1. Plan early -- and BOOK EARLY!
After September 11, many airlines have cut back their flight routes and schedules -- meaning it's tough sometimes to find seats on end-of-the-year flights. Also, many popular destinations and cruise or tour departures can fill quickly. Once you have your travel dates confirmed, go ahead and make your travel plans.
2. Always book travel using a credit card -- never a debit card!
If you run into travel problems over the holidays, federal law gives you the right to contact your bank or card issuer to request a "chargeback" -- basically, a refund -- on your travel purchases with a credit card. (Debit cards do not fall under the same rule.) While the law says you must request the chargeback within 60 days of the first bill on which the disputed charge appears, many card issuers offer more leeway with travel purchases (but don't count on that -- always request chargebacks right away!)
3. Confirm your reservations before you leave the house.
In fact, it's a good idea to confirm your arrangements with the airline, cruise line, etc., two weeks before your departure date. Then, make a second call the night before you leave. You'll learn about any delays or impending hassles before you leave home.
4. Leave travel details with a trusted family member or friend at home.
Give this person a copy of your itinerary, along with any confirmation information as well as instructions for canceling your credit cards should you lose them on the trip.
5. Cut your packing in half before you leave.
Many trip delays happen when travelers are struggling at the airport or the pier with too much luggage. Here's an old trick from savvy travelers: Before you fill your suitcases, lay out on the bed or the floor everything you want to take with you, including clothes and toiletries. Then, force yourself to put half of these items back in the closet or drawer!
6. Ship holiday presents ahead of you -- and, if you carry them instead, don't wrap them.
You'll feel tons lighter at the airport or in the car if you ship your presents to your home or your final destination using the Postal Service or UPS. If you must carry a present with you through the airport, don't wrap it ahead of time. Federal rules give airport screeners the authority to check inside all parcels, including the present that you spent an hour wrapping patiently the night before!
Read these rules now being enforced by major U.S. airlines and cruise lines, so that you know your rights for changing tickets and travel dates:
IMPORTANT: You should ALWAYS print out the actual policy from the supplier ' s Web site if you change your travel plans, so that you have a paper copy of the actual policy displayed by the company in effect at that time. Following September 11, several major airlines quietly altered their policies without notice, leaving some travelers and travel agents holding the bag for additional fees. (If a link is not available, you should ask the supplier for a fax or email copy of the policy.)
Also, many suppliers are handling travel cancellations due to being called for active military service on a case-by-case basis, beyond the rules that appear below. Typically, you will be asked to provide an official copy of your orders.
These policies primarily cover individual bookings. Check with the company for any additional policies that address group bookings or conference/meeting bookings.
It's strongly recommended the purchase of travel insurance for future bookings if you believe there is any chance you might need to cancel your reservations.