Planning a vacation is one of the most exciting parts of the travel experience. Take special measures to ensure your vacation doesn't get off on the wrong foot before you step off the plane. Book a flight that departs early in the morning to avoid delays since air travel can get backed up throughout the day. Also, it may sound obvious but remember to register your plane ticket under the exact name on your passport to avoid confusion at check-in.
Many people who travel for work or take frequent vacations abroad are professionals when it comes to packing smart and light. Decide when you book your flight whether or not you will check bags for the hold. Some airlines charge for each bag you check, and some allow the first bag free and a fee from $25 to $50 for each additional bag. If you plan to carry-on all luggage, buy the lightest weight piece of luggage you can find and make sure it complies with airline regulations regarding the size. Weigh all luggage before you leave the house to avoid additional fees at check-in and double check to be sure you don't have any restricted items in your bags, such as tweezers, a pocket knife or razors. Liquids are allowed in checked baggage but call the airline or airport to get detailed instructions for packing them as these rules change often.
Arriving at the airport early is essential to ensure you allow enough time for check-in, security checks and boarding the aircraft. The general rule is to arrive three hours prior to departure for international flights and two hours for domestic flights. At certain times of the year, long holiday weekends, Thanksgiving and Christmas, lines will be longer and air travelers are advised to arrive even earlier. All frequent fliers should also have a safe and efficient system in place for carrying their travel documents. A passport is usually the most reliable form of identification and if you are traveling with them, have a place designated where it is secure but easy to access for passport checks. A money belt around the waist or neck is a good option for many travelers, but always keep a copy of each passport in each piece of luggage, at home and in another location in case someone loses the money belt.
To simplify the security process making your way to the gate, wear slip-on shoes to the airport, a belt that's easy to remove, minimal jewelry, and label your laptop for easy identification when you pass it through the X-ray machine.
For long-haul flights, some take anywhere from eight to 12 hours, bring a few amenities from home to make the trip more enjoyable. A book or a few magazines, an MP3 player and neck pillow can keep you comfortable and entertained. If you have trouble sleeping on airplanes, pack sleeping pills to get you rested for the journey ahead and to help in avoiding jet lag once you arrive at your destination. While aboard the aircraft, it is advisable to stow your carry-on within your seat area, in the overhead bin closest to you. This helps speed up the deplaning process and helps you keep track of your bag.
