Traveling By Plane
Good Online Searches Before Flying
“how to make flying easier”
“how to prepare for the security check”
“What do I need to fly”
Sometimes you can search the airports you will be either stopping at or flying to/from and see pictures or maps of them. This might be interesting but is not necessary, as the signs in airports are very clear. Of course some airports are easier than others to navigate.
Purchasing tickets:
It’s wise to look at a few airlines before making a purchase. As soon as you have a plan to travel, you should begin looking at ticket prices. Don’t buy them right away though, prices seem to fluctuate rise and fall so it’s worthwhile to check back a few times to watch for what seems to be a low price.
Most airlines have an app you can download. It’s recommended to do so, as this is a method the airline uses to communicate flight updates such as reminders to print tickets, when to “check in online,”, gate changes, and so forth. At times the apps can be frustrating, but I figure the more ways to sign up to receive information from the airline, the better chance of getting all necessary information.
Boarding Passes
Starting 24 hours before your flight time, you can go online, sign in, and print your boarding pass. You will need one for each leg of your flight. You can download them to your phone as well for convenience. Another option is to wait until you get to the airport where they’ll give you one when you check in. There will also be kiosks at the airline desks where you can self check if you are comfortable doing so. With a boarding pass you are able to go through the security checkpoint to enter the terminal. You will also use it to show the attendant who allows you to board the plane. The boarding pass will have your row and seat number.
Arrival at the Airport
If you are driving yourself, signs to the parking will direct you to short term (up to 3 days) or long term lots. You will get on a shuttle that will take you to your terminal. It will make several stops to pick up other travelers and will stop at all the different airline drop off points. If the shuttle driver didn’t ask which one you need, either tell him/her or just watch for that airline and get off as close to it as you can.
If someone is driving you to the airport there are signs when you approach the terminal (where you will board the plane) to say “Arrivals’ or “Departures”. Since you already have your ticket you know which airline to go toward at the departures and you can be dropped off right in front of that airline at the curb.
The people that work outside and load/carry luggage work for the airport. They expect a tip (usually $5-$10 is appropriate for one or two people). You really do not need them to help you. Just make your way to check in at your airline.
Checking In
The people working the desks at each airline check in area are very helpful. Sometimes they sound impatient but don’t let that bother you, it isn’t personal. Despite possible impatience, they are very helpful. They will check in your bags (if you are checking them in). This is where they will give you the boarding passes, or you can use the kiosks. If you are not checking a bag, the kiosk is a great option.
Important: If you are able to keep your things to one bag, small enough to meet the airline guidelines for carry-on, you do not need to check in a bag. You still need to check yourself in though, and get your boarding pass.
Benefits of fitting everything into one bag and carrying it on:
No fee for checking a bag
No risk of luggage being lost or damaged. I personally have peace of mind keeping my stuff with me at all times
You have everything you might need right at your fingertips while you are travelling
No need to wait at baggage claim when you arrive at your destination
Downside of fitting everything into one bag and carrying it on:
You cannot take certain items on an airplane (check security guidelines online)
You’ll have more things to carry through the airport and onto the plane
It might be more difficult to get to critical items easily, including once you are on the plane
*If you decide to check a bag, you can take a smaller bag on the plane as a carry on. If you take small luggage and do not check a bag, I recommend putting a smaller bag inside this small suitcase which you can pull out once you get on the plane and keep it with you at your seat.
Items to take in a carry on
Additional items you might want if you don’t mind a bit more “clutter” in your bag:
Once you have checked in and have your boarding pass in hand, walk toward the terminals. You will go through the security check. Have your identification and boarding pass in your hand.
Safety Screening
You will be required to go through a screening area where you throw out liquids more than 3 ounces, remove all metal from your pockets, cell phones, computers, belts, and shoes. It may be helpful to wear slip on shoes. Backpacks and purses must be scanned as well. Put them in small trays and they will go through an x-ray machine. You may be asked to step forward where a person may pat you to see if you have metal or anything that can be used for a weapon. Although it may be uncomfortable, just take a deep breath and remember it is common practice.
Once through the security check, it’s best to find your gate before going to find food or whatever else you might do to fill the time until your flight. Your boarding pass will tell you what time boarding will begin.
Preparing to Board and Boarding the Plane
Get to the gate designated on your boarding pass you were given at check in. It is wise to either check at the counter when you arrive at your gate (there should be an employee standing there assisting people) or check the screens that tell departure gates. They tend to get changed and you don’t want to wait at the wrong gate. Your boarding pass should have your row and seat number, and some airlines may have a group number. Wait for your group or category to be announced and proceed to the attendant who scans your boarding pass and you are on your way to the plane
On the Plane
Once you find your seat, you can either place your carry-on bag up above in the ‘overhead compartment’ or under the seat in front of you.
Look through the items in the pocket of the seat in front of you. In either the airline magazine or a pamphlet, you will find a list of drinks and snacks served. Alcoholic beverages and food costs extra money. Soda, coffee, water, tea, and juice are free.
