Making the Most Out of Your Next Flight

If you are planning on taking a vacation this year, to make the most out of your trip, by following these simple steps you’ll ensure that your journey will be as good and hassle free as possible.

Of course you’ll be planning your vacation however by having a bad experience at the airport or aboard your plane can spoil even the best made plans.  To prevent this from happening you only need to follow these rules…

Air Travel Rules: First of all, in order to make the most out of your flight, familiarize yourself with the air travel rules.  The best way to do this is to note the items that are prohibited in airports and aboard planes. With the crack-down on prohibited items, many people are unaware that what they carry aboard their carry-on luggage may actually be prohibited.  If you bring prohibited items aboard an airplane, this could lead to your items being confiscated, a flight being missed, detaining by airport security, and, yes, even in some cases, being arrested.

It is a very simple matter for you to learn what items are and aren’t allowed aboard a plane.  Just review the restrictions that your airport/s and airlines have.  Contact the airline or airport or visit their online websites.  You’ll probably discover that items banned are more numerous than you’d thought.  These items include many liquids (including water), sharp objects (including nail clippers and knitting needles), most sports equipment and, of course, flammable items.  You can also determine if any items you plan on carrying can be stored in your checked luggage.

The Airport Screening Process:  In addition to familiarizing yourself with prohibited items, it’s also important to be aware of the airport security checkpoints and the airport screening process.  As airports become more and more crowded, it seems like more and more problems arise.  Therefore, for a domestic flight it’s recommended that you arrive at least two hours prior to departure and for international flights, double the time to four hours.  Different airports do have different flights and are different sizes so check in advance as far as what your airport recommends.

Arrive on time.  This can make all the difference between a smooth flight (and the start of a great vacation) and an airport nightmare story.  Although waiting around an airport is not the most fun, an even worse time is the panic you feel when you are rushing to make your flight.  If you arrive on time, or even early, the worst thing is that you’ll have to wait, however, if you arrive at the airport early.  Just bring a book or magazine and find a chair at the gate.  Due to overbooking, many times all the chairs are filled early, so this is also important…you don’t want to have to stand or sit on the floor.

Cooperate.  This is basically “it” in a nutshell.  Make sure that you cooperate with airport officials, airline employees and especially airport security.  If, for instance, a banned item is discovered in your luggage, acknowledge the mistake and continue on.  The item will probably be confiscated but if you make a fuss, you could be detained by airport security and even miss your flight.

All in all, if you follow these 4 simple rules, your flight and your time in the airport will be much easier.