Recently, my family of four took a flight from our home to New York. Our flight was not a direct flight and we experienced a layover in Maryland.

Flying can be extremely expensive. It is not only the cost of the tickets that cause financial heartache, but also the cost to feed a family of four at the airport.

One of the first things my family did to save money is to purchase tickets from an airline that does not charge for luggage. Many airlines charge $25 a bag or more. This can break the bank when you are flying with a family of four.

Another place that airlines and airports sock it to you is the price of food. I did not face the food dilemma. Instead, one of the things I carried onto the plane with me is a bag of healthy snacks. This not only kept my children entertained, but it saved me a bundle because I did not have to purchase airport food. It also was a much healthier alternative.

With the airlines charging for everything, my children also brought their own small pillows, blankets and toys to keep them entertained on the long flight.

Once again, preparation is the key when you want to save money while flying. I would encourage readers to pack their snacks and not to get sucked into the airport high price insanity.

Do you have ideas about ways to save money? Then email them to localnews2005@yahoo.com.