Holiday travel tips

Traveling during the holidays? Get ready for crowds and stress at airports and on the roads.

Here are ways to get information — and strategies for coping with the crowds.

Air travel

If you're flying out of Sea-Tac or picking up passengers, there's information on everything from security to ground transport on the airport's Web site, www.portseattle.org/seatac or phone 206-433-5388.

Getting to the airport: Take a bus, shuttle or taxi to the airport or get someone to give you a ride to beat the crowds. If you drive, consider off-site parking lots since the airport garage can be crowded and costly.

Meeting travelers: Instead of searching for parking or endlessly circling the airport drives (since no parking is allowed outside the ticketing or baggage-claim areas), consider heading to the "cellphone-waiting lot." Travelers can call once they're ready to be picked up. Drivers must stay with their cars in the lot, which is a few minutes drive from the terminal; there's no charge. Get a map of the lot and driving directions at www.portofseattle.org/seatac/ground

A few specifics:

Flight times: Foggy weather in Seattle, snowy weather back east or simply congestion in the skies can cause extensive flight delays. Check flight times with the airline before heading to the airport. It's also wise to check flight times a day or two before departure, just in case of schedule changes or cancellations.

Check-in times: The standard recommendation is to be at the airport two hours before your flight leaves; it's wise to get there even earlier for holiday travel, especially if you have luggage to check. Checking in early also means there's less chance of getting bumped if your flight is overbooked.

The number of seats on domestic flights has been cut by an estimated 3 percent this month compared to November last year, according to the Official Airlines Guide, as airlines consolidate flights to save money on fuel. That means some flights have been trimmed; others will have every seat sold — or oversold.

Check in online: Many airlines let passengers check in online and print out boarding passes at home. That's a good timesaver; travelers with carry-on luggage then can go straight to security.

Luggage limits: More airlines are strictly enforcing their weight and size limits of both carry-on and checked luggage since planes are full. You'll need to check luggage or pay hefty excess baggage fees if you take too much. Airlines' rules vary, so check with your carrier(s).

Security do's and don'ts: Know what's permitted and forbidden in your carry-on and checked baggage. Basically, flammable or explosive devices and weapons are forbidden.

Smokers beware: Cigarette lighters are forbidden in carry-on but allowed in checked luggage under some circumstances.

Knitters rejoice: Knitting needles (and crochet hooks) are permitted in carry-on luggage.

See the detailed list of permitted and prohibited items at the Transportation Security Administration Web site, www.tsa.gov (click on Travelers & Consumers) or phone 866-289-9673.

Security checks: At airport checkpoints, security screeners use an X-ray machine for carry-on bags and a walk-through metal detector for people. Avoid wearing things with metal — such as belt buckles — since it will set off the alarm; even underwire bras may set it off. And while you're not required to remove your shoes, thick-soled ones or boots may need additional screening.

Feed yourself: Most U.S. airlines have dumped meal service; buy food at the airport or bring along snacks, especially if you're traveling with children.

Don't forget your ID: Adult air travelers need government-issued ID for domestic travel. Travelers to Canada don't yet need a passport but adults and children must have proof of citizenship (such as a birth certificate) and ID. Get more information through your airline or the U.S. State Department, www.travel.state.gov

On the roads

Be prepared for winter weather, especially if you're crossing the Cascades or traveling in other mountain areas. Carry chains, extra clothing, extra food and water in case you get delayed. And check on road conditions before you leave home.

Washington: Get updates on road conditions through the Washington Department of Transportation: phone 511, toll-free, for statewide recorded road information or see www.wsdot.wa.gov/

Oregon: Drivers also can call 511 (within Oregon) or 503-588-2941 (outside Oregon) for road updates. Or see www.tripcheck.com, the Oregon Department of Transportation information site.

British Columbia: Go to the B.C. government Web site, www.drivebc.ca , for road conditions throughout the province. By phone, call 800-550-4997 (but you'll have to pay about 65 cents a minute by credit card).

Border crossings: For information on delays at highway-border crossings between Washington and British Columbia, northbound and southbound see a www.wsdot.wa.gov/traffic/border/

For southbound-border crossings, the B.C. Ministry of Transportation has a useful phone line, updated through the day, with details on delays heading southbound from B.C. into Washington: phone 604-542-4380. Remember you need ID for adults and children when driving to Canada, including proof of citizenship such as passports or birth certificates.

Amtrak

Get information on Washington/Oregon/B.C. train service at www.amtrakcascades.com or phone 800-872-7245. Note that adults need photo ID on Amtrak, too: check when booking tickets.

Ferries

Traveling in B.C.? You can make reservations on ferries between the B.C. mainland and Vancouver Island and the southern Gulf Islands. Phone 888-223-3779 or see www.bcferries.com

Taking a Washington ferry? Line up and wait, although you can make reservations for sailings between Anacortes and Sidney, B.C. (near Victoria). 888-808-7977 or www.wsdot.wa.gov/ferries/

Kristin Jackson: 206-464-2271 or kjackson@seattletimes.com