10 Flying Tips

You could pack a few 55 lb luggage and try to check them all in 30 minutes before your flight's scheduled departure time, only of course if you are willing to significantly increase your stress levels before you start your vacation. Using airport transportation on a day like this might turn in to a terrible experience for those who are not aware of a few simple rules that one needs to follow before and during departure. Below are the 10 tips I put together based on my experience of flying almost every month for the last 5 years of my life. Hope it helps and have a safe, stressless vacation.

• Try to fit all your stuff in a carry-on baggage. This would avoid the hassle of checking in your bags and the possibility of the baggage getting lost when you get to your destination.
  
• Try to get to the airport 2 hours (for domestic flights) or 3 hours (for international flights) before your scheduled departure time. This will allow you to be very comfortable with unexpected delays (parking, security, etc.)
  
• Do not forget to mention to the airline personnel regarding your seating preference (window, aisle, etc) during your check-in process.
  
• If you are checking in any bags, make sure you contact the airline company and ask them the maximum allowed number and weight of baggage. Many airline companies allow up to 2 baggages and 40-50 lb maximum weight (for coach seats).
  
• If you are checking in any bags, do not forget to tie the name tags provided at the check-in desks to all your items. You may also tie a distinguishable piece of cloth to the checked in bags, to allow easier recognition when you are collecting them at your arrival location.
  
• If you are not checking in any bags, then make sure you put all the liquid and gel items in a clear zip-lock bag while going through the airport security. Make sure that none of the items exceed 3 fl ounces.
  
• Make sure you get in the line for security check, at least 1 hour before your scheduled departure time.
  
• When passing through the security check, take off your shoes, belt, and any other metallic materials you might have in your pockets, and put them in a bin that will be provided by the security personnel.
  
• If you are carrying a laptop (notebook) computer, take it out of its bag and place it inside a separate bin.
  
• Have your boarding ticket and your driver's license ready for the security personnel's review.
  

Enjoy your vacation.