7 Tips for Air Travel!
- Goose & Friends
- Jul 1, 2018
- 4 min read
I am one of the weird people that actually enjoys going to the airport. Maybe it’s the feeling that a new adventure is looming but ever since I was a kid, I loved going to the airport. For other travelers, it may not be so fun. Here are some tips that will make your experience, and that of fellow travelers, much more enjoyable and seamless.
1. Be early! The general rule of thumb was one hour before domestic flights, and two for international. My roommate recently traveled and he was told that is now two hours before domestic and three before international! Now, I’m not saying you have to stick to that exact timeline but definitely do your best to get as close to it as possible, especially if you know you’re traveling from a major airport. Should you have car trouble on the way, some airlines invoke the Flat Tire Policy. https://pointmetotheplane.boardingarea.com/2017/11/25/theres-flat-tire- rule-miss-delta-american-united-southwest-flights/
Short story time: My cousin and I were flying to Frankfurt, Germany out of Hartsfield International Airport in Atlanta. I live near Augusta which is a good 2.5 hours away. We left with just enough time to get there 2 hours early (we got a bit of a late start). Naturally, we hit construction on I-20. Then when we got to the airport, we had to return the rental car (long story, totaled my car days before the trip). While we were returning the rental car, we were behind a family that took FOREVER at the booth only to realize they had lost the key. After that, we returned the vehicle and ran to the shuttle. The shuttle just left us so we waited for the next. As the next shuttle pulled up, the driver got out, and lit up a cigarette. Murphy’s Law folks, ever heard of it? Pretty much every single thing that could have went wrong, did. Finally, we made it to the terminal. We approached the counter to check our bags and it was empty. We were confused because there was no one there and we somehow made it an hour early. Turned out that the same crew that works the check-in counter, also works the gate in the terminal. We were there on time, and no one was there to check us in. Multiple phone calls, begging, pleading, and crying later, we were rescheduled for the flight the next day.
2. Be prepared! (Cue Scar’s song from Lion King) Have your boarding pass both printed and on your mobile device (if option was offered). Also be sure to have your passport and license. I had a temporary license once that was print on ordinary paper and they did not accept it, so just be prepared for a backup identification crisis. If traveling internationally, I advise that you leave a copy of your passport and itinerary with someone you trust, again, in case of emergencies.
3. Be ready! No matter your reason for traveling, you will have to go through security in some fashion (no pun intended) or another. Travel comfortably. If you wear sandals, wear or bring socks. Bring a light jacket in your carryon in case you get cold on the plane. Don’t wear attire that is extremely difficult to remove because chances are you will be removing it. If you’re going through the “main” security (we’ll get into TSA Pre-check in a second) remember these things:
a. Remove your jacket/sweatshirts b. Remove your belt c. Remove your shoes
d. Remove any large jewelry that could set off the detector e. Remove hairpins f. Remove EVERYTHING from pockets
I feel like it’s even redundant for me to have to list these things but I see it happen almost EVERY time that I travel. The faster you get through security, the faster you can go sit and have a beverage somewhere. And as for TSA Pre-Check, if you have the option for it, take it! Generally, you do not have to remove your jacket or shoes. I recommend my military friends look into this as you can use your CAC to opt for Pre-Check.
4. Bring snacks! Airport fare can get extremely pricey so bring some of your favorite from home (no fruits or produce that will need to be claimed at customs). However, do not bring bottles of juice, soda, or your favorite water bottle already filled. They will make you dump it. Again, a little redundant but I’ve seen it happen entirely too often. Along the lines of snacks, bring gum or candy if that works to help your ears pop. Who knows, you may also help a family with a small, crying child who may not be able to pop his or her ears on their own. It’s something small that the parents may have forgotten and you could help them out.
5. Bring travel sized essentials! I try to make sure I have a small toothpaste, toothbrush, deodorant, ibuprofen, Chapstick, and lotion in my purse because you just never know. I’ve gotten stuck in airports for lengthy periods of time before. Also after traveling for 4+ hours, I’d like a little refresher. The Chapstick and lotion are definitely helpful as it can get very dry on planes.
6. Bring extra Ziplock Bags! Can’t be too careful when dealing with liquids, and should you spring a leak, having extras can save your carry-ons. Of note, if you stow away your liquids in your checked luggage, you can fill your 1 quart baggie with nips of alcohol! That’ll take the edge off for those with flight anxiety.
7. Be comfy! Invest in a good travel pillow! I’m all about trying to sleep on a plane so give me a good pillow, a blanket, and some music, I will be good to go. For longer flights, bringing some melatonin, or whatever sleeping aid works for you, couldn’t hurt. Also, if you get air sickness (I do with turbulence), peppermint candies or ginger root pills are very helpful.
That's all for today folks! If there are any other tips you'd like to see, please leave them in the comments down below or email me. Thanks for reading, and thanks to my friends who offered their tidbits of advice.
Goose, out.
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