Everything we're read recently cautions travelers to be patient and flexible, including those who have decided to take to the skies. And an amazing amount of passengers are lining up for flights.

Breaking out of your COVID-restricted home is a big reason, but wait. Look at the gasoline prices. There's another reason more people are at the airports. When you consider the fuel prices (got an RV?), it might even be cheaper to fly to see your relatives. Use their car to drive around or rent a car when you get there.

And, as for COVID, it's still around. There are still restrictions in various places, and you should always take along a facemask (or two or three) when you travel, whether on the road or in the air.

Let's examine the crowded airports. Just like everyone else, the airlines are experiencing staff shortages. Combine that with increasing passenger numbers and it equals long lines. FamilyDestinationsGuide.com reports the choke points are check-in counters, security screening and baggage areas.

Airports Council International listed over a 75 percent increase in passenger numbers from 2020 to 2021 at Denver, Chicago and Atlanta.

Get our free mobile app

Flexibility is the other buzzword out there. Recently, Alaska Airlines made the news with a staff dispute. Pilots have authorized a strike if negotiations fail. If one airline cancels a flight (or a number of them), that puts added stress on the other airlines, trying to find room for even more passengers. You need to be ready to find another flight, possibly with more layovers. And, y'know, lots of people are taking out travel insurance.

And flying into and out of Montana can be a lengthy process. I heard of a 7-hour layover in Salt Lake recently. Of course, that's nothing new for Montanans. We're used to that. Just remember, the travel staff is doing the best they can, and you need to be nice to them. Don't argue, just try to get along, and your flight will go better.

LOOK: See America's 50 Best Beach Towns

Every beach town has its share of pluses and minuses, which got us thinking about what makes a beach town the best one to live in. To find out, Stacker consulted data from WalletHub, released June 17, 2020, that compares U.S. beach towns. Ratings are based on six categories: affordability, weather, safety, economy, education and health, and quality of life. The cities ranged in population from 10,000 to 150,000, but they had to have at least one local beach listed on TripAdvisor. Read the full methodology here. From those rankings, we selected the top 50. Readers who live in California and Florida will be unsurprised to learn that many of towns featured here are in one of those two states.

Keep reading to see if your favorite beach town made the cut.

The Most Iconic One-Word Movie Quotes

More From Newstalk KGVO 1290 AM & 98.3 FM