A recent health scare on a Chicago airport tarmac last month has heighten awareness about a daily occurrence that typically goes by unnoticed and ignored: the spread of infectious disease by airline travelers.

Last month, a female passenger who had just returned from a visit to Africa had broken out in hives and the condition had gotten progressively worse since leaving the nation of Ghana.  By the time the regional jet had arrived at Midway airport, the local airport fire department had surrounded the plane and the Centers for Disease Control had been notified of the possible contagion situation.  The plane was placed in quarantine as a result, forcing everyone on board to remain until the passenger’s condition had been monitored by medical experts.  There were unconfirmed reports that the affected passenger might have contracted Monkey Pox.

After being observed by the crew and photos of the skin rash reviewed by CDC officials, the crew and passengers were allowed to deplane.  Passengers who experienced the quarantine reported high levels of stress, worry and anxiety about their personal health and safety, but were relieved that the passenger had been cleared and that the authorities had taken the situation serious enough to verify that every person involved were safe.  It appeared that the passenger was reacting to exposure to bed bugs while in Africa.

This entire incident brings up a very interesting topic…one that is rarely discussed: contagion by airline traveler.

Watching movies like “Contagion” or “Outbreak” tend to add to the anxiety one feels when informed that exposure to a possible bacteria or virus.  While there are strains of these diseases that are extremely dangerous and virulent, luckily they are rare and authorities are usually on top of these strains with advisories and advice to protect oneself from contamination.

Still, it gives one pause to be extra vigilant when it comes to one’s personal health, especially when traveling.  There are resources available for any traveler to take advantage of, especially when traveling abroad.

The CDC has an excellent traveler’s advisory website for almost every country you might want to inquire about.  This resource can be found at http://wwwnc.cdc.gov/travel/destinations/list.htm.

It’s also a good idea to schedule a visit to your personal physician to get needed or recommended vaccinations/boosters when traveling abroad, particularly to third world countries, where infection and disease control is minimal or non-existent.  Be mindful that some of these vaccines have short shelf lives and many clinics and medical offices must special order them in advance and may not be readily available on demand.  Check with your state’s health department for further information.

There are other things one can do to reduce your exposure on an airplane.  The most important (and sadly one that is continuously omitted by airline passengers) is washing your hands, especially after using the lavatory facilities.   I don’t recommend using hand sanitizer all the time, but having some with you while traveling has many benefits, especially when access to soap and water is not immediately available.

Another easily available resource is saline mist.  This offers two things to airline travelers.  First, airplane cabins are extremely dry as the air is processed and filtered in the ventilation systems.  Using this product will keep your nasal passages moist and allow your body’s own natural defenses to work more efficiently.  Second, saline solutions allow you to rinse your nasal passages from allergens and other nasty “bugs” that you may have inhaled.  It may sound overly simple, but studies have shown that they are quite beneficial, even on a daily basis.

As a travel professional, I never recommend airline travel if you are under-the-weather.  Airlines do reserve the right to determine whether travelers are “fit-to-fly” and if you are exhibiting signs of illness, they have the right to refuse you access to the cabin.  This policy is not often executed, but be aware that it does exist.  If you must travel and are ill, please do your fellow travelers a huge favor and take along a “surgical mask” – they are easy to obtain at most drug stores.  This will help keep your illness contained and will help lessen others’ anxiety about germs spreading to them.

Before leaving on your next journey beyond the borders of the U.S., check out these other online resources for other information regarding current outbreaks, tracking of infections, and preventative measures:

• Flu Trackers: http://www.flutrackers.com/forum/
• AirCrewHealth.com: http://aircrewhealth.com/Topics/topics.htm
• MedicineNet.com: http://www.medicinenet.com/script/main/art.asp?articlekey=47044
• The Harvard Medical School: Family Health Guide: http://www.health.harvard.edu/fhg/updates/update0604c.shtml

Safe (and healthy) travels!

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The Savvy Passenger would love to answer your questions about airline travel, from the vantage point of an airline insider! Send your questions, queries and comments directly to TheSavvyPassenger@gmail.com

He’ll do his best to answer you in an upcoming column. All personal information is strictly private and will not be shared with the general public, unless requested. Feel free to comment on specific articles right here at the bottom of the page! Safe travels, everyone…

Last week, I set out to secure my new credentials as a frequent global traveler.  Knowing now what I do about the program, it was truly worth the effort and the $$$…

Back in July 2011, the U.S. Department of Customs and Border Protection (DCBP) opened the “Global Entry” Trusted Traveler Network to all eligible U.S. citizens, in order to help expedite the clearance process for those citizens of the United States who are willing to submit to an extensive background check, be photographed and fingerprinted and pass a secondary interview process.  These travelers are then issued a privileged process of clearing customs and immigration through specially designated lines and ATM-like kiosks using the passport/photo/fingerprint scans to identify the member and clear them through in a more expeditious manner.

It really wasn’t very difficult to do.  And if you travel outside the United States more than 4 times a year, I’d say that the financial investment is worth your money, and definitely your time.

It begin with, you must create an account online at the DCBP website called GOES (Global Online Enrollment System) at https://goes-app.cbp.dhs.gov/main/goes. If you are already registered with NEXUS or SENTRI, please follow the links on that page for further information on transferring your registration to the GOES system for admittance into the Global Entry program.

Keep in mind that by applying for this service, you will be subjected to a thorough 10-yearbackground check.  You will be asked what countries you visited for business and/or pleasure over the last 10 years and approximate date you were there.  If you hold dual citizenship or have multiple passports, you MUST include all of these documents in your application.  You will be asked to submit payment to the DCBP of $100.00 USD which is NON-REFUNDABLE (be very mindful of this fact: if your application is rejected for an incomplete application, or incorrect information, or for any other reason, you will have to reapply to the program and submit ANOTHER $100.00).  Your application and membership in the program is valid for five (5) years from the date of your acceptance in the program.

Also, be mindful that if you have ever been convicted of a felony here in the U.S. or abroad, have been fined in the past by the U.S. Customs for violations of any type, or have any other discrepancies in your record that would flag the system, your application will be rejected and you will forfeit your application fee.

Once your application and fee has been received, the DCBP will take upwards of four weeks to process your information and perform your background check.  Upon completion of this procedure, you will receive a letter (usually in e-mail form) either congratulating the acceptance of your information or you will be notified of your rejection from the program.  Those who are accepted to the program must then return to the GOES system and schedule an appointment for a one-on-one interview with a DCBP officer.  There are approximately 20-25 locations that you can schedule your appointment.  You must schedule the appointment within 30 days of the date of your acceptance letter or forfeit your application and fee.

