As Americans take to the roads and skies this Labor Day weekend, only one thing is for sure: You will not be alone while saying goodbye to summer.
Millions of people are planning to travel for the three-day holiday, and getting to where they are going may take some time.
However, vacation is worth the effort and taking some simple steps can mean being on the fast track to enjoyment.
Fast-track Your Airport Experience
If you want to beat long lines at security, make sure that, if you have TSA Precheck, the designation is showing up on your boarding pass. There is no ID card or other credential so if you are wondering about your status, check here.
Remember, if you have Global Entry, you have access to TSA Pre-Check lanes but you need to make sure that your Known Travel Number (usually begins with 98) is entered into your airline profile so that the TSA Pre-Check designation shows up on your boarding pass.
You cannot show your Global Entry, NEXUS or SENTRI membership ID to gain access to the Pre-Check line.
Those without access to TSA Pre-Check can pay extra for priority access with many airlines. For a fee, passengers use priority lanes for flight check in and baggage check, at security and all the way onto the plane.
Plan Ahead
Be ready for traffic.
If you want to avoid slow roadways, check for alternate or more scenic routes to get where you are going. Sometimes a couple of extra hours on an out-of-the-way stretch of highway can turn a traffic jam disaster into an adventure.
Don't get stuck on the road, however. Buy or renew memberships to AAA or a similar roadside assistance program if to avoid being stranded. Always plan for safety with extra snacks and water in case of an unforeseen pit stop (or just to have an impromptu picnic).
"Are We There Yet?"
For those traveling with kids, pack extra toys and games while also making sure you have battery back ups for tablets or smartphones. It's a good idea to raid the dollar store for a couple of surprise, cheap throw-away toys that you can whip out at an advantageous moment to keep the little ones in line.
Traveling on a holiday weekend can always bring the unexpected, but it doesn't have to spell disaster. A positive attitude and preparedness goes a long way towards making most unfortunate situations bearable at least.
[READMORE]READ MORE: 15 Affordable Labor Day Destinations[/READMORE]
Extend Your Stay
For those who are really looking to avoid jam-packed roads and bulging flights, try to travel one day early. Or, why not stretch the stay a day longer?
Americans deserve all of the vacation days they get and have earned their holiday time. Make the most of it and pat yourself on the back with a last-minute reprieve (be sure to run it by your boss first).
For ultimate relaxation on Labor Day weekend, bring a positive attitude. A good outlook is ultimately what will spell success. Farewell, summer.
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