Travel Tips Airport – Whether flying has been a regular part of your life for years or you’re getting ready to board a plane for the first time, this guide will provide you with a comprehensive range of airport tips, tricks and hacks to make your trip a breeze. Even seasoned travelers will face unfamiliar policies and new pitfalls as countries and the airline industry adapt to travel in the age of COVID. Learn from the experience I’ve accumulated during more than a dozen international flights since the start of the COVID-19 pandemic to fly as confidently as possible.
Major travel experiences such as study abroad, gap year, or teaching abroad often begin and end with an international year. Getting your trip off to the right start with as smooth and convenient a flight experience as possible is a great way to set the tone for your trip. Similarly, flying domestically can be a lot less cumbersome if you know what to expect and have a strategy in place for how you’re going to approach your flight.
Travel Tips Airport
Whether flying has been a regular part of your life for years or you’re getting ready to board a plane for the first time, this guide will provide you with a comprehensive range of airport tips, tricks and hacks to make your trip a breeze.
Airport Hacks And Tips To Make Your Flight As Effortless As Possible
Most airlines allow you to check in online within 24 hours of your flight departure. This is the most efficient way to get through the airport to the gate. However, if you have a checked bag with you, you will still need to go to the airline’s check-in desk.
If you want to save time, stress and money while flying, learn how to pack your luggage efficiently. This may seem simple; however, there are key factors to consider that will help you avoid delays or additional charges at the check-in counter.
Since airport check-in lines have been notoriously long of late, and there are even stories of checked bags piling up into the thousands at certain airports, try to travel with hand luggage only if possible.
Most airlines allow one carry-on bag (approximately 9 inches x 14 inches x 22 inches, depending on the airline) and a personal item such as a purse, briefcase, or laptop bag. In addition to a carry-on bag, it is best if your personal item is a bag that closes securely.
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Your hand luggage can be a normal suitcase or a backpack if the dimensions comply with the airline’s policy. However, each has its advantages and disadvantages.
There are handbags that are designed to be the best of both worlds. Cotopaxi, for example, offers a travel backpack that opens like a suitcase for optimal comfort, space and organization.
Pro tip: Since you are allowed carry-on and personal items on most flights, you can choose a small suitcase as carry-on and a small backpack as your personal item.
For a better flying experience, you should always carry a few things in your carry-on, especially if you are going on a long international flight.
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Additional comfort and sleep items such as an eye mask, earplugs and a small travel blanket are also must-have items for longer flights.
There are also specific items that you must put in your carry-on bag if you want to bring them on the plane.
For example, lithium batteries, such as those in cameras and portable phone chargers, must be in your carry-on and are prohibited in checked baggage. Also, remember to keep prescription medications and travel documents with you and not in your checked bag.
When it comes to liquids, including gel deodorants and other toiletries, you should follow the 3-1-1 rule for liquids. The 3-1-1 rule states that all liquids must be in a 3.4 liter or smaller container (3), all liquid containers must be in a 1 liter clear plastic bag (1), and only one bag per passenger is allowed with liquid (1).
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If you must bring checked baggage, remember that it must be under 50 pounds to avoid excess baggage fees.
Checked bags are usually large suitcases or duffel bags with significantly more capacity than a carry-on bag. Since these bags will be handled, not always kindly, by multiple people and machines as they travel on and off the plane, consider hard bags that will protect your belongings from bumps and scratches.
Also, remember that you’ll need to spot this bag among hundreds of other people’s luggage, so try to choose a suitcase that’s easy to identify, or stick stickers on it to make it stand out.
It’s not uncommon for checked baggage to miss connecting flights even if you make it. If you arrive at your destination and your bag isn’t there, talk to airport staff immediately about making a claim. Being proactive and taking photos of your checked baggage inside and out before you leave for the airport will help with this claim.
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It is best to fill your checked bag with larger and non-essential items. This includes all sports equipment, liquids in containers larger than 3.4 liters and clothing.
Packing cubes, which allow you to squeeze the air out of garment bags, are a great way to maximize space and organize your checked bag. Large electronics that do not have batteries, such as video game consoles, may also need to be in a checked bag, but always check with the airline before your flight to make sure they are allowed.
Your checked baggage will go through security after you drop it off at check-in, and it’s not uncommon for your bag to be opened and searched. Keep this in mind when packing, as the TSA officer inspecting your bag will need to re-pack it. Organized packing will maximize space and make it easier to repack your checked baggage if needed.
When you arrive at the airport, you will need to check in, check in your checked baggage, or proceed to security. While security screening is the most intimidating part of flying for many, knowing what to expect and being prepared will help you get through the TSA.
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TSA PreCheck and Clear are essentially fast lines for airport security. However, the way in which they speed up the security process varies. TSA PreCheck allows travelers not to wear belts and shoes, and to have bags of 3-1-1 fluid and large electronics in their carry-on luggage. Alternatively, Clear can speed up the identification and document verification process using biometric kiosks. While both options will reduce your time spent in the security line, each has its own pros and cons.
If you really want to maximize the convenience of airport security, you can have TSA PreCheck and Clear.
Additionally, for international travelers, Global Entry is another option that expedites entry into the United States (and US partners) through a kiosk. Global Entry costs $100, lasts for 5 years, and includes TSA PreCheck, making it the best option for international travelers.
After the security check, you must first find the flight information board and confirm the flight gate and boarding time. This will tell you how much time you have before you need to be at the gate and ready to board your flight.
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Larger airports will have various forms of ground transportation, such as a bus service or train, which you may need to take to reach the correct set of gates for your flight. Pay attention not only to the door, but also to the yard.
Depending on how much time you have before boarding, you now have a few options on what to do. There are various restaurants and bars if you want food or drinks and other shops where you can shop. Airports also usually have tables with outlets for charging your electronics. There will also be seats in front of your exits where you can sit and wait. Whatever you do, pay attention to the time and even consider setting an alarm a few minutes before boarding begins.
Pro tip: Before your scheduled flight boarding time, go to the restroom and fill up your water bottle.
Different airlines have different boarding protocols, but generally you will be assigned a boarding group (found on your ticket) and when called you can proceed to the plane. Prepare the travel folder and the ticket for handover. If you’re using a mobile boarding pass, turn your phone’s brightness all the way up to ensure the device can scan it. It’s also a good idea to take a screenshot of your boarding pass in case you lose connection.
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In addition to different boarding protocols, you may or may not have an assigned seat depending on the airline. This will also be on your ticket; but if you’re flying Southwest, the seat is open, so you can take any seat. When you get to your seat, consider wiping down major touch points like the seat belt, table and window with a disinfectant wipe – many airlines even provide this once you board!
You will need to put your hand bag in the overhead compartment or, if it fits, under the seat in front of you. Meanwhile