By: Ciara Majkowski
Traveling can be an exciting experience, especially if it’s your first time. Whether you’re traveling for school, work, or vacation, you should be fully prepared on how to get through the airport without hassle. Follow these dos and don’ts and you should reach your destination in no time!
Dos of the Airport
- Check in earlier– Check in 24 hours before your flight and you may get a seat upgrade if the flight’s not full
- Check boarding passes and travel documents before the trip– Make sure you have the correct documents for the destination you are going to. Passports should be checked months prior to make sure they aren’t expired
- Check the airline before-hand about items you are unsure of– This will save you time and hassle once you get to the airport
- Any liquid in 3.4oz (100mL) or less should be in clear bags– Ladies, if you plan to bring your makeup in your carry on this is valuable information, so you don’t have to throw out your makeup! Bring extra baggies for spills and for on the way home
- Bring an empty water bottle– Fill it up once you get through security, so you don’t have to buy a beverage
- Place small and valuable things in your carry on– This will save from worrying about them getting stolen or lost, since they should be with you at all times. If you are super worried about something… don’t bring it
- Give yourself more time than you think you’ll need for security– This will save you from running across the terminal to get to your gate. Better to be safe than sorry
- Research about extra steps needed for medical conditions or physical disabilities- You may be able to skip lines, board/deboard first, or have special arrangements made
Don’ts of the Airport
- Don’t talk about weapons/explosives– DON’T DO IT
- Don’t bring sharp objects/weapons/explosives– This is self-explanatory…they aren’t allowed
- Don’t bring liquids/creams bottles with more than 3.4 Oz (100mL) in them– You must throw them away if they are more than the limited amount. Put bigger bottles in your checked luggage or buy those items when you get to your destination
- Don’t leave bags unattended– Not even for a second. Always keep you bags on you and in arms reach
- Don’t over pack– This may lead to you having to either throw things away or stuff them into your carry on. Invest in a luggage scale to use before you leave for the airport and pack it with you for your trip home
- Don’t wear big jewelry or clothing with metals– This will become a hassle in airport security when you have to take the jewelry off or get a second wand search for your clothing
This may come in handy too…
Dos for the Best Taxi Ride
Stand on the correct side of the street– This allows you to head in the direction you need to go without the cab driver having to make a U-turn or go around extra blocks, which could add up on your fare- Get the cab number/company– This helps if case you forgot something in the cab, need help, or would like to leave a review
- Order your cab in advance– This is great when you are leaving the airport or hotel, you know exactly when they will arrive and can plan accordingly
- Tip your driver– They work hard to get you to where you need to be and help with your luggage. Most of the time they will give you advice about what to do/see in the city you’re in and the destination you’re going to
- Be patient– Again, they’re trying their best to get you where you need to be on time. They can’t control traffic or unforeseen events that may happen. Try to give yourself extra travel time if you’re in a busier city
Don’ts
- Step out into the street– There are normally cars parked on the street and the cab driver may not see you. The best place to stand is on the corner of a street so you can see them and they can see you
- Have a big group– Unless you are willing to split up into 2 taxis, the best taxi for a big group is a van. There will be enough for the group and luggage. This would be a great time to call ahead and have a van waiting for you
School and work travel trips are becoming more popular these days. Do you have any traveling tips to share with us that you use? Leave us a comment below!
Check out these sources for more information, Blue and White Metro. Taxi Service and The Active Times.