During the interview, you will view a video prepared by the DCBP that explains in complete details how the program works and the procedure for using the Global Entry kiosks at the airport.  Afterwards, you will be asked a series of questions regarding your past, your travel, your employment and be asked to review any items on your application that the DCBP officer deems necessary to continue.

Once your interview has been completed to the satisfaction of your DCBP officer, you will be photographed and fingerprinted.  Afterwards, a special sticker is attached to the inside of your passport and you are then instructed on the next steps.  Basically, you will receive a letter in the mail confirming your completion and acceptance into the program.  If you have any specific questions about the program or the procedures, the interview is the best time to ask.

As an added bonus, currently the Department of Homeland Security (DHS) has begun the “Trusted Traveler” program at several major airports around the country, and will be rolled out to all airports as the program is fully developed.  Successful applicants of the Global Entry program are currently automatically accepted into this program and you will receive a special credit-card sized card with sensitive electronics built into it (much like your passport) and a protective sleeve to store it in.  This card will grant you access to the special express lines at participating airports to get through security, and allow you the ability to get through the screening process without having to remove your shoes, jackets or separate your laptop from your carry-on luggage, thus expediting getting you to your scheduled flight.

Keep in mind that, as with all security programs, you are ALWAYS subject to secondary search and screening at any time, so while you will save a lot of time and headaches most of the time, there will be times when you are required to these additional searches.  Failure to comply with these requests, or discovery of your violation of any customs or immigration rules or regulations will subject you to fines, and/or imprisonment and most certainly automatic dismissal from the program without the ability to regain entry.

For further information about this program, contact the DCBP at their website at www.cbp.gov or www.dhs.gov.

**Just a quick shout out to my loyal readers — I am so glad to be back writing about the airline industry again…sometimes life throws you curve balls. You just need to learn how to hit them! After moving with my transfer and finally settling in to my new base, things have finally fallen into place for me to get back to the business-at-hand: the airline business. Thank you for your patience.
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Wow! What on earth is going on in the airlines and the traveling public these days!?

It seems that frustrations and anger are hitting the boiling point in the industry today…almost daily now, I am getting reports of incidents between passengers and crew members. Flight attendants and pilots are losing their minds (literally) and more and more passengers are accosting crew members, with serious consequences.

Those of you who read this column regularly know that I have addressed this issue before. It is a federal offense to interfere with a crew member at any phase of your travels, including boarding and disembarking the aircraft. Those close to me who are not airline personnel have asked if there are any consequences for crew who behave badly…and the answer is a resounding YES!

In fact, recent events involving a pilot who seemed to go berserk on the flight he was working resulted in his being charged with a felony, and the courts applied the same federal law regarding interference of a flight crew to dole out the punishment.[1] That pilot is currently on suspension and will probably lose his license to fly and his job at the airline.

Other crew members have been slapped with penalties, fines and arrest due to their unacceptable and unprofessional behavior, and many of them have lost their careers at the airlines as well.[2][3]

As serious and as bizarre as these events have been, they still don’t represent the vast majority of airline professionals who come to work every day, and endure a myriad of odd, strange, unruly and uncalled for actions from passenger and co-worker alike. As a seasoned airline employee, it has rarely been an easy job, but those of us who do it know this ahead of time, and we deal with the cards we are dealt every single day, on every single flight. But as proud as we are as a collective of our safety record and our service abilities, we are still human beings, with feelings, frustrations and faults…just like you.

The airlines are a favorite target of ire and disgust among many people, even my own family and friends. Over the years, I have endured the embarrassment and squirmy discomfort when people I know tell me their horror stories. I empathize and I try to put on a good face about it. It is clear that there are many things within the industry that could be better, more efficient and far more traveler-friendly. Sadly, until the day that some board at some airline decides to put me in charge, there is little I can do about those things.

One thing I do give my fellow airline employees credit for is their amazing ability to bend with the wind, and roll with the punches, especially after many carriers have flown through the turbulence of bankruptcy, consolidation, and acts of terrorism. Airline people are some of the most creative and visionary people I know, especially among the huge burden of remaining within the scope of their jobs, and the encumbrance of corporate and government bureaucracy and regulation.  And as the major airlines look for more ways to stretch a dollar and save a penny, it’s usually at the expense of the front-line airline employee…either through a removal of tools or services, or a change in rules that disallows us to fix what once was simple for us to resolve.

I understand that everyone has a bad day…has a problem in their life to solve…has personal tragedies and misfortunes come their way. Some find it hard to filter them out enough to leave them behind. I get that. I admit that it’s hard to come to work sometimes and be cheerful, welcoming and accommodating. I, too, am human. But I make no excuses for myself or others…just a simple and truthful observation about the men and women of the airline profession.

As long as the airlines staff the ticket counters, airplane cabins and cockpits with human beings, there will be shortcomings for the public to endure. But make no mistake:  I am proud to work with these great people every day…even the cranky ones!

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The Savvy Passenger would love to answer your questions about airline travel, from the vantage point of an airline insider! Send your questions, queries and comments directly to TheSavvyPassenger@gmail.com

He’ll do his best to answer you in an upcoming column. All personal information is strictly private and will not be shared with the general public, unless requested. Feel free to comment on specific articles right here at the bottom of the page! Safe travels, everyone…

[1] CBS News, March 28, 2012, “JetBlue pilot charged with interfering with crew,” CBS Interactive Inc., http://cbsn.ws/JRLVJq

[2] FOX News, April 4, 2012, “Delta flight attendant pulled from buffalo to Atlanta flight,” Associated Press, http://fxn.ws/HXAsgf

[3] The Daily Caller, April 12, 2012, “Former flight attendant sued for releasing confidential passenger information,” Alexa Fee, http://thedc.com/HR3zgl

A bill is on its way to President Obama’s desk for his signature today.  It’s called the FAA  Modernization and Safety Improvement Act of 2012 and it has some important components in it that are essential for the airline traveler to know.

As you may be aware, there has been a push to get Congress to act on a Passengers’ Bill of Rights over the past several years.  In the past few years, the DOT has increased fines levied against airlines for extended delays, but there hasn’t been much in the way of actual laws that govern the treatment of passengers by the airlines.  Today’s bill contains a large number of provisions that will require both the FAA and the U.S. Airline industry to change, limit or prohibit certain former practices that have made airline travel torturous, at best.

