Stress-Free Flying

I fly at least once a month and sometimes more frequently. Most of the trips are to visit family but occasionally they are for business. A friend suggested I write a column with what I have learned. If you are not a frequent flyer, perhaps some of these hints will help you. 

 

Check in - All you need to check in is your name or confirmation number. I write my confirmation number on a piece of paper and put it in my pocket.  Generally you do your own check in on a touch screen computer. Putting in your confirmation number gets the information to pop up and you follow the instructions. For many airlines, if you are not checking luggage there are separate computers, with no lines. Give yourself plenty of time to avoid stress. I abide by the two-hour rule. If the lines inside seem long, outside check-in can be faster. Some airlines have a charge for outside check-in, the outside employees also expect a tip.

Dress – I always make certain I am wearing something with pockets, usually my slacks. The pocket is good to stick that license until you are through security. Some airports check identification at the ticket counter and some do not. With a pocket I know where it is. (Men I suggest you always use the same pocket.  I have seen men searching through all their pockets to find their ID. Sometimes it is good to only have one pocket.) Since I tend to the cold side I always have long sleeves on or sweater available. Airports, in particular can be very cold to those without a lot of body heat.

 

Security – Hopefully you know that you can only carry on liquids (3 oz. or less) and all liquids must be in a quart size plastic bag. Airports treat this differently. In Tulsa, I saw the TSA actually putting all of a man’s toiletry kit items in a plastic bag for him. In other airports, they would simply toss them.  If you aren’t certain, put it in a bag. I always carry an extra bag for that person who forgot theirs. 

 

Other items vary by airport. I lost a favorite key chain that was a 6-inch Billy club type whistle. (I got it many years ago at a DuPont safety seminar.). In Philadelphia it was declared a weapon. Small Swiss army knives are also a no-no. I used to carry a small kit with a screw driver, it sometimes got me into the extra search line, and so I stopped carrying it. Small manicure scissors will usually not be confiscated – but as I said different airports interpret rules differently.

 

I usually carry a laptop, which needs to be put in a separate bin by itself.  Any outer garments (sweaters, jackets, vests) need to go in the bin. I put my clothes in the first bin and my computer in the last. That way I can almost be dressed by the time my computer comes through. If you wear a pouch for your ID, it needs to go into the bin. Of course, you know shoes go into the bin. I always wear shoes that can easily be removed. All coins in pockets, gum, cell phones or other electronic gadgets go in the small containers or the bin. (License in pocket is OK.) Jewelry generally seems to not be a problem. Most of all give yourself plenty of time so going through security dos not stress you out. 

 

Luggage – Southwest is the only major carrier who does not charge for checked luggage. I usually check when flying with them. With other airlines I try to do the carry on. (You need to be creative with liquids when you do carry on.  Everything needs to go into that plastic bag.)  I can usually find a strong person to help me with putting my suitcase overhead. If you are flying a small commuter the suitcases usually end up under the plane, but at least you do not have to wait for them on the carousel. 

 

I have had lost luggage once or twice, but never anytime that it caused me to stress. I think it was always on the way home. The airlines have always been good about getting it to me in a timely fashion.

 

Airlines – My favorite is Southwest because you can cancel a flight with no penalty. You just need to use the money from that flight within a year.  Southwest rewards program is counted by trip and not miles. Since I do shorter flights, my rewards build up faster. Southwest serves peanuts. So if peanut allergies are a problem in your family you may have to avoid them.  Southwest does not assign seats. You line up by a letter and number assigned to you. If you go to their web site and check in you can get an early position. You choose your seat when you get on the plane. Since I mainly fly Southwest I don’t have much to say about other airlines. Perhaps someone else could give us a critique.

 

Food – Since I do not buy food on the airplane, I really do not know about this. Some airlines offer snacks for purchase others do not. I usually purchase something before I get on the plane. I have seen people eating all types of food on the airplane. Some airlines do provide food for long flights (across the US). It would be best to check ahead of time. 

 

It would be nice to hear from other travelers with their suggestions and experiences.