With the economy showing its first signs of life this week, the travel industry has reason to be cautiously optimistic.  After all, this is the worst economic downturn the US, and the world, has experienced in quite some time.  The travel industry has been hit particularly hard.

Airlines have been dealing with higher fuel prices and a significant drop in the number of passengers.  They are trying to stay above water by raising prices, but that seems to only further dissuade potential customers who are worried about spending extra cash on tickets while the economy struggles.  Major airlines expect to cut nearly 10% of their flights over the next few months.  Even budget carriers like Southwest Airlines and Europe’s Ryanair are cutting flights.  Meanwhile, train and bus ridership is up nearly 12%.

Hotels are also feeling the crunch.  Most places report a 5% decrease in reservations from this time last year.  Meanwhile, cancellations of existing reservations have nearly doubled in the past few months.  Some hotels rely on corporate bookings for a major part of their revenue.  So, as companies struggle to make ends meet, Hotels are struggling also.

But there are some bright spots.  Oil prices have fallen, making driving once again a reasonable alternative to flying.  And airlines have been restructuring to cater to customers on a tighter budget.  Though the slowdown has hurt airlines, it has given a higher profile to budget carriers like Southwest Airlines and Ryanair, both of whom survive by offering rock-bottom fares.  British Airways is trying to increase its trans-Atlantic service by offering cheap business class flights with its new subsidiary, OpenSkies.

In many places, investment groups and real estate developers are starting new projects aimed at creating mid-range and budget hotels.  These are signs that the industry is responding to the economy, even if they are a little late in doing so.  Hopefully, when all is said and done, there will be more options for budget travelers in search of cheaper flights and cheaper hotels.

When you’re preparing to jet off on your next vacation, don’t let missing the flight hold back your travel plans.  Planning a trip can be stressful, and it’s easy to forget about some key details when you’re frantically getting to the airport, picking up luggage and searching for the right gate for your departure.  Since you can’t control what happens after check-in, you need an action plan to keep your travel schedule right on track.  Here are six easy ways to avoid missing your flight:

1.    Pack a light carry on.  Loading up that carry on bag with too many things can slow you down considerably, especially if you’re on a flight schedule that requires multiple stops and airport changeovers.  Pack a light carry on bag so that you can keep moving ahead of the crowds and get to your next stop with ease.
2.    Get your bathroom breaks in early.  Avoid waiting until you find the gate to head to the bathroom.  You may not be able to squeeze in your break if the flight is already boarding, so plan accordingly and hit the restroom as early as you can.
3.    Eat a healthy snack at least an hour before the flight.  Eating a light snack will keep energy levels up and keep hunger pangs at bay.  Avoid the temptation of overeating at meals on your travel days so you don’t end up nauseous during takeoff – or get stuck in the bathroom right before your flight.
4.    Call your airline to confirm the flight.  If you have access to a cell phone on your way to the airport, quickly check up on your flight to make sure everything is still on time and on track. If your flight is delayed, you’ll have some more ‘breathing room’ that may lower your stress levels.
5.    Be courteous.  It’s easy to get caught up in the hustle and bustle of the airport when you’re trying to get form point A to point B, but minding your manners can help you get ahead.  Avoid confrontations with other passengers or flight attendants by being a calm and patient traveler more often than not.
6.    Skip the shopping circuit.  Avoid spending time at the duty-free or newsstands between flights – you never really know how long those checkout lines will be.  Do your shopping in the city you’ve been traveling to, and you’ll easily keep your travel plans on track.

Airlines have been struggling to get by over the last few years.  Most companies have crammed as many seats as they can in already tight spaces.  More flights with the same plane (and less layover for the pilots and attendants) have also been used to combat falling profits.

Now they are facing yet another crisis – FUEL.  As the cost of oil continues to hit all time highs, the fuel costs for airlines is pushing more and more of them into bankruptcy.  They are finding new and creative ways to get more of your money without actually raising the price of your tickets.

1.    Baggage fees – many airlines are now charging a fee for every bag you check over the first.  Some are even looking at charging for any luggage that you check.  At the rate they seem to lose baggage, this is just one more reason to find ways to travel with nothing but a carry-on.
2.    Choice seat fees – there was a time when you could actually choose the aisle or window seat or where in the airplane you wanted to sit (tale, middle or front).  Now the airlines charge for certain seats (like those in the front that typically have more leg room).
3.    Reservations – in an effort to cut costs even farther, airlines are now passing on the expense of having live personal for you to talk with while making your reservations.  Some are charging a fee for purchasing tickets through their agents or airline desk clerks.
4.    Snacks and meals – not all airlines offer free snacks any more and even less offer meals (although they seem to keep you on the plane longer than ever before).  Now meals and snacks can cost anywhere from $1 up to $8.

Airlines are trying hard to stay afloat through the rising costs of oil prices.  If they offered better service (and on time travel) then many consumers would be willing to help share the cost of those expenses.

Whether you’re heading off to a hot and humid climate or hitting the slopes this season, knowing how to dress for the plane is an important element of those travel plans.  Making sure you’re calm and comfortable during the trip may require some planning – if you’re not dressed appropriately for your flight and airport time, you might get tired easily, and will likely be uncomfortable for most of your trip.

From wearing the right footwear to accommodating for the occasional meal spill, here are some of the best picks for clothing when flying:

1. Comfortable shoes.  Your feet may swell during the flight, so wearing a pair of flat, comfortable shoes can help you get through the day with ease.  Avoid wearing extra-thick socks, but do wear some cotton socks that will keep your feet dry. 
2. Darker colors.  Even if you’re off to sunny Madrid, wearing darker, neutral colors during your travel days can help you get away with random spills, dirt accumulation, and general wear and tear.  Darker shirts and pants can help you take care of any food, dust or other debris that ends up on your clothes during the trip, so you can continue on with confidence.
3. Drawstring or loose-fitting pants.  Wearing loose and comfortable pants can help take the stress off your legs and hips while traveling, and will make it much easier for you to move around.  Avoid tight jeans and legging-style pants that can make you overheat easily when you’re running to catch you flight; looser pants are also much more comfortable to sit in when you’re flying for long periods of time.
4. Cotton underwear.  Fresh cotton underwear is the best choice when you plan to be rushing around.  Make sure you have the right fit and you’re comfortable wearing them for extended periods of time.  Avoid nylon and other restrictive synthetic fibers that can become very uncomfortable within a few hours.
5. Casual sportswear.  Think casual and sporty when you’re putting together your flight wardrobe; overdressing for the plane ride can make you – and other passengers – uncomfortable, so it’s best to keep a low profile and go for something simple and relaxed whenever possible.