Flying for the First Time: Important Tips You Should Know
Flying for the First Time: Important Tips You Should Know
Flying for the first time can be very intimidating, but I have a few simple rules that should make the process easier and stress free.
You May want a Park and Fly:
Depending on how far you live from the airport you will be departing from, you may want to get a Park and Fly. A Park and Fly is a great option for anyone that may live over an hour from the airport. Basically a Park and Fly consists of booking a hotel room near the airport where you can leave your car parked while you travel. I like this option, because if you have an early flight, you don't have to leave your home at 2am to get to the airport. Also, most hotels have a free shuttle service that will take you right to the gate you need to go to for your airline, keeping you from playing the guessing game and wasting valuable time. Park and Fly's usually can cost as little as $69.00 or as high as $300.00. The price depends on the level of hotel you decide to book. I usually don't need a fancy hotel, but I do like to get a good night sleep before I travel, so I pick a middle of the road hotel, where I know my car should be safe, and the quality of the rooms is decent. I usually spend around $120.00 dollars on my Park and Fly's. Remember, your parking is included (generally for 8 days - additional days are extra) and many times you end up spending the same amount of money on a hotel and parking (park and fly), as you would have on just parking. You should always ask your travel agent for recommendations, because they can advise you on the quality of the hotel you will be staying at. You do have to book your hotel stay as a Park and fly; you can't just leave your car in the hotel parking lot for a week.
Arrive 2 hours early:
Most flights that I book for my clients will leave early in the morning, around 7:00am sometimes earlier or later depending on the flights. You should always arrive two hours before your departure time, especially when you are traveling internationally, because of the airline check in and all the security checks. The lines can get backed up rather quickly, and they will not hold the plane for you. Believe me, I know. One of my honeymoon couples didn't give themselves enough time and got stuck in a traffic jam, and missed their flight. I was able to help them with a new flight, but because of the air schedule, they lost a day at their resort. Remember; always get to the airport 2 hrs. early, and plan for things that could delay you reaching that goal.
How to Pack:
Now a days, a lot of airlines are charging baggage fees. Although I try very hard to get the best deal and airline for my clients, it is very hard to avoid some baggage fees. If you are lucky you can get an airline that allows one bag free for each of you up to 50lbs,(checked luggage) and a free smaller bag on the plane, (carry- on) for each of you. That is the type of flight I try to find for my clients. It is important to pack smart, as to maximize the space you have in the bags.
Checked Luggage:
Your checked luggage is luggage containing the majority of the items you are bringing with you on the trip. Always pack most of your clothes, shoes, liquid containers (non-aerosol, sealed in a Ziploc bag or similar), etc. in this bag. I say most of your clothes, because you will want to pack a few clothes in your carry- on (more on this later). You do have to be careful of your weight; some airlines are stricter than others about the weight. I have had bags that weighed 52lbs and they let it go, and one time my poor husband's bag weighed 50.5 and they made him take things out of the bag, to make it 50lbs. Make sure you have space somewhere to move an item to another bag in case you are over the weight limit. Also, make sure you have space in your bags to bring home items that you purchase while on vacation!
Carry- On Bag:
Each person is allowed a carry-on. Every airline has a different policy regarding the size of the carry-on; most allow approximately 45 linear inches. It is best to check your airline's policy before you leave. I always recommend carrying valuable items in the carry-on or purse as well. Things like camera, jewelry, money, prescription medicines. With jewelry, keep it to a minimum and take only what you can live without - please don't take your favorite or special jewelry...it's not worth the risk! In addition, if your travel requires a connection, it is best to have clothing and essentials for the first day there, in case of luggage delay. Also, if you are traveling with a prescription medicine that is life or death, please have your doctor write a back-up prescription and take it with you. All prescription medicines must be in their prescription bottle.
Going Through Security:
When you go through a security check point, you will need to put all of your metal and electronics into a tub, including your shoes, wallet, keys, belt etc. If you are putting your laptop through, it needs to be in a tub by itself. Basically you need to put all your belongings into the tubs to be x-rayed, before you go through the check point yourself. It is common to forget to remove something, and have to go through again, but that does waste time. Only liquids that are in 3 ounce or smaller containers will be allowed in your carry-on (they must be in a Ziploc container). Liquids larger than that must be put in your checked baggage. That means no water bottles or drinks will be allowed before you go through security. Once you clear security, you can buy a drink at one of the restaurants in the airport, and bring it on the plane with you. To find out more on carry-on rules, click on this link to the TSA's page for carry-on regulations: http://www.tsa.gov/311/
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