting to check-in my luggage, here are a few things that I noticed (funny how much more observant you are, when you are spending alot of time just standing around).

Interesting Things:

• Those heavy duty “rapid” x-machines run on Windows 98 - I saw the boot-up screen
• Airlines are going to take a big hit on labor expenses - Every single check-in counter has someone behind it; Many TSA workers actually doing work - they had to constantly load the conveyer belts with check-in luggage

Things to look-out for when you are traveling:

• Longer check-in lines
• Shorter security lines - since more people are checking their luggage, there is less to scan in the security lines
• Longer waits at baggage claim - some of the baggage claims were overflowing with luggage where it became difficult to pull luggage off or even find yours
• Plenty of overhead bin space for obvious reasons
• More bathroom breaks during the flight since people are finishing off their drinks before they board

Things to help make your traveling life more bearable:

• Get an EVDO card and never worry about a WiFi connection again - you’re going to spend more time in the airport because it’s harder to time when you need leave from home so get work done while you wait for your flight
• Get an extended battery for your laptop - you’re going to need it - EVDO cards (and any other wireless component) reduce your laptop battery duration
• If you are traveling to the same location every week, then leave a set of toiletries at your client site or hotel - you need to travel light
• Check-in online in advance - that’s one less thing to worry about
• Start flying on less popular airlines to reduce check-in times, since security lines are no longer the bottleneck
• Start flying on a difficult schedule if your job gives you that flexibility - avoid peak travel times like Monday mornings and Thursday evenings
• Make use of that curbside check-in - it’s usually alot shorter, especially if the airline charges $$

Coming soon - I will post what typical wait times are for various airports based on an informal poll of my peers