It's Just Life

  • Home
  • About
  • Comments for a Cause
  • Tea and Teapots
  • Books
  • Travel
  • Writing
  • Recipes
  • Products
October 5, 2013

Travel Do’s and Don’ts

42 Comments/ 3648/ 0

I am a traveling kind of gal. Whether it be by car or airplane–whatever means it takes to get me from Point A to Point B —I usually love the entire experience.  The past couple weeks have included trips to Pennsylvania, Ohio, North Carolina and South Dakota.   Like I  said—I am a traveling kind of gal.

Airports are always a great place to people watch and I prefer arriving early just so I can see what is going on all around me.   Usually my trip to the Minneapolis St. Paul Airport includes a trip to Starbucks where the barristas seem to have difficulty with my name.

path

bett

When I travel with “Mr. Diamond” I am treated to top of the line service.  Easy check in, pretty yellow priority tags on my luggage which ensures it gets handled first,  and always courteous treatment and thanks for being a valued customer.  When I am on my own I have to go through the normal security line, usually travel in steerage (I try to get Economy Comfort or exit row) and don’t get those flashy yellow tags.  Either way I don’t mind.  Yes, the special treatment is a little nicer but as long as I reach my destination I am happy.

My recent travels have made me think about some of the things that happen when traveling. There are some great ways to be able to handle airport and airplane travel a bit easier so here is my quick list off the top of my head without much thinking.

  1. Know the “rules” of your particular airline that you are using.  A little preparation ahead of time by just going to their website can save a lot of time and high blood pressure upon arrival.   Know what their rules are on luggage sizes and how to transport pets!
  2. Live and breathe 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.   You would be amazed at how much you can fit in a 1 quart bag.  Have it already bagged BEFORE you go through security–ready to pop in the bin.
  3. Don’t forgetthat thatlast minute purchase of a liquid might not be the thing you want TSA to pull out of your luggage.  On a trip over Valentine’s Day Chris and I witnessed a thoroughly embarrassedmiddle aged woman try to escape the TSA’s loud announcement that the lovely tube of KY Warming Jelly was larger than the allowed 3 ounces.  Oh the mortification as he pulled it out, held it high and announced to her that if she wanted to go back and put it in her checked luggage she could do so…..
    Image from Amazon.com

    Image from Amazon.com since I don’t have any in my house.  🙂

  4. Once in the security line please make sure that you are ready.   Be a Scout—prepared to take off those shoes, that sweater, and the lovely accent scarf that you have donned to complete your airport attire.  Have your liquid bag, your laptop and anything else that needs scanned out and ready and move, move, move as quickly through the line as possible..
  5. If you know what you are doing avoid lines with families and frail older people or people in wheelchairs.  This is not being mean—-it is just a matter of fact that this is going to lengthen your wait time in security if you get behind strollers laden with Cheerio encrusted toddlers and the occasional pensioner who depends on a wheelchair for transport.
  6. Once you are in the boarding area PAY ATTENTION!   The time on your ticket that says “Board Time” is not absolute but you should be there by that time to ensure that you hear all the instructions for boarding.  The flight attendants and gate staff can be very helpful but only if you ask!
  7. Board when it is your zone.  Most airlines board by designated zone with a few exceptions. Pay attention and don’t board when it is not your zone being called. That just makes people angry.
  8. Finally my basic rule of thumb is simply to BE NICE!!!!!  I find that engaging the TSA folks as well as the airline folks in simple polite conversation makes a world of difference.   Just think how many bozos these people have to deal with on a daily basis.  If I can smile and say “thanks and have a great day” to them maybe it will in turn affect the way they react to the next person in line.

So there you have it—just a quick list of a few helpful tips.  Nothing revolutionary or new but just practical every day tips.   Got any of your own?  Please feel free to share in the comment section.  And don’t forget—Comments this month to to help fund Breast Cancer Research.

