I travel a lot, but I certainly have sympathy for those who don't and who may not necessarily have TSA policies at the forefront of their brain. However, savvy and less-savvy travelers alike hate that person in line at airport security who is surprised that she can't wear a parka and boots through or who is shocked he can't bring his 2-liter of Diet Coke with him. I'm that person behind you with shoes/scarf/jacket off, sighing obviously, while holding my laptop and regulation-sized baggie of liquids. Get it together!Recently, I posted on how to pack for your travels. Now, we're talking about how to be an efficient, stress-free, and smart traveler when flying to your destination of choice.
Checking In for a Flight
If your airline allows it, check in online before heading to the airport. You can also pay for any checked baggage at that time. If you're unable to check in before arrival, the self-service kiosk is your best bet. The full-service desk with an attendant is the worst possible choice if you're in a hurry.
Checking Your Luggage...Or Not
Checking luggage is great for lots of reasons - no dragging anything around the airport, no fighting for overhead compartments, and much more. However, there is some headache involved in checking luggage. First, many airlines charge for checking baggage on domestic flights. Often, there is no charge for international flights, but make sure to verify that ahead of time. Many airlines also have a 50 lb weight limit for checked bags. There will often be an overage fee for bags over the limit.
The benefit to doing carry-on for all luggage is that you don't have to wait at the baggage carousel, there's no fee (usually, see Frontier's awful new policy), and there's little chance of losing your bags. One of my favorite tricks for carry on luggage is to volunteer to check your bag at the gate before boarding. Airlines will frequently do this for full flights. It's almost always free!
TSA/Airport Security
The best advice possible for TSA is to PLAN AHEAD. TSA takes forever to get through - always. Whether it's confused people or slow staff, you'll always want to plan for far more time than you think you need to get through security. Most of all, don't be a jerk. When you get in line for security, take off your scarf/jacket/cardigan/shoes, get your laptop out, get your baggie of liquids out, and take off anything that will set off the metal detectors. You'd think this would be common sense, but every airport visit shows it isn't.
Click here for TSA's packing tips for making going through security easier.
In-Flight Comfort
When you get on the plane, take out your items you'll want during the flight when you sit down. Even if everything you need is in the bag under the seat, it's still a pain to you and to your seat mates if you keep pulling the bag out to get things during the flight.
More Advanced In-Flight Comfort
I just got back from Korea last night, so I've tested and fully validated your need for the following extra items for international travel (or if you're just a princess on domestic travel):
- a seat pad to relieve pressure on your tailbone
- a blanket - or a Snuggie if you're feeling particularly audacious
- an eye mask for sleeping or undisturbed daydreaming (like my panda one)
- socks
- eye drops to prevent dry eyes
- lip balm
(Passport Image Credit)
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