A Safer Way to Travel

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Travel Tips 101:
Checking In? Check here 1^st

Checking In?

As you plan your trip, you will hear frequent references to Check in times. This often overlooked item can make or break your trip. Below are tips for airport Check in, hotel Check in, and car rental Check in.

Airport Check In

Airlines and airports have Check in times for a reason. Under the new security guidelines, the airline must closely check the identification of every passenger. Not only on your flight, but on every other flight too. This means longer lines at the check in counter or gate. Baggage is undergoing closer scrutiny too. And the security check points have tightened their procedures too. What does this all mean to you. DELAYS. If the airline says, a one hour check in is required (the standard) then please, do it. If you don't two very unpleasant things could happen. Your departure may be delayed while the airline processes your check in. Or your flight may leave without you. Either way, someone is going to be upset.

A word about weather--Just because the weather at your departure airport is great doesn't mean you won't be a victim of weather delays. Your destination may be experiencing delays due to weather. Or a completely non-related area could be having bad weather that slows or delays your trip. Your aircraft may be coming from a different location with weather delays and thus your flight is delayed or canceled. For up to the minute weather info, consult

Hotel Check In

Check in times vary from hotel to hotel, but generally 3 pm is the norm. If the hotel runs a high occupancy level, it takes time to clean the rooms for the next guest. If a lot of guests request late check outs, then there will be even more of a delay. If you arrive before the designated check in time, you may be able to check in but it is not guaranteed. It will depend if rooms are ready. Remember, be patient. They weren't expecting you until after three. Ask if you can store your luggage and go explore the area.

Arriving on what date?--This is one of the most confusing issues in the hotel industry. Check in dates. If you plan to arrive at the hotel after midnight, pay close attention to your check in date. While the calendar says it's now Monday, 1am, to the hotel the it is still Sunday night. Normally, the date doesn't change until 5am. You pay by the night, not the calendar day. Do you expect to get up at midnight to check out. No. Be sure you, your travel agent, and your hotel are completely clear about your arrival date and time. If you are counting on the hotel to provide shuttle service from the airport, be sure to find out the exact hours of operation and what to do if you arrive to late to get a ride.

Guaranteed Reservations--Most hotels will have either a 4pm or 6pm cancellation policy. If you will be arriving after their cancellation period, you must guarantee your reservation with either a valid credit card or a prepaid deposit. Notice the words "valid credit card". Be sure the card you give them when you make your reservation will not expire prior to your arrival. Also, be sure that they can get at least one night's room and tax on that card. If they cannot get an approval for at least that much, your reservation will probably be canceled. Pay close attention to the hotel's cancellation policy too. If you have to make changes and/or cancel, you could have to pay at least one night's room and tax if they cannot resell your space. Always ask and always get a name and cancellation number if you do cancel. Watch your credit card bill for no show charges.

Rental Car Check In

Read your rental agreement carefully to find out when the car is due back to avoid unexpected and sometimes hefty extra charges. Should the gas tank be full, empty, as you got it? Where is the closest gas station to the car rental agency? How much do they charge for fuel?

Also, find out how long they recommend for the check in process. If you have to take a shuttle from the rental agency to the airport, give yourself plenty of extra time.