Travel safety Archives - EbonyTravelers | Tips From The Experienced Traveler

There’s a reason for airline rules.

by Donna Hunter, PhD | Mar 9, 2022 | 0 comments

As a former flight attendant, I have seen many travelers take offense to a flight attendant’s request to follow an airline rule. I can honestly say that flight attendants do not try to make passengers unhappy. In contrast, happy passengers make for a comfortable flight for everyone. Flight attendants are simply doing their job, and that job comes with rules and regulations they must follow and ensure that you do as well. Not enforcing the rules exposes flight attendants to fines and loss of employment. Here are a few reasons for the rules some passengers take offense to.

Seatbelts.
Although it may be comfortable not to wear a seatbelt, there is an excellent reason for ensuring that passengers wear their seatbelts during the flight. One of the most compelling reasons is air turbulence. There are times when turbulence occurs without warning. If this happens and a passenger is not wearing a seatbelt, they can be severely injured or killed. One of the reasons this does not occur often is because flight attendants ensure seatbelts are worn.

Exit seats.
Airplane exit seats are desirable because of the extra legroom. However, many passengers conveniently forget that the extra room is there to get people out of the airplane in an emergency quickly. This reason is why young children and disabled people are not allowed to sit in the exit row. Imagine a young child trying to open and throw a 70-pound window exit or someone unable to get out the exit quickly. Flight attendants are required to ask before every flight if a passenger is willing and able to assist in the event of an emergency. Moreover, there is no time to rearrange seats in an emergency. Therefore, even when the exit seat is available, there may be a reason a passenger is unable to sit in it.

The seatbelt sign.
Passengers must be seated before the aircraft can leave the gate and stay seated until the seatbelt sign has been turned off. This rule is not an airline rule but an FAA rule. Although there are rare cases, flights have had to stop on the runway suddenly, and if not seated, passengers can be hurt. In addition, airplanes can occasionally collide, which is another chance for passenger injury. However, these occurrences are rare, and so often, passengers think walking around to be of no danger when that is far from the truth.

Disruptive passengers have become more and more common recently. However, passengers should understand that flight attendants are doing a job that requires them to enforce the rules. Not following these rules can impact passenger safety and jeopardize a flight attendants’ job. Challenging flight attendants on basic rules is simply being rude. By sharing this information, I hope that the reader will be just a bit kinder to flight attendants next time they get on an airplane and merely follow the rules.

Travel but expect the unexpected.

by Donna Hunter, PhD | Jan 30, 2022 | 0 comments

When people think of travel, they often have thoughts of all the wonderful things they expect to happen. Suppose it’s a beach vacation; travelers think of sunny beaches and warm waters. If it’s a winter vacation, many will think about the snow and the incredible snow activities. However, for many, vacation expectations can be disappointing and frustrating. These expectations are because social media often only shows picturesque and positive vacation experiences. Therefore, it’s best always to have an open mind when traveling and expect the unexpected. Here are a few things that could go wrong despite all your best-made travel plans.

Missed flights.

Even though travelers may have booked their flights in advance and know the time guidelines for getting to the airport before a flight, many still miss their flights. Reasons from waking up too late, confusing am times with pm times, long TSA lines, or leaving items at home are common. It’s always best to prepare and do prechecks the day before departure to ensure none of these scenarios is a factor for your travel plans.

Expired passport.

Many people do not have a passport, but many of those who do, have passports that have been expired or are very close to being expired. International travel requires having at least six months validity. Many travelers take the time to plan and pay for their trip then get to the airport with an expired passport. An expired passport is a traveler’s self-inflicted wound; all related expenses are at the traveler’s cost. If you plan to travel internationally, check your passport’s expiration date before booking your flight.

Getting sick.

Getting sick is probably one of the most common realities of traveling. Most often, travelers get sick from consuming contaminated food or water. However, many often get overexposed to the sun and get sunburnt or are bitten by insects. Travel, in general, puts us more at risk for sickness as we most often travel to places with persons we are not familiar with. Traveling by air puts us in close contact with people we don’t know, and the airplanes’ recirculated air makes encountering germs more possible. If you plan to travel, take precautions like staying hydrated and getting enough sleep. In addition, traveling with some medicines to combat minor sicknesses is highly recommended.

Lost items.

When traveling, it’s not uncommon to lose personal items. Items such as passports, mobile phones, losing your wallet or purse, losing luggage, and forgetting to pack certain items are common occurrences for many travelers. Often, we are so caught up in our new surroundings that we forget our belongings. It’s best to be organized when you travel. Use packing lists if you must and keep copies of your important documents like passports, credit cards, and reservations. If you lose your electronics or wallet, you can more easily make reports if you have more than one way to access your information.

