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Trip Prep

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How to Score the Best Airfares

Compare prices at the major booking sites (Orbitz.com, Expedia.com, Travelocity.com) and the aggregators (we like Kayak.com). Once you've found the best rate, book through the airline's own site to avoid the middleman fees—with multiple tickets, these surcharges add up. Keep in mind too that you'll likely pay less by opting for second-tier airports—Chicago's Midway instead of O'Hare, for example—and by flying whenthe coast is clear (see "Traffic Alert,").

Do Tots Need a Ticket to Fly?

True, babies under age two travel free, if perched on an adult's lap. But according to the FAA, parents should shell out for an extra plane seat to prevent kids from getting tossed about during turbulence. The agency also recommends that passengers weighing less than 40 pounds be strapped into a child-restraint system (most car seats fit the bill—check the label for the government's okay). To simplify your schlep, consider a stroller you can snap your car seat into, such as Maclaren's Easy Traveller (rightstart.com; $75). Or for children 22 to 44 pounds, opt for an FAA-approved Cares harness (kidsflysafe.com; $75). It connects to airline seat belts and fits in a six-inch stuff sack. Mothers and fathers, rejoice: you finally have space to yourselves!

Traffic Alert

Friday is the most mobbed day of the week at airports.
Saturday is the least.

The Sunday after Thanksgiving sees the heaviest traffic of the year.
Christmas and New Year's Day are typically quiet.

July is the busiest month for air travel.
February is the sleepiest.

U.S. airport security-line wait time averages 8 minutes.
During peak travel hours it increases to 14 minutes.

The longest delays generally occur on flights departing between 5 p.m. and 9 p.m.
The fewest occur on departures between 6 a.m. and noon, and after 11 p.m.

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