Travel Tips From Some Travel Experts, American Airlines Employees

Edited by Jennifer L. Price

From families that vacation once a year to road warriors who can only fall asleep to the sound of a jet engine, everyone has a "secret" to successful travel.

With the busy summer travel season underway, American Airlines employees are providing some of their top travel secrets.  These dedicated experts know, more than anyone, the keys to a successful trip on the world's largest airline.

Go Mobile

Instead of jotting your parking location on a scrap of paper, which can get misplaced, take a picture of the parking location sign with your camera phone or digital camera. ~Joanne Grisham, Executive Assistant, Dallas/Fort Worth

Take a digital photo of your luggage, itinerary and record locator so you can reference your flight information quickly and identify your luggage. ~Renee Cloutier, Domestic Sales, Tucson, and Erica Carter, Reservations Agent, Raleigh/Durham

Feel Your Best, Look Your Best

Lightweight, natural fabrics for clothing are excellent choices, as they allow skin to breathe and retain shape better. Hot water with a slice of lemon helps to relieve congestion, prevent dry throat, and helps you get to sleep. ~Jan Boyd, Flight Attendant, Dallas/Fort Worth

Pack Practically

Don't tie ribbons to the same handle that holds the baggage routing tag; ribbons often confuse the automated baggage sorters and can cause a baggage delay. ~Richard Tillema, Facilities Manager, Los Angeles

Always include your flight number and name inside each checked bag in case the bag tag falls off. You can write the information on a piece of paper and slip it into a luggage pocket or use the American baggage tags at the airport. ~Maribel Sotelo, Customer Service Manager, Chicago

For the Kids

An inexpensive disposable camera can keep kids occupied on a flight and during the trip. If you're able to develop the film on your trip, bring along a small photo album for them to organize the on the flight home.  ~Holly Salatino, Flight Attendant, Chicago

Go with the Crowd

When we surveyed our employees for travel tips, we received hundreds of responses.  Here are some of the most frequent suggestions from American Airlines employees.

Always bring a carry-on that can fit in the overhead bin or under the seat in front of you. Pack your basic necessities or valuables in the carry-on including car and house keys, medications, TSA-approved toiletries, liquids, gels and aerosols, cell phone and personal identification and travel documents.

If you're traveling with small children, have them carry their own small backpack filled with crayons, coloring books and inexpensive toys.

Dress in layers to maintain your level of comfort in relation to the aircraft cabin temperature.

These and other valuable travel tips will be available on a new section of American's award-winning Web site, www.AA.com. Check www.aa.com/traveltips for a quick and easy reference before your next trip.