He's Making a List; He's Checking it Twice!

[cadams]

      Santa was on to something with his list making!  A list is known to help de-stress so what better time than Christmas to make a List for Holiday Travelers.  Let's start! 1.  Before leaving the house:  tickets or itinerary?  wallet?  medication?  drink coupons?  cell phone?  computer?  book?  coat?  gifts?  bags in car?  (I left my bag on the driveway early one morning after de-icing my windshield - jumped right in and drove to the airport!) 2.  Leave early for the airport.  This requires no explanation! 3.  Bring your good disposition - have it readily accessible. 4.  Unaccompanied children?  Diabetic?  All-day flyer?  Bring food! 5.  Pack activities for children and adults.  (These distractions can make a real difference when there are weather or mechanical delays.) 6.  Check the Weather Channel for the forecast at your origin and destination before leaving home.  7.  Dropping off Seniors or disabled passengers traveling alone?  Plan to stay with them until they board the aircraft and have someone at the destination waiting.  (Escort passes are available through a Customer Service Representative.)   Please communicate any special needs to our folks at the airport.  I had a ninety-two year old man left at the curb by relatives, and he thought he was on the train!  During Thanksgiving I had twenty-three wheelchair Customers for one aircraft.)    Help us help your loved ones. 8.  Pack medicine and valuables in a small case that fits under the seat--never in a bag that may have to be checked.  Your bag may fit in an overhead bin, but if you board last, the bins may be full.  9.  Infants and children requiring milk?  You must bring your own.  We have limited cold storage - beer won the space over milk!  10.  If bringing gifts, leave unwrapped (in case Security needs to look at it).  Remember there is a two item carryon limit (one bag and one personal item).  Also, these carryons must fit in an overhead bin or under your seat.  Keep this in mind when packing.    (Flight Attendants don't like being the Grinch.  I was given a button that says, "I love my job.  Don't make me hate it.") 11.  If being picked up at your destination, ask that they check on your arrival time before leaving for the airport. Can you add to this list?  (My catch phrase for this Season is "Don't get your tinsel in a tangle!"  When stressed, it should bring a smile!)

[drew]

Sign up for Flight Status Messaging for your flight to keep apprised of any changes to departure time (or arrival if you're picking up someone): http://www.southwest.com/cgi-bin/textMsgSubscribeEntry

[scottnearsmf]

Use "Flightaware" to track flights. Use SWA then your flight number in the "Flight/Tail # box near the left edge of the web site. This is really helpful if you live some distance from your pickup airport for those taking your longer flights.

[Terry_Lessig]

Load up on vitamin-C (I take Airborne), and bring hand sanitizer to keep yourself healthy. This is necessary when you are to be in confined spaces with others even when it's NOT cold and flu season.

[Kathy_Muller]

Be friendly! Last Sunday (Dec 9th), I boarded flight 1849 from Philadelphia to Fort Lauderdale, alone, looking for a spot on the plane to take a nap. I was even trying to "act" like the seat next to me was taken so I could have extra space. Given that I was in the two seat exit row, our flight attendant (I did not get her name!), asked if a gentleman could move next to me because he is quite tall. Our Flight Attendant asked my name, his name, "are you married" (which we are not) and proceeded to introduce us and wish us a wonderful flight. Well, since that morning, we have talked/seen each other as much as possible! What a delightful gentleman and a wonderful crazy kind of story we have about the friendly folks at SWA. Especially during the holidays! I just love this story. Please (if you can) thank the young lady (flight attendant) on 12/9, flight 1849, for a great new friend.

[Heather_Henders]

That was me! I was joking about a "love connection" when I reseated the man next to the lady. Good luck Kathy!

[Carole_Adams]

Kathy, I looked up your flight and sent Heather a message. She was happy to hear "the rest of the story"! Thank you for sharing. As you know we ARE t;he LUV airline and we have been responsible for quite a few romances. Happy holidays to you and your friend!

[Kathy_Muller]

Hi Heather and Carole! Thank you so much for getting back to me. I am smiling like crazy. Funny part is that I was coming home early from a HORRIBLE weekend in Philly, and, looked like I was still in my pajamas. Go figure. I will say, it gave us a lot to laugh about later at dinner. Happy holidays to you too!