Traveling Like a Pro
The captain happily announces, “We are clear for take off.” You begin to see the ground below pass by quickly in a blur. You are gently sucked into your seat and finally the jet tips upward to the sky as you take off from a sweltering hot runway into the heavens, bound for a destination far from the comforts of home. You settle in, ready for your complimentary ginger ale wondering how in the hell you made your flight and when in the hell did it become such- hell. These days, air travel is becoming more and more complicated. With flight delays and cancellations, jammed ticket lines, stringent security requirements and added airline fees, traveling has become something of a skill to be mastered. Hop from LA to Miami with skill and style and travel like a pro with these tips:
Most airlines will now be charging to check luggage. The less bags the better! Most airlines will allow you to bring on one carry on item (ie a small duffle bag or suit case) and one personal item (ie. Your Diesel man bag). That’s why its so important to pack smart to stay fly without weighing you down when flying.
Think Small It’s important to remember and think small when packing for your trip. Target or Walmart are ideal places to get travel sized versions of your favorite products. If they don’t have your product in travel size, stores usually carry small, empty plastic bottles to hold your liquids and gels. Make sure to pack enough to last a few days longer than your actual trip, in case a flight cancellation leaves you stranded. If you are like me and have more hygene products than you can fit in a 1 quart plastic bag, make sure to pack the rest of your liquids and gels in your checked luggage. You don’t want security keeping your newly purchased 24 oz bottle of Lacoste!
Wardrobe
Fitting as m
any outfits into your suitcase as possible is key. You always want to be prepared for anything when in another city. Try folding your shirts in half and rolling them into circular tubes. This takes up less room than folding them and allows more room for more shirts. Take a couple" pairs of pants/shorts that go with the majority of your wardrobe. Same goes for shoes. Shoes take up a lot of room. Try wearing the ones that take up the most room (ie boots) on your feet and pack the others. Shoes can also act as a storage compartment to conserve space. Try stuffing pairs of socks or other small items to be packed into your shoes to save room and allow for maximum wardrobe utilization.
Its important to always be on time or early when emarking on a flight. Traveling can be stressful enough without a race against the clock. Take into consideration the particular day you are flying on as well as traffic conditions. At the airport Monday through Thursday is not as busy as Friday through Sunday unless a holiday weekend is approaching or ending. Give yourself plenty of time so that you aren’t sprinting through the airport or cutting in line to get through security. Try to arrive at least 2 hours before departure. You may have time to kill but when traveling, better to be early than late!
First rule to remember when getting to the airport is always stay one step ahead. Prior to arriving, have your state issued ID or passport and a credit card in your pocket and ready to pull out
Checking In:
Checking your bags:
Most airlines have weight restrictions for baggage. Usually, checking one bag is free, the second is at cost. This summer however, it appears some airlines are charging to check even one bag. Make sure to familiarize yourself with your particular airlines rules and restrictions. Always make sure to “tag” your bags with your name and phone number in case they are lost (it happens a lot). Remember to have your bags checked at least an hour before departure time to ensure they make it on the plane. Lastly, make sure the bag you are checking is the one that contains your liquids and gels. The service agent will hand you your baggage claim ticket and boarding pass (if you didnt print one beforehand). Now its off to security.
Hint: If you are really pressed for time, try checking your luggage curb side. Most airlines offer this service with an added cost. They can print your boarding pass, check you in and take you luggage. This is helpful if the ticket counter lines are backed up.
Security:
Now that you have checked your bags and checked in, security is the last step before your final stretch to the gate. Security lines can be extensively long. Be sure to keep the line moving by having the appropriate things in hand- ie state issued ID or passport and your boarding pass. Once this is checked, it’s on to the security screening process
Clothing/Accessories
Remember that before the screening process, all shoes (even flip flops), belts, and jackets must be removed. Laptops must be out of the case and placed into a separate bin. Cell phones, PDA’s, coins, cameras, MP3 players, sunglasses must all be removed. Its best to keep these accessories and electronics in your carry on instead of wearing them, at least until you’ve cleared security. Less to remove is less to hold you up.
Regrouping
Once you have cleared the screening process, your things are dumped onto the other side of the security checkpoint. First thing to remember is to get your things and get out of the way. Many people make the mistake of regrouping while in line. Its best to put your shoes on, grab your bin and bags and move out of the way to keep the line moving. Most security checkpoints have benches and areas that allow you to put yourself back together. Here is where you’ll grab your cell, put your belt back on and hook up your iPod for some traveling music.
You have now made it through the chaos and can proceed to your appropriate gate for departure. Take some time (if available) to get a bottle of water and stay hydrated through your travels. Water and food purchased after security screening can be taken on the airplane.
Always remember to be prepared and be thinking one step ahead when traveling by air. These tips should have you traveling easier, feeling relaxed and looking damn good while doing it.- YC
**All tips are suggestions, YOCISCO.com urges all readers to check with local airtravel guidelines before traveling.***
Click here for more travel tips from the FAA
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