Summer might be halfway over, but millions of Americans have yet to embark on their annual family vacations. For those of you who are planning to take to the skies during the last weeks of summer be warned–packed planes, tighter security, horrific luggage restrictions and frustrated fellow flyers await you.
Still, if your situation is like mine there is no other option besides flying to visit family and friends abroad. Fortunately, there are some ways to make the most of flying during the peak summer season. By planning ahead and using common sense you can avoid travel hassles whether you are flying domestically or internationally.
Pack Light. Enough said. Don’t give the airlines a chance to hit you with insane baggage fees. If it can’t fit in a bag that can be wedged into an overhead compartment or beneath the seat in front of you consider leaving it at home.
Plan Ahead. Leave your home or hotel early. Allow yourself plenty of time to navigate through bad weather, aggravating summer construction and other traffic snarls on the way to the airport. Travel experts recommend arriving at the airport 60 minutes before domestic departures if you’re not checking luggage, 90 minutes before domestic flights if you are checking luggage and two hours before international flights. I would add about 30 to 45 minutes to all those times, especially with the chaos the new luggage rules have been causing at ticket counters and security checkpoints.
Online Check-in. Don’t waste your time standing in long check-in lines at the airport especially if you are traveling with carry-ons only. Airline websites often allow passengers to chose their seats and print their boarding passes four to 24 hours before scheduled departure.
Identification. Don’t leave home without a driver’s license, state ID, birth certificate or passport. Also, make sure the name on your boarding pass exactly matches the name on your photo ID.
Bags. Remember to place your name and contact information on the inside and outside of all your bags. Also, don’t place locks on your checked bags unless they are TSA-approved ones. You can get a list of approved locks by clicking here.
Airport Security. Take off your watch before going through the metal detector at airport security checkpoints. Ditto for clothing items that contain metal such as belts, necklaces chains and bracelets. Finally, regardless of how frustrated you might be with “the system,” don’t be rude to security personnel. Also, don’t try to be a joker when you have hundreds of passengers in line behind you. Your antics will only hold up the line and may subject you to additional scrutiny.
Related Articles:
New Airline Fees–Keeping it Straight
More Bad News for Cash Strapped Flyers
Say Good Bye to Free Pretzels and Peanuts
No Such Thing As A Free Ride… Or Free Pretzels
Travel Insanity—Airline Charges for One Checked Bag
Airline Luggage Wars–Can It Get Any Worse?
More Luggage Restrictions… Are You Ready For This?