The accidentally prepared airline traveler

December 26, 6:45 AMAlaska Transportation ExaminerGeorge Angus

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No doubt about it.  They're calling this holiday season one of the worst on record for delays and canceled flights, thanks to good old mother nature.  It's hard to believe that a Seattle snowstorm would turn the Anchorage Airport into the Anchorage Hilton.

When you are going to be traveling during the holiday season there are some things you can do to help you avoid problems and be the best prepared traveler at the airport:

• For several days prior to your travel date, start watching the weather reports for your departure, arrival and connecting airports.  Get a feel for any problem areas
• On your travel day contact your carrier to determine if your initial flight has been canceled for some reason.
• Pack as light as you can.  If possible, try and stick with carry on baggage only.  if you have to check bags, do not put any of your essentials in those particular bags.  Once they head down the conveyor belt, you won't be seeing them until you arrive at your destination.
• Arrive early, early, early.  Oh, and be sure and get there early!
• Get through security as quickly as possible then head to one of the terminal shops and stock up on some water and food.  If flights start getting canceled, you don't want to be one of the ones stuck without basic provisions.
• Make sure your cell phone is fully charged before you get to the airport, and have your charger handy.
• Pay attention to the flight boards in the gate area.  Get a feel for what is happening with the outbound flights.  As much as you are able, try and maintain a certain amount of flexibility in your travel plans.  If you need to get on a different flight in order to get out of a problem area, then consider doing so.

Sometimes you need to zig when you thought you were going to zag.  By coming prepared for most contingencies, you can avoid some big problems and a three day stint, sleeping on the floor at gate C-7.