Be nice to the agents

As you interact with front line representatives, please be courteous. These are the folks that will get you a better seat on the plane, train or auto; a better room in your hotel and your requests from room service, etc.

They are people too and have families just like you do. So please treat them with respect. I assure you that your situation will be a 100% better if you do that.

Check the checked baggage rules before you go

The airlines have different fees for checked baggage. This will vary based on your frequent flyer status with a particular airline. Some airlines also offer perks if you use one of their affinity credit cards to purchase the ticket.

Also, others will allow you to pay for your bags online as you buy your ticket or when you check-in. So, be cognizant of this when you purchase your ticket. Go to the airline Web site and check these things out before you buy your ticket.

Check the hand baggage rules before you go

If you are traveling on multiple airlines it is a good idea to check the baggage rules. Actually, you should do this anytime you travel. The rules are sometimes different from airline to airline. let's say you are traveling from the U.S. to Africa via a city in Europe. The U.S. carrier may have a different weight limit on your carry on bag from the carrier that will take you from the European city to Africa.

Thus it will be necessary to check your hand luggage. If you have already exceeded your checked baggage allowance, then you will be charged for an additional piece of luggage.

If you are not connecting, you should still check your hand baggage size and weight restriction with your airline. As if it is too big or too heavy, you will have to check it.

Try travel portals if unsure about destination amenities

If you are unsure of which airlines serves your destination or car rental companies and hotels at your destination you can use an online travel portal to figure it out. Here are a few:

http://www.kayak.com
http://www.mobissimo.com

Use your mobile phone to check-in

Many airlines allow you to use your mobile phone to check-in. Check their Web sites for details. Once you get to the airport, you can then re-print your boarding pass.

Some airlines even allow you to get your boarding pass on your mobile phone and use the phone to pass through security. Some examples are ANA (domestic flights), American Airlines, Continental Airlines and Delta Air Lines and SAS (domestic flights).

Consider off-airport parking

It's Groundhog day!

That has nothing to do with this tip though.

If you live in a larger city, off site airport parking is generally cheaper than parking at the airport terminal. Give yourself some extra time. Also, check the airport Web site to see if the parking facilities have a discount.

If your travel plans are flexible take a later flight

Sometimes airlines do overbook their flights. You know, people sometimes don't show up for various reasons.

Since the airplanes can't take anyone standing up, the airlines will ask for volunteers to give up your seat. For this gesture of kindness, you will be rewarded with some kind of travel voucher for a future flight.

Some airlines will solicit you at their kiosks others at the gate. So if you can take a later flight, why not volunteer the next time you have the option.