Planning is critical when it comes to air travel, and with the proper air travel tips, your safe can be fun, safe, and problem free. From what to pack to navigating domestically and internationally airports, these travel tips can make your journey effortless. Navigating an airport can be problematic and exhilarating, whether flying solo or with your family or friends. The most crucial thing to remember is that we’ve all experienced our first flight and travel nightmare, but it will be okay! You WILL reach your destination and begin your vacation.
Whether you’re taking your first flight or are an ‘expert of the air,’ Trade Show Travel Co. has the knowledge to help you plan a getaway, sure to make lasting memories. Connect with us online, and let us help you plan your relaxing vacation, destination wedding, or visit family internationally or across the country.
Vacation has Never Been Easier With These Air Travel Tips.
First and foremost, it is essential to be prepared for any situation when traveling by air. Consider the climate of your new destination, language barriers, and travel restrictions and laws. Keeping current on your final destination’s up-to-date information is vital, as is keeping a copy of your passport on you at all times. Here are other air travel tips to keep your flying footloose and fancy-free!
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Check Airline Luggage Restrictions
Be sure to check the airline’s policies on luggage size and weight, as different carriers can have very different rules. Save yourself time and stress by knowing any restrictions before you hit the airport.
We all think purchasing the cheapest flight is the best answer, but luggage charges can make “your bargain” expensive. Be aware of the restrictions and keep your luggage compliant with size dimensions and weight limitations restrictions. This small act will aid in avoiding unwanted fees or the need to unpack or rearrange your luggage on the airport floor.
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Make Your Luggage Easily Identifiable on the Luggage Carousel
Make your luggage easily identifiable on the carousel, as you never know who may be picking up your suitcase. Place a bright piece of ribbon or tie a bow around the handle to make it stand out from all the others that look exactly like yours! Also, consider putting a small business card in your bag with your name and contact information in case it gets lost or misplaced.
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Be Organized
Before you leave your home, ensure you have all necessary documentation: passport, identification card, airline tickets, and transportation information for when you reach your destination. Leave some copies of these documents with someone back at home in case they get lost during the trip.
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Pack Light and Smart
Before packing for your trip, check the weather and climate of your destination. Packing light will make navigating airports easier, make you more mobile, and save money on baggage fees. When it comes to toiletries, buy travel-sized products that can fit in a quart-sized bag. You can use this bag as a carry-on and save yourself the hassle of waiting for your checked bags to arrive.
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Stay Hydrated
Staying hydrated is key when flying, especially on long flights. Airlines pressurize an airplane’s cabins, making you feel dehydrated during your flight. Be sure to bring water with you on the plane. You should purchase this water near the gate since you can’t bring liquids over 3 ounces through TSA security.
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Navigating Airports Domestically and Internationally
Knowing what terminal or gate your flight departs from and check-in times for international flights is one of our most crucial air travel tips. For domestic flights, arrive at least two hours before the scheduled departure time and at least three hours prior to an international flight. Use the airport’s digital or printed board for up-to-date flight information, as well as follow your airline on social media for any changes in schedule and boarding gate.
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Exchange Currency in Advance
When traveling abroad, exchanging currency at least three weeks before your trip is strongly recommended. This air travel tip suggestion is due to the fees associated with exchange rates at airports and abroad.
Even in the age of credit cards or Apple Pay, carrying cash on you for emergencies is always a good idea. Plus, they will probably only accept cash if you want to shop in a market or take a taxi. Exchanging $100 USD worth of foreign currency for each week of travel is an appropriate guideline. If you are completing a request for a different currency from your bank, it can take anywhere from 3 days to 2 weeks to arrive via mail. Make sure you give yourself ample time for your money to arrive!
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Pack a Portable Battery
One of the most important air travel tips is to bring a spare battery or charger. When your cell phone or tablet may die, having an extra charger will ensure you get all your flight notifications while waiting for your connection.
You may also arrive at the airport, discover your flight is delayed, and the power outlets don’t work. You don’t want to spend your time in the airport trying your best to save the phone’s battery. Plus, if you are flying with small children, your device may be the only entertainment available to pass the hours of your delay.
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Bring Headphones and Music or a (or a few) Movies
If your flight is longer, it’s wise to bring a pair of headphones. This air travel tip will give you privacy if you want to listen to music or watch a downloaded movie without disturbing other passengers during the flight.
There is inevitably always at least one screaming child (maybe even your family member) who makes sleeping a struggle. Even if you’re not trying to sleep, headphones block external noise from the airplane itself, making the flight experience more enjoyable.
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Check-in Online in Advance
We recommend setting the alarm on your phone to go off exactly 24 hours before your flight departs. This is the exact moment some airlines allow you to check in, which could mean the difference between an aisle seat or the middle. It also helps you access your seat easier. You can settle into your seat and find space in the overhead bins for your carry-on bags.
If you’re unlucky enough to be part of the last boarding groups, overhead bin space becomes limited. Your carry-on bag may be placed somewhere far from your seat, which makes retrieving your bag a massive inconvenience at the end of a long flight.
Bonus Tip: If you check in at that 24-hour mark, some airlines let passengers without seat preferences pick their desired seat. Knowing your seat location can help reduce stress and anxiety, especially if you’re someone who knows they want an aisle or window seat.
Travel Troubles No More
With these air travel trips for a stress-free vacation and the assistance of skilled travel agents at Trade Show Travel Co., you can book your dream trip now! Let Trade Show Travel Co. plan the perfect adventure to make memories that last a lifetime without worry or hassle.