By: Kelli King, a Marvelous Mouse Travels agent
Flying can be stressful in the best of times. Add a global pandemic and it can cause even a frequent flyer heart palpitations.
Here are a few tips to make your flight as easy as Peter Pan’s flight!
1. Do your research. There are many great deals out there, find them. Using a travel website is easy, but not all airlines are included in the search. Find out which airlines fly out of your airport, then go to each airline’s website to find the best deal. Also, it is no longer less expensive to buy a round trip fare. It may be cheaper to fly there on one airline, and return on a different one. Also, the least expensive fare may not be the cheapest in the long run. After adding bags and seat requests, the cheap fare may have just gotten more expensive. Speaking of bags, decide how many bags you will be needing before buying the tickets. It is less expensive to pay a checked bag fee when you make your reservation, than to do it when you are at the airport. In addition, check prices for surrounding airports. It may save you money to drive to a different airport and stay at a hotel the night before with park and ride available. You take the hotel shuttle to the airport and don’t have to hassle with driving in airport traffic.
2. Now that you know when you are going and from what airport you are leaving from, it is time to pack. It is a common mistake to over pack. That just adds pounds, which adds money. Laundry facilities are available world wide, and it is ok to wear your jeans more than once. Most hotels provide toiletries, so no need to pack shampoo and such. Less is more if you want hassle free, but if you are like my mom, and want to take everything (just in case), make sure each bag weighs in at the airlines maximum weight for checked bags (usually 60 pounds). If it is more than what the airline allows, you’ll have to pay a hefty fee. Whatever bag you check, tie a bright colored ribbon on it so it will be easily spotted in the baggage claim area. Make sure, whatever liquids you take fits within the 3-1-1 rule.
3. Check in. USE THE AIRLINE APP TO CHECK IN!!! I’m sorry, I didn’t want to yell, but I needed to get your attention. The best way to manage your boarding passes, payment options, personal device entertainment and peace of mind, is to use the airline’s app. They are built specifically for passenger use and made to streamline your travel experience. They are easy to use and all travel documents are in one place. If you made one reservation for your entire family, all boarding passes can be kept on one device. It’s a no-brainer, if you ask me. Checking in for your flight should be done 24 hours or less before your scheduled departure time. If you are traveling with a family or group that wants to sit together, the earlier you check in, the more likelihood of you all being able to sit together. The seats you chose when you purchased your tickets are not guaranteed. When you check in, you can pick your seats at that time. You can also upgrade your seat at that time as well.
4. Ok, you’re packed and checked in, let’s go to the airport. Got your masks? I hope so, because masks are still required inside airports and airplanes. Make sure your mask fits comfortably and does’t slide off. Make sure it is compliant (double layer, snug under your chin, no gators and face shields must be worn with a mask) . If your mask doesn’t fit the bill, you all be given a mask that does. It is best to arrive two hours before your departure time, when traveling out of a large airport. If your airport is small, you might be able to shorten that time. If you have to check bags, and have already checked in on the app (You did, right?), then all you have to do is go to the bag check line. Some airlines, this line is self-serve, others you have to speak to a customer service representative. Once your bags are checked, head to the security line.
You will need to remove electronics from your bag and your one quart bag with liquids, however, most food is permitted. See tsa.gov/travel/security-screening for specific information and exemptions for medications and infants and children.
Here are some do’s and don’t’s from the TSA website regarding what to wear in security.
https://www.tsa.gov/travel/travel-tips/fashion-dos-and-donts-while-going-through-checkpoint
Photo Credit: Rackafracka
5. Whew! You made it. Now, go get that coffee or margarita and have a seat (most airports allow alcohol to be removed from the restaurant in a to-go container, just don’t bring it on the plane. That’s a big no-no!). Are you a fearful flyer? Don’t worry, many are, but now is not the time to think about it. Having one more round, does not help flight anxiety. Alcohol usually exacerbates the problem and can cause a person to over react to adverse conditions (weather, mechanical delays or loud children) which are common when traveling. Talk to you doctor before you leave for tips and possible medication to ease flying anxiety. Self medicating (whether that with alcohol or over the counter remedies) don’t always work. Talk to a professional for the best options.
6. Depending on the size of the airplane you’re flying on, boarding starts 25-50 minutes prior to departure, and ends 10-20 minutes before the departure time. So if your plane leaves at noon, don’t decide to go get that coffee at 11:30. Every airline boards a different way, so listen, pay attention and follow instructions. This nice customer service representative is just doing their job, and it makes it much easier for them if they flying public listens and complies. Once on the aircraft, find your seat, stow your bags and relax. You’re on you way! While waiting for the main cabin door to close, make sure you have the airline app downloaded (um, not sure why t isn’t?!?) because you can’t watch free TV shows and movies on your personal device if you don’t have the app.
7. Sit back, relax, leave your mask on, and enjoy the flight!!!!
8. After the airplane has come to a full and complete stop, and that seatbelt sign is no longer illuminated, it’s time to set off on your vacation. But, WAIT!!! Sorry, don’t rush off too fast. Check the area around where you were seated. Got your phone, iPad, e-reader, headphones, wallet, etc? So many people leave items behind, dropped on the floor, left in seat back pockets. It’s best to take a few minutes and make sure you have everything, as well as everyone, before exiting the airplane.
9. Head to baggage claim if you checked luggage. That airline app lists your baggage carousel number, so no worries. Since you pre-ribboned your bag, it will be easy to see as it travels round and round the carousel. Grab your bag, and only your bag and go have fun!!!!
Please reach out to Kelli, an agent with Marvelous Mouse Travels to plan your next vacation or you may contact Marvelous Mouse Travels.