Here are some important highlights that will become law:

• Airlines must create realistic schedules to minimize departure delays
• Airlines must publish and have prominently displayed on the ticket counters, on their websites and on e-confirmation documentation the DOT’s Consumer Protection Hotline
• Provisions of food, water and medical treatments must become available at all times – an improvement over the DOT’s “after two hours” requirement
• Passengers must now be made aware of any insecticide used aboard international flights
• Improved flight delay reporting
• Considerations to be made for Military and “active duty” personnel
• Provisions for educating passengers about which child safety seats can be used onboard aircraft
• Airlines now restricted from charging extra fees for carry-on instruments which can be stowed safely in overhead bins, and that larger instruments must be allowed as checked baggage
• Airports must file contingency plans with the DOT for situations such as extreme weather delays or more catastrophic events in the future
• DOT must create a Consumer Aviation Protection Advisory Committee made up of one representative from each air carrier, along with airport operators, state and local governments and non-profit organizations which focus on consumer protections

A major setback for airline consumer advocates was the exclusion of the “three-hour tarmac delay” restriction, which many saw as a punitive measure against the airlines.  However, the DOT plans to keep its current regulation in place, despite it being struck from the bill.

What this new bill does now is finally rid Congress of having to patch up the FAA piecemeal and get them the monies they will need to improve air traffic control systems in the U.S. and move forward on the latest technologies available to route aircraft while in the air and lessen traffic jams both on the ground and in the air.

Another issue that was tagged onto this bill was a change in how unions can organize on airline properties, one that isn’t setting well with union leaders nationwide.  It requires unions to provide 50% PLUS 1 of the total workgroup population to sign union cards in order for an election to be authorized.  The current rule is 35%.

All-in-all, this new bill will force the airline industry to re-think how they do business and will hopefully lesson many of the frustrations that currently plague the system.  Only time will tell…

While commuting on an airline other than the one I work for, I had the chance to chat with a very seasoned traveler. He was flying on this airline by chance (not his normal carrier).

When our discussion turned to airline related development, he became animated and quite agitated.

“Today, people are just plain savages!” he exclaimed. “People just don’t know what they are doing anymore and they will step on anyone to get what they want and to hell with all the rest…”

I chuckled to myself because I knew exactly what he meant and how he felt. I truly empathize with the frequent business travelers out there who know how the system works and knows first-hand that most of us front line airline staff are truly powerless to get things to change…at least most of the time.  If I wasn’t an airline employee (but could have the knowledge that I have gained over the years as one) I would never choose a career where I had to fly most of the time, unless I was privy to a private jet.

What seemed to anger this man the most was a serious lack of manners that he perceived had infected the public at large. As the baby boomers age, and the X and Y generations move into young adulthood, many educators have noted a shift in moral standards and values; tied to an ever-increasing exposure to violence, raw language and less exposure to parental authority, this up-and-coming generation has shown a true lack of respect for authority, or for their fellow human beings.

These observations have not gone unnoticed among those of us in the service and hospitality industries. Much of what we witness is frustration over many things that are simply out of the control of the person trying to correct the issue(s) at hand.

It seems clear that the reputation that the airlines have isn’t going to vanish anytime soon.  Of the six major airlines in the USA today, three are still trying to sort things out from recent mergers.  U.S. Airways merged with America West Airlines more than six years ago and they still haven’t worked out all the kinks that are needed in finalizing such a large transaction.

In the interim, how the airline customer perceives the airline employee adds a lot of negativity that passengers have felt about airline travel altogether.   But the most plain of observations is how airline passengers treat each other that have seemingly degraded the quickest.  Tempers are high and an air of “I’m only looking out for myself” tends to win out over helping a complete stranger out when they appear helpless.

Many “important” businessmen and women struggle to be first on-board their flights, jockeying for position of luggage space; some wouldn’t hesitate to run over another just to be first or have the best advantage.  I have seen it happen with my own eyes more than a few times!  Sometimes it’s comical – it reminds me of a “Keystone Cops” episode!  And I have had to act as referee more than a few times when these people start arguing over bin space, or leg room or a seat duplication…it can get pretty involved at times, but it’s certainly not the end of the world either!

In the grand scheme of things, these airline mergers will eventually be ironed out, and employees will once again beam with pride to work for their respective carriers.  Airline travelers will always have high demands and high expectations.  It’s how we choose to treat one another that can make or break a trip altogether.

As an experiment, I recently traveled across country in “civilian” attire; the only people on the plane who knew I was an airline person were the crew.  I did not have my badge draped on my neck nor my “CREW” tags hanging from my luggage.  During the boarding process, I found myself helping other passengers get bags arranged in the overhead bins, said “please” and “thank you” out loud with a smile and generally helped get folks settled in.  I laughed when one elderly person suggested that I should go to work for the airlines, I was so nice.

In general, the experiment showed two things happened.  First, the general attitudes of the people around me tended to lighten.  Second, I noticed that others started getting into the act, helping their fellow passengers get settled, arrange luggage and answer questions.  Before you knew it, a completely full airplane was boarded, settled and for the most part happy to be underway.  The flight was pleasant and concluded without incident.

Now, I’m not suggesting that every single flight would go without a hitch, but the great variable “unknown” was in play here because I never notified anyone of what I was doing and this flight was as random as any flight I might work as a reserve flight attendant.  It could have been any flight to any destination, and I believe that I would have gotten a similar response.

As a professional, I truly believe that, as a society in general, we should all strive to return to the days when we were civil to one another.  Dust off our books of etiquette and treat others with respect, dignity and how we’d want others to treat us…you know, that “Golden Rule” thing.

I challenge you to try this yourself and see what happens.  You may be pleasantly surprised to the outcome, AND enjoy the process itself at the same time!

Tips to Staying Healthy During the Busy Holiday Travel Season

As crazy as the Holiday Travel period can be, one of the common pitfalls of crowded airports and airplanes is the spread of cold and flu viruses.  The fact is that flu season usually peaks in January, just after the Holidays, and many experts believe it’s due to the heightened exposure to fellow travelers in close quarters with one another.

Most airplanes have HEPA filtration units in their air circulation systems on board aircraft, but the way many folks are now packed in like sardines in steel tubes at 30,000 feet for hours at a time, the likelihood that you will pick up an airborne illness or other bug is vastly increased.  So what can you do to lessen your body’s chances of becoming infected?

