Since even as an experienced traveler it's easy to get overwhelmed by airline travel requirements, I can imagine how intimated first-time fliers might feel. To help, I've created this summary of what to expect along with some tips:
Home PreparationsPreparing for airplane travel begins at home when packing.
First gather what you’ll need for the trip, including:
· clothing and underwear
· sporting gear to suit your itinerary
· shoes
· camera, memory cards and charger
· cell phone and charger
· laptop computer and accessories
· toothbrush, floss
· sunglasses
· comb, hairbrush and hair accessories
· hat
· jewelry and accessories
· any medications
· reading material
· toiletries
** Packing these items requires special consideration, detailed below· money
· photo ID—absolutely essential, don’t leave home without it
Once you’ve collected all the items you’d like to bring, assess your luggage requirements.
To Check or Not To CheckWill you check a suitcase or carry-on all of your baggage?
In general, checked suitcases must weigh 50 pounds or less (specific requirements vary by airline and destination country so verify details with your carrier). Checked baggage fees average $25 for the first suitcase (though specifics vary so review requirements with your specific airline). Benefits of checking luggage include making it easier to navigate through airport security and being able to pack certain items into checked baggage—such as liquids in large bottles—that you cannot carry onto a plane. There is always some risk that the airline will misplace your luggage, so when packing a suitcase that you plan to check don’t put anything into it that you absolutely need or don’t want to risk losing. Always carry-on medication, medical equipment, electronics, jewelry, cash and other valuables.
If you carry-on all of your baggage, you will save money, but you must be able to hoist it overhead plus adhere to certain restrictions:
· Most airlines restrict passengers to one carry-on bag and one personal item such as a purse or briefcase. Size and weight limits apply, so check with your airline. (In general, the carry-on bag should easily fit into the overhead bin and the personal item should fit under the seat in front of you.)
· Knives or sharp objects are never allowed in carry-on baggage or past the security checkpoint.
· ** All carry-on liquid, gel and aerosol containers must not exceed 3-ounces each and all these items must fit into 1 quart-size ziplock bag per person.
Whether you plan to carry-on or check your baggage, do not lock it. All baggage is screened by the Transportation Security Administration (TSA) and these Federal Security Screeners may have to open and physically search a bag during the screening process.
Day of DepartureCompleting a few things ahead of time can make it easier to get through security:
· Wear shoes that easily slip on and off.
· Be sure that your liquid, gel and aerosol containers do not exceed 3-ounces apiece and that all these items are placed into one quart-size ziplock bag. Keep this bag easily accessible.
· Don’t wear metal jewelry or carry a bunch of loose change in your pockets.
· If you’re bringing a water bottle, be sure it’s empty (you can fill it at a water fountain after you’ve passed through security).
· Arrive at the airport at least 90 minutes prior to your scheduled departure.
TicketingFor domestic flights you typically walk up to a kiosk, enter your ID or confirmation number and print a boarding pass. The boarding pass lists your name, flight number, flight times, seat number, concourse and gate details. If you are going to check a suitcase, drop it off with an agent behind the ticket counter after printing your boarding pass. If you aren’t checking any luggage head straight to security. (Some airlines follow this same process for international travel; others require check-in with a ticket agent for international travel.)
SecurityWith a little planning ahead, security is simple. Get in line and have your photo ID and boarding pass in your hands. You’ll need to complete three security screening points:
1. An agent will verify your ID and boarding documents—don’t put them away just yet
2. You’ll need to send your luggage through an X-ray screening—When you reach the X-ray conveyor belt, place your one-quart ziplock bag of liquids, gels and aerosols into one of the available plastic bins along with your cell phone and other pocket items. In another bin place your shoes, jacket (if you’re wearing one) and personal carry-on. If you're carrying a laptop computer it must be placed in a separate bin by itself, outside of the carrying case. If you did not check a suitcase, also put it onto the conveyor belt. (Warning: Even if you packed light this process of separating things into bins to send them through the scanner can make you feel like an over-packer.) As your items pass through the X-ray machine…
3. …You’ll need to walk through a metal detector, bomb sniffer or whatever type of electronic full-body screening process is installed at that particular airport. (NOTE: If you prefer another screening method for medical or personal reasons, you can request one.) Show your photo ID and boarding pass to the TSA agent at the other side of the screening device. Once you and your items have been cleared, grab everything that’s yours, repack the liquids and other items that were pulled out of bags, put away your photo ID, and start looking for the departure gate. Keep your boarding pass handy.
Departure GateGates are typically identified by number and are located in Concourses that are usually identified by letter. So your departure gate may be something like Z99. Follow the signs (which usually hang from the ceiling and are always in English in the United States) to Z and then look for 99.
Arrival GateOnce the plane lands in your destination (whether you’re changing planes for a connection or have reached your final destination), make sure that you have all of your personal belongings before exiting.
Baggage ClaimOnce you've reached your final destination, look for signs that point to “Baggage Claim / Ground Transportation” and follow that direction to find your baggage carousel (if you checked a bag) as well as the airport exit.
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