Avoiding Holiday Travel Woes

Thanksgiving is the busiest travel time of the year and can lead to some major headaches. Stephanie AuWerter, Contributing Editor of SmartMoney.com, has some tips to avoid common travel woes.

One common travel problem is a seriously delayed flight. To avoid headaches, AuWerter suggests booking the first flight of the day. "It is simply less likely to have a major delay," says AuWerter. Even if it means getting up extra early, booking an early morning flight could save you later on.

If your flight does get delayed, try getting a day pass to your airline's club. "It shouldn't set you back more than $50 or so, and you may be able to get in for free if you have a platinum AmEx card or a business class ticket or higher," says AuWerter. This will give you a quiet place to sit, read, or grab a bite to eat during your delay. Clubs usually have agents on hand as well, so rescheduling a flight could be easier too.

If your flight goes from being delayed to being cancelled, AuWerter suggests getting on the phone. On site customer service representatives are often overwhelmed during the holidays, so you're better off talking to someone on the phone instead. They have the same information as the reps at the airport, so they should be able to offer you the same compensation, sometimes in a more timely manner. To avoid standing in line with fellow stranded passengers, go to the airport armed with a charged fully charged cell phone and airline help line phone number.

Airline travelers may also be bumped from an oversold flight. "If you're bumped involuntarily, you have some money coming to you," says AuWerter. "This is an FAA rule - it doesn't matter what airline you're flying." According to Auwerter, if you arrive at your destination more than two hours after your original flight, you're entitled to reimbursement for twice your airfare, up to maximum of $800.

Even if you arrive at your destination on time, your luggage may not. Lost luggage can be a pain, especially if gifts or other special items are inside. "If your bags are gone for good, you are, in theory, entitled to compensation up to a maximum of $3,300," says AuWerter. However, due to loopholes, the airlines can basically write you a check for whatever they feel like. If you have special items that you know you couldn't live without - presents, jewelry, electronics or medications - pack them in your carry-on bag. If you must check these items, consider buying insurance through the airline.

If you make it to your destination without a snag, consider yourself lucky. Many of your fellow travelers won't be as pleased as you, and this can lead to air rage. Do whatever you can before your trip to save yourself from stress. Print your boarding passes from home, follow the carry-on rules for liquids (you can view the TSA carry-on guidelines by clicking here) and go to the airport with key phone numbers in case something does happen. In the end, try not to lose your cool. The holidays are about family and friends, not stress from traveling.

For more holiday travel tips, as well as additional personal financial advice, click here to visit www.SmartMoney.com

By Erin Petrun