It is finally time for that trip that you have been planning
for a while now. You have arrived at the airport and you are so extremely giddy
with excitement for what awaits at your destination. Whether it is the beach,
mountains, city, small town, or backpacking; nothing is going to damper the
happiness you have right now. You have checked in your bags and you head toward the
dreaded Security Check point. That big smile you have on your face, turns
upside down. The long lines and time spent waiting for people who didn’t plan
for the Security Check Point could quickly be such a buzz kill.
I know that I personally hate the security check points at
airports, but they are just a part of flying that you have to deal with. You
can’t get past it, so why don’t make your life easier with some simple tips
that I have learned over the years and many airports I have travelled through.
PLAN YOUR TIME
Now is not the time to be running behind. Now is the time to
take be smart and plan out your time appropriate. Also, when having connecting
flights, make sure to give yourself enough time in-between each flight for any
delays. When you are returning back into the country, make sure that you plan
for customs, because they take some time to go through.
CHECK-IN & CHOOSING YOUR SEAT
If you are only flying with a carry-on bag, do yourself a
favor and check in prior to arriving at the airport and print your boarding
pass or have it ready on your phone. If you have to check you luggage, make
sure to know what the weight limits are for your airline. A majority of
airlines allow 50lbs and will charge you for any overage. Also, when purchasing
your ticket, choose your seat then. It is so much harder to try and switch
seats or have an airline employee move people around to please you.
ID/PASSPORT & BOARDING PASS IN HAND
Once you are checked in, don’t even think about putting that
ID and/or Passport away and make sure to keep your boarding pass in hand. Here
is even a better tip: Download your airlines app and use that! A huge majority
of airlines now make your boarding pass accessible through your smart phone.
That makes one less thing to worry about keeping track of.
DRESS CORRECTLY
Being comfortable is a huge key part in why you pick the
outfit you did, but make sure that your outfit is Airport Functional. Keep in
mind when you are choosing your outfit that you have to remove the following
items when at the Security Check Point; Shoes, Belt(s), Sweater/Jacket, Heavy
Jewelry, and Hats. Do your self a favor and wear 1) slip on shoes 2) simple
belt, if you need one 3) sweater/jacket that is easily removable and 4) skip
the bling and accessories today. I promise you will thank me when you walk
through security easily. Last week, I shared some outfits with you that are
perfect for the airport.
ORGANIZE CARRY-ON LUGGAGE
Having your carry-on luggage organized will make your life
and TSA’s life so much more simple in the end. The biggest tip I can give to
you: Make sure to place your 3oz liquids in a plastic bag. Remember that all of
your liquids in your carry-on have to be able to fit into one quart
sized zip-lock bag. You have to remove them and place them in a separate
container when they go through the scanner. So, I always place mine on top or
in a zippered pouch till I have made my way through security. Biggest tip: Don’t
over pack your carry-on!
ELECTRONICS EASILY ACCESSIBLE
Making your laptop, iPad/iPod, Kindle/Book Reader, and
whatever other electronics you may travel with easily accessible will have you
huge amounts of time in the Security Check point. Your electronics, just like
your liquids, have to be ran through the scanner separately. So, make them easy
to remove from your personal bag. Another tip: I place all of my electronic
charging cords in a make-up style zip bag. Keeps me from roaming freely in your
personal bag. Also, you will have a lesser chance of one of your cords
breaking.
KNOW YOUR SNACKS
If you know exactly what kind of snacks you have brought
with you, it will help you and TSA. If you are one of the lucky ones who has
their bags checked, you can easily list off the items you have in your bag.
Again, I place all of my snack in a zip-lock bag. That way they stay together
in my bag and you don’t have some random snack break open in the bottom of your
bag.
BRING A WATER BOTTLE
Of course, it has to be empty. But, this tip will save you
so much money when you are in the airport. You will pay over and above what you
expect to pay for a bottle of water in the airport. So, throw in your favorite
water bottle and fill it up at the water fountain for nothing.
BE PREPARED, PATIENT, AND POLITE
This is something I read once upon a time. But, in all
honesty, it will get you so much further when you are travelling. Being
prepared with all your necessities will make you less stressed. Being impatient
will only cause you to get frustrated and it wont make the process go by any
faster. If you are polite to the security officer, airport staff, and/or
stewardess; it will only get you further when you need something. Having a
great attitude is not only good for you, but for those whom surround you.
MOST IMPORTANT: BE RESPONSIBLE FOR YOUR BELONGINGS
You never want to be responsible for a stranger’s belongings
that “accidently” left their boarding pass somewhere or lost something. You
don’t need to take the risk, just politely decline. Your luggage is always your
responsibility when you are traveling. If you can’t handle it all at home,
re-think your packing process or check another bag.
I hope that these tips will help you with your future
travelling plans!
