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Plan for a stress- free travel season

Saturday December 16 2017
flight

Nobody wants to ruin their holiday travel so, for most people, travel stress and anxiety starts with the packing process — apart from the airline baggage limit restrictions, prohibited items should be at the top of every traveller’s mind. FOTOSEARCH

By MICHAEL OTIENO

During the Thanksgiving holiday in the United States last month, Americans bemoaned the Transport Security Administration changes that made travel, particularly airport security checks, a nightmare.

For Americans, travel to be with family during Thanksgiving is equal to peak travel in China during the New Year holiday or Europe and Africa during Christmas.

The new baggage screening procedures, among them a new regulation that requires travellers to put all electronic devices larger than a cellphone in a separate tray for separate screening, have considerably increased waiting time at security check points.

Beyond the baggage screening-related procedures, the TSA has also introduced steep and punitive penalties on violation of the prohibited items rule.

The fine is now as high as $13,000 per violation per person, with a caveat of an even higher fine and arrest for repeat offenders.

It seems rather harsh but you will quickly change your mind when you realize that the cache of prohibited items — mainly weapons and munitions netted at these security checks — is enough to start a mutiny in a small, unstable country.

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Interestingly, the TSA is helping American travellers pack their bags through Facebook Messenger and Twitter for those unsure of what is prohibited.

Travellers are encouraged to send photographs of items for clarification.

Don’t bother trying to confirm if you can bring the fancy hoverboards even as gifts on a flight —they are prohibited.

Travel stress

Nobody wants to ruin their holiday travel so, for most people, travel stress and anxiety starts with the packing process — apart from the airline baggage limit restrictions, prohibited items should be at the top of every traveller’s mind.

Early packing is advised to give you ample time to repack and make needed adjustments to your baggage to conform with guidelines. Having to unpack at the airport security desk or check-in counter is stressful.

But long airport queues, rigorous security checks and baggage restrictions are not the only things that could make your travel tiresome this holiday season.

Eating light before and during a flight dressing comfortably, including easy footwear, and napping during a flight will have positive effects on you.

If you are going to be on mid-to long haul flights, consider taking night flights. It is easier to get into your normal schedule the following day when you have no jetlag.

Body clock

Where your travel is going to involve crossing different time zones, it is advisable to gradually adjust your activities and schedule to match the time zone of your destination. Your body will thank you once you arrive at the other time zone.

While there is increased consumption of alcohol this season for those who drink, it it probably be best to avoid alcohol altogether during flying.

Drinking plenty of water will ensure an alert mind and body on arrival. Nothing beats the kick of a coffee drink during the flight but that too should be avoided if possible.

Other than the assumption (not scientifically proven) that high altitudes accelerate the effects of alcohol, cabin air is already a major dehydrator, so stick to drinking water as much as possible.

Besides, the body is usually under increased stress as you arrive at your destination where you have to deal with security checks, baggage, migration and Customs, so rehydrate as much as possible during your flight.

Staying seated during the entire duration of the flight is a sure way of arriving very exhausted and cranked.

Occasional cabin walks along the aisles and stretching exercises are an easy way to get the blood circulation up.

Once at your destination, resist the urge to hit the sack immediately and stay up until bed time. This will ensure you ease into the new time zone’s sleep schedule.

Our bodies vary in their needs, so if you particularly take a beating from long haul flights, speak to your physician about the best ways to cure your jetlag.

Luckily for many people, taking it slow and giving the body time to readjust works just fine.

Those flying domestic or regional flights, be sure to confirm with your airlines if there are schedule changes and plan for any arising interruptions if the occurrences of the last holiday season are anything to go by.

Have a stress-free holiday.
 
Michael Otieno an aviation consultant based in Nairobi. Twitter: @mosafariz; Email: [email protected]

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