What are some airplane travel/packing tips?
Question by Danswela ☆☆☆☆: What are some airplane travel/packing tips?
I am leaving on a plane next week to go to a relative. We will be there 10 days.
Anything I should know?
Is stuff like toothpaste ok?
Best answer:
Answer by tunisianbelle
Before you leave home, get information on where you will be staying on your trip – address, phone number – make copies and put this information along with your name in each piece of checked baggage and keep a copy on yourself in case your luggage gets lost. Do the same for the return trip. Also, do not pack anything that you will need (medications, contact lens stuff, etc) in your checked bags. Put this in your carry-on. You are usually allowed to bring 2 suitcases that weigh no more than 50lbs (23kg) each, plus one carry-on per passenger. All airline rules differ on this, so you need to verify this with your specific airline.
When packing your carry-on bag, make sure that you have all your documents with you (picture ID, ticket, passport). The key to packing a carry-on is to pack light; think less is more. When packing, make sure that you are not taking any forbidden items with you and that all liquids are in containers less that 3oz (100ml) and in a one clear zip-top bag no bigger than 1 quart (1 liter). Toothpaste falls into this category.
http://www.tsa.gov/travelers/airtravel/prohibited/permitted-prohibited-items.shtm
http://www.tsa.gov/311/index.shtm
Snacks are allowed. Just add water packets of food, cheerios, goldfish, animal crackers, dried fruit, etc. are great. New regulations also allow you to take beverages (including water) from home as long as they are less than 3oz (100ml), -OR- beverages (including water) of any size that you have purchased from inside the security area onto planes. You can also bring a limited amount of baby food, yogurt, cheese, puddings, etc. with you also as long as they are in containers less than 3oz (100ml)
http://www.tsa.gov/travelers/airtravel/prohibited/permitted-prohibited-items.shtm#10
Make sure you get to the airport with plenty of time to check in, go through security, and find your concourse and gate. Rule of thumb is to allow yourself 2-5 hours before your flight. It is always a good idea to call the airport ahead of schedule to see what their wait time for security is for that specific day. Be prepared to do a lot of waiting – in line at the ticket counter, in the security line, in the terminal – you will wait. As long as you know you have given yourself plenty of time though, you shouldn’t panic, and can relax (as much as possible).
I found that the easiest way to navigate the airport is to go directly to the ticket counter and check my bags and get my boarding pass. When the ticket agent presents you with your boarding pass, you will also be given you claim ticket for your bags. Keep this is a safe place and do NOT lose it – if anything should happen to your bags, you will need it. All airports are clearly marked with plenty of signs designed to direct you in the right direction. If you are not sure of which way to go, look UP and there will be plenty of signs to guide you. Security isn’t that bad. Wear slip on or other easily removable shoes, and have your coat or jacket off when you reach the front of the line. If you are bringing prescription medications, drinks for small children, or anything else that is over the 3oz (100ml) limit, do not forget to inform the security officer. These items must be outside of your bag, and must go on the conveyor belt in a separate bin from your other things. If you have nothing forbidden on or with you, you will speed through the process. Pay attention to the announcements. They may change your departure gate, or need you if there is a question with your ticket. Also, if the plane is overbooked, they will announce a request for volunteers to be bumped. If you volunteer, you will be put on the next flight and you usually get a free round-trip ticket to use in the future, or some other form of compensation. Be sure to find out what the incentives are before agreeing to give up your seat, and don’t be afraid to ask for what you want – the worst they can say is no. They also use announcements to board the plane. Most airlines will seat you by row or “zone” – this will be printed on your boarding pass. When they call out your row or zone, you may board the plane. If you are seated in an exit row, make sure that you are able to do the things that would be required of you: being able to lift a certain weight (if you have to open the window exits, they are generally about 65 pounds – 29kg), being able to hear and see commands from the flight crew, etc.
Now for your flight itself!
For more in-depth information, plus security rules and I wrote a small about flying that goes more in-depth, gives security rules and regulations for the US, EU, UK, and Australia, offers tips and tricks for the travel, etc.
http://jamiehassen79.angelfire.com/plane_travel_basics.html
If I can be of any more help or assistance, please feel free to contact me.
Add your own answer in the comments!
