Perhaps you have tried to carry on a bag and been told by the flight attendant that your bag will have to be “checked” due to its size or lack of space? If this happens to you, make sure you insist on receiving a claim check showing your final destination and claim check number. My son just experienced this situation with Southwest Airlines and was not given a claim check number and he didn’t think to ask for one. Unfortunately, his luggage did not arrive with him at his final destination.

After completing a “Lost/Delayed” Report with Southwest, he was told that it is difficult to trace luggage without a proper claim tag. After numerous phone calls and elevating the problem to a supervisor, his luggage finally surfaced after four days and was delivered in time for a wedding he was attending. Don’t forget to ask for a claim check, make sure it indicates your final destination, and keep it with you until you retrieve your luggage.

Have you ever worried about mail piling up while you are traveling or had to arrange for someone to pick up your mail for you? The US Post Office has an easy solution. You can easily put your mail on hold by going to their website at www.usps.com. Click on “Receiving Mail” and select “Put mail on hold.” You can specify stop and re-start dates in one easy step, and hold mail for up to 30 days with this method.

Taking some time to plan ahead before leaving for your trip will likely reduce stress and allow you to get your vacation off to a good start. Details can easily be overlooked if left to the last minute. Try using our checklist to ensure a smoother departure. Download a copy to keep on hand!

If you are already enrolled in Southwest Airline’s Rapid Reward program, you should be aware that they have dramatically changed their frequent flyer program for earning free flights. It is now on a point system versus credits, and they have partnered with other companies to earn points in your SWA program (hotels, car rental agencies, restuarants, etc.). There are no blackout dates for flights and your points do not expire. Obtain all the details at www.southwestairlines.com and click on Rapid Rewards.

Tired of flying Economy Class on long-haul flights? Many airlines have introduced a new class of seating – Premium Economy, which is found primarily on international flights. No, it’s not Business Class or even close, but it does offer more legroom and sometimes other features such as a wider seat, greater pitch (for leaning back), personal video screen, electrical outlet, adjustable head or leg rests, or lumbar support. The additional cost varies considerably and may be as high as double the lowest Economy fare; however, it often drops closer to departure so it may end up being a good value on last minute bookings or upgrades.