“I feel like I am forgetting something…”
That is a brutal and stressful thought to have as you are preparing for a flight. Whether for business or vacation, you never want to be in the helpless position of forgetting an essential traveling item.
While there are a million personal items that could be found on your individual “do not forget list”, this is a quick reminder to cover the most important list — the list that will get you to the airport, on the plane, and to your destination in an efficient, effective, and comfortable manner.
Listed below are steps and things that should absolutely be taken care of when traveling. Remember — nothing ruins a trip more than not being able to take the trip.
- Go to your airline website and visually scan for any important lists (in addition to this one) that may be helpful and specific to their flying services
- Airlines vary on certain bag weight allowances and other important restrictions, so it is always good to know for sure for each flight.
- Double check if your carrier charges extra fees for baggage
- This is more like a 1a on this list but it’s worth hammering this point home because nothing stinks more than arriving at the airport with your baggage and a budget and realizing that your bags will cost you as much as your plane ticket will.
- Double check the prohibited items list
- 3-1-1 Liquids Rule — You are permitted to bring one small bag of liquids, aerosols, gels, creams, and pastes through the checkpoint. Every container is limited to 3.4 ounces or less and all containers must be consolidated in the bag. The 3-1-1 Liquids Rule refers to the 3.4-ounce containers, all in a 1 quart sized clear, plastic, zip-top bag, and 1 bag per passenger. Any larger necessary liquids must be declared and in reasonable quantities.
- These lists are revised from time to time.
- Download the My TSA app
- Great for quickly searching for important flying information. Travelers can use the “Can I bring my…” application to double check what is and isn’t allowed in your baggage.
Source: POPSUGAR
- Great for quickly searching for important flying information. Travelers can use the “Can I bring my…” application to double check what is and isn’t allowed in your baggage.
- Gather all paperwork for traveling (tickets, passports, visas, photo I.D., etc.) in one sealed folder or handbag
- This ensures that you definitely have immediate access to all your important traveling documents, which is handy when trying to get through those long lines as fast as possible!
- Check in online to avoid a long wait at airport
- Zip right through the lines and passed all of the unprepared flyers ahead of you!
- Check your bags online
- Same advantage as above!!!
- Prepare your mode of transportation
- Parking your car at the airport can get very expensive, so unless it is a quick trip, it is good to think of other transportation options
- May we recommend looking into the extra convenient option of personal drivers for an airport shuttle ride? 😉
- Bring something to keep you comfortable on the flight
- Book, computer, headphones, neck pillow, sleep masks, etc.
- Think happy
- Put on a smile and think of nice things. Airports can be hectic and frustrating, but a good attitude will help make the experience more pleasing
This checklist should help keep a stressful experience relatively painless. Please feel free to add any additional advice in the comments section below!