subject: Making Your Flight on Time [print this page] Making Your Flight on Time Making Your Flight on Time
I love flying, but the actual getting-to-the-plane process is something I could do very well without. Flying has become much more difficult in the wake of 9/11, and with the recent controversy over body scanners and full body pat downs, it doesn't make the process any more appealing.
If you have never flown before, or if you have but it was a long time ago, consider this a (pardon the expression) crash course in making your flight and getting the most out of the experience.
First of all, when you pack, remember that certain items are never going to make it past security. Obvious dead ends include fireworks or dangerous chemicals, but in a post-9/11 world, even bottles of hair gel or tubes of toothpaste are going to be suspect. Check out the TSA website for a complete list of everything that is and is not allowed.
Decide what you are going to check and what you are going to carry on the plane with you. Make sure that what you plan on taking falls within the size and weight requirements. Obviously, you don't run the risk of having your luggage lost when you carry a bag on with you, so make sure your carryon bag has some of the basics, such as a change of clothes and toiletries to hold you over in the event you do make it to California only to discover your luggage went to Nova Scotia.
Also, having just a carry on bag means you avoid security and luggage pickup and can be first in line for a cab or the rental car line.
If your flight happens to be delayed or canceled, you don't have to worry about being separated from your luggage for an extended period.
Of course you also need all necessary ID such as driver's license, passport, and in some cases a birth certificate may be required. Children will need a photo ID and passport as well; if they are traveling unaccompanied, the adult picking them up at the other end will need to have proper ID.
Before leaving for the airport, it is probably a good idea to confirm your flight. Most major carriers will send you a confirmation, but smaller carriers may require a phone call.
You should leave for the airport in plenty of time. Ideally, you should arrive at least 2 hours before your scheduled departure. It may seem like a lot, but when you stop to consider the time involved in finding parking, getting to the terminal, going through ticketing, baggage handling, security, etc, you will need to allow yourself plenty of time.
Speaking of parking, know your options beforehand. Airport parking decks can be crowded, expensive, and even unsafe. Reports of cars being damaged or broken into are common. Often times, you can park at a local hotel lot for a fraction of what you would pay for the same period of time in an airport lot. Look around at all the parking options before just shelling out money.
Obviously the single most difficult part of your check in will be the security screening process. You can avoid unnecessary delays by adhering to a few simple guidelines:
- Make sure anything remotely resembling a sharp object is in your checked bag. Files, scissors, or other similar items should never be carried on your person.
- Be ready to remove shoes, belts, watch; pretty much anything that has metal content. These will be put into a bin and given back after you pass security screening.
- Take your laptop from its case and place it in a separate bin. Don't forget to keep your ID and boarding pass available to show to security screeners.
Boarding typically begins about a half hour before the flight is scheduled to depart. Most boarding is done by row or section, so know where you are located and be listening for your section to be called up. Secure your carry on bag in the overhead bin provided, and refrain from stowing anything sizeable in front of or under your seat (in all likelihood you will be asked to move it).
Pay particular attention to the flight attendants as they give their safety speeches prior to departure. If there is a problem or issue, you will be glad you did.
