Delayed flights, bad weather, clogged airports — and once you make it through the winter travel obstacle course, you may have to sit next to someone with a nasty cold. Save yourself some time and energy and cut back on your stress with these tips.
* Pick a morning flight. If your flight is canceled because of bad weather, you're more likely to find another flight on the same day.
* Try to find a non-stop flight. If that isn't an option, look for connecting flights out of airports that aren't in severe winter weather areas. In other words, skip that layover in Buffalo.
* Charge your devices and have your cables handy. You may not be able to find replacements at the airport, and if you do, they're often wildly overpriced. A portable charger can also come in handy if you get stuck and outlets are occupied.
* Book a window seat. People in middle or aisle seats are more likely to catch colds from other passengers and flight crew.
* Don't forget hand sanitizer. Keep your hands clean and away from your face to further reduce your risk of illness.
* Dress in layers. Think jackets, hoodies, and cardigans. You'll stay warm wherever you are and it can free up space in your luggage.
* Have a plan B. You can't control the weather, so make sure you know what to do if your first plan doesn't go your way.
Rick Good spent ten years in the newspaper business, including with The News & Observer (Raleigh, NC) and The Greenville News (Greenville, SC). He co-wrote, with Melinda Coleman, Rutledge to Riley: Governors of South Carolina, 1776–Present (Published by The Greenville News), and is the author of Mind Games Trivia #1 (Amazon). He has recently spent 15 years creating original trivia content through Sounds Good Mobile Entertainment and continues that with his new company, SGME Software. He edits The Smart Reader’s money, real estate, and business coverage.