43.152457-93.237147
Share:
Tags:
airports hints for easier travel how to navigate in airports KY Jelly Minneapolis St. Paul Airport MSP security lines Starbucks travel travel do's and don'ts TSA
← Previous 70’s Flashback
Next → The Thrill Isn’t Gone—-Life on the Road

Related Articles

  • It’s All Natural – Trains and Biltmore

  • Tis The Season

  • Welcome to Sparkle City

  • Take the Time

  • A Firm Foundation

42 Comments

Leave a comment
  1. Chris Chiles
    October 05, 2013 at 10:25 am

    Mr. Diamond says you are the best companion. I always put the KY in my checked luggage.

    Reply
    1. Beth Ann
      October 05, 2013 at 10:27 am

      Love you, Mr. Diamond. 🙂

      Reply
  2. Jono Cusack
    October 05, 2013 at 10:44 am

    I am always bewildered why everyone rushes to get on the plane at the same time. Everyone has a seat, don’t stress about getting on first 😉

    Reply
    1. Beth Ann
      October 05, 2013 at 10:46 am

      Totally agree! I suspect many worry about not getting their gigantic roll aboard on! Thank you for stopping by!!!

      Reply
  3. bocafrau
    October 05, 2013 at 10:58 am

    Oh, I’m having myself a good laugh right now after reading Mr. Diamond’s comment!!!! 🙂 These are some great and straight-forward tips for making travel easier. I feel the better you are prepared the easier it will be for all involved, especially if you are travelling with children. Going across the Atlantic with a baby and a toddler in two – you learn a few things that’s for sure!!!

    Reply
    1. Beth Ann
      October 05, 2013 at 11:15 am

      Oh yea—-you know of what I speak with the traveling thing! I wondered how many folks would see Mr. Diamond’s comment. 🙂 I was giving him a bad time because he never comments so he got me back. 🙂

      Reply
  4. Minnesota Prairie Roots
    October 05, 2013 at 11:16 am

    Oh, that Mr. Diamond. Laughing up here in Minnesota, too, along your airport route.

    Reply
    1. Beth Ann
      October 05, 2013 at 11:20 am

      🙂 He got me, didn’t he??? Best part of the post was the comment.

      Reply
      1. Minnesota Prairie Roots
        October 05, 2013 at 09:49 pm

        He’s a brilliant one, that Mr. Diamond, kind of like his name.

        Reply
  5. Ann
    October 05, 2013 at 12:46 pm

    NOW you tell me ;-). It was much more pleasant travelling with the experts!

    Reply
    1. Beth Ann
      October 05, 2013 at 01:39 pm

      And we loved having you with us!!!!

      Reply
  6. Helen Brown
    October 05, 2013 at 03:01 pm

    I have not traveled by air for a long time and I hope to stay that way. I am amazed at how well you pack when you travel from one place to another and seem to be ready for any situation.

    Reply
    1. Beth Ann
      October 06, 2013 at 02:17 pm

      My next challenge is packing for 2 weeks in Houston with a weekend to NYC in between where I need to pack very lightly. That one is giving me some pause!

      Reply
  7. benzeknees
    October 05, 2013 at 03:15 pm

    Make sure your nail clippers do not have the attached swing out file in your carry on luggage. Either check the clippers or remove the file before carrying on. I got caught like this once & the TSA agent was nice enough to just remove the file rather than making me go all the way back & re-pack my luggage. I didn’t even remember I had clippers in the bottom of my purse!

    Reply
    1. Beth Ann
      October 06, 2013 at 02:18 pm

      Oh that is a great one! I never even thought about that one at all but what a nice TSA person to help you get through by a simple act of kindness!

      Reply
  8. poemsandponderings
    October 05, 2013 at 03:24 pm

    If only people would put their attitudes in their check-in bags, you’d have at least half the tension at airports..

    Reply
    1. Beth Ann
      October 06, 2013 at 02:18 pm

      I love this, Jake. You are right. So many folks travel with an “entitled” philosophy…

      Reply
      1. poemsandponderings
        October 06, 2013 at 05:15 pm

        And too many are living with the “entitled” philosophy, thanks to the current state of the government.

