Airport etiquette: Get through airport security without losing your bags or missing your flight
Website design By BotEap.comIn the past, the stress of flying abroad often meant worrying about the flight itself or whether you forgot to pack essential items.
Website design By BotEap.comThese days, though, people are more concerned with being picked for that exhaustive bag search and getting through airport lines in time to catch a flight. It’s a sad but true fact that navigating airport security is more of a test than the flight itself.
Website design By BotEap.comSo how can you get through the airport quickly and easily? Is it still possible to reach your destination on time and with all your bags? Here are some helpful tips that will hopefully make that dream come true!
Website design By BotEap.comPacking Tips
Website design By BotEap.comGetting around the airport easily starts with packing. Before you fold your first shirt, check your airline’s website for current restrictions. So achieve for them! If it says no liquids in your carry-on, don’t try to sneak some face cream in because it’s not “really” liquid. Also check that your bags are the correct size and weight. Remember to check back a day or two before departure, in case something has changed.
Website design By BotEap.comYour next concern will be to make sure that all your bags reach their destination. Tighter security and more frequent baggage checks mean there will be more mistakes: lost luggage or (if you’re lucky) bags that go missing temporarily. More and more travelers are even reporting finding items in their suitcases that do not belong to them! Fortunately, there are a few things you can do to increase the chances that all your bags make it to the right place:
1. Keep your carry-on as small as possible. In fact, if you can, take everything in a clear plastic bag. this says “I’m not dangerous” loud and clear.
Website design By BotEap.com
2. Use plastic freezer bags to consolidate smaller items in your checked bags and use a permanent marker to write your name and destination on the outside. This will help baggage searchers in case of confusion.
Website design By BotEap.com
3. Include your itinerary in each checked bag, complete with names, dates and phone numbers where you will be staying.
Website design By BotEap.com
4. Mark the outside of each bag with something that identifies it as part of a group. I’ve been with groups that used red pom poms (easy to find at a craft store), and I’ve used strips of colored canvas myself. Think about it: if the baggage handler sees five bags with yellow pom-poms going to Rome, and he’s holding a bag with a pom-pom, he probably won’t accidentally throw it into the pile going to Kathmandu!
Website design By BotEap.comNow you’ve done everything you can to make sure your bags end up at their destination; but the best plans of mice and men are not always foolproof. What if the worst happens and your bags are lost or delayed?
Website design By BotEap.comHand luggage convenience
Website design By BotEap.comThis is where carry-on luggage comes into play. I realize I only recommended taking as little as possible… But if you’re really worried about losing your luggage, I recommend bringing a change of clothes (don’t forget your socks and underwear!) along with a few essentials. . In the past, this is where you would buy a few small bottles of toothpaste and shampoo to pack in your carry-on. Sadly, those days are gone. The good news is that, despite carry-on restrictions, there are are some viable alternatives!
Website design By BotEap.com
1. The one thing no one wants to be without on a 14-hour flight is toothpaste. You can get pre-glued brushes at http://www.dentakit.com/prdito.html”>Dentakit.com for around 50 cents each and throw them away when you’re done. Powdered toothpaste is also a great option. http://toothfresh.com/”>Toothfresh.com has the product itself and some very interesting information on the health benefits associated with this method. You may end up using it all the time!
Website design By BotEap.com
2. Did you know that you can get a non-liquid shampoo? Consider yourself informed. http://www.jrliggett.com/”>JR Liggett’s has been selling organic shampoo bars since 1985. In addition to being very hair-friendly, it can be used on the rest of the body…and even on clothes! Best of all After all, it is ecological.
Website design By BotEap.com
3. If you’ll be traveling with small children, another important item on your list will be sunscreen. Check out “http://www.babiestravellite.com/Merchant2/merchant.mvc?Screen=PROD&Store_Code=BTL&Product_Code=BBSBT”>Sun Blankie Towelette” to make sure you and your baby don’t start the holidays with burned skin SPF 45+, offering the maximum protection you’ll need on that sunny Mediterranean beach!
Website design By BotEap.com
4. Lastly, if you have any medication that you need to take with you, make sure it is clearly labeled with your name. Liquid medications are generally restricted to 4 or 5 oz.
Website design By BotEap.comWell, your “stuff” is going to make it… now, how about you? Do you have a plan to move through the airport quickly and without worries?
Website design By BotEap.comairport security label
Website design By BotEap.comThe key to getting through airport security quickly and without much hassle is to follow the rules. Don’t get angry; if you’re offended, write a letter to your congressman when you get home. But for now, if a man in uniform asks you to do something, do it. Here are some other tips to make sure you are not the one selected for a pat-down:
Website design By BotEap.com
1. Arrive early. They tell you to arrive about three hours early, so do it!
Website design By BotEap.com
2. Keep your ticket, ID, and passport in one place for quick access. I recommend getting something like a passport wallet or ID holder around your neck. Remember to keep an eye on it at all times.
Website design By BotEap.com
3. Wear comfortable shoes that can be easily slipped on and off. You will be asked to remove your shoes at least once at the airport, so I recommend slippers, sandals, or flip-flops. They will also be more comfortable on the plane.
Website design By BotEap.com
4. Don’t use a lot of extras; avoid earrings, watches, belts, and pocket change if you can. If you can’t, pick them up early and put them in your carry-on until you’ve passed the line. Trust me, everyone else will appreciate it!
Website design By BotEap.com
5. The last and perhaps the most important tip for “flying through the airport” is to dress elegantly and simply. Don’t wear t-shirts with ambiguous messages or anything that others might see as “creepy” or “scary.” These days you are likely to be pulled over for a search!
Website design By BotEap.comFollowing these tips can seem a bit tedious and detailed when all you want to do is get to your destination. However, I’m sure you’ll agree that it’s worth a little hassle ahead of time to get your vacation off to a quick and anxiety-free start. That way, the only thing you’ll have to worry about when you get there is whether you should spend your time exploring or just laying poolside.