Stress

One of the biggest contributors to infection and the susceptibility to illness is succumbing to external sources that trigger internal stress.  Scientific studies have consistently proven that allowing stress to internalize actually suppresses the immune system, allowing for increases in infection.[1]

A simple way to help reduce your stress levels during holiday travel is to understand what can go wrong during your travels and accept that you may be faced with that somewhere along your journey.  People forget that, as winter sets in during late November and throughout December in the northern hemisphere, airline travel is severely hampered.  What many travelers tend to forget is that the airlines and their employees have no control over these external forces.  Yet time and again, the public has a tendency to express their increased frustrations on the men and women whose job it is to do their best to accommodate them.

It may sound simplistic, but remembering the words of Reinhold Niebuhr’s ‘Serenity Prayer’ may actually help you to cope: “grant me the serenity to accept the things I cannot change; courage to change the things I can; and wisdom to know the difference.”  I have seen people have a complete meltdown in front of customer service agents simply because their departure gate had changed, let alone the flight being delayed or cancelled.  It is best to practice patience and let go of the internal frustrations.  Expressing them and projecting them on airline personnel tends to exacerbate the situation.  Try taking a step back, take in a deep breath, and relax.  And most importantly, let the airline people do the job they are paid to do.  Adding additional pressure and stress on them will not get you much mileage – both figuratively AND literally.

Hygiene

They say that the best defense is a good offense.  This can also apply to protecting yourself and being proactive in lessening your chances of infection.

There is a delicate balance between exposing yourself to bugs in order to build up ones’ immune system and protecting yourself from incubating it in your body.  Many researchers believe that the recent popularity of anti-bacterial products may be doing more harm than good when it comes to fighting off illnesses.  The risk of “cross-resistance” is making the use of standard antibiotics almost useless.[2]  While the common cold and flu are viruses, researchers believe there may be a connection in the weakening of the human immune system to overuse of these products.

Most physicians believe that the best way to minimize your exposure to these pathogens is simple, everyday hygiene, beginning with frequent hand washing with standard soap and water.[3]  The Mayo Clinic suggests that hand-washing should be done whenever you sneeze or cough into your hands, handle or prepare food, use the toilet or change a diaper, or handling garbage.

On airplanes, it is important to realize that most surfaces on the plane have been exposed to other people, including individuals who may be infected with illnesses.  There is also a good bet that those surfaces have not had a chance to be properly cleaned in-between uses.  I recommend that you bring a small supply of sanitation wipes in your carry-ons in order to wipe down surfaces like try tables, especially if you plan on eating food using that table.  Remember that bacteria and viruses can survive on exposed open surfaces for hours or days after contamination, so being armed with the proper tools can greatly reduce your exposure to these bugs.

Many flight attendants will tell you that one of the more common hygienic mistakes people make aboard an airplane is using the lavatory with stocking or bare feet, especially small children.  Take a few moments and put your shoes on, or get your children’s feet shod with footwear to protect them and you from exposure to pathogens that are bound to be found in abundance on a lavatory floor!

Travelling While Sick

In today’s modern times, it is virtually impossible to avoid travelling on a flight without someone on board who isn’t suffering from an illness.  With the high cost of changing a ticket if your travel plans are interrupted by sickness, most people will choose to fly anyhow—illness be damned.

There are a few things that you can do if you find yourself in this situation to lessen the effect you may have on fellow travelers (and on your wallet).

To begin with, most airlines offer “travel insurance” for just such issues.  The cost of buying this insurance is far less expensive than being charged for change or cancellation fees associated with illness.  Having this insurance will allow you to re-book your travel plans without further cost to you should you need to cancel or re-book your itinerary due to unforeseen illness.  Remember that this insurance is only available at the time of booking, and cannot be purchased after your tickets have been issued.  Check with your specific air carrier for additional information, rules and restrictions.

Try to get a flu shot early in the season.  Most vaccines are available for the current flu season around September, while the height of the flu season generally happens around January.  It is a common misnomer that these vaccines actually cause one to get the flu.  Don’t be misled.  It is highly recommended that children under 5 and adults over 50 get these vaccines every year as the flu can actually complicate other illnesses like asthma and high blood pressure.[4]

If you are caught off-guard and simply must travel while sick, take along a few items that will help you suffer less, and help contain your infection.  If you have a cold, I highly recommend a decongestant (Alka Seltzer™ Plus Cold effervescent tablets are the best) to keep your sinuses and estuation tubes as clear as possible.  I find that a combination of this and a mucus reducer (like Muscinex™) is the best regimen for keeping these pathways open and avoid the discomfort that airplane pressurization can cause.  I want to point out here that I am not a physician, so consult with a trained medical expert before prescribing this method personally.

If you do suffer from a cold or flu, it would be wise to bring along a face mask to wear while onboard the plane.  Not only will this help reduce the spread of your illness, it will give your fellow passengers peace of mind that you thought enough to do so, and will lessen their irritation that they might pick up what you have.  You can get these at any drug store or pharmacy.  It would be wise to bring along a supply of tissue…even though most airplanes are equipped with facial tissue, you may be caught in your seat with the seat belt sign on and unable to get to that supply.  Also, as a flight attendant, on behalf of my fellow attendants, I respectfully request that if you are going to dispose of your used facial tissues, please place them in the air sickness bag first BEFORE handing it to an unsuspecting crew member! They will thank you for that immensely!

Keep in mind that on board the plane, the only thing that flight attendants can provide you is a simple dose of aspirin or acetaminophen.  This may not be enough to cure what ails you so come to the airport prepared.  Also, remember that if you are a true believer in NyQuil™ liquid cold medication or any liquid elixir, you may not be allowed through security with it if the container holds more than 3.2 fluid ounces.

There is no way to avoid the spread of airborne illnesses, but being proactive in your fight against them will help you enjoy your holidays more and allow you to travel more worry-free.

As a seasoned air traveler, if you have any additional tips or suggestions, feel free to share them in the comments section of this entry!

Happy holidays, everyone…and safe, germ-free travels to you all!

[1] Schneiderman N, et al. Stress and Health: Psychological, Behavioral, and Biological Determinants. Annual Reviews in Clinical Psychology. 2005; 1:607.- http://bit.ly/uB9NbD

[2] Discovery Fit & Health: Skin-Care: Cleansing, “Should antibacterial soap be outlawed?,” Josh Clark,  http://bit.ly/tByBpq

[3] MayoClinic.com: Healthy Lifestyle-Adult Health: “Hand Washing-Do’s and Don’ts,” http://bit.ly/vGVUDh

[4] The Centers for Disease Control,  CDC.gov, “Key Facts about Seasonal Flu Vaccine,” September 21, 2011: http://1.usa.gov/t6NvaU

When you are at the airport, on the subway, or even at the mall, have you ever wondered who the woman behind that voice you seem to hear everywhere looks like?

