It's Just Life

  • Home
  • About
  • Comments for a Cause
  • Tea and Teapots
  • Books
  • Travel
  • Writing
  • Recipes
  • Products
May 20, 2016

Air Travel Just Got Easier

30 Comments/ 3996/ 2

As a frequent airplane traveler I have become pretty accustomed to airports, TSA security check points, parking and getting from point A to point B in airports and beyond. I have written a few posts on helpful travel tips and today I have an updated list that will hopefully help make your airline travel a bit smoother during the coming vacation months

*Transportation to and from the airport can be stressful. If you plan to park your car for an extended time remember it will most likely be a bit costly.  There are usually Park and Fly lots available at a lower cost per day so search your local area for those.  Many airports also have real time parking apps that help you find out if the parking lots are filled up. Trust me it helps to know before you go if you are not going to be able to park on site.  The one I used at Minneapolis is located here and was always very helpful in seeing availability and calculating rates, etc.  There are also phone numbers you can call to find out how much parking is available.

*Other options for getting to and from the airport that may or may not be available in your area are Uber and Lyft.  Both are downloadable apps for your phone that allow you to arrange a ride from your location immediately.  There is no need to pre-schedule and while I have not used Lyft I have had great success with Uber in both NYC and Las Vegas.  It is much cheaper than conventional cab rides and is a fun way to get from  home to airports to other locations.

*Know the rules of your particular airline.  A little preparation ahead of time by simply going to their website can save a great deal of time and disappointments upon arrival.   Know what the rules are on luggage sizes, cost for luggage and how to transport pets.

*Live and breath the 3-1-1 rule.  It applies to EVERYONE flying in the US.  No liquid more than 3 ounces each in a 1 quart bag with 1 allowed per traveler. I am the queen of stuffing a 1 quart bag full of stuff.  Another tip–have it already bagged BEFORE you got through security to save time and frustration.  Sometimes there are bags available at check points but don’t count on it

*TSA Pre Check is a great perk if you have it.  It can now be purchased for $85 for a 5 year period but you must apply for it ahead of time.  Click here to find out how to get approved for TSA Pre Check.

*Once in the security line please make sure you are ready.  Be a Scout –prepared to take off your shoes, coat, belt and that lovely accent scarf that you have donned to complete your airport attire.  Have your liquid bag out, your laptop and anything else that needs to be scanned.  If you are ready you can move quite quickly through the line.

*If you know what you are doing you will be best served to avoid lines with families and frail o people or people in wheelchairs.  This is not being mean-spirited but is just a fact that if you get in a line with strollers and walkers and wheelchairs it is going to take longer.

*Once you are in the boarding area PAY ATTENTION. The time on your ticket  that says “Board Time” is not an absolute but you need to be there by that time to ensure that you hear all of the instructions for boarding.  The flight attendants and gate staff can be very helpful but only if you ask.  Gates do change and being there early ensures that you are able to hear gate changes as they are made and adjust.

*Board when it is your zone.  Most airlines board by designated zone with a few exceptions.  Pat attention and don’t board if they have not called your zone.  Do not block the boarding area so that people have to walk around you.  Common courtesy will get you a long way.

*I usually fly Delta and have their app on my phone.  It allows me to download my mobile ticket (no need to print one off), check my flight status, track my luggage (you can see when it is placed on the plane and taken off), view gates and see other information about the flight that is needed.  It is very helpful when making connections because I can see what gate I am going out on the next leg when I land if it has not been available prior to boarding.  It helps to know before I deplane if I am going to have to make a mad dash across the airport to catch the next flight.

*Most airlines have their own magazines in the seat pockets. These can also be a great source of information including maps of most major airports as well as listing any food, beverage and entertainment options available on the flight.

*Finally, BE NICE. Everyone gets stressed out, flights don’t always take off on time and weather happens.  Polite conversation and treating people like they matter makes a huge difference in both their treatment of you the traveler and the person who is working to make your trip successful.

Hopefully your travels will be smooth and carefree and with a little preparation ahead of time you will fly with a smile on your face.  Tell me in the comments where your next trip is —each comment supports our May Comments for a Cause –SAFE.

For successful travel this summer it is very simple—Know Before You Go.stencil.blog-post-image-4

 

Share:
Tags:
airline travel Delta do's and don'ts for airline travel helpful travel hints list of airline travel ideas Lyft travel Uber
← Previous Teary Eyes, Full Heart, Can’t Lose
Next → Honeysuckle Tea House – Tranquil Escape in Chapel Hill

Related Articles

  • Fall at Biltmore – Part Three

  • Fall at Biltmore – Part Two

  • How to Have a Safe Beach Getaway During a Pandemic

  • When Nature and Art Go Hand in Hand

  • Apple Season in North Carolina – Sky Top Orchard in Flat Rock

30 Comments

Leave a comment
  1. lclalor
    May 20, 2016 at 06:44 am

    Good tips, Beth Ann. I’d add check-in and print your boarding pass at home to save time at the airport. If you can’t print your boarding pass at home, use the check-in kiosk at the airport. If you travel with only a carry-on, you don’t even have to spend time in line to check your bags.

