The Ultimate Top 10
We saw lots of the same rookie-travel "violations" over and over.
Here's a compilation of the ones we saw most often.
10. They have a paper ticket.
9. They stand in line instead of checking
in online or at the self-service kiosks.
8. They get to the airport way too
early.
7. They have too many carry-ons and think
the overhead bin belongs to them and them alone.
6. They attempt to walk down the aisle
before beverage service is over.
5. They ask the flight attendant what the
meal is in Coach.
4. They eat at American fast-food places
like McDonald's and KFC when in foreign countries.
3. They buy something smelly like Chinese
food or fish to eat on the plane.
2. They wear too much jewelry, big belt
buckles, and inappropriate shoes when going through security -
delaying everyone behind them.
And without a doubt, the most
mentioned violation was ...
They try to get on the plane with Group 1, even though their ticket
clearly says Group 6.
Roads Scholars
We asked you to write Top 10 lists on how to spot a travel rookie,
and you responded.
(Boy, did you respond!) Here are some of our favorites - partly
because we know that almost all of us have made at least a few of
these mistakes. Compiled by Sherri Burns
1. "Sweetie, I have to start packing for my
flight to
Milwaukee next week, so I'm going to have to pass on that
quiet time tonight." [Travel rookies start packing for each trip
more than a day (or a few hours … or minutes) ahead.]
2. "Ma'am, I'll be checking two bags. After
all, I'll be gone for almost a week!" [Travel rookies overpack and
have to check bags on short trips.]
3. "Which group did they just call? Which
one? Are you sure?" [Travel rookies crowd around and block the
boarding area when the first boarding announcement is made.]
4. "Oh, I'm sorry, where did I put those
darn things?" [Travel rookies look surprised when, after finally
reaching the agent at the boarding gate, they are asked for their
boarding passes.]