        Reply
  9. Hilary - Dangled Carat
    October 05, 2013 at 03:51 pm

    I am always amazed at how many people don’t know the rules

    Reply
    1. Beth Ann
      October 06, 2013 at 02:19 pm

      I can understand a few slip ups here or there (goodness knows I have had them!) but some people really don’t do their homework before they travel/fly. It makes it so much more difficult for everyone.

      Reply
  10. Jackie
    October 05, 2013 at 06:33 pm

    Good reminders! Rick and I love to travel but we really don’t fly often, when we do I’m a “nervous nellie”. The folks that check you though can really make you feel like a dummy (1st hand experiance) Last year when we flew to California I didnt take my laptop out of my backpack, you’d think I was the stupidist person in the world. It’s just hard to read all the rules and hurry as your doing it and trying really hard not to screw up. Ugh, not a fan of flying.

    Reply
    1. Beth Ann
      October 06, 2013 at 02:21 pm

      Oh that is not good—-it should not be an experience where you feel belittled. I totally get the fact that sometimes we just forget. I have forgotten to even take out my quart bag of liquids to put in the bin and it was never caught. 🙂 So you see I don’t have it all figured out either. Too bad for that agent that made you feel stupid—-and yes—often it is intimidating to get in and through security . If I were with you I would hope that I would help you not feel like a nervous nellie!!!

      Reply
  11. Rorybore
    October 06, 2013 at 11:26 pm

    It’s been so long since I have flown, I’ll have to keep this in mind if the day should ever come when I get to venture past my own backyard again. (although, I am guessing if we have the KY, we aren’t going anywhere soon! LOL) It’s a good thing I cut my hair because I don’t think 3 oz of shampoo would last me a week somewhere when it was long.

    Reply
    1. Beth Ann
      October 07, 2013 at 08:27 am

      Your KY comment made me giggle. 🙂

      Reply
  12. pamelavmason
    October 07, 2013 at 09:00 am

    Loved the tips! May I offer one more?
    When standing in the *#% body scanner, if you wear jewelry and sunglasses on your head (like me) do yourself and everyone a favor and toss them in the bin too. Every time I stood in it I went off because of a metal bracelet or charm on a pendant – all costume.
    But running at top speed through ATL’s airport and still missing my flight made me realize the value of my time over my costume jewelry!

    Reply
    1. Beth Ann
      October 07, 2013 at 09:09 am

      Pamela, Thanks for stopping by and taking the time to comment and YES!! That is a great tip!!!! I try to remember to put the watch in my purse before I hit the airport and limit my jewelry, too. The things that you can’t predict—–buttons and beading on clothing often gets you a little extra pat down! 🙂 Thanks again!

      Reply
  13. Carol Cassara (@ccassara)
    October 07, 2013 at 04:51 pm

    Apologize if this is a duplicate–am at LAX and the internet is cycling. this is my 2nd try.
    “I am also a veteran traveler & your tips are all right on target!”
    Carol
    http://www.carolcassara.com

    Reply
    1. Beth Ann
      October 07, 2013 at 04:53 pm

      Hey Carol, Thanks so much for taking the time to comment!! Sorry the LAX internet is lax…..hahhahah! No duplicate at all so you hit it just right. Thanks again —glad to hear from a fellow traveler. Hope the skies are smooth and sunny for you today!!!

      Reply
  14. TBM
    October 08, 2013 at 05:31 am

    I broke rule 8 once and had a semi-strip search. So yes, be nice. It’s less embarrassing. And I think I might slip some KY jelly into the better half’s bag next time. Would love to see the look when they announce that! I might pee my pants from laughing.

