Luggage Free Offers Holiday Travel Tips

New York, NY — This year is shaping up to be one of the worst on record for airline delays, flight cancellations and lost luggage. With the holiday travel season just around the corner, Luggage Free president Jeff Boyd is offering holiday travel tips to cope with these and other potential hassles during the upcoming travel season.

"Airline travelers should be prepared for heavy travel volume," said Boyd. "By taking a few prudent steps, the travel experience can be a lot more enjoyable." His suggestions include:

1. Avoid busy travel days. "If possible, the Tuesday and Wednesday before Thanksgiving and the day before Christmas should be avoided," warned Boyd. He admits to stating the obvious, yet millions of people each year insist on traveling during these busy days, which increases the potential for problems. "If you are flexible and have room to maneuver, avoiding these heavily-traveled days can save you a lot of headaches."

2. Use smaller airports. "Big airports should be avoided, if possible," said Boyd. "By using less-traveled gateways, you can score on all fronts—from parking, rental cars, security lines and even traffic to and from nearby hotels. This will all save you time and money."

3. Ship your luggage ahead. "Use a luggage shipping service and you will avoid baggage check-in lines and the dreaded wait at the baggage carousel," said Boyd. "In fact, travelers can avoid all the inconveniences of carrying, checking and claiming bags by shipping ahead." Boyd's service can be booked online at www.luggagefree.com for as little as $1.50 per pound. Your luggage will await you at your final destination, hassle free.

4. Grab a good seat. "If you are flying coach, make sure you're sitting in a good seat," said Boyd. "You don't want to be stuck in an uncomfortable position for 2 to 7 hours. Websites such as www.seatguru.com outline each seat on most major airline planes, giving you inside information on things such as extra legroom and proximity to power outlets."

5. The 240 Rule. Boyd notes that if you do have a delayed or cancelled flight, ask the ticketing agent to invoke "Rule 240." "For any reason other than weather, under Rule 240, your ticket can be endorsed over to the next available flight, even if it's with a competing airline."

6. Book an early morning flight. Boyd pointed out, "Statistics show that early morning flights have a better on-time performance than any other flights throughout the day. Booking your flight as early as possible will dramatically reduce your chances of experiencing delays or cancellations."

Boyd says that implementing these tips, along with a little common sense, can actually turn the holiday travel season into an enjoyable experience.

He concluded, "Other simple steps can be invaluable such as remembering to charge cell phones and packing extra clothing and toiletries in your carry-on bag in case you do have a long delay or cancellation."

For more information, please visit www.luggagefree.com or call 1-800-361-6871.

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