    Reply
    1. Beth Ann Chiles
      May 20, 2016 at 06:47 am

      Oh great addition! I usually use my mobile pass on my phone which makes it even easier –no worries about trying to print a pass. I forgot that one. Thanks, Laura!

      Reply
      1. Kim P
        May 24, 2016 at 11:58 am

        I would recommend still printing the boarding pass, even if you have the mobile app. One time I was at the airport, in the security line, with my ticket on my phone and it just shut down. It wasn’t dead or anything, just shut down for no reason. Luckily it turned back on by the time I actually needed it, but I had quite a moment of panic!

        Reply
        1. Beth Ann Chiles
          May 24, 2016 at 12:01 pm

          Oh yes! I try to have a back up paper pass as well ! Great advice!

          Reply
  2. Dawn
    May 20, 2016 at 08:21 am

    I like your cause this month but wonder why the post pictures of the safe house? Doesn’t that make it less safe?

    Reply
    1. Beth Ann Chiles
      May 20, 2016 at 01:29 pm

      They keep the address a secret but I am sure someone could track it down. I was a bit surprised she gave me photos as well.

      Reply
  3. Dianna
    May 20, 2016 at 09:05 am

    Great advice (some of it, just basic common sense, I think!). Thankfully, I don’t have to travel by air often. It isn’t my favorite thing to do! I subscribe to the theory: “Flying is the second greatest thrill known to man: landing is the first”!

    Reply
    1. Beth Ann Chiles
      May 20, 2016 at 01:33 pm

      It is common sense but some people lack that when it comes time to travel. {:-)

      Reply
  4. Sonia
    May 20, 2016 at 09:11 am

    Loved this! For only having 3 airplane trips in my life, in one year, I’m pretty good at this! Hoping for more of course! Thanks for the tips 🙂

    Reply
    1. Beth Ann Chiles
      May 20, 2016 at 01:25 pm

      You do great at flying. I would love to be your seat mate! 🙂

      Reply
  5. Ann
    May 20, 2016 at 10:34 am

    Taking notes!

    Reply
    1. Beth Ann Chiles
      May 20, 2016 at 01:28 pm

      You guys will be just fine!

      Reply
  6. Linda Gebelein
    May 20, 2016 at 11:42 am

    My husband and I are going to apply for TSA Pre-Check this year. When we traveled internationally we got Pre-Check status at random and it was pretty darned nice. It’s worth $85 for five years to have that status. It saves a lot of time and aggravation.

    Reply
    1. Beth Ann Chiles
      May 20, 2016 at 01:25 pm

      It really is a good deal and helps destress the situation a lot. I have it because of my airline status with Delta but if I don’t fly with them I probably won’t. It’s nice that there is the option now to get it.

      Reply
  7. Darlene
    May 20, 2016 at 12:44 pm

    Great tips! We are getting quite good at international travel but still it can get nerve racking.

    Reply
    1. Beth Ann Chiles
      May 20, 2016 at 01:21 pm

      I know you are getting really good at it with all your jet setting around. IT always helps to be prepared.

      Reply
  8. Priscilla King
    May 20, 2016 at 01:08 pm

    I’m not paying to travel with anybody who tries to tell me what to carry!

    Reply
    1. Beth Ann Chiles
      May 20, 2016 at 01:20 pm

      Haha. Well they do it for safety reasons if you are talking about the 3-1-1 and I don’t mind it too much.

      Reply
  9. Katy F.
    May 20, 2016 at 02:49 pm

    I don’t fly often, but these are still fantastic for when I do fly! Thanks so much!!

    Reply
    1. Beth Ann Chiles
      May 20, 2016 at 03:40 pm

      You are so welcome!

      Reply
  10. poemsandponderings
    May 20, 2016 at 10:12 pm

    I haven’t been on a plane since 1972, but if I ever do again, I’ll try to remember these helpful hints.. lol

    Reply
  11. Jenni @ Sincerely iowa
    May 21, 2016 at 08:38 am

    No flying for me this summer, as I am planning on sight-seeing right here in Iowa. 🙂 But these are great tips to keep in mind! Great post!

    Reply
  12. Jackie Cangro
    May 21, 2016 at 10:08 am

    A little planning and patience go a long way in making air travel a better experience for everyone. I’ve used Uber on occasion with great success. There have been some recent debates about tipping the driver, (is it included in the fare or isn’t it?) and I hear Uber is changing their policy.

    Thanks for the reminder about the 3-1-1 rule.

    Reply
  13. Carl D'Agostino
    May 23, 2016 at 08:32 am

    Am flying Delta Greensboro/Atlanta/Miami June 7-14. Have not been on plane or at airport 30 years. I am frightened what TSA will be like boarding from Ft Lauderdale for return trip. My ticket printout says wheelchair ramps service for my father, 92, but I will need chair immediately from taxi to airport entrance and he will need chair while waiting in TSA lines and getting to gates. I have a 3 hour lay over in Atlanta.

