Flying can be a very stressful experience. Before you take your next flight, be sure to read these ten tips to make your airline travel a positive experience.
Despite increases in airline fares, many people are planning to fly this summer. Before you head to the airport, here are ten tips to make for a better travel experience.
- Check the Rules Before Packing - Rules change often so be sure to check your airlines website to see what you can carry on, what you can pack, how to properly pack medications, etc.
- Arrive At Least An Hour Prior To Departure for Domestic Travel, Two Hours for International Travel - Allow yourself plenty of travel time from home to the airport. Remember, it’s better to be there early than late.
- Check In On Line - If at all possible, be sure to check in on-line. Typically this can be done at the earliest, 24 hours prior to departure, and at the latest two hours prior to departure. Checking in on-line is a time saver and very convenient. You can print your boarding pass and thus check your bags at one of the kiosks instead of standing in line. The other advantage is your ability to choose or change your seat.
- Plan For Meals/Snacks - Getting to the airport is typically a mad rush, so be sure to have something quick that you can grab to eat or take with you before leaving the house. Most airlines no longer serve snacks or meals on flights, only a complimentary beverage. Snacks and sandwiches are available for purchase on the airplane, as well as in the airport terminal. Remember, if you do pack a snack, leave the beverage at home or you’ll need to drink it before going through security as no liquids are currently allowed pass the security checkpoint.
- Wear Comfortable/Easy To Remove Shoes - You will have to remove your shoes at the security checkpoint, thus you want to wear shoes that are easily removed and easy to put back on. They should also be very comfortable as you may have to walk quite a long distance in a short period of time going from one gate to another.
- Make Your Luggage Stand Out - How many people have a black leather bag or brown suitcase? When there are so many bags coming out of baggage claims at one time, it’s easy to grab the wrong bag. To be able to quickly distinguish your bag from other bags, tie a bright ribbon on the handle. Choose a color like pink, red, lime green or yellow. This will minimize the chances of you grabbing the wrong bag, or someone grabbing your bag by mistake.
- Build Your Immune System - Traveling can really take it’s toll or your body, especially when you are changing climates. Consider taking a product like Airborne to build your immune system before, during and after the flight.
- Carry-On At Least One Change of Clothing, and Personal Items - The reality of airline travel is that your luggage may be delayed, or in the worst scenario lost. Be sure to carry on a change of clothing and your personal items just in case your luggage is lost.
- Store Your Carry-On In the Compartment Across From Your Seat - It is much easier to grab your luggage from the compartment across from you then the compartment above you.
- Be Sure To Have Proper Identification Easily Accessible - Carry your photo identification and documents for travel in a place that‘s easy for you to quickly get to them. You’ll probably have to show your photo identification at least twice, and other documents at least twice as well. You might also want to leave copies of these items with someone who can fax or mail them to you if need be.
The copyright of the article Ten Tips for Airline Travel in NE U.S. Travel is owned by Dee Dee Smith. Permission to republish Ten Tips for Airline Travel must be granted by the author in writing.
