Learning the Ropes in the New World of Travel

by Sharyn Alden

Skittish about flying?

In the wake of the Sept. 11, 2001, attacks on New York and Washington, travelers have reason to be jittery about flying or boarding cruise ships. Others, though, have concluded there is a place, even now, for travel, one of the greatest pleasures of life. For these folks, the landscape is different, but the trade-off is an abundance of travel values.

Useful resources

The national mood has changed. Before the attacks, you might have been adventurous enough to travel anywhere in the world. Now, you're not so sure.

Travel, the way we all used to travel—bringing two carryon pieces of luggage on international flights, arriving an hour before departure on domestic flights, and other things we took for granted—is not the same.

The old travel mode seems like a throwback to a distant era. Who cares about taking vacations in these somber times? Many people do. They consider travel not a frivolous luxury, but an outlet that helps us return to some semblance of normalcy.

Changes, changes, changes
If you're planning a trip, expect changes in schedules, FAA (Federal Aviation Administration) rules, Amtrak guidelines, cruise line policies, pricing, and ticketing, on an ongoing basis.

Passengers and airline crew members are friendlier than ever.

For example, on Oct. 31, United Airlines made schedule changes affecting 99% of its flights. So don't assume departure and arrival times are the same today as they were when you purchased your ticket. Check with your travel agent, airline, cruise or rail representative, or check the status of your travel online, before leaving the house.

You've probably heard the rumors about e-tickets, and that in the wake of September's events, airlines no longer offer them. At this writing, they are offered, however, you should know that seasoned travelers typically prefer paper tickets; they consider them more secure. Know, too, you'll pay $10 to $20 extra for a paper ticket.

Airfare deals
Speculators have assumed that since some airlines have laid off a large number of employees and cut costs all around, ticket prices are high. That's not necessarily true.

Nancy Buettner, travel agent with Koepcke Travel in Madison, Wis., and an agent since 1966, says, "Compared to a year ago, prices on all types of travel, airfares, air/hotel packages, and cruises, are about 25% less."

To woo travelers to Europe, the German airline Lufthansa is offering a great two-for-one deal good between November and March 24, 2002. Depart from 14 U.S. gateway cities on your way to 35 countries. The Chicago to London itinerary is priced as low as $494, and the second person flies free.

Seasoned travelers typically prefer paper tickets.

American Airlines is offering up to 50% off unrestricted economy class travel through Dec. 31, 2001, good for travel throughout most of the continental U.S. No Saturday night stay is required.

Some of the best trip values are packages like those on Funjet vacations to Mexico and the Caribbean. You'll typically pay one reasonable rate that includes airfare, transfers, lodging, and all meals at an all-inclusive hotel.

At the airport
Airports and airlines are working together to improve security and streamline travel. So what can you expect? Plenty of changes. Stay ahead of the game by keeping the following in mind:

• For domestic flights, arrive two hours in advance of departure; for international flights, arrive three hours in advance of departure.



• Curbside check-ins aren't allowed.



• At many airports, parking no longer is allowed close to the airport.



• Airport car searches are common. Expect to be delayed while your car is searched.



• Depending on the airport and time of your flight, you may experience long check-in lines and flight delays.



• Recently, the number of carryon items allowed on both domestic and international flights was reduced to one bag per person. That's in addition to the one purse or briefcase per person allowance.



• If you don't have a boarding pass, you no longer can go through security scanners and proceed to the boarding gate. Visitors are allowed only in the airport's concourse.



• What are you not allowed to bring onboard in carryons or personal belongings? Ask your airline for an updated list or check its Web site for more details. Obvious no-no's are scissors, knives, and aerosol sprays.



• One pleasant consequence you may encounter: Passengers and airline crew members are friendlier than ever. On the flights I've taken since Sept. 11, I've discovered a special "bond" with fellow travelers and crew, something I've never experienced before. Other travelers have said they experienced the same thing.

Luring cruise passengers
Buettner says she's never seen so many changes across the board. "Security has been tightened in all facets of travel."

You may experience long check-in lines and flight delays.

Since Oct. 15, Regal Cruises now requires passengers to prove they have a valid passport seven days before sailing. "If a passenger doesn't have this, he or she has to give the cruise line a social security number, date of birth, nationality, and legal name," Buettner says.

Cruise ships, like airlines, are doing body searches and systematic screening of luggage—security measures not typically seen in the old world of travel. "Ships are also using canine units to sniff out illegal substances and materials before sailing," Buettner says. "Overall, security on ships is tighter now than probably any time in the past."

Cruisers shouldn't be surprised if their itinerary changes. Costa Cruises, a leader in Caribbean and Mediterranean cruises, has replaced some of its ports of call in the Eastern Mediterranean with ports of "equivalent touristic and cultural appeal." The new itineraries are in place for the balance of 2001 and through 2002.

Before you book a cruise, ask what you can expect in replacement value or compensation if the itinerary is changed or your sailing is canceled. Passengers booked on Costa's ship, Victoria, which regularly sails the Eastern Mediterranean, have been offered an alternate sailing on the CostaAtlantica, the flagship of the line.

Moving forward
With each passing day, and with each added security detail, travelers are finding sweeping reforms throughout the travel industry. For some, these improvements are unwelcome reminders that our confidence has been shaken.

But if you see travel as one of life's legitimate pleasures, more precious than ever, it may be time to take that trip you've been thinking about, and enjoy life to the fullest.

Skittish about flying?

Relaxation techniques, combined with aeronautic education, help fearful flyers regain control of their lives. Flight anxiety is not new, but these days, a new level of tension may be, for normally nonfearful flyers as well as those with longstanding flying issues. For both groups, resources are available. Fear of Flying Help Course; The Institute for Psychology of Air Travel, 617-437-1811; SOAR, seminars, information, 800-332-7359; fearofflying.com Madison (Wis.) Institute of Medicine Fearful Flyers Guide, or call 608-827-2470. Information about anxiety disorders, including the fear of flying. Reid Wilson, psychologist, designed American Airlines' first fear of flying program.

Useful resources

Federal Aviation Administration information about air travel Frequently asked questions about airport security and FAA regulations State Department warnings for Americans traveling abroad Industry-wide security standards for cruise passengers

Published November 5, 2001

Printed Wednesday, January 7, 2009

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