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Ok, I admit it, I’m a travel geek. Airports fascinate me. Flying into a new airport thrills me to no end. I take photos from the air and try to get a feel for it before I land. Weird, I know. Maybe I’m still jetlagged from the last one. But flying is not getting easier my friends, it’s getting more complex, stressful, and time-consuming. As much as I love flying, I would take the train across the Atlantic if I could.
With that in mind, this phrase will be emblazoned on my gravestone in flashing neon: Every time I fly I learn something new, (and it usually costs me money). I will never call myself a seasoned traveler because of this. Every airport is different in its processes and how each airline operates can vary too. For example, Airline A in Chicago can operate differently to Airline A in London. Make sense? Since the aim of this blog is to educate, advise, and prevent you from making my own mistakes, read on to prepare for your next visit to the airport.
Tip #1–Check in online if you can. Some airlines force you to do this or pay a fee (Ryan Air). Other airlines will not let you depending on the journey, (mostly international). Print out your boarding pass! Downloading to a phone can be a disadvantage if you are traveling with hubby who does not have a phone with the airline app and you are forced to play pass the cell phone. Apps also have a habit of failing to open right when you need them.
Tip #2–Even though you are proud of yourself for checking in online and think it will save you time, always always always use the airline’s guidelines to present for your flight: Generally, two hours for domestic, three for international. Why? Immigration is not getting faster, and neither is security. You have no way of predicting how long it will take for these processes and it can vary hugely. Recently in Manchester UK, I walked straight through both lines like I was the only passenger in the airport..very rare! Upon arrival in JFK, USA, the line was two miles long and that’s no exaggeration.
Tip#3–The Security line continues to be my downfall. Security staff just love unassuming people like me. Travel is unpredictable but follow the guidelines strictly to (hopefully) avoid being pulled aside, which takes so much time and sweat. https://www.tsa.gov/travel/security-screening/liquids-rule. https://www.tsa.gov/travel/travel-tips/travel-checklist
Other tips:–Avoid being in line behind a whole family and look for lines that are just opening up. Check the contents of your carry-ons carefully to make sure you are compliant. Take your laptop out of the case, and your curling iron out too. Take your jacket and belt off and shoes if required. I always forget to have that one “liquid” item in my little plastic bag. If it has ever been liquid (mascara) put it in the baggie. Even on a good day, I still get pulled aside and have to watch my designer bag being chemically tested and everything else pulled apart. At it’s best it’s a guessing game, but try to be nice and think happy thoughts.
Tip#4–make sure you know exactly how much, if anything, you will have to pay for your luggage, and what your luggage weighs. Each airline has its own weight requirements. Check them and weigh your suitcase at the hotel or even on your bathroom scales for an approximate weight. Spare yourself the humiliation of repacking at the airport or the extra cost. Domestic flights in the US always charge for luggage unless you are active-duty military. International flights are now following suit. A cautionary tale: With every airline now partnering the rules are getting very muddy. I recently checked in with Delta/Virgin for an international flight and did not have to pay for my suitcase. Hurray!!! I had one carry one which no one checked for the 10 kg rule (22 pounds). Double Hurray!!! On the way back, I checked in to a different set of rules; that will be 150 Pounds please for your suitcase and overweight carry on. There was no arguing and now it’s me vs the airline. Make sure you have your facts straight before you get to the airport. If you have the option to pay during online check-in, do so with a point or mile gathering credit card. Lastly, label that luggage! Airline tags fall off! Take pictures of your luggage, put your address inside your case, anything to match you up with your gear should it not arrive with you.
Tip#5— Watch the screens, and once you know what your departure gate is, go there! Don’t wait for flight announcements! Your gate could easily be a fifteen-minute walk away, and there is nothing attractive about running in heels because you couldn’t resist that pre-flight cocktail.
And finally! Don’t forget that in the USA, you will need an updated Driving License to fly domestically from October of this year. https://www.usatoday.com/story/travel/news/2019/10/01/real-id-tsa-airport-security-october-2020-deadline-year-away/3831459002/
If just one of these tips helps, I have done my job! Watch out for my next post: Your guide to the best and worst airports. What can I say? I’m a travel geek!
Safe and Happy travels!