Believe it or not, she’s not a computer or a digitized voice…she’s Carolyn Hopkins, an unassuming lady from northern Maine. CBS News recently did a profile on the woman behind the message.

http://www.dailymotion.com/videoxmbs9nVideo Courtesy: CBS NEWS

Now you know! Cheers!

It’s beginning to look a lot like…wait!  Stop!  Not yet! It CAN’T be that time of year already…

That’s what you try to tell yourself as the hair on the nape of your neck starts to rise.  That knot in the pit of your stomach starts churning and you’re already wishing it was January 2^nd!

Anyone who has had the “pleasure” of traveling during the holidays can empathize with those feelings.  But with a little preparation and education, not only can it be survivable, but you can actually save a few years on your life with the reduction of stress that you will feel if you are properly equipped with the right knowledge

So let’s start with the basics:

Buying Your Ticket

If you haven’t purchased your airline tickets by now, the pickin’s are getting pretty sparse.  With the tremendous increases in jet fuel over the past 13 months, and the lack of a bounce back for most people in this economy, the airlines have been doing all they can to reduce their losses by tightening up available seats, especially domestically in the U.S.

All is not in vain, however.  There are many sources one can utilize to find last minute deals and teaser fares put out by various airlines.  If you are reading this blog/article, you are probably tech-savvy enough to use these tools to getting a great deal on airfares.  Two places that come to mind rather quickly are through Twitter and Facebook.  All the major airlines in the US and abroad have active Twitter streams and “breaking news” about these special deals are usually “tweeted.”  Check out @JetBlueCheeps and @BoardingArea, among others.  If you are on Facebook, make sure to look up the major airlines and “like” their pages to get notifications on special air fare sales.

If you are particular about where to sit on the plane, you should be familiar with how seats are laid-out and numbered on your particular flight(s) and in the cabin of choice you book.  SeatGuru.com is an excellent resource to reference when booking your travel.

Keep in mind that although you have a confirmed seat, your seat assignment is not always guaranteed.  There are a few factors that may affect your seat assignment, such as cancellations, or more frequently aircraft configuration substitutions.  The gate agents will do their best to accommodate you, but be advised that their ability to match what you originally booked may be quite impossible.  If you are travelling with a group or family and this happens to you, it may be a little more difficult to accommodate, so ask the crew onboard for assistance if the agents are unable to help.  Many crew members will do their best to help get this squared away, but again, be patient and let them do their jobs.

Also, remember that every airline has a “zero-hour” timeline (check with your specific carrier) and checking in for your flight after that deadline can result in your seat assignment being forfeited…and if you are running really late, you may end up losing your confirmation on that flight altogether, which means going “stand-by” on the next available flight (next “available” doesn’t always mean the next flight – it could literally mean the next flight(s) that have seats available to accommodate you on.  Also, keep in mind that the airlines have a ranking system for stand-bys which place those needing accommodation on the list based on price paid for the ticket, mileage status, etc.  It is rarely “first come-first served.”

Arriving at the Airport

Airports during the holidays are usually chaotic at best.  The better prepared you are before getting to the airport the smoother things will go for you.

I will make one disclaimer here:  The Transportation Security Administration (TSA) has the right to search any bag and conduct a personal pat-down search of any passenger wanting to gain entry into the secured zones of the airport, regardless of mileage status or job title.  Even crew members are subject to this rule.  However, the TSA has begun to make a few significant changes to make things easier for most travelers.

First off, they have relaxed the rules for children 12 and under with regards to security screening.  Kids can now go through the scanners without the need to remove their shoes.[1]  13 and older will still be required to remove their shoes before going through the scanners, for now.   TSA is currently testing equipment that will automatically scan shoes as a passenger passes through the scanners, but those are not ready for use during this year’s holiday madness.  The TSA does provide an excellent resource regarding the screening process at the airport with kids, including instructional videos and links to other important and pertinent information you may find helpful (you’ll find the reference for the site at the bottom of this article.[2]

If you are bringing a jacket with you, including suit coats, windbreakers and sweaters, you will be asked to remove them and place them in a separate container on the scanner belt.  All shoes and boots must be removed and scanned separately as well.  Larger metal jewelry and belt buckles tend to set off the alarms; be proactive while you are in line and remove these items from your person in advance so you are ready to go when you approach the belt.  It will help move things along much quicker and the folks behind you will appreciate your consideration too!

Remember that TSA still limits liquids, aerosols and gels to 3 oz. travel containers, and the entire amount of these items must fit in a single QUART-sized Ziploc™ container.  Partially filled containers of a larger size (more than 3 fl.oz.) are not allowed and WILL be confiscated by the TSA at the checkpoint.  So refrain from bringing your $200/bottle perfume that you’ve had for years in that 4.5 oz. bottle!  They WILL take it!

ALL laptop computers and large electronic devices are subject to special screening and must be scanned separately from all other carry-ons.  Laptops contained in those handy neoprene slipcovers may be left in them, so long as there are no other items (like papers, writing utensils or power cords) contained in them at the same time.  If you DO put other items in those pouches, remove them prior to placing it through the scanners.

Travelers with pace makers, artificial limbs, and internal metal medical devices (metal plates, joint replacements, etc.) should notify a TSA agent prior to entering the scanner.  They can usually take you to a side area and conduct a special screening for your case.

For those of you who virtually LIVE on an airplane, the TSA has implemented its “Trusted Traveler” program, in cooperation with Customs and Border Protection (known formally as “TSA Pre-Check”).[3]  Currently, only American and Delta Airlines are part of the pilot program, however, anyone can apply for the program by simply filling out the application at the Global Entry website[4] and pay the non-refundable $100 fee (this covers the extensive background check and interview each applicant is required to go through).  There was no current information regarding turnaround time for acceptance in this program, but successful applicants are allowed expedited access through security checkpoints, and are allowed to keep shoes and light jackets and sweaters on, keep belts on, go through a fast-track security line, and are able to keep their “3-1-1” compliant liquids and gels inside their carry-on bags when they are screened at the checkpoints.

No matter which airline you fly on in the USA, the Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) has recently limited ALL passengers to ONE (1) piece of luggage, and ONE (1) personal item, including a purse or briefcase – that’s only TWO items, not three as used to be the case.  The airlines are required by FAA to monitor this and can, at any time, require you to check your bag(s) to your final destination.  Most airlines are now charging to check bags ahead of time (some will give you a discount on this fee if you do it online prior to coming to the airport).  Also, check into the airlines’ frequent flier programs as many will allow you one free checked bag with either their mileage program or by applying for and getting their frequent flier credit card.

