Flying can make many people nervous. I’ve been traveling for a couple of years now and have gained some knowledge about flying.
I’ve noticed my surroundings and how people make quite a few mistakes without even realizing it. So today, I am going to share the 5 BIGGEST flying mistakes NOT TO MAKE.
Checking in
Checking in is a very common mistake people make especially when it’s their first time flying. Most people do the most common thing… going to the check-in kiosks. BIG MISTAKE.
Checking in online prevents you having to stand in long lines at the kiosks if you check-in online, you can have your boarding pass sent to your phone or email, if you don’t have any luggage to check-in, you can simply skip the counter and head straight to the security line AND you could save you up to AN HOUR of time.
Not Preparing For Your Flight
Make sure you allow time in advance to pack, transporting to the airport, check-in, ticketing, security, and getting to your gate.
For Connections
It can be absolutely miserable to sit in one spot, especially for long flights. I think we all know someone that has experienced a delayed transit when on a plane, trying to get your desired connection.
You’re running across the entire airport and miss the flight. To prevent this, make sure the connecting flight has at least 90 minutes to a 2-hour layover to prevent this from happening!
Personal Items
When flying you’re allowed to take ONE carry on item. I usually try to stuff my backpack to the most of its ability, and get caught doing it… almost every time.
Most airlines have the required measurements for the bags they allow for free on the aircraft. If you do not follow those measurements, you will eventually have to pay before boarding your flight which is no BUENO.
Another thing to mention