I hope you never experience the unexpected when you travel, but I want to make sure you are prepared if you do. Have you ever experienced any of these scenarios? If so, how did you handle it? Please let me know in the comment section below.

Covid Restrictions and Holiday Travel

by Donna Hunter, PhD | Oct 10, 2021 | 0 comments

Recently a friend traveled from Washington DC to Egypt. She discussed with me the harrowing experience of trying to get a required Covid test for travel. With recent federal guidelines, the need for Covid testing has increased, and availability has decreased. As the holidays are a busy travel season, it stands to reason travelers needing testing during the holidays will also surge. Here are a few things to think about regarding Covid testing and the holidays.

A surge in Covid testing

Many of the issues involved with the current availability of Covid testing affect the recent executive order requiring Covid vaccination for federal employees. Companies with over 100 employees will be required to comply with the order or face significant fines. As expected, there are many questions regarding the order and implementation that need an answer. However, the demand for Covid testing has risen, and so travelers need to prepare.

Thanksgiving travel

Thanksgiving is just around the corner, and it’s usually one of the busiest times for people to travel. In 2020, many suggested curtailing travel during the Thanksgiving holiday, and many ignored that suggestion. In preparation for the upcoming busy Thanksgiving travel season, the U.S. Air Travel Public Safety Act may require all passengers on domestic airlines to either be fully vaccinated, tested negative, or fully recovered from Covid.

Preparing for holiday travel

In essence, travelers should be aware of travel restrictions and Covid guidelines. They should know where their Covid testing sites are. Find out if they need to have Covid symptoms or can test as a precaution. Research the timing of their test before seeing friends and family as exposure varies. It’s also good to know the different Covid test options, PCR or antigen.

As with any travel experience, preparation is critical. Stay safe this holiday season and if you choose to travel, do it safely.

Absolute travel essentials.

by Donna Hunter, PhD | Sep 29, 2021 | 0 comments

When it comes to travel essentials, everyone has different choices. Travel essentials can range anywhere from a travel wallet, change of clothing, toiletries, portable chargers to snacks. Although those bare travel essentials might be great, I’d like you to consider the absolute travel essentials. Here is my list of the absolute travel essentials I think you should always have on your person and never travel without.

Your ID

No matter your travel destination, your ID is essential. There are cases where you have lost your ID and can still travel but know that you will have a few hours delay proving your identity. In most cases, you need a valid government-issued form of identification, and this identification must match the name under which you are traveling. If you are traveling internationally, a passport is needed. Not only should you travel with your ID, but it should always be with you or in your person.

A credit card

A credit card is a traveler’s best friend. It provides security, convenience, and it makes it easier to make purchases when you travel. Certain credit cards can get you better exchange rates, can be tied to different travel reward programs or services, and gives you the flexibility to make safer purchases. Paying with a credit card will allow travelers to monitor their bills and expenses upon returning home. Most importantly, you can more protect yourself from liability due to fraudulent activity. Like your ID, every traveler should always keep at least one credit card on their person.

Your cell phone

It is advisable to always travel with a cell phone. Ideally, travelers should make preparations with data plans for making calls. However, almost all airports offer free Wi-Fi where you can get connected in an emergency. In addition, your cell phone will provide the ability to access resources such as travel information, destination guides, language apps, or currency converters. While some of these resources require a data plan, many are also available in offline mode. Downloading movies and books on your phone is a perfect example of using it in offline mode. Most importantly, we keep everything on our cell phones. Even though they can are replaceable, once stolen, the data is not easily replaceable.

In my last blog post, I discussed theft on an airplane. Theft can happen anywhere, and travelers should always be aware of this possibility. However, if your bags are stolen or misplaced, your ID, credit card, and cell phone are things you cannot replace very quickly. Imagine not being able to contact your friends and family in an emergency. Not being able to check into a hotel, rent a car, or purchase an airline ticket back home. While many things are considered essential for travel comfort, think about what is critical to your travel safety and security.

Have you ever misplaced any absolute travel essentials? Comment and let me know.

The right luggage for your trip.

by Donna Hunter, PhD | Sep 22, 2021 | 2 comments

60’s Luggage

There are many packing tips available, but few discuss the right bag for the trip. When it comes to luggage, the choices are plentiful. The type of bag you carry can make a big difference in your travel experience. There are several considerations to make when deciding what kind of bag to carry on a trip. Here are some thoughts that will help ensure you are carrying the right luggage for your trip. How long will your trip be? How are you traveling, plane, train, or by car? How much are you packing?

