Here is a list of our best tips for airline travel:
- When booking your flight, allow enough time between connecting flights. We usually strive for 1 ½ hours. Generally this allows for minor delays. If we are traveling internationally, these layovers may involve clearing customs and security. In this case we allow between 2-2 1/2 hours layover because we must claim our bags and go through the security check all over again. In either case, we look to see how many more “chances” there will be to catch another flight, if for some reason our connecting flight gets cancelled or delayed.
- Choose your seat. I prefer knowing where I am going to sit. I want to be with my family if possible. My husband has very long legs, so he must always have an aisle seat. If we can upgrade to gain a for a few more inches of legspace, we often do so. Websites such as seat guru can often tell you the advantages and disadvantages to choosing certain seats. Surprises such as finding you are sitting next to a bathroom, or that the seats don’t recline, can make travelling a very unpleasant experience.
- Download airline/airport apps. These can help you see gate changes and flight delays. The airport apps often offer layouts for each terminal. Knowing where you are going if you are rushing can save precious minutes.
- Purchase or borrow luggage which can be pulled or pushed. Carrying heavy bags when you are also having to run for a flight is never easy. A backpack is also a good option.
- Check size and weight restrictions of luggage before flying. Realizing you are 1 lb over the limit and getting charged an extra $50-$100 because of it is a sure fire way to start off on the wrong foot. The same is true for oversize luggage. Many airlines have overall dimensions of luggage. This is the length x width x depth.
- Know how many pieces and what constitutes a personal item. Carry on luggage may be subjected size and weight restrictions. Again, this helps to avoid those extra charges. Some international flights are very specific about what constitutes a personal item. Small commuter planes often don’t have the ability to store even regular size carry ons (see gate checking luggage).
- Place a contact sheet and itinerary page inside each suitcase and carry on. This is usually the last thing I pack so that if the case is opened, it will be the first thing someone sees. If my luggage is lost, this simple piece of paper will help reconnect me with my bags.
- Label all luggage on the outside. Use a luggage tag, or one of the tie on pieces located at the check in desk. For safety, your personal information should be covered (the tie on tags fold and tuck). If you are shopping for luggage tags, look for the kind with a security flap.
- Pack all prescriptions in original containers. Always carry your prescription medication in your carry on. If this is not possible, make sure to have a few extra days of the medication in the carry on.
- Pack your carry on as if you might need to gate check your case. Full flights often run out of overhead storage. When this happens, the remaining passengers will be asked to gate check their luggage. Always remove your id & passports and anything else of importance if you are asked to gate check. Gate checked luggage is different than normal checked baggage. The carry on items will be tagged and stored in a special location on the plane. Ground crew will deliver the luggage to the walkway once the plane lands. Unfortunately gate checked luggage is not tagged to move on to your next destination, so if there are challenges with the machines/people who are unloading it, it can make you late to catch your next flight since you must wait for this luggage. This is what happened to about half the plane on our last flight, after the hydraulics broke on the lift which bring the bags up. I have never seen so many angry people.
- Having a foldable shopping bag packed on top of your luggage or in a side pocket is helpful. This can be a store bought pouch or a paper shopping bag. If you are forced to gate check your carry on, this bag allows you to transfer your most needed items quickly, just remember this is going to go under the seat in front of you, so take only your essentials. *Always keep cash, ID, passports and prescriptions with you.
- Before leaving for the airport, think about how you will dress. Dress for speed. No underwire bras (they set off the alarm and almost guarantee a pat down). Easy to remove jackets or cardigans are easier than those which need pulling over your head. Slip off shoes ae easier than lace ups (remember to wear footies if you are not wearing socks, you don’t want to stand in that line barefoot…yuck). *Always wear shoes you can run in…you never know when those gate changes are going to happen or when your flights make a connection very close. If you want high heels or flip flops, carry them in the carry on and change once you reach your gate.
- Dress in layers. Planes can be too hot and too cold. Extra clothing can always double as a pillow.
- Speaking of pillows, they do not count as luggage. If you find you don’t have enough space in your carry on, you can put a coat, clothing or other soft items in a zippered pillow case. This will serve multiple functions as you travel.
- Arrive 2-3 hours before your flight is scheduled to depart. In large international airports, you may need every minute of this time to clear security. Smaller airports may only need 1-1 1/2 hours. If you find yourself with extra time, go shopping, get a bite to eat, look at art or hang out in a lounge but don’t stress yourself by arriving at the airport late.
- If you are parking a car, write down your parking space number and/or take a photo with your cell phone. You will thank me when you return.
- Always carry some cash. If you become stranded at an airport or while en-route, there is never a guarantee that ATM’s and/or online credit card systems will be functioning. Depending on how far I am traveling, how many overlays I have and where I am going, I usually carry enough to pay for a meal, a car rental and a hotel room. (Generally about $50-$250). There is a limit to how much cash can be carried (usually $10,000) , so make sure to declare it, especially if you are transiting between countries. When declaring your cash, be sure to include travelers checks and cashiers checks.
- Carry some food and snacks. If a flight is cancelled, you may find yourself overnighting in an airport. Stores may be closed. If a flight is delayed and sitting at a gate or on the tarmac, there will be no food/drink service.
- Pack a USB charger. Our phones carry the equivalent of a computer these days. They replace cameras, MP3 players and books. They carry our calendars, address books, maps and more. Having them functioning at all times can prevent a lot of stress. There are many ways to use up your battery on a cell phone…photos, reading, listening to music and/or watching movies. Having a USB charger allows you to recharge while waiting for a flight and/or if your flight is delayed. The charger can often be used on the plane too. Just toss one in the carry on, you will be happy you did!
- Check in online when possible. This helps to prevent standing in line.
- Pack liquids and gels in a see through quart sized zip lock bag. Place the bag towards the top of your carry on case or in an outside pocket for easy removal. You will be asked to remove these if you do not have Global Entry.
- Pack electronics toward the top of your carry on. You will be asked to remove these if you don’t have Global Entry.
- Choose the furthest left queue in the security line, it is generally less busy.
- Remove jewelry, belts and jackets before you get in line, or while standing in line. Don’t be “that” person who slows the process by not being ready to move through security. All of these items can be placed inside luggage if you have room. Otherwise follow the steps below:
- Remove your passport and boarding pass (these are carried through the scanner).
- Place jackets and coats in the first bin.
- Place electronics (laptop, Ipads, Kindles etc) in a separate bin.
- Place shoes and wallet/purse and jewelry together in the last bin, that way you will never forget to pick up your wallet and valuables.
- Send your luggage through the scanner.
- Once past security, purchase or fill a water bottle. Hydration is the best way to combat jet lag and helps to prevent airborne illnesses.
- Consider purchasing coffee or tea before boarding the plane. The water on the plane has been stored in large containers which are never cleaned. This is the wate tea and coffee are made with.
- Listen for announcements. It is easy to pass the time by plugging into headphones but miss the announcement of a gate change and you can be left running.
- Watch for changes around the waiting area. Did everyone suddenly leave? You better check the departure board.
When you have done all that you can to prepare, you can sit back knowing that you are ready for “almost” anything. Enjoy your stress free vacation