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Make family air travel (almost) hassle-free

by Marybeth Bond

Here are some simple ways to pack a little extra peace of mind and to help your family travel go more smoothly.

• Many airports' check-in procedures involve complex security checks. So leave for the airport early and allow lots of time for checking your luggage inside the terminal.
• Boredom buster. Carry a good book or CD player to help pass the time while waiting in queues. If you are a single adult travelling with children, visit the toilets before you get in the queue.

• New restrictions. Sharp objects are prohibited in hand-luggage, including metal nail files, Swiss Army Knives, corkscrews, and sewing kits with scissors. Pack them in the luggage you check in.
• Keep the teen or joker under wraps. When you're being interrogated by security authorities, no one should make inappropriate comments. What you may consider an innocent joke may be taken very seriously and can cause embarrassment and delays.

• Stay alert to what is happening around you, especially in public places such as airports, bus or train stations. If you feel that something is odd or wrong, honour your instincts and move away quickly. If you see unattended luggage, move away from it and contact authorities.

• Be your own snack bar service. If a bag of salted peanuts won't keep you or your family satisfied during a flight, prepare your own meal, pack lots of filling goodies, such as energy bars, fruit, cheese, cereal, biscuits, juice, bottled water. Expect long queues at food outlets in the airport. You may be rushing to get to the gate and not have time to wait in yet another queue to buy food or water.

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