Airline Clubs
Airline clubs can offer quiet, comfortable, and relatively private sanctuary to the weary traveler. Where else can you get a shower, a nap, some decent food, a place to stow gear, computers, telephones, faxes, and copy machines, reservations, boarding passes, even a private conference room to hold a quick meeting? They've even been used for dancing and acting auditions.

Fees run around $150-400 annually. For business travelers or leisure travelers who fly often, that's cheap.

Do some research before you choose a club. You'll want to make sure that the one you choose is ensconced at the airports you use most frequently.

Once you choose an airline club, check whether or not they offer long-term deals; you can save money by purchasing a two- or three-year membership.

If you're having trouble picking an airline club, your best choice might be the Priority Pass, which buys you unlimited access to over 300 clubs worldwide. The Priority Pass is offered at a 25% discount by the International Airline Passengers' Association, or contact Priority Pass directly at (800) 352-2834.

Parking Tips
Parking delays cause countless missed or nearly missed flights. Here are some tips to make the first part of your journey run smoothly.

- Give yourself extra time. Full parking lots might mean you have to park in a remote or off-site lot.

- Use economy parking. Depending on the airport, economy parking can be as convenient as short-term parking. With economy parking, you're picked up within a few feet of your car, and take a monorail or bus right to the check-in location.

- Off-site parking is becoming more and more popular as airport lots become overstressed. You'll need a little extra time, but it can save you money and hassles. Check with the airport Web site or call the airport for more information.

- Valet parking can be convenient and inexpensive. Valet parking may be relocated away from the traditional check-in site. Call the airport to confirm any changes made. At some airports, it's cheaper to use a valet parking service than it is to park at economy parking, especially for long trips. The first day costs more, but subsequent days are a bargain. One New York area airport charges $18 for the first day, $9 per day thereafter. Economy parking can cost up to $12 per day.

- Listen to the Airport Radio. Many airports now have local radio stations, usually at 530 on the AM band, that offer continually updated information on parking lots, traffic and terminal problems, rental car locations, and more.

Alternate Airports
Flying out of a smaller airport can save you time and money.

Alternate airports, often populated by discount airlines, typically offer the best deals. Here's a rundown on the pros and cons of flying out of smaller airports.

- Location
Situated in the suburbs, these alternate airports are often far more convenient for many travelers. But there is generally less public transportation available.

- Check-In, Customer Service
Smaller airports tend to provide speedy, intimate attention. Security checks will be standard and may take a while. Be patient, small airport crews try to handle a lot at once.

- Delays and Cancellations
There is far less competition for runways at smaller airports. But this can have a downside too.

- Parking
Parking at many smaller airports is free, but the parking situation varies from airport to airport.

- Passenger Pickup and Dropoff
You're less likely to be chased or hassled to hurry in front of a small airport while dropping off or picking up a traveler.

- Facilities
Hotels, car-rental agencies, restaurants and airport clubs are going to be in short supply at all but the largest alternate airports.

- Baggage Handling
Handlers often have only one plane to unload so you get their complete attention. The chances of your baggage being lost or mishandled are much lower. But if your bags are missing, it might be more difficult to recover them than at a big airport, where they have more workers.