Travelling can be a nerve-wrenching experience, whether it’s a last minute travel or one that’s been scheduled for weeks and even months in advance. Will they have everything you need when you arrive, what can’t you leave home without and can you be sure you won’t leave anything there? You run in circles at the last minute trying to make sure you packed your toothbrush, passport and chewing gum for the flight. Then there’s whether you’ve packed according to security stipulations when you get to the airport. While it can indeed be a worrisome task to prepare for, travel doesn’t have to be the end of the world if you do just do a little planning and follow these simple travel tips.
Packing may well be the most important part of your travel. You don’t want to leave anything behind that you might need later, nor do you want to be stuck at the airport repacking and rearranging after a miserable trip through security. One of the sacred rules of airline travel today: you cannot bring liquids past the security checkpoint. This includes beverages, toothpaste, liquid deodorant, lotion, lip gloss, aerosols and much more. Many of us are so used to packing these items in our carry-on luggage we don’t think twice about it and only after your bag passes through the x-ray machine and the security officer rifles through your bag and confiscates your Country Apple Bath and Body works lotion does the reality set in—and they’re not giving it back!
Travelers may avoid this by making themselves aware of the rules of traveling. One of these flight rules is that they should pack bigger bottles of liquids into the bags you’re checking. Airports permit the carrying of small clear zipper-locked bag with liquids three ounces or less on the plane (no aerosols). Simple remember to pack these items in a small zip-lock bag and all other liquids in bags that are to be checked. Another factor people must bear in mind is their shoes. Travelers should remember that at every checkpoint they are required to take off their shoes. If you are wearing shoes that are difficult to remove quickly, you will impede traffic flow and soon become a bother to security, other passengers and yourself. To avoid this complication it is suggested that you wear pair of sneakers that are easily removed; if needed, you should pack the shoes your going to wear in your carry-on bag and change after you’ve pass all checkpoints. This would simplify the entire procedure.
Depending on the time of year that you’re traveling, you might want to arrive at the airport well ahead of your flight. During peak travel dates, arrive at least two hours before your flight departure. An airline beginning boarding airplanes 30-40 minutes before the plane is scheduled for take-off. This leaves you with only 1 ½ hours to get everything done!
If you reserved your ticket online you may have to print out your ticket at the check-in station. Otherwise your first stop is the ticket line. While these kiosks are extremely convenient they do require that you know what you’re doing. Remember to bring along both your record locator, usually a 13-digit number and your confirmation number as well your driver’s license or other identification. Once you’ve found and printed or received your ticket you’ll have to check your bag or bags at the ticket counter and show your ID. Only then are you ready to go through the security checkpoint.
The checkpoint is actually a fairly easy process. It’s fast moving, but if you know what you’re doing, it moves smoothly. Another travel tip to remember is following procedure: first you need to present your ID and boarding pass, so keep them close at hand. Once you pass this point, place your carry-on items on the conveyor belt that passes under an x-ray while you walk through a metal detector. Before you put your bags on the conveyor belt, remove your shoes and Zip-Loc bags with liquids. Take out your laptop computer and other electronics smaller than the palm of your hand. Put them on the conveyor belt separately. Gather your belongings and the only thing you have left to do now is board the plane!
It is a good idea to gather information for trips from several sources. This prevents you from having to worry whether or not you have everything you need when the time comes. I have become interested in gathering travel tips as they have proven to be very handy. I hope my tips may help you the same way they did me; good luck and have fun!
Tags: Airlines, Flight Comparison, Flights, travel
