Security at airports is at an all-time high so here are some tips to help you get through the procedures in a timely and trouble-free manner:
■ The Transportation Security Administration (TSA) has come up with a "3-1-1" promotion to explain what can be brought onboard in your carry-on luggage – three-ounce containers or less of liquids, gels or aerosols in a one-quart clear plastic zip-lock bag. One bag is allowed per traveler.
■ Pack all liquids, gels and aerosols in your checked baggage. Exceptions to the rule include baby formula/breast milk/baby food while traveling with a small child, medications and liquids or gels needed for diabetics or other medical needs. Any exceptions must be declared to the security officer for screening and will take up additional time.
■ Pack all undeveloped film in your carry-on bag because screening equipment for checked bags may damage film. Pull out the clear plastic bag when going through screening to avoid delays.
■ Wear shoes with a low sole (less than one inch), such as sandals or flip-flops. Most people have to take their shoes off to have them scanned and it's the people who are wearing tennis shoes and other lace-up shoes that hold up the lines. Also take off jackets, metal jewelry and put keys, coins, PDAs and mobile phones in your carry-on baggage.
■ If you have a laptop computer, keep it handy (not at the bottom of your carry-on), as you will be required to screen it separately.
■ Most airlines require you to check in two hours prior to the flight. This is a good rule of thumb as it allows you enough time for check-in, security and will alleviate any anxiety if the lines are long.
■ Check with your airline about weight restrictions on luggage. I've watched people open their luggage and transfer some of the contents into large garbage bags so they could meet the limit. Most of the airlines limit luggage to 50 lbs before they assess a fee.
■ Travel early in the day – I usually try to take the first flight of the day and I almost never run into lines at the airline counter or in security. Most of the crowds travel in the early afternoon and that is when you could run into delays.
■ If you have any questions about what you can and cannot bring, visit the Transportation Security Administration website at www.tsa.gov/public, or call the TSA Contact Center toll-free at tel. 866-289-9673. As the rules of what you can and cannot bring are hard to predict, check out the website so you don't have some of your possessions confiscated. For example, a bottle of wine is forbidden, but corkscrews are allowed. Gel candles and gel shoe inserts are not allowed but three ounces of Jell-O and gel-filled bras are okay. You can bring an unlimited amount of K-Y Jelly, but a large jar of grape jelly will cause you trouble. Rounded butter knives are allowed but scissors with blades longer than four inches are forbidden.
Helpful website:www.smartpacking.com was created by Susan Foster, the author of Smart Packing for Today's Traveler. Foster offers many tips on how to avoid involuntary bumping by airlines, checking out and understanding an airline's "Contract of Carriage," and making the most out of your carry-on luggage.
When to Go
The weather in O`ahu is generally great but there are some seasons that are wetter and chillier than others. And remember, the Windward side of every Hawaiian Island gets more rain than the drier Leeward sides. For example, in the month of December, Honolulu varies from a high of 82°F to a low of 65°F, with an average of 3.2 inches of rain. The Windward side in December has a high of 78° and a low of 67°, with 7.9 inches of rain on average. And on the North Shore, temperatures in December range from 82° to 65°, with an average of 4.1 inches of rain.
The holidays (Christmas, New Year's Eve and spring break) are the busiest (and most expensive) times to visit any of the Hawaiian Islands. Keep in mind that if school is out, then the islands will be busy. During the summer you'll find a lot more families on the beaches compared to the slower months of January, February, October and November. If you do decide to travel during this busy time, don't do it on the weekends. Tuesday, Wednesday and Thursday are the best days to travel, crowd- and cost-wise.
What to Bring
It can be a little overbearing to bring beach towels, beach mats, snorkel gear, water toys, ice chests, etc. I recommend stopping at the Costco (if you're a member), Longs Drugs, K-mart or Sam's Club to pick up these items as well as groceries and souvenirs. There are three K-marts on O`ahu (500 N. Nimitz Highway, tel. 808-528-2280, 4561 Salt Lake Blvd, tel. 808-486-6118, and 500 Kamokila Blvd, tel. 808-674-9355). Costco also has three locations in O`ahu (94-1231 Ka Uka Blvd. in Waipahu, tel. 808-678-6103, 525 Alakawa Street in Honolulu, tel. 808-526-6103, and 333A Keahole Street in Hawaii Kai, tel. 808-395-5538).
Also, most vacation rentals provide these items as part of the rental (although there's no guarantee they will have your flipper size!) and most resorts are associated with a beachside company that rents equipment on a daily or weekly basis.
If you do purchase these items, don't lug them back home. Instead, leave them at the vacation rental for the next family or, if you're staying at a resort, pass them off to another family.
