11. Agent secret Even though there's a fee, you might be better off booking frequent-flier tickets over the phone than online. When we checked American Airlines' website for a trip from Seattle to Santa Barbara, Calif., all the flights connected in Dallas/Fort Worth. When we called, an agent was able to book us on an Alaska Airlines flight to Los Angeles and an American Eagle flight to Santa Barbara--all with our miles. The $15 per ticket we paid for booking over the phone was worth the time we saved. Doug Rittenhouse, Port Angeles, Wash.

12. Ticket to ride Passengers who take Amtrak into Philadelphia can get a free ride on SEPTA, the regional rail line, into the city center. Just show your same-day Amtrak ticket to a conductor for either the SEPTA train going to Suburban Station, at 16th Street and JFK Boulevard, or the one bound for Market­ East Station, at 12th and Filbert streets. Both of these stations have access to trolleys, subways, and buses. Margaret Engel, Bethesda, Md.

Find your other half (Illustration by Jon Cannell) [enlarge photo]

13. Sweet relief I give my toddler a lollipop before takeoff and descent when we fly. The treat keeps her occupied, and all the swallowing tends to help prevent pressure from building up in her ears. Landings can be bumpy, so before you touch down, take the candy away--just to be on the safe side. Joanna Ghosh, Boothwyn, Pa.

14. Book guides For advice on family-friendly activities, go to a children's bookstore or the children's section of a large bookstore. We've found that "book people" generally know their community very well, and the staff--and often other customers--are always happy to help. Bill Rosberg, Cedar Rapids, Iowa

15. Holding your liquor Clerks at duty-free shops might assure you it's OK to bring alcohol purchased there onto the plane. This is generally true, but if you have a connection that requires you to change planes and exit the security area, be aware that you can't bring any liquids over three ounces--including those from duty-free--onto the flight. Bruna Riccobon, Oakmont, Pa.

16. Divide and conquer When my wife and I arrive at an airport, one of us immediately takes the shuttle to the car-rental company while the other picks up our luggage. The person with the bags is usually waiting curbside for the person in the rental car. It saves time and the hassle of schlepping our bags on the shuttle. Carl Russo, Chicago, Ill.

17. Pin case of emergency Safety pins are perfect for keeping a tear from being obvious, holding a broken zipper shut, or fastening a scarf in high wind. I attach them to the underside of suit-jacket lapels, and that way I can access them anytime. (It's a good idea to wait until after you arrive, so you don't get stuck in airport security.) Michael McCaffery, Marshfield, Wis.

18. Beachy clean When we go to the beach, we put a damp washcloth in a Ziploc bag and keep it in our cooler. It's an instant refresher, and it's great for removing sand and saltwater residue. Sharon McCormac, Richmond, Ind.

19. Don't just sit there Before a recent trip, I learned I was going to have a four-hour layover in Detroit around dinnertime. I googled "detroit airport" and found metroairport.com. The site lists the airport's restaurants, shops, and ATMs by terminal, and it notes which concourse they're in. A lot of other airports have similar sites, so it's worth checking online if you have a layover. Heather Doherty, Lake Ariel, Pa.

20. A gift that keeps giving As my nieces and nephews began to discard their plastic, brightly colored music-download gift cards this holiday season, I decided to put a white label with my contact information on the back of each one, punch a hole at the end, and attach it to my luggage as an ID tag. The colorful graphic designs make my suitcase stand out in a sea of look-alike bags. Philip Treu, St. Charles, Mo.