Owner Profile - Shelly Lowry

Shelly Lowry has been in the travel business for over 25 years. She opened Classic Travel and Cruises with her partner Harry in 2010. Her experience in leisure and corporate have made her a key component in the industry. She offers a wealth of knowledge and expertise to most destinations including Hawaii and Europe. Her favorite destinations include Kauai (Hawaii), Italy, Ireland and Hong Kong. One of her favorite resorts would be Secrets Maroma because of the fabulous beach. Another favorite is Poipu Shores in Kauai. Some of her interests include movies, cooking, reading, her wine club and spending time with her grandchildren.

Holiday Travel - Some Handy Tips

1. Have a backup plan. Things can happen between weather and mechanical issues. Plan ahead and have reference numbers and flight options handy. If there is a delay or cancellation, grab your cell phone and start calling. Everyone will naturally head to the airline counter. By the time you get up in line, it will probably be too late. If you booked with a travel agent, try to contact them first. They may already be on top of rebooking your flight.

2. Select seats toward the back or middle of the plane. You will be boarded earlier than the front of the plane with the exception of first class/business seats. Overhead bin space goes quickly. Have luggage tags on your carryon just in case they have to check it.

3. Arrive at the airport early. TSA checkpoints may have longer lines for security. We normally recommend two hours prior to your flight. You may want to arrive a bit earlier during the busy season. Once you check in and get through security, you can relax and enjoy a meal since food is limited and almost non-existent on many flights. Pack snacks and reading material or puzzles to keep yourself or kids occupied.

4. Ship gifts and anything ahead that you can to eliminate the amount of items going through security. Don't wrap presents as they could be opened. Keep in mind the liquid rule and avoid these items when possible. Put them in your checked bag. Reduce security time by removing your jewelry, belts, change and jackets and placing in your carryon bags. This makes screening quicker and easier to keep the lines moving.

5. Be patient. Irate customers only delay the time of resolving issues. They take time away from agents trying to reschedule flights and assist travelers in need. Consider other alternatives when possible. It may be more convenient to rent a car to continue to your destination. Check bus or train schedules if your flight is delayed or cancelled and renting a car isn't a viable means. If you will be stranded with no other options, make hotel reservations as soon as possible. They will book quickly so make a call first thing. If you purchase travel insurance, they may be able to assist with making any necessary reservations for you.

New DIY Luggage Tag Kiosks - American Airlines

Many airlines already offer this service at various airports. American is expanding the program based on positive feedback. It should help reduce some of the lines and wait time for frequent travelers, especially business travelers. There are kiosks for printing boarding passes but now you can save some time checking luggage. Read the article for more details as they will be expanding into St Louis next year:

Passenger self-service continues to expand as American Airlines rolls out self-baggage tagging at Orlando International Airport.

Getty Images

Following a successful, service test in Austin Bergstrom International Airport earlier this year, American on Tuesday introduced do-it-yourself machines in Orlando, Fla. "due to overwhelming positive customer and employee feedback," says Paul Stumbo, American's managing director-customer contact planning.

In Austin, passengers were able to speed up check-in times by as much as 55 percent by using the machines, Stumbo said.

Passengers will still be able to have their bags checked and tagged by an agent if they don't choose the self-serve option.

Under the self-service option, passengers use kiosks to print checked baggage tags during the check-in process. Here's how it works:

• When checking in at a kiosk, customers input their number of checked bags, pay any necessary charges, print the bag tag(s) and place the tag(s) on their luggage.
• Customers then take their tagged bags to a designated agent to scan their boarding pass, verify IDs and take the bags for inspection and boarding.
• Fliers are then free to head to their departure gate.

American plans to launch self-tag at additional airports in 2013, including Atlanta, Los Angeles, New York JFK, Miami, Boston, San Francisco, St. Louis and San Francisco. Other upcoming airports are Chicago O'Hare International Airport and Washington Reagan National Airport.

Small Business Saturday, November 24

We will be open from 10am - 2pm on November 24. There will be some specials available including free parking if you book an all-inclusive vacation of 4 days or longer. Stop by and see us! We ask that you visit other small businesses in your area. Support your community by shopping locally this day.

Weddings and Honeymoons

If you looking at a destination wedding or honeymoon for next year, this is the time to book. We have most prices for next year. Availability is limited if you are traveling during the busy time of the year. Many companies we work with offer price protection. If we catch the price going down, they will credit your account. It does protect you from the price going up and save your space.

Group space can be very limited so it is recommended that you book at least 6 - 9 months ahead. Generally a few months after air is available is the best time. We will help you pick the best location and resort for your wedding or group. Some resorts and hotels offer great group incentives. You may be entitled to a room, charter seat or free upgrades. Call one of our agents to help guide you in the right direction.

Our next e-newsletter will be highlighting weddings and honeymoons. Email: christy@classictravelstl.com if you would like to be added to our mailing list.

Agent Profile - Connie Byrne

Connie has been an agent with Classic Travel and Cruises since it opened in 2010. She has been a corporate and leisure agent during her career which has spanned 15 years. Her primary focus is corporate but she offers the same great service to her leisure clients. She really enjoys getting to know clients on a personal level. There is a special connection when assisting frequent travelers. Connie lives in the Kansas City area with her family. Technology allows her to service clients from all over the US. She brings a great deal of experience to our team.

Her favorite places are Hawaii, Dominican Republic and Riviera Maya. Places that she would like to visit one day include Italy, Englad and Australia. Connie loves to travel with family and friends.

Holiday Season - The Gift of Time

Not sure what you want to do this holiday season? What do you buy for someone that seems to have everything? Many of us don't want the standard gifts. What we really want is the gift of time with our friends and family. Several clients spend their time and money taking the family on a trip. We have seen some great prices for cruises during the week around Christmas and New Year's Day. No need to wait in lines on Black Friday although I know people that absolutely love it. The return lines after Christmas can be just as challenging. We can offer travel gift certificates or help plan a great trip for your family. Availability is filling up so don't wait too long. Call our office today at 636-625-8747 to get prices and start planning a memorable holiday season. 

Agent Profile - Hannah Lowry

Hannah is one of our corporate agents and she does invoicing along with other administrative duties involved with running an agency. She has worked with both large corporations and small local companies for the past 6 years. Her specialty is getting to know the client's preferences and make their travel as seamless as possible. She knows what airlines and hotels they prefer as well as seat assignments. They can call her with dates and destination and she will take care of the rest.

Her favorite destination is Hawaii. She loves Kauia because of its diversity in climates. It is a great place to explore and relax. There are many markets for shopping and spending some free time with family. She loves beaches and finds that Hawaii has something to offer for everyone.

Hannah's idea of a dream trip would be Ireland. She really enjoys seeing new landscapes. The castles and culture intrigue her from everything that she has read and seen through our client's travels.