Another year and we are about to start traveling again.
Here are some tips and ideas I thought of before heading to Denver and wanted to share.
This year, make sure your bags are ready to fly!
Familiarize yourself with your airline checked baggage and carry on guidelines, They may have changed from last year!
Check your airline ticket and fare sometimes there are special allowances associated with your fare.
Make sure checked bags meet the weight requirements and carry-on bags are regulation size.
If you plan to travel with a SMART BAG you must remove the lithium battery before checking it or carrying it on board.
It is not the end of the world if they take your luggage at the gate. Pack so you can quickly remove valuables. Medicines, laptop, money; Be prepared to slip these items into your carry on.
Reserve your parking space for parking at the airport - or call family or UBER for a ride (Leave early)
Check-in early online
Holiday travel is a good time to pay for a seat; usually possible at least 24 hours before departure
Get to the airport early - you never know how long the TSA lines will be long
Bring games for the kids to play at the airport
Be sure you have all of your charging cords and go to the airport with them fully charged
Plan to bring food- picnic lunch for the airport- NO liquids You can’t get them through the airport security
Carry an empty water bottle and fill with water once you clear TSA Check
Prepay for use of an airport club visitor passes; perhaps borrow passes from a friend ( most are transferable)
Check the rules for carry on. Condense luggage to fit in one suitcase and still have a smaller carry-on. Check the rules and maximum weights for luggage. Carry Less not more. Everyone will understand if you are not dressed to the nines!
Know your airline connections and times- consider having a list of back up connection flights
Don’t carry a lot of liquids, shampoos and conditioners – get them from the hotel or host or Local CVS on arrival
Wear heavy clothes rather than pack to limit space and reduce weight-Avoid heavy clothes and arrange for drop off and pick up if going to a warm destination.
Leave the gifts home for your host- buy when you get out or take them to dinner, or give a gift card
Have phone numbers for everything: your hotel, your car rental agency, your airline, friends at your destination
Lastly and most importantly, keep your cool and don’t lose your temper.
Make this trip a total adventure. Don’t lose your temper, even if things go wrong. Airline employees have considerable power over your well-being. Unfortunately, some enjoy wielding it against you, and few respond well to anger.