Checking Luggage

Most people dread the thought of checking their luggage with the airlines for fear it will be lost, misdirected, ransacked or damaged in the process.  While these things do happen on occasion, the airlines have actually made great improvements and strides to keep your luggage with you at every step of your journey.  Many of the major airlines now have your luggage scanned at every leg of the process with specialized barcodes on each bag that are tied directly to your ticket and can be traced quite efficiently.

When and if it does happen that your bag doesn’t arrive at your destination, it is important that you have the right information to give the airlines to help locate that stray bag.

One of the simplest things you can do is to have your name, address and contact phone number attached to the bag outside, and a duplicate of the information located in a prominently placed location inside the bag.  I would also suggest placing a copy of your travel itinerary inside your bag along with your personal contact information.  That way if your bag ends up in Portland, Oregon instead of Portland, Maine, the baggage agents can get your belongings to you that much quicker.

You might want to consider a luggage concierge service to handle the bags for you.  These services have special rates with companies like FedEx and UPS to get your bags to you.  If you are going to pay a fee for your bags anyhow, why not try one of these door-to-door services instead?  One example is LuggageForward.com.  You can track your bags via their website for free and you will know exactly where it is and when it will be delivered.[5]

On the Plane

Everybody is in a rush to get where they are going with the least amount of angst or delay.  Civility is rare to find under these circumstances and people’s tempers can be ‘hair-triggers’ these days.  Most airlines offer pre-boarding as a courtesy to its disabled and/or frail passengers.  Not every airline, however, offers pre-boarding for families with small children.  Check with your carrier for their specific policy.

The overhead bin space is SHARED with every other passenger on the plane.  There is no imaginary boundary line where your bag HAS to go in the bin directly above your seat or across the aisle from your row.  Most airlines will not allow economy passengers to stow bags in business or first class overhead bins unless all passengers in those premium cabins have been accommodated.  Crew members have been known to remove bags that are stowed in these cabins by ‘entitled’ passengers who stow their bags over the first row they come to, and then proceed to the aft section of the plane.  Don’t risk it…stow those bags at or near your seating area when boarding.

Not all aircraft have closet space.  Many airlines have either removed them from the cabins OR they have down-graded the equipment to regional jets that don’t have these amenities.  If you are insistent on bringing your large guitar case aboard, don’t be surprised if the airline has no extra room for it and requests that you gate check the item.  And as a courtesy to the crew, don’t assume that they can make accommodations for that large item, even if they do have closet space.  During the holidays, odd-sized items will fill these spaces quickly, and alternatives will be required if you board later in the process.

This may sound elementary, but think about WHAT you need from your carry-on bag and remove it before getting on the plane.  One of the most aggravating delays during boarding is a passenger who insists on getting into the aisle and reaching up for an item out of their stowed bags while other passengers are still trying to board.  It holds up the entire process and may delay your flight if multiple people begin to mimic your actions.

Another pointer I wish to disseminate is this: if you think you need to use the lavatory facilities when you get on the plane, better to use the restrooms in the terminal prior to boarding.  Trying to use lavatories during the boarding process, especially on a single-aisle aircraft or a regional jet can prove tricky and can cause undue delays during the boarding process.

Unless you are traveling in a premium cabin, most U.S. carriers no longer supply blankets, pillows or headphones.  Make sure that if you need these items while traveling that you pack them in your carry-ons.  Mothers, make sure you bring extra items for your children, including formula, baby food, snacks and diapers.  Most airlines use standard mini-stereo jacks for their in-flight entertainment systems.  Check with your carrier for further information.

Also keep in mind that most carriers don’t provide meals or snacks for free.  Depending on the length of your flight, there may only be a beverage service available.  If there is some snack or food service, most carriers now charge for these items in economy class and usually cash is no longer accepted.  Most will accept all major credit and debit cards for purchases.  Inquire in advance, or remember to make a food/beverage purchase in the airport prior to boarding.

********************

Those are just some quick tips for getting you underway with the least amount of headaches.  Follow these guidelines, and your trip will be easier and more relaxed.  If you have any tips, tricks or suggestions that you might add to these, feel free to share them!

Safe and happy travels!

[1] Chicago Tribune, Home—Airport Security Section, “TSA Gives Children a Break at Airport Security,” October 10, 2011, Jon Hilkevitch, http://bit.ly/udlPzi

[2] TSA.gov, For Travelers Section, “Traveling with Kids,” http://1.usa.gov/sGwnwg

[3] CNN.com, CNN Travel, “Program could shorten wait at airport security checkpoints,” CNN Wire Staff, October 4, 2011: http://bit.ly/rNUdoa

[4] GlobalEntry.gov, Trusted Traveler Network, http://bit.ly/sYeQMc

[5] See LuggageForward.com, http://bit.ly/u6cmOu.

I’m really scratching my head on this one.  I know that we can all be a little forgetful when we travel.  I have a mental checklist when I get ready to leave home for a trip that will put me in several airport terminals in the space of three or four days.  I usually travel with two bags: my roller-board suitcase and a compact duffel-tote bag.  With these two bags, I can pack up to six days’ worth of clothing and sundries to meet just about any situation.

I pack my own bags.  I don’t have hired help, or even my mother to help me out the door with all that I need.  So I am well aware of every item that I carry with me when I head for the airport.

Image courtesy of The Orange County Register

The public demand for airline travel has grown exponentially over the last 30 years.  This fact alone indicates that there will be a much larger swath of the public who will travel because it is cheaper than bus, car or rail.  It also most assuredly guarantees that among that plethora of people and personalities, there will be those who have no idea what they are doing, or those who will try anything to bend or break the rules when it comes to air travel.

