Planes, Trains and Automobiles—Your Guide To Being Safe And Smart During The Season (NAPSA)—The holidays are alwaysa tricky time to travel, and this year will prove especially challenging asall travel providers institute new policies and regulations to keep travelers safe. Whether you fly, take a train or drive to see your loved ones this holiday season, here are a few tips to help you travel safe and smart. If you travelbyair: Most major airports andair- lines recommend that you arrive three hours before departure for both domestic and international flights to allow enough timefor security checks. Check your flight status before you leave for the airport. You ean check flight times for all major airlines on Yahoo! Travel by visiting http:/ /travel.yahoo.com and clicking the “Check Flight Time”button or link. Bring government-issued photo identification, such as a driver’s license or passport. If you are an electronic ticket holder, most airlines now require a printed itinerary from thesite or an e-ticket receipt. Note that only ticketed passengers are allowed past security checkpoints—if you plan to meet someone upon arrival, choose an alternate meetingplace. Pack lightly—You may only bring one carry-on item and one personal item, such as a purse or briefcase, in addition to checked luggage. Remember, the less you carry on the plane, the quicker yourtrip through security. Plan to wrap your gifts at your final destination—Thebiggest delay this holiday season will be the inspection of wrapped holiday packages. Note that wrapped packages in checked luggage are subjected to the same security inspections, so be smart about what you pack and what you ship in advance. If you travel by train: Play it safe and purchase yourtrain tickets at the station as opposed to on the train. Note that Over the river and through the woods—or wherever you go this holiday season—canbesafe and swift if you heed a few hints. all Amtrak passengers boarding between Washington, D.C. and Boston, MA must have pre-purchased tickets. Remember that many major train travel companies are expect- ing increased crowds and wait times during the holiday travel season. Have a government-issued photo identification handy, e.g., a driver’s license or passport. * Be advised that most major train carriers are allowing only one carry-on item of 50 lbs. or less and two checked items of 50 lbs. or less (you can usually check larger itemsfor fee). If you travel by automobile: If you rent a vehicle to visit friends and family this holiday season, be aware of increased demand at major rental agencies. Make your reservation early—to save time and hassle, book online. Travel Web sites like Yahoo! Travel allow you to compare rates and packagesfrom top rental agencies. Plan your route in advance—This will be essential as the roads become crowded with fellow travelers. Print point-topoint driving directions and general area maps from Yahoo! Maps (http: / /maps.yahoo.com). Safe and happytravels.