If you do not feel like talking to people near you, simply answer basic questions then open a book or some other activity. If you like to talk to new people, be sure to watch for social signals that they want to talk or not talk and move forward accordingly. If a person asks you questions back, they probably are enjoying talking. If they don’t want to talk, they’ll answer briefly then look away or do one of their activities.
You can put your seat back if you are going to rest by pushing the little button on the inside of the arm of the chair.
Try not to bump the seat in front of you. This includes bringing the tray in front of you which is attached to the person’s seat in front of you, up and down more than necessary.
There are ear bud connectors in most arm chairs. You can plug yours in if you brought some and listen to music or if applicable, watch the tv (depends on the plane and flight length).
Night flights
AKA red-eyes are flights that go through the night hours. If you want to have your light on, be aware of when most are off and turn yours off too. People are trying to sleep. Get everything you need out ahead of time, hopefully you used the restroom before boarding, and if you’re lucky you will fall asleep as well.
Seating Tips In a Nutshell
Because the seating is so close on a plane, here are some tips for dealing with it:
Go to the restroom before boarding to minimize getting out of your seat.
Store your backpack or bag under the seat in front of you instead of in the overhead compartment.
Place items you will most need on top of the bag to reduce effort at getting to them.
Use your digital device with ear buds.
Have a snack handy since airlines have reduced the amount of meals and snacks they supply for free.
Assistance
There’s a button located usually above your seat near your light or in your armrest that will alert an attendant. Use this if you need a pillow, a blanket, or a question answered. They don’t mind you asking for assistance.
Courtesy
The persons next to you may give clues that they are uncomfortable. Here are some of them:
You are next to the window and they keep shading their eyes or looking away from the window. This signals they are sensitive to light or just want to avoid it. They may be reading or trying to go to sleep. You could ask them if it is bothering them or just lower the shade on the window. You are not required to do that, such as when you want to look out the window, but it would be a way to compromise by lowering the shade halfway.
When the flight attendants come by with drinks and snacks, you’ll need to make eye contact to see who they are looking at in your row. Just tell them what you want to drink. They come back to pick up garbage too. It's polite to help pass items to the person by the window if they flight attendant is having trouble reaching them. Know that people will have to reach over you if you are in the aisle or middle seat.
Make sure the people on either side of you have enough arm room. Sharing an armrest isn’t ideal but it’s not that bad either.
Layovers, Changing Planes, and Connecting Flights
When you leave one plane and need to get to a connecting flight, look for a sign board with other departures near where you get off your plane. It will tell you which gate and time of departure for your flight number, usually by looking at the name of the destination city. If it is confusing, ask anyone for help by saying “Excuse me, I can’t find my next flight” and usually they will be glad to assist. Most people are really nice. If they are looking at their phone and don’t respond or look like they are worried they probably are late for a flight and are having trouble of their own so don’t ask that person. It’s important to know that if your next flight is more than 2 hours away, it is too early to see it on most sign boards until it gets closer to boarding, which is 30 minutes before the flight time.
In very large airports, trains take you between different terminals such as A or B or C or D. Look for signs above the intersections to direct you to them.
Baggage Claim
When you disembark you last flight, you proceed to the baggage claim area. A carousel will be carrying everyone’s luggage so when they see it they step forward and take it off the rack. When you get your own, step back out of the way so others can get their bags. There is no need to panic if it’s crowded, as bags will come back around a few times. It’s a good idea to mark your luggage with an identifying item to distinguish it easily and so others will leave it alone. Items could be a short, bright ribbon or yarn tied to the handle, a unique tag on the handle, or even choose a different colored suitcase or bag that will stand out. Whatever the item, make sure it will not come off in transit by being handled roughly many times.
If a person is struggling getting their baggage off the carousel, it’s ok to offer to help.
Transportation
If you do not have someone waiting for you, you will need to get a ride to your destination or hotel. The most common method is a ride share such as taxi, Uber, or Lyft for short rides and if you will not be needing transportation after that. If you will need rides for more than a couple days, want to go sightseeing, or are on vacation, you probably want to rent a car.
Taxis are available at the sidewalk outside the arrival terminal where you get your baggage or there will be signs directing you. If there is more than one, go to the taxi in the very front and tell them where you need to go. They will load your bags for you and it is customary to sit in the back seat, although you can ask to sit in the front seat if you prefer. When you reach your destination, you can pay with a credit card or cash, and it is expected that you tip the driver. A common tip is on average $5.
Ride share options like Uber and Lyft are accessed through an app on your phone.
Renting cars at the airport can be confusing because there are several companies. They should be researched online and reserved from home before getting to the airport.
If you are going to a hotel you may have a hotel shuttle. These can be located using signs in the ground transportation area or you can ask an attendant.
If all of this is overwhelming (it is for me), simply find the help desk near “ground transportation” and a person who works for the airport will assist. Do not accept a ride or assistance from anyone who is not an airline employee.
You made it!
Whether a short of long flight, pat yourself on the back once you make it a destination. Other than extremely experienced travelers, most everybody agrees that air travel can be a bit tiring and somewhat stressful. Grab a bit to eat, and if possible, relax for a bit. You deserve it!
Take risks, live your life, ask questions, and find your fun!