Let’s face it; unless you are traveling solo without luggage, then flying is not very fun. Since the tragic events of 9/11 and the liquid explosive bomb plot in 2006, air travel has become more of a hassle than anything else. Increased security in airports, the crackdown on carry-on luggage with airlines and the 3-1-1 rule makes flying tedious (albeit safer).
Before you jet off on your summer holiday, consider the following tips to maintain your sanity in the airport and airplane:
Carry-On Only: If it is possible, consider condensing all of your travel belongings into a couple pieces of carry-on luggage. By doing so you avoid having to check luggage and potentially having it get lost or stolen.
Tags: Don’t forget to tag your bags (both checked and carry-on) with your contact information. Place the info on the inside and outside of every bag. In addition, you should also include a copy of your itinerary inside every bag to make it easier for the airline to reunite your bag with you should you become separated from it. This is especially important to do with large carry-on bags, which you may be forced to check at the last minute.
Double Check: When it comes to air travel, don’t be afraid to come across as a bit obsessive. Before the airline rep places your checked bag on the belt to the great beyond, make sure that the airport tag on your luggage matches your final destination. Every piece of checked luggage should have a three-letter airport identifier that matches your destination airport. If you are unsure of the code, ask the ticket agent, so you know exactly where your bags are going.
Prepare for the worst: You don’t have to come across as a “Debbie Downer,” but it’s never a bad thing to prepare for the worst. (Translation: Your bag getting lost or stolen.) Pack important items in your carry-on bag, such as extra underwear or essential personal items like eyeglasses and medication, or other items for a business meeting that can’t easily be replaced. Also, money, laptop computers, and other high value items should be packed in your carry-on bag, preferably one that is small enough to stow under a seat, so that you can keep an eye on it.