I just recently took a business trip to Denver and noticed that travel really has become worse than ever. This made me think of all the newlyweds out there who may be on their honeymoons - which should be one of the best trips of your life - and having to deal with delays, fees, new rules, etc. (It also made me swear never to fly United again, but that's a different issue altogether...)
So here are some things you may want to think about when you plan your honeymoon:
With gas prices skyrocketing, airline prices are high too. You may want to consider choosing a honeymoon destination where you can either drive or take the train. I recently found fares on Amtrack that were 1/4 the price of airfare. The downside to both train and car travel is that it can take you longer to get to your destination.
If you are going to fly, be sure to book the brides' ticket in her maiden name. We all want to start out our new life using our new married name, but it is unlikely you will have your identification changed over to your new name in time for your honeymoon. So enjoy your trip and get to all the name changing paperwork afterwards.
If you are flying out of the country, give yourself plenty of time to get a passport. It can take several months, and get this piece of identification for the bride in her maiden name. It's best to start the passport process when you begin your wedding planning so that will be one last minute detail you don't have to worry about.
Airlines are making it harder to fly with luggage. It's like they think you shouldn't carry anything with you. When booking your flight, go to the airline's website and look up their luggage rules and fees. For instance United is now charging $15 for your first bag, $25 for your second and $100 for any bags that weigh over 50 lbs. vs. Alaska/Horizon who let you take one bag for free, $25 for a second bag, and $50 for any bag over 50 lbs. FYI - Southwest Airlines allows for two bags without any additional fees.
If you are planning a short honeymoon, you may want to consider carrying on your luggage. If you go with this option, you are limited to what you need to be aware of the "liquids and gels" rule. This is a rule from the FAA, not the individual airlines. You are limited to a 1 quart zip lock bag with bottles or containers that are no larger than 3 ounces. So if you travel with large amounts of sunscreen, hair gel and shampoo, you may want to consider taking a small bottle to get you through the first night and then buying the rest at your destination. Or, just use the hotel's complementary stash. You may want to compare the check luggage fee vs. buying your toiletries at your destination.
Wear shoes that are easy to get on and off. When you go through security at the airport, you have to take off your shoes. A slip on style works best.
Give yourself at least 90 minutes before your flight to check in. With the amount of cancelled flights these days the lines are getting longer and longer at the airport. If you do get to the airport and there is a crazy long line, see if you can curbside check outside. Sometimes there is a small fee, United charges $2 per bag, but it's worth it if it gets you on your flight on time.
Bring snacks! I know it seems like there is plenty to purchase at the airport, but long waits are inevitable anymore. And it always seems to happen around the dinner and lunch hours. So bring snacks to tide you over. It's not unheard of to spend an hour on the tarmac waiting to take off.
Bring the phone numbers to your car rental and hotel in case you are delayed. If you find yourself significantly delayed, your hotel room or car rental may go to someone else.
If your honeymoon is going to be a week or longer, check into park and fly rates at the hotels around the airport. This is great if you have to be at the airport early too. Many hotels have a special rate where you can stay the night before your trip and leave your car in the hotel parking lot to avoid the airport's outrageous parking fees. You have to weigh the cost benefits on this one though - it's not always a better deal.
Hope these bits of information are helpful - happy honeymooning to all brides and grooms!
Labels: honeymoon, wedding