Many travelers try to travel with as little luggage as possible. With the cost of checked baggage, tips on traveling light are plentiful. But what if your trip is more than a weekend or a week. What considerations should you make? Will you be carrying your luggage for any length of time? How often will you be handling your luggage? How much does your luggage weigh? Suitcases, backpacks, or tote bags are a few choices available.

Suitcases are the easiest option, with a carry-on suitcase being the most go-to option. However, many travelers also use tote bags, backpacks, or even trunks. Most suitcases have wheels, so they are effortless to maneuver through the airport and city. When considering a suitcase, consider its size, features, durability, price, and safety.

Size is essential as you may have trouble lifting or maneuvering your luggage throughout your trip. In addition, airlines have strict baggage dimensions. While you may be allowed one checked bag, you are still subject to fees if that bag is considered oversized. Additionally, with larger baggage, most people tend to overpack.

Suitcases have many different features. Some have either two or four wheels. A suitcase with two wheels can tend to tip over, while one with four wheels usually stays upright and is easier to maneuver. Handles should be adjustable to your height. Picture trying to roll a child suitcase being over 5 feet tall. Another helpful feature is external pockets in the suitcase or baggage. Outside pockets are handy for last-minute additions or when going through security.

When it comes to durability, whether your luggage is waterproof or not will make a difference if your baggage is handled during rain or ends up in a puddle somewhere. In addition, travel can be hard on luggage, and the last thing any traveler wants to experience is to have their luggage fall apart while on a trip.

Luggage should have safety features that include sturdy zippers or a latch system. In addition, travelers should consider durable locks or zip ties. Locks have to be TSA certified, or you will risk having them cut off by TSA. Zip ties are an alternative to locks. While not very secure, you will at least know if someone has been in your luggage.

The price of luggage is a personal decision, and often price reflects the quality. However, designer luggage does not always equate with quality when traveling. While it may be stylish, baggage is almost always damaged, scuffed, or scratched during travel. In addition, designer cases are more susceptible to theft.

I hope you find these tips valuable. Drop me a comment; I’d love to hear your thoughts.

Travel and stress.

by Donna Hunter, PhD | Aug 18, 2021 | 2 comments

Travel is a stressful situation. As an international flight attendant, I served over twenty years in the travel industry. I have seen the realities of stress on travelers firsthand. Based on the latest incidences in the travel industry, it seems like travel and stress have increased significantly. Here are a few thoughts to reduce the stress around traveling, not only for yourself but for everyone around you.

There are many reasons why travel can be stressful. There is a financial strain associated with travel. Air travel can be expensive and places a burden on many. At the same time, many people think of travel to get away and destress from financial situations. The reality is that the stress relief expected at the end of the travel experience requires lots of financial planning and logistics many do not anticipate. Many travelers have worked hard to save and plan for their trip. Therefore, maximizing every dollar is essential to them.

As a flight attendant, I often heard many frustrated passengers claim, “I paid for this seat.” The reality is they paid for transportation from point A to point B. All the service received between is extra. Even if you preselected a seat, there would be no guarantee that you will be assigned that seat. In addition, the overhead bin above your seat is not your designated space. It is a shared space. Hence, frustration and anger when seat selections are not honored, or there is no room in the overhead bin for carry-on luggage.

Covid has brought on the realities of reduced onboard services. Many travelers are often taken aback by the lack of services. Again, they assumed that what they paid for was service. This is far from the truth. When travel expectations are unrealized, this creates a stressful situation the traveler has no control over. Most frustrating is the fact that they have already paid for what they believed to be their rights. Expectations do not meet reality and they try to vent their frustrations.

Most importantly, think beyond yourself when traveling. Those in customer service positions in the travel industry have not met you and have no personal grudges against you. They work for the company you paid and did not personally receive your hard-earned dollars. In most cases, they are also trying to save for the experience you are trying to have. Rules and restrictions govern them, and it is their unfortunate job to explain to you those same issues you find aggravating.

So please give grace to yourself and others when traveling. Remember that the stress you are experiencing is often an everyday reality for the customer service personnel. Whether they be flight attendants, gate agents, or TSA, they too are only doing the job they were hired to do.

I hope these thoughts have given you pause. Practice kindness when traveling. It will improve the experience not only for yourself but for everyone else.