Flying with Pets

 Sometimes you just want to take your furry friend with you on vacation. Other times, you are moving halfway around the world and leaving your best friend behind simply isn’t an option. First-time flying can be nerve-wracking for pets if they are unprepared. Check out these simple tricks for navigating air travel with Fluffy or Fido:

1.      Calculate the costs. Believe it or not, there are charges for flying with your pet. These costs can range from $75-$200 for a one-way flight. Research airline rates ahead of time so you aren’t stunned by these fees when it’s too late.

2.      Visit the vet. Call your airline and find out if they require vaccination and health documentation for your pet. Find out if your pet has any health concerns that will make flying more difficult. Even better: research local vets at your destination so you’re prepared in case something goes awry.

3.      Pick the right time. Early morning or late evening flights work best in warmer weather while midday flights are better in colder months. If possible, book a nonstop flight to minimize your pet’s anxiety

4.      Prepare the carrier. Putting your pet in a strange kennel the day of the flight and hoping it will be calm is a recipe for disaster. Instead, place the animal in the container a few times at home. Line the bottom with a familiar blanket and include a favorite toy to provide a sense of security.

5.      Pile on the exercise. They day before and morning of your flight, exercise your pet as much as possible. The goal is to tire them out so they are relaxed on travel day.

6.      Don’t forget food and water. No matter how short you think the flight may be, always pack food and water in your furry companion’s crate. Freeze water before you leave home for easy transportation and a refreshing treat once the plane is in the air.

7.      Ditch the Drugs. The American Veterinary Medical Association advises that owners never sedate their pets when flying. The combination of tranquilizers and high altitudes can prove fatal.

Reduce some of your own travel anxiety by making a free online reservation at Team Parking!
 

Rising Above Holiday Buzz-Kills

It's the most wonderful time of the year....yet some of us are cranky!  Holiday air travel is tricky enough without adding a naughty seatmate to the mix, so we've put some ideas together to help you keep your Christmas cool, and enjoy your flight!

1.    Board with your zone. Don’t cut people in line!  Many people who board first paid for the privilege, so it is only fair to honor it.

2.    Do a good deed. Will it really hurt to switch seats so a family can sit together? If they suggest you trade your aisle seat for their middle seat, use your best judgment. You’re sure to be on Santa’s “nice list” this year!

3.    Don’t give parents dirty stares. While you may pray the woman with the screaming baby doesn’t take the seat next to yours, she just might. If she does sit next to you, don't sulk. She knows her precious darling is making noise; she doesn’t need you to remind her.

4.    Middle seats get the armrest. Do you know anyone who likes to sit in the middle seat? Didn’t think so! Give those unlucky travelers the benefit of both armrests. You’ll survive with the armrest that’s dedicated to you.

5.    Check before you recline. Yes, it’s your right to recline, but wouldn’t it be nice to look behind you before you do? Give that traveler a chance to close his laptop before your seat crushes it.

6.    Let your neighbor sleep. Trying to catch up on your “long winter’s nap” can be tough during a flight. Leave it to the discretion of the stewardess to decide who gets a wake up nudge or who sleeps through the pretzels and orange juice call.

Let the spirit of the season be reason enough to take the high road as you travel.  Remember, everyone’s just trying to get to the presents and dinner table on time! 

This holiday season, make your free online parking reservation with Team Parking and save!

 

 

Take STEPs to Safeguard Yourself Abroad

 

 

Thinking about traveling abroad but concerned for your safety? Put your worries to rest and enroll in the Smart Traveler Enrollment Program (STEP).

·         What is STEP? STEP is a free service provided by the U.S. Government to U.S. citizens who are traveling to, or living in, a foreign country. STEP allows you to enter information about your upcoming trip abroad so that the Department of State can better assist you in an emergency, such a lost or stolen passport.

·         Emergency Help: U.S. consular officers aid Americans who encounter serious legal, medical, or financial difficulties by providing them with the names of local attorneys and doctors. They provide loans to destitute Americans, and deliver information about dangerous conditions affecting your overseas travel. STEP also assists U.S. citizens in emergencies, such as natural disasters or civil unrest.

·         Non-Emergency assistance: Consular officers perform non-emergency services, helping Americans with absentee voting, selective service registration, receiving federal benefits, and filing U.S. tax forms. They can notarize documents, issue passports, and register American children born abroad.

·         Enrollment: Enter information about your trip and subscribe to receive updates on Travel Warnings, Travel Alerts and other information for a particular country. Be sure to include an email address or phone number where you can be reached while traveling.

Remember to book your reservation at Team Parking before you leave from Minneapolis-St. Paul International Airport (MSP) on your overseas excursion.