Traveling has become easier than ever before. People own personal vehicles that can transport them hundreds of miles at a time. We have buses, trains and subways that allow for long distance travel at reasonable prices. However, the ultimate machine used for travel in modern society is the airplane. Flying is the fastest means of transportation known to human civilization.
Boeing
estimates more than 4 million passengers fly on commercial airline jets
every day across the world. Flying is a very safe form of
transportation and it is more likely to die in a car accident than from
flight. That being said, first time flyers need not worry because they
are in safe hands.
Keeping this in mind, we are ready to plan out our trip to the airport. There are 5 tips that are important to put into consideration when planning a flight. It will make the trip much more enjoyable as well as keep you safe.
Tip # 1: Plan ahead
People reading this article have already started the first step in planning that trip. USA Today[5846] recommends booking flight tickets 3 weeks in advanced depending on the destination. Buying tickets early is usually the best option as many travel agencies will reimburse money if the flight becomes cheaper at a later date. Always arrive at the airport at least an hour early because there are many variables that can cause people to miss their flights such as traffic, accidents, unexpected hold ups in security, problems with ticket processing and things along that nature.
Tip # 2: Know what items are prohibited
Airports have become stricter than ever mainly due to the breach in security during 9/11. Try not to be rude or hate the airport security officers because their job is only to keep people safe. Understand that they have a difficult job, especially when people treat them so poorly ever day. Being kind can also speed up the process through the security gates. Understand that some products are not allowed past these checkpoints because they can be disguised as harmful products or lethal weapons. It can be surprising what can’t be taken through because they can be things like drinks larger than 3 ounces, bottles of shampoo or even tubes of toothpaste. A detailed list of prohibited items can be found at the TSA (Transportation Security Administration) website[5847].
Tip # 3: Packing luggage
Heavy luggage can be cumbersome and hard to carry at airports. It also costs more money to check luggage into the plane. This is why it is best to only bring the things that are necessary for the trip and pack as light as possible. People are normally allowed 2 carry on items on the plane. One suitcase or bag will go in the storage units above the seats. The other can remain with you on the floor under the seats. Any additional luggage will have to be paid for and checked in. Something that can save bag space is rolling clothes up tightly instead of folding them. More items will be able to fit this way.
Tip # 4: Buying things at the airport.
Try not to do it. The stores in airports price items at a much higher cost than they would normally go for. This is not entirely their fault because the operating costs of these shops are simply much higher because of the location. The store owners also keep in mind that they are the only choice consumers have when at the airport. Something else to keep in mind is the cost of parking. Always try to get a ride to the airport instead of driving there yourself because parking fees are tremendous.
Tip # 5: Carry extra cash for emergencies
There can always be surprises waiting at the airport. When a card suddenly stops working, having extra cash on hand can help greatly. There is high traffic and security at airports so it is unlikely for people to get robbed. However, this can be a disadvantage for people who do not keep an eye on their belongings and purse or wallet, but awareness of one’s surrounding can protect against this. Another thing to keep in mind is that flights are often cancelled due to safety reasons or backed up flights. People who do not have extra money on hand or a credit/debit card to rent a hotel room can be stranded at the airport for days.
Anyone following these simple tips should have a great experience as a first time flyer. Keep these things in mind and be aware of changing flight schedules as well as different time zone changes. The airport always operates at the current local time. Normally the flight attendant will announce the local time upon landing. Above all, enjoy your journey and be safe.
Keeping this in mind, we are ready to plan out our trip to the airport. There are 5 tips that are important to put into consideration when planning a flight. It will make the trip much more enjoyable as well as keep you safe.
Tip # 1: Plan ahead
People reading this article have already started the first step in planning that trip. USA Today[5846] recommends booking flight tickets 3 weeks in advanced depending on the destination. Buying tickets early is usually the best option as many travel agencies will reimburse money if the flight becomes cheaper at a later date. Always arrive at the airport at least an hour early because there are many variables that can cause people to miss their flights such as traffic, accidents, unexpected hold ups in security, problems with ticket processing and things along that nature.
Tip # 2: Know what items are prohibited
Airports have become stricter than ever mainly due to the breach in security during 9/11. Try not to be rude or hate the airport security officers because their job is only to keep people safe. Understand that they have a difficult job, especially when people treat them so poorly ever day. Being kind can also speed up the process through the security gates. Understand that some products are not allowed past these checkpoints because they can be disguised as harmful products or lethal weapons. It can be surprising what can’t be taken through because they can be things like drinks larger than 3 ounces, bottles of shampoo or even tubes of toothpaste. A detailed list of prohibited items can be found at the TSA (Transportation Security Administration) website[5847].
Tip # 3: Packing luggage
Heavy luggage can be cumbersome and hard to carry at airports. It also costs more money to check luggage into the plane. This is why it is best to only bring the things that are necessary for the trip and pack as light as possible. People are normally allowed 2 carry on items on the plane. One suitcase or bag will go in the storage units above the seats. The other can remain with you on the floor under the seats. Any additional luggage will have to be paid for and checked in. Something that can save bag space is rolling clothes up tightly instead of folding them. More items will be able to fit this way.
Tip # 4: Buying things at the airport.
Try not to do it. The stores in airports price items at a much higher cost than they would normally go for. This is not entirely their fault because the operating costs of these shops are simply much higher because of the location. The store owners also keep in mind that they are the only choice consumers have when at the airport. Something else to keep in mind is the cost of parking. Always try to get a ride to the airport instead of driving there yourself because parking fees are tremendous.
Tip # 5: Carry extra cash for emergencies
There can always be surprises waiting at the airport. When a card suddenly stops working, having extra cash on hand can help greatly. There is high traffic and security at airports so it is unlikely for people to get robbed. However, this can be a disadvantage for people who do not keep an eye on their belongings and purse or wallet, but awareness of one’s surrounding can protect against this. Another thing to keep in mind is that flights are often cancelled due to safety reasons or backed up flights. People who do not have extra money on hand or a credit/debit card to rent a hotel room can be stranded at the airport for days.
Anyone following these simple tips should have a great experience as a first time flyer. Keep these things in mind and be aware of changing flight schedules as well as different time zone changes. The airport always operates at the current local time. Normally the flight attendant will announce the local time upon landing. Above all, enjoy your journey and be safe.
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