    Reply
    1. Beth Ann
      October 08, 2013 at 08:45 am

      Oh my goodness you have a mean streak in you, dion”t you ?? It was so hysterical to see that woman in line but I did feel a bit sorry for her. 🙂

      Reply
  15. Gretchen O'Donnell
    October 08, 2013 at 12:42 pm

    I am JUST like you – when I travel with my husband we get priority and yellow tags and all that fun stuff. But alone: nope. More than once I’ve had airline employees say to me, “Oh, you can go into that line over there.” But I say, “No, I can’t. This is my husband’s suitcase.” 🙂 In other words, I may have his diamond luggage tag…but it doesn’t work for me!

    Reply
    1. Beth Ann
      October 08, 2013 at 02:31 pm

      Yep—exactly! However last week at Raleigh when Chris sprinted through the PrePass line and I joined the queue with the rest of the “commoners” I saw a TSA guy tell another woman who was traveling with a Pre Pass dude that she could go through that line and skip the waiting but she did have to go through the normal screening of her carryons, shoes off,etc. Too bad my hubby was long gone when that happened or you bet I would have snagged that guy! 🙂

      Reply
      1. Gretchen O'Donnell
        October 09, 2013 at 07:50 am

        OH, yeah, I go through his fast line – but not the pre-screened line if there’s one available. That I can’t do!

        Reply
        1. Beth Ann
          October 09, 2013 at 07:53 am

          I am supposed to be “gold” this month. We shall see. At least that does a bit more than silver status which I have now. I am greedy, I know. 🙂

          Reply
          1. Gretchen O'Donnell
            October 10, 2013 at 02:09 pm

            My status is non-existent, so you’re definitely looking good from this angle!

          2. Beth Ann
            October 10, 2013 at 03:05 pm

            🙂 You exist to me and you are important! 🙂

          3. Gretchen O'Donnell
            October 14, 2013 at 09:06 am

            LOL! 🙂 Why, thank you!

  16. My Odd Family
    October 08, 2013 at 04:42 pm

    I try to be nice. I really do but I feel so picked on by TSA.I loathe them. It seems no matter what I where it isn’t appropriate and my carry on is always suspicious. These days I check luggage and liquids. The only thing I board with is my lap top, camera and wallet. I don’t travel well but when I reach my destination I’m a gem and take everything in stride. Oddly enough when I have traveled with Rascal TSA is much nicer—I do like your tips tho–especially the be ready part. AND just to prove I am kind of nice I’ve held more than one baby while Moms get ready to go through the line.

    Reply
    1. My Odd Family
      October 08, 2013 at 04:43 pm

      PS the cups are funny—I do love Starbucks humor.

      Reply
  17. pattisj
    October 11, 2013 at 02:44 am

    Mr. Diamond chimed right in on this one! LOL

    Reply
    1. Beth Ann
      October 11, 2013 at 08:10 am

      He never comments but he surprised m on that one. 🙂

      Reply
  18. Traveling? Take These Along! – It's Just Life
    March 10, 2014 at 06:02 am

    […] If you want to read another post about hints for traveling click here to go to my Travel Do’s and Don’ts. […]

    Reply

Leave a Reply Cancel reply

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

Comments For A Cause

  • Comments for a Cause – Weirdo Style

  • Ringing in 2023 with Comments for a Cause

  • Comments for a Cause – Conservation at Work

  • Comments for a Cause – A Hand Up. Not a Hand Out

  • Comments for a Cause- Operation KeepSafe® 

  • Comments for a Cause – September 2022

  • Comments for a Cause – More Literacy, Please!

  • Comments for a Cause – July 2022 Edition

  • Comments for a Cause- Giving to Uvalde

  • It’s May – Time for Comments for a Cause

  • Comments for a Cause – Reece’s Rainbow

  • Comments for a Cause – Help for Ukraine

  • Powering Up with Comments for a Cause

  • Comments for a Cause – Cats, Cats, and More Cats

  • Comments for a Cause – Alzheimer’s Association

Check Out My Past Posts

February 2023
S M T W T F S
 1234
567891011
12131415161718
19202122232425
262728  
« Jan    

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
 

Loading Comments...