    Reply
    1. Beth Ann Chiles
      May 23, 2016 at 10:45 am

      Delta has usually been pretty good for me and if you take the time to check ahead of time with them I am hopeful that your trip will be less stressful . It is always challenging traveling with folks that need assistance but hopefully they will rise to the occasion and be able to get you from the taxi to the airport entrance –there should be skycaps to help with that. Good luck!

      Reply
  14. josh
    May 23, 2016 at 12:28 pm

    Lots of good advice! We are also frequent flyers and 1 piece of advice I would add is pack extra toiletries to go. Always leave them in your travel pack and you rarely need to mess with packing your liquids quart bag… It’s already packed. 🙂

    Reply
  15. Rorybore
    May 24, 2016 at 07:38 pm

    Oh my, I haven’t traveled by air in so long… I think this almost sounds like too much work! But I get it’s the safety factor too. I suppose one gets used to what is now required, but I will definitely have to do some research if we are ever lucky enough to actually go somewhere.

    Reply
    1. Beth Ann Chiles
      May 24, 2016 at 07:42 pm

      Well I think it might be different for Canadians—maybe? I don’t really know. Mr.Diamond is going to Toronto next month so I will have to quiz him about it. 🙂

      Reply
  16. Amy Griffith
    August 23, 2016 at 07:02 pm

    I’ll be flying soon to Florida!!! I’m confused about the 3-1-1 rule – Help!! It says a quart size bag…do they even make those? I just have gallon size Ziplocs! Does that work? Can I let it slip by? HAHA!!

    Reply
    1. Beth Ann Chiles
      August 23, 2016 at 07:04 pm

      Yes they make quart size ziplock bags. 😊. Sometimes airports have them available but don’t count on it. They usually hold you to it…

      Reply

Leave a Reply Cancel reply

  • Subscribe To Rss Feed
  • 2,256 Followers
  • 2,272 Fans
  • Followers
  • 1 Followers
  • Subscribers
  • Subscribers
  • Follow It's Just Life

Comments For A Cause

  • Comments for a Cause for the New Year

  • Comments for A Cause – Sharing Where Needs are Great

  • Comments for a Cause – Supporting First Responders

  • Comments for a Cause Goes Pink

  • Comments for a Cause: #IowaStrong

  • Comments for a Cause – Sharing With the Community

  • Comments for a Cause – Fill the Bus

  • Taking Care of Yourself and Others- Comments for a Cause

  • Comments for a Cause – Transylvania Tomorrow

  • Comments for a Cause – COVID – 19 Solidarity Response

  • Comments for a Cause – Helping North Carolina Babies

  • Comments for a Cause Goes International

  • 2020 Brings a New Cause – Project: Music Heals Us

  • Comments for a Cause – Providing a Haven for the Homeless

  • Comments for a Cause – Shadowbrook Farm

Check Out My Past Posts

January 2021
S M T W T F S
 12
3456789
10111213141516
17181920212223
24252627282930
31  
« Dec    

Text

Follow

Pinterest

Visit Beth Ann's profile on Pinterest.

Beth's bookshelf: read

The Art of Social Media: Power Tips for Power Users
5 of 5 stars
The Art of Social Media: Power Tips for Power Users
by Guy Kawasaki
As always Guy Kawasaki has a great book with great information about all things social media. I highlighted tons of places in this book and it is definitely one that I will come back to time and time again to help me in all of the socia...
Old Girls in Low Cotton
3 of 5 stars
Old Girls in Low Cotton
by Helen Childress
This short book was one that looked like it would be a fun read. I honestly did not enjoy it all that much---it was a lot of characters bickering and while some of the writing was witty and funny it was not that kind of book that made m...
The Good Girl
5 of 5 stars
The Good Girl
by Mary Kubica
I loved this book! It had my interest from the very first page and was my "airplane" book on a recent trip. Author Mary Kubica created believable and interesting characters that the reader learned to identify with and care about. Mi...
All the Light We Cannot See
4 of 5 stars
All the Light We Cannot See
by Anthony Doerr
This is quite a book! I had it recommended to me by several people and while I thought it might be a little dark and depressing it made me have a better understanding of what life in this time period was like. The strength of the huma...
An Abundance of Katherines
5 of 5 stars
An Abundance of Katherines
by John Green
Another great book by John Green. I have become a huge fan of John Green since my reading of A Fault in our Stars and this book was another that did not disappoint me at all. It was a story of a child prodigy, a lot of anagrams, and a b...

goodreads.com

Professional Reader
Subscribe to Blog via Email

Enter your email address to subscribe to this blog and receive notifications of new posts by email.

Copyright © 2015 It's Just Life, All Rights Reserved.

  • Media Kit, Advertising and Disclosure