Can anyone give me any advice on air traveling during the holidays?

I was going to be flippant and say just don’t do it, but I really want to travel to Scotland and especially check out Glasgow. It’s cool that you’re going!

I’m sure everyone else out there is going to be nervous and stressed out, too. It seems almost inevitable that something unexpected will happen, so instead of worrying about the possibility, you should just accept that you will get there eventually and go with the flow. Bring something to read or do that calms you down. Good luck, and I hope all goes well for you.

I agree with Haleth, Take a book or Ipod (If they are allowed) you’d be amazed how quickly time flies when you get caught up in a good story. If you are nervous try talking to whoever is next to you, and if all else fails….......try having a wee sleep.
Dont try to smuggle anything and you’ll be fine! lol.
Just think of all the Haggis Neeps and Tatties you can look forward to.!
good luck!
BB

Have almost empty pockets. Wear NOTHING metal. No steel shoe shanks, no buckles, no buttons, no keys. Smile a lot at the TSA goons. Remember, they have a lot of unlawful and immoral authority. They get that with their minimum wage job, and minimum wage intellect. Smile at the stews. Even when they are rude to you. They can make your life hell. If you can, avoid airports and drive. (I know, doesn’t work inter-continetally.)
http://www.kossome.com/?q=node/131

@UScitizen : stews? really, now. Flight Attendant is the appropriate term and if you call one a “stew” s/he will make your life miserable. I know, I’m sleeping with one.

@UScitizen : Thanks for the link. All I can say is what a you know what. I hope that doesn’t happen on my flight, though I’m the quiet type that doesn’t request something until I’m asked if I want something.

Yes, stews, ball bearing or otherwise….. steward, stewardess doesn’t matter. flight attendant is a politically correct attempt to desexualize the fact that people ARE of different sexes. It doesn’t bother me. I just don’t use it.

Avoid it.

Just relax and accept that things are not going to go as smoothly as you’d like. Bring plenty of things to do on the plane. Also, drink lots of water and make sure you get up and walk around during the flight. You don’t want to get blood clots.

Give yourself extra time in case of the unexpected, and then use that time to rest. Be sure to drink plenty of water, airplane travel is very dehydrating. (oh, Dr Dredd and I both had that advice).

I agree with both @YARNLADY and @Dr_Dredd about drinking tons of water. I’ve heard it’s also best to drink juices and stay away from caffeine. I would start drinking some of that Airborne stuff now to keep you healthy while flying with all the germs flying around on board. (High dose Vit C tablet dissolved in water) Don’t carry much with you. It’s just easier to maneuver around without the extra weight of luggage. Get to the airport early to give yourself plenty of time to check in. It’s not fun to be stressed at the airport. If your luggage is black like everyone else’s, wrap some brightly colored carpet tape or something noticeable around the handle so it’s easy to find while you’re waiting and watching for it. If flying makes you sick, ask your doctor for something to take or a patch to put on so you don’t get sick. Bring magazines or a book, or some snacks in case the airline snacks are bad. Those are a couple of my suggestions.

I’m rarely able to sleep on a flight, so I keep myself amused by bringing a couple different paperbacks (a fun easy-to-read book of fiction and an intellectually engaging non-fiction type book) small deck of cards (teach yourself several types of solitaire before-hand) and a small pad and pen for a journal. Sometimes I bring a small art pad and a drawing pencil and pen. Of course, you generally end up sketching the back of that guy’s head and somebody’s arm. But, if you’re creative, it can be fun.

I bring snacks (trailmix, dried fruit, sometimes a couple of buns or a hunk of sourdough). As others have mentioned, it’s a good idea to drink lots of fluids. I bring an empty water bottle and fill it up with water from the flight attendant. Then you don’t have to rely on catching their eye when you need a refill.

Your attitude is important. If you expect terrible treatment, it just makes things worse. For some reason, my luggage is usually searched, but despite that, I generally have positive interactions with security personnel. If they single you out to search you or your luggage, don’t panic! It happens to loads of people. Be polite and follow their instructions. Trust me, they want to finish and move on to the next person. So, make it easy for them to be efficient about it. Regarding flight attendants, I’ve always found them to be helpful and friendly. Sometimes it might be fake-friendly, but y’know, they do it all day long, in cramped conditions with crappy air.

Shoot, now I see this question was asked last month. Anyway, my answer is good for travel in general.

Hi everyone, I went and returned in one piece. The flight there was not all that bad. The way back however was terrible. With the Christmas Day explosive thing in Denver, security was jacked up and the delay in Amsterdam was almost unbearable. The flight from Amsterdam to Minneapolis was worse. I had chosen an aisle seat, and the man sitting beside me was one of the rudest, sickest (as in dirty minded) men that I had met. He kept poking me in my ribs with his elbows, took his shoes off and put them on my side, and read magazines with questionable nude pictures.
 
Despite all that though, I am returning to Scotland in the summer. :)