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The Spokesman-Review Newspaper
Spokane, Washington  Est. May 19, 1883

Ways to steer clear of luggage, weather issues

Tom Parsons The Spokesman-Review

Ease the hassle of luggage or weather delays with these tips:

The new ban on liquids and gels in carry-on luggage has meant more bags are being checked, but airlines haven’t had time to hire enough workers to meet the demand. You can expect the percentage of lost and delayed luggage will rise as a result.

If you’re traveling with another person (or checking two bags yourself), cross-pack your luggage. Each checked bag should contain at least one change of clothes for each person in case the other bag gets lost.

While more people are opting to check bags, weight limits haven’t increased. Most carriers allow two pieces weighing up to 50 pounds each. If you go over that limit, the charge each way is usually $25 for luggage weighing 51 to 70 pounds and $50 to $85 for an additional checked bag (prices vary by airline).

For the latest carry-on restrictions, see the Transportation Security Administration Web site (www.tsa.gov).

If you don’t want to check luggage, check with your hotel; some are offering more toiletries. You also can substitute dry versions of your normal liquids or gels.

Check before you head to the airport what airlines offer flights on the route you’re traveling. If your flight is canceled or has a significant delay, you can ask to be put on another carrier’s flight.

If you need to change your itinerary, try to handle it by phone, online or at a kiosk. If you’re already at the airport, wait in line, but call your airline while you wait.

If you’re going on a cruise and buying your air ticket separately, it’s your responsibility to get to the port on time. I recommend flying in a day before and relaxing at a hotel overnight. Also, if you fly in the day before and your bags are misplaced, there’s a good chance you would get them before you sail.

If you book your cruise and air separately during hurricane season, travel insurance is a good idea. You can buy insurance through Travel Guard up to 24 hours before a hurricane is named, so if there is a tropical storm heading toward your departure city, it’s a good time to buy insurance.

The cost is typically 6 percent of your vacation price; a $5,000 trip will cost about $300 to insure. When buying any travel insurance, read the fine print so you know what will and won’t be covered.

For information on Travel Guard insurance, call (888) 347-7885 or see www.travelguard.com.