INPUT ARTICLE: Article: This is the safest method of thawing ham, but also takes the most time. Put the frozen ham in a rimmed pan or on a baking sheet to catch any drips that occur during the thawing process. Place the ham in its container on the lowest shelf of your fridge. Thawing ham in the fridge takes about 4 to 6 hours per 1 pound (0.45kg). If the ham is larger than 10 to 11 pounds (4.5 to 5.0kg), it could take up to 7 hours per 1 pound (0.45kg) for it to thaw. Allow 2-3 days to thaw a ham of 10 pounds (4.5kg) in the refrigerator. After your ham has thawed in the fridge, it can remain refrigerated for 3-5 days before you cook it. You can also freeze it again if you don't cook it in that time frame. Wrap the ham securely in an airtight plastic bag. Plug the sink, and place the ham in it. Then fill the sink with cold water. Drain it every half hour and replace the water to make sure it stays cold enough. Allow about 30 minutes per 1 pound (0.45kg) of ham to thaw. Make sure the water is cold, not warm or hot. If the water isn't cold, the outside of the ham could reach temperatures of 40F (4C) before the inside of the ham is thawed. Temperatures this high can cause bacterial growth and food poisoning. Cook the ham immediately after you've thawed it in cold water. It cannot be frozen again with this method. Put the microwave on its defrost setting. Consult your microwave's instruction manual for the correct defrosting time based on the weight of your ham. This method is not ideal for larger pieces of meat. The meat will cook unevenly as the outside begins cooking before the inside is thawed. Some parts may become dry and overcooked. Avoid thawing meat over 2 pounds (0.91kg) in the microwave. After thawing in the microwave, ham should be cooked immediately. Do not refreeze it. You can cook a frozen ham without thawing it first. Allow extra cooking time. It will take approximately 50% longer to cook a frozen ham than a thawed one, depending on its size.

SUMMARY: Let your ham thaw in the refrigerator if time permits. Thaw the ham in cold water if you're more pressed for time. Use the microwave to thaw ham as a last resort. Skip the thawing altogether to save time.

INPUT ARTICLE: Article: Use your computer or mobile device to check into your flight as soon as the twenty-four hour window opens. This will give you a better chance of not getting bumped off the plane if a delay occurs and your flight becomes oversold, and it will also reduce your time spent in line. If you fly often, then you might consider spending a little extra for a service like TSA pre-check, which allows you to skip the long lines and use a special, shorter line at check-in. This service requires a background check and there is an $85 fee. Having travel insurance is a huge help in case of a flight delay or cancellation. Pick a package that covers what you need, such as medical, travel protection, and baggage protection. Many policies will help cover your costs of a hotel room, meals, or other various expenses. Make sure to purchase your insurance well before your trip, as any storm systems that occur before your purchase will mostly likely not be covered. Make sure you're the first to know about any changes by signing up for instant notifications from the airport. This way, you can make arrangements quickly if a delay or cancellation does occur. Along with signing up for official airport notifications, download a third-party app that will notify you of delays. Sometimes third-party apps actually relay information about delays faster than the official airline website, so try downloading several such as TripIt Pro or App in the Air. If you've arranged for relatives or friends to pick you up from the airport, suggest these options to them so they can receive live updates on any flight schedule changes. Bring a few extra doses of prescription medication, pairs of underwear and socks, and maybe a laundry soap sheet to wash your clothes if the delay stretches on. Always make sure to write down everything you will need for your trip before you pack. This will save you time and help to ensure that you pack all of the necessary items. It is also a good idea to look up the airport's guidelines for how to pack certain items, such as liquids and toiletries. In case you end up stranded in weather that you weren't planning for, make sure to dress in layers to keep warm or cool. If you end up stuck at an airport or on the tarmac, you'll want to have some food and water with you. Pack some snacks and water in your carry-on in case of an emergency. Make sure to empty any water bottles before going through security, then fill them up in the terminal area. You can call the airline or check flight status online. If you notice delays online, contact the airline directly for more information. If weather is bad, flights into or out of the airport will be affected. Icy conditions, stormy weather and extreme weather events could definitely cause some problems. If bad weather is forecasted during your flight, contact the airport for more information and to check if they've announced any cancellations or delays due to the weather so you can reschedule.

SUMMARY:
Check in early. Get travel insurance. Sign up for airport notifications. Pack a few extra days' worth of essentials just in case. Pack layers in your carry-on for any kind of weather. Bring your own water and snacks. Check the status of your flight before going to the airport. Monitor the weather.