For the best air travel experience, you need to do a little planning. It is possible to minimize common problems by simply taking a few precautions before you head out for the airport. Here are some of the most essential, yet overlooked, things that will get you to your destination without a hassle. You may want to print this and use it as a checklist before your flight. The most common travel problem that people have is that they just plain forgot something.
1. Start with the basics and book your tickets on a reliable, dependable airline that flies frequently to where you’re going. If possible, check their record on past flights to your destination. Always ASK if they are offering any kind of special fare discounts. Verify that the tickets are definitely a confirmed booking.
2. Get the current details regarding the sizes and weights of baggage allowed. Never take for granted that these guidelines will be the same as the last time you flew. Tag every single bag with your name, phone number, address, flight number, and date of travel. Also, be sure that they are all locked safely and have two sets of keys for each bag.
3. Any documents that are travel related such as your passport should be on your person or in the carry on case. This would also apply to medicines, and other essential items. Think of the things you would really miss if your luggage were to get lost and keep them with you, within reason.
4. Know and follow every security rule. Never carry any banned electronics or other items. Anything that might remotely be considered as a dangerous object should be put in your check in luggage.
5. Electronic items like cell phones and laptops should have a full charge so they can be turned on for inspection if necessary. Remember that the use of cell phones in flight is normally prohibited, so do not plan or making or taking calls while flying.
6. Take along another valid photo ID in addition to your passport to the airport. Make sure you have your tickets with you. Yes, people leave them at home all the time.
7. Have your booking for parking in advance to save precious time wasted searching for a suitable parking place. If the airport lot is full, you could end up having to go to a private parking lot.
8. Double check your flight schedule before you leave home. Know for sure what your flight’s check in time is. Always, always, always leave with plenty of time to spare. Oh, did I mention to ALWAYS have time to spare?
That should be enough, but I do have one more. Besides getting to the airport late, the easiest way to miss a flight these days is to do something silly once you get there. Do not attempt to bring anything that is the least bit suspicious. No flammable items, aerosol cans, firearms, baseball bats, darts or anything else that could possibly harm a fly. No matter how humorous you might think you are, never, ever mention hijackings, bombs, or any other slightly dangerous thing. Seriously, if you ignore this last one, I’ll be the first to tackle you if you are on MY flight.
Comments
Oh ya, and totally remember EARPLUGS cause you never know how noisy your 'neighbors' will be on the plane :))))
Great points Larry, thank-you very much.
Great tips. I just used this site for my last trip ( I carried on my bag instead of checking it) www.3floz.com, it was pretty helpful and allowed me to stock up on everything I needed- like hand sanatizer wipes to wipe down my airplane seat!
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