For air travelers

        • Call ahead to confirm reservations and schedules.

        • Get to the airport at least two hours before scheduled departure, and allow even more lead time during peak hours such as 8-10 a.m. or 4-7 p.m.

        • Bring photo identification, and be prepared for random luggage searches.

        • Pack valuables such as jewelry and cameras in your carry-on baggage.

        • Inspect bags for anything that might be misconstrued as a weapon, such as scissors, nail files or even nail clippers. The Federal Aviation Administration has allowed some of these items on planes, but some airlines are still banning them.

        • Passengers are limited to one large carry-on piece of baggage and one personal item such as a purse or small briefcase.

        • Don't bring wrapped gifts, either, as carry-ons or in stowed luggage. They might be required to be unwrapped during inspections.

        • Bring a cell phone and a copy of the airline's flight schedule, if available. This enables the airline to contact you directly in case of a schedule change.

        In case of a delay, contact the airline directly, since customer service sometimes has better information than desk agents meaning that lines can be bypassed.

        • Only ticketed passengers are allowed in gate areas. Bring a copy of your ticket or your itinerary from a travel agent and a photo ID.

        • Place identification both inside and outside bags.

        For car travelers

        • Buckle up. Most of the area's law enforcement agencies are cracking down on seat belt use, especially for children.

        • If traveling long distance, make sure a friend or family member knows the itinerary and arrival time, then check in with them upon arrival.

        • Keep a blanket, flares, candles, a flashlight, and fresh water and some food in the vehicle in case of an outage or cold weather.

        • For regional traffic information, travelers can tune in 24 hours a day to Highway Advisory Radio at AM 530, call 211, or check Cincinnati.com/traffic or www.artimis.org.

        • Other contacts: Ohio State Highway Patrol: (877) 647-28765 (OH-PATROL); Ohio road conditions, (888) 264-7623 (2-OH-ROAD); Kentucky State Police, (800) 222-5555; Kentucky road conditions: (800) 459-7623; Indiana State Police, 911 (This will access the local post from highway); Indiana road conditions, (800) 261-7623.
       

        — James Pilcher

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