Are You Actually Ready to Fly?

Are you planning on taking a family vacation this year? A business trip?  If so, there is a good chance that you will be flying.  Flying is a relatively safe, easy, and convenient way to travel.  However, before you leave for the airport, you should start preparing for your flight, well in advance.  

Unfortunately, many travelers do not realize that preparing for your flight does not just include packing your bags. Thanks to new air travel rules and the enforcement of them, preparation now includes more than you could ever imagine.

Know Your Airline, Know Your Airport

You should start preparing as soon as you buy your airline tickets, whether that be two weeks before you leave or two months. The first step is to familiarize yourself with the airline that you are flying with and the airport which you’ll be flying out of.  You can easily do this research online. Next, determine how early you should leave for the airport and what items you will need to bring along with you, such as personal identification.

Know Your Banned Items

It is also a good idea to review the list of banned items. These are items that you’re not allowed to have on the airplane or past certain points in most airports. The most commonly banned items include sharp objects and flammable items, but there other items included in these bans, items that you may have never even thought about before. That is why it’s best that you learn what you can and cannot bring on your next family vacation or business trip.  In the event that you try to bring along items that are prohibited, you may have them confiscated. (Say goodbye to that $300 bottle of perfume.)

Print the List. Really.

Print off the list and bring it with you.  Printable lists of items that are banned in airports and on airplanes can be found online from a number of different websites. The Transportation Security Authority (TSA) is the best resource for this.  A printable list is ideal, especially if you do not need to start packing for your trip right away.

Start Packing

After checking out the air travel rules, including the ones that have recently been instated, you will need to start packing.  When packing, remember everything that you learned, although, if you printed off a list, your packing will be much easier.  In the event that you’re not sure whether or not an item can be brought on an airplane, you are advised to leave it at home.  Banned items can not only be confiscated, but they could cause you to miss your flight. Don’t take any chances.

Get There Early. People-Watch.

Once your bags have been packed and all of your travel plans are in order, you will need to head to the airport. Try to arrive at the airport at least two hours in advance. I always give it three hours, but I’m a nutter for airports. The people-watching, the free wifi (in many places). Airports are just the best.  It is also important to make sure that you not only have your plane tickets with you, but the proper forms of identification.

STAY CALM

Once at the airport, it is important that you remain calm at all times, even if you are approached by airport security. In today’s world, it is not uncommon for you to be subject to a random bag check or search; therefore, you should not fret if you are asked.  Instead, just remain calm and, in no time at all, you should be on your way to enjoying your vacation or your business trip.

Happy Flying!