TOP TEN THINGS TO KEEP IN MIND BEFORE FLYING TO YOUR NEXT DESTINATION
Air travel can be stressful, so here are 10 things to consider before heading to the airport in order to make your travel experience the best it can be!
(Note that some airlines' guidelines and policies have changed due to the coronavirus pandemic, so be sure to check their websites for the most up-to-date travel information.)
1. Download and Use Your Airline’s App
Unless you're checking a bag, there's no reason to stand in line at the check-in desk or deal with kiosks at the airport. Download your airline's app ahead of time, make sure your reservation details are in, and then use it to check in 24 hours before your flight. That way, you can head straight to security when you arrive at the airport. Several airlines now offer free onboard entertainment via passengers' personal devices through their apps, so you should have them on your phone anyway. This is the best way to check for schedule changes and monitor seat assignments prior to travel.
2. Assess Your Seating Situation
When we book your vacation we immediately assign the best seats possible but if there is an aircraft change, your airline might move your seats without warning or advising. As a part of our service, we do monitor this often but if you are someone who wants a specific seat, you can best control this via the airline app before or during the check-in process.
3. Remember the 3-ounce rule
Any liquids you're carrying through TSA checkpoints must be less than 3.4 ounces (100 milliliters) and placed in a see-through bag no larger than a quart.
4. Luggage fees and size requirements
Most airlines have instituted strict size limits for carry-on bags, which are stringently enforced by gate agents. Check your bag's dimensions at home and make sure they adhere to your airline's limits. A general rule is that your checked bag can not weigh more than 50 lbs but keep in mind that European carriers' limits vary slightly from those in the U.S. Blame it on standard versus metric. It is best to visit the airline website and click on BAGGAGE to see the rules that apply to you and your trip. Here you can also find the cost for checked baggage fees as well as limits for carry-on luggage.
5. Gather Your Gadgets
Phone: check. Laptop: check. Tablet: check. Camera: check. Spare charger: check. Power cords: check. Travelers are carrying more electronics than ever. Luckily, there are organizer cases galore to keep all your devices and cables within reach and ready for security screening. Consider purchasing one so you don’t leave something behind!
6. Remove Those Batteries
Due to fears of onboard fires, airlines have instituted smart luggage battery bans since January 2018. If your bag has a battery pack, be prepared to show that it is removable in case your bag has to be gate-checked. But don't leave that battery pack at home, necessarily. Just because your airplane seat is supposed to have power ports does not guarantee that they'll actually work when you're on the plane.
7. Bring Your Own Bottle
Avoid single-use plastic (and a bottle of water that costs $8 post-security) by bringing an empty travel water bottle with you instead. Some are even collapsible to save you space, and more airports have installed water bottle filling stations next to drinking fountains to make carrying your own that much more convenient.
8. Disinfect Everything
Due to the number of people passing through and touching everything, airports and airplanes are some of the germiest places around. Protect yourself as much as possible by using disinfecting wipes on your hands and your airplane seat once you get settled. Because they're not liquid, like hand sanitizer, wipes will also not count toward your carry-on liquid limit.
9. Long-term parking tips
Airport parking lots can fill up quickly during the busiest travel times. Many off-site airport parking lots are now offering advanced reservations and valet parking services. Be sure to research your best options well before your departure date.
10. Travel Insurance can help a lot!
Beyond delays, cancellations, and lost luggage, which are covered by most major credit cards, you might want to insure an expensive trip with a policy that includes provisions for emergency medical evacuation and cancellation for any reason. Visit https://www.vacationstoremember.com/travel-insurance for some great information on this.
Bonus: Don't Forget Your Mask + ID
As of summer 2022, most airlines have dropped the mask requirement but you'll want to check your airline's guidelines for travel as well as your destination's requirements for incoming visitors. Stash extra face masks, wipes, hand sanitizer, and any other essentials in both your carry-on and checked luggage so you're never without them. You never know when one might come in handy! And while it may seem obvious, we always like to remind our clients about identification requirements. A valid US passport always trumps ALL but if you are traveling domestically and do not have a passport, be sure your driver’s license has a black or gold star in the upper right corner. This indicates a “REAL ID” and this will be required for all travel within the US beginning in 2023. Make sure all ID is not expired or about to expire before traveling!
