It's that time of year again — the time of vacations and new adventures. And if any of those adventures involve flying, there are a lot of things to remember. We all know that over the years, air travel has gotten more and more complicated. Here are some key things to remember if you're flying. Believe me when I say they'll make the process easier.
1. Get to the airport early.
I know we all hate waiting. I get that because I do too. But getting to the airport between two and a half to three hours early has its advantages. You can go right through security and be sure to get to your gate in time for your flight. This way, you're there if your flight happens to be early. One thing you'll learn is that the airlines don't care about your schedule.
2. Make sure you have proper ID
Each state has different rules about what kind of ID will get you through security without any problems. Be sure you know which ID you need, and don't leave home without it. That'll just make getting through security even more of a hassle — if you get through at all.
3. Remember TSA's 3-1-1 liquids rule
If you're consolidating to avoid paying for a checked bag, which I highly recommend, since paying for luggage is so expensive, make sure you know this rule by heart. Each passenger is allowed one 1-quart bag for containers holding up to 3.4 ounces for their liquids. Anything more than that, and TSA will confiscate it.
4. Keep your valuables with you.
Each person is allowed to have one personal item and one carry-on. Additional luggage will have to be paid for. Personal items and carry-ons include laptops, cameras and other valuables. If you put these items in your checked bag, you run the risk of the items being stolen or damaged by changing temperatures.
5. Keep your boarding passes in a safe and accessible place.
Boarding passes are your tickets to getting on the plane. Have it handy as the time of your flight gets closer. This'll get you through the line and on the plane quicker and easier.
6. Ask questions if you're confused and in a hurry.
Travel agents work at the airports for a reason. Don't hesitate to ask questions, so you know where to go. Airports can be confusing to get through and very busy. And if you don't have a long layover, you want to make sure you know where you're going so you don't miss your connecting flight. Ask questions and walk with a purpose. The clock is ticking.
7. Try to buy as little in the airports as possible.
I've been there before. You have a long layover, but not long enough to leave the airport, so you find yourself walking through the terminal and looking at the little shops in the airport. Some of them have some pretty cool things. And if you're an impulse buyer, like I am, you'll find yourself wanting to buy some of these cool things. But I'm telling you now, it's not worth it. Airport shops mark up the prices of everything. Save your money and put it toward something you'll enjoy more.
8. Remember to breathe.
Things will be OK. The airlines will take care of your checked bags, and you will take care your on-flight bags. And if you ask questions and move quickly, you'll make your flight. So when you get on the plane, sit back, relax and enjoy the view. Pretty soon, the process will be over, and you'll be wherever you were headed.
If you remember these eight rules while flying, you'll be in good shape. Yes, people complain about flying, but it's really not that bad. Not if you're ready to go at a moment's notice, because that's all it takes. Most airlines have mobile apps, so if you download the app and look up your trip, you can get instant notifications about any changes in your trip. So wherever you're going this summer, travel safely and enjoy the journey while you're at it — it only happens once.
