The TRAVELER'S JOURNAL: December eighteenth with twelve tips for Christmas trips.

Between travelers on vacation and those heading home for the holidays, this is generally the busiest travel week of the year. Here's how to help ensure Santa's helpers and their gifts arrive on time.

Flight delays are a constant possibility especially when the weather's bad. Saavy travelers give the airlines a phone number or e-mail address where they can be reached with news of any schedule changes. They check the status of their flights before heading for the airport, either on-line or by calling the airline directly. Anticipating longer lines at ticket counters and security areas, they resist the urge to check in at the last minute. If traveling with small children, they take advantage of pre-boarding services and bring along a quiet toy or new book for them. If visiting relatives, they might use the travel time for a lesson in family history.

Other tips. If carrying fragile or unusual gifts, be aware of tighter restrictions regarding the size and number of carry-on bags. Since you can be asked to open any package at security, it's wise to leave one end of the box untaped until you arrive. Also know that toy weapons for children may create extra problems. As far as checked luggage, make sure every piece is properly identified with your name and address, as well as the airline's destination tag. To be safe, inside the bag also put a contact number for where you're going. When retrieving your luggage, check your name tag to make sure the bag is really yours. There's a chance someone else also marked their luggage with jingle bells and holly. Above all, have a happy, safe and timely journey.

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