Still, I find it disturbing that the Transportation Security Administration (TSA) continually discovers an interesting assortment of “contraband” in travelers’ luggage as they try to get through airport security lines across the country.  Their latest blog continues to reveal the items that are found around the system on a daily basis![1]  You’d be stunned to hear what exactly people are trying to bring aboard airplanes these days.  Here are a few recent highlights:

• In August of this year, a female passenger in Rochester, NY was detained at a TSA checkpoint when the screening agents thought they saw a knife concealed inside the woman’s cane.  It turned out to be a 19” double-sided sword![2] After questioning, she was allowed to continue on — minus the cane/sword, of course!
• An Egyptian man from Baltimore was arrested after a TSA screener found 13 knives concealed within the liner of his luggage.  The man, who has lived in the USA for seven years, claimed he was a knife collector, had just purchased the knives, and was booked on a flight to Minneapolis that day.  He faces a number of charges, including carrying a concealed dangerous weapon and interfering with airport security procedures.[3]
• A 22-year old man from Tennessee, on his way to Las Vegas, was slapped with federal misdemeanor charges for trying to bring knives, tactical and police batons, brass knuckles and four inert grenades in his tote bag.[4]

Image courtesy of TSA.gov

What puzzles me is that the two most common replies that TSA, ATF and the FBI get when questioning these folks is either “I didn’t know they were in my bags,” or “I forgot they were there.”  Seriously???

The truth of the matter is that in this day and age, after just recognizing the tenth anniversary of the attacks on the World Trade Center and the Pentagon, why are these folks being given what appears to be a “pass” on these issues?  Misdemeanor charges?  Being questioned and then released with the banned items confiscated?  Am I sounding too alarmist here?

I work on an airplane.  It’s my job, and not only do I enjoy my work, but I have a reasonable expectation that I will get from one airport to the next without the need to call in the SWAT team simply because someone who left their wits back at the security checkpoint was lucky enough to slip one past the guardians!  And in one instance, they had help from an airline employee!!![5]

Personally, the logical part of my brain asks, “Where have these people been hiding?  Under what rock were they living?”  Unfortunately, as it IS the public we are dealing with here, I learned long ago that when it comes to the General Public, you’ll have to throw out logic just to get your mind wrapped around what these people were (or perhaps not) thinking when they got up that morning, knowing that they were going to the airport, needed to pack a bag or two for the journey, and would be subjected to an intensive search of their belongings at the security checkpoint!

The cynical side of me says that these people knew exactly what they were doing and were trying to circumvent the system to accommodate their own idea of civil freedoms.  I just can’t fathom how law enforcement can accept the “I didn’t know” excuse or the “I forgot it was there” defense.  Plato said “Good people do not need laws to tell them to act responsibly, while bad people will find a way around the laws.”

As long as bad people continue trying, we’ll continue to need the security countermeasures that the TSA is continually trying to improve.

[1] The TSA Blog, “Sometimes The Airport Is Similar To A Gun And Knife Show,” Blogger Bob, September 28, 2011, http://bit.ly/oQYtUf

[2] Transportation Security Administration, TSA.gov, Media Room, “ROC Good Catch – Sword in Cane 8-23-11,” http://1.usa.gov/q3itSn

[3] The Baltimore Sun, Travel, “Man from Egypt held on BWI weapons charge,” Michael Dresser, July 14, 2011, http://bit.ly/qk098W

[4] TimesNews.net, Associated Press, “Screening finds grenades, knives, other weapons in luggage at Nashville airport; Tennessee man arrested,” January 8, 2011, http://bit.ly/q9ZjiY

[5] Thaindian.com, Newsportal-World, “Two people arrested on board U.S. Airways flight at Philadelphia International Airport,” BNO News, June 4, 2009, http://bit.ly/oIGyF5

I was witness to an increasingly unfortunate situation as I commuted home the other day – one that hits closer to home than most people may realize.

As I waited in the gate area of my flight home, the gate agent made the announcement that boarding would begin shortly, as soon as the less able passengers who were ticketed on this flight were accommodated onboard and situated. On this particular flight, there were nine wheelchairs waiting for boarding, one that was an electric wheelchair, which clearly meant that a little more time would be necessary to board this individual using the airline’s aisle chair on the plane.

While waiting in the boarding area, and quietly listening in on various conversations going on around me, I overheard a couple near me vocally protesting the extra accommodation by the airline and they were clearly upset that the extra time needed would cause them to arrive late to catch a connecting flight down the line. As they continued, a few people within earshot chimed in as well, all offering their own opinions about how the disabled and physically challenged passengers should be handled, one even going so far as to suggest that they should be restricted to certain aircraft types or even find themselves another method of travel. I was silently shocked at this conversation and began to wonder if these people were just unsympathetic idiots, or if this opinion was beginning to find traction among airline passengers in general.

Clearly, most of us are tolerant of the special needs of those less fortunate in physical abilities – in virtually every aspect of our daily interactions. We gladly make way for them, and are glad to be of service when they ask. While there are some cultural anomalies in this world that look down upon the disabled and handicapped, in the United States we seem to have evolved far enough to warrant added patience and we find ourselves wanting to help those who require a bit more human touch than most. But as I observed here, there was definitely a different feeling brewing in this gate area.

In 1986, the United States Congress passed the “Air Carrier Access Act” which spelled out specific requirements the airlines must follow regarding the handling of disabled passengers, which in many ways mirrors the “Americans with Disabilities Act” to protect these passengers from blatant negligence or unintentional neglect from the airline carriers. Over the years, there have been many changes to this law, many of which went into effect in May 2009. You can find a complete list of these changes, along with the requirements for special accommodation by the airlines at the U.S. Department of Transportation’s “Civil Rights” page regarding passengers with disabilities.[1]

A recent survey by the Scope Foundation, a charity that supports disabled people and their families, revealed that over 47% of disabled people faced some sort of discrimination while traveling. Of that number, 15% claimed they faced “high-level” abuse.  And the Commission on Equality and Human Rights (CEHR), who later this fall, will be publishing a report on violence towards those with disabilities while traveling, says that travel is one of the “hot spots for violence and harassment targeted at disabled people.”[2]

The airlines have had their share of mishaps regarding physically and mentally challenged travelers, and have paid huge penalties for not being proactive enough.  In Feb. 2011, Delta Airlines was slapped with a $2 million fine by the DOT for violating 14CFR, especially after it had been investigated four years earlier for similar violations and no improvements had been determined.[3] The DOT also fined Atlantic Southeast Airlines $200,000 in June 2011 for similar violations.[4]

Thankfully, with the assistance of watchdog groups such as Scope and CEHR, airlines have been forced to devote some of their resources to make sure this sector of the public is not only seen, but also treated with respect and dignity when they travel.  As much as it excites me that progress has been made in this area, it’s frustrating to see the backlash (especially first hand) from the public at large when it comes to the handicapped.

With more people flying than ever before, and airlines facing huge push-back from travelers who feel they are being gouged with additional fees, but seemingly very little improvement in the airline travel experience, it’s not surprising that people in general have begun to transfer their frustrations on any small thing that causes them even a minute’s worth of delay. The problem seems to be growing, but is there a solution? Can we, as a society, condone a growing outrage towards those who have additional physical and mental challenges who need the additional time and resources of airline personnel to travel?

I said at the beginning of this topic that this hits close to home for me. My sister has been a paraplegic since she was three years old. Today, at 26, she is happily married with three children, and is quite able to get around (especially with three kids!). While she was growing up, she would crawl around on the floor using her arms to propel her from place to place. She may have been physically disabled, but she never quite seemed physically limited.

Hearing these people in the boarding area of my flight publicly voicing these kinds of ignorant remarks makes my blood boil, but traveling in an airline uniform limits my ability to speak my mind. Believe me; had I been an ordinary passenger in that boarding area, they would not have gotten off so easily!

Most customer service oriented positions, especially in the airline industry, require training in sensitivity and the proper protocol for dealing with passengers with disabilities.  While not perfect by any stretch of the imagination, it tends to improve the quality of service that the disabled need just to get from one place to another. Even if I weren’t in the position I hold, I would still never think to discriminate, especially against those less physically or mentally able than I.  I don’t park in handicapped spaces in parking lots, and I go out of my way to open doors, or assist when I see someone struggling, handicapped or not.

It’s pretty sad to think that the public in general is increasingly less tolerant and I hope that by shedding light on this subject, that trend may be reversed.

[1] U.S. Department of Transportation, Aviation Consumer Protection and Enforcement, Rules Guidance & Enforcement Orders, 14CFR Part 382 “Nondiscrimination on the Basis of Disability in Air Travel,” http://1.usa.gov/q5UwLf

[2] The Telegraph, UK News, “Disabled passengers face ‘rising level of abuse on public transport,’” Jun. 11, 2011, http://tgr.ph/r1r318

[3] ABCNews.com, Money, “DOT Fines Delta $2M for Disability Violations,” Associated Press, Feb. 17, 2011, http://abcn.ws/otQcdI

[4] U.S. Department of Transportation, Releases and Speeches, “Atlantic Southeast Airlines Fined for Violating Rules Protecting Air Travelers with Disabilities,” July 11, 2011, http://1.usa.gov/rk114G

One of the things that’s so great about my job is that, no matter where I am or what I am doing, I always seem to learn something new about our industry.

With so many rules and regulations already, and constant changes, it’s tough to keep track of it all…all one need do is look at the Operations Manual that I am required to carry with me when working and you can see for yourself how daunting that task can be.

Yesterday, I was privy to one of those “Ah, I didn’t know that” moments, albeit it might have been a disaster for the passenger had some of the circumstances been different.

There was a couple who approached the boarding area for their flight with twin newborns…we are talking 6-DAY OLD newborns. They were tiny and pink and one of them was quite vocal in that clear high-pitched cry that only a newborn can produce.  The Customer Service Agent who was assisting them fawned over them, like a proud grandmother.  During her conversation with them, she inquired about their age.  After learning they were less than a week old, she kindly handed the boarding cards to the parents and sent them on their way.  You could see they were excited to be getting the infants to their new home.  It was a precious sight.

The moment was soon diminished when a Customer Service Supervisor approached the parents in the gate area a few minutes later and declared, “I’ve been advised that your babies are less than seven days old.  I’m very sorry but I cannot allow you to travel with these infants today!”  The couple looked shocked and then angry, while the passengers around them produced in unison a hushed gasp. The supervisor proceeded to explain that since the babies were less than 7 days old, airline policy required a physician’s release and declaration of the babies’ health in order for them to travel unhindered.

As luck would have it, one of the parents was a licensed physician, and after producing his medical card and producing a statement of health for each child, the supervisor approved their travel. But what would have happened had neither parent been a doctor? The supervisor did try to find a way to get the matter resolved, offering to accept a fax from the children’s doctor if one could be sent in to the airport prior to departure. Being that it was Sunday, that may have proved next to impossible, had they not worked it out as they had.

Traveling with newborns is a challenge for a number of reasons. One of the most obvious is the exposure an infant this young has to the harsh environment of an airplane interior. A newborn’s immune system isn’t fully developed just after birth and it takes time for their body to adjust to the exposure of bacteria and viruses in the open air, especially in public places. Add to that the recycled air inside the airplane during flight, and then top it off with the pressurization of the fuselage that simulates conditions of altitude of between 5,000 and 7,000 feet at a gradual rate of pressurization. While we adults and most children can handle this pressure without complications, newborns are most vulnerable because their bodies haven’t learned how to equalize the pressure in their ears and sinus cavities. Also, newborns may still have large quantities of liquid in their sinus cavities after the transition from fetus to independence after birth.

Many physicians recommend that newborns don’t travel by air until they are 4 to 6 weeks old, especially if the baby has breathing complications, which can be exacerbated in a low-oxygen environment like a pressurized airplane cabin. Supplemental oxygen for the baby may be necessary (and must be ordered in advance by the physician through the airline prior to travel)[1].

Most every major airline has limited restrictions for flying with newborns less than 10 days old. Every airline has their own policy; even though the majority doesn’t charge additional fees to fly with your baby (he/she must be held, unless you purchase a ticket in order to accommodate the baby’s carrier) each carrier has specific rule regarding newborns flying under 10 days old, and almost every carrier requires a physician’s release and a certificate of health in order to allow them access to the plane. Check with your specific airline for details[2].

The most important thing to remember about handling this new person’s venture into the world of air travel is to make them as comfortable and safe as possible in this strange, new environment. Be mindful of their exposure to other passengers and monitor their comfort levels on takeoff and landing to ensure they aren’t being caused discomfort from the change in cabin pressure.

Make sure you talk to your doctor if you have additional questions on topics that weren’t discussed here[3] [4]. Before you know it, he or she will become a seasoned world traveler in no time!

[1] MayoClinic.com, Health Information, Toddlers and Infants, “Air Travel with Infant: Is it Safe?” Jay L. Hoecker, M.D., http://bit.ly/rloB6v

[2] Babycenter.com, For You, “Flying with small children: Checklist of questions to ask your airline,” http://bit.ly/pvvcnt

[3]  iVillage.com, Pregnancy and Parenting, “Babies: Is it safe to travel by plane with a newborn?” Robert W. Steele, MD, January 1, 2010 http://bit.ly/mXYjZr

[4] BabiesToday.com, Pregnancy Today, Newborn Health, “Keeping Newborns Healthy When Traveling: On An Airplane with a Newborn,” Alex Powell, http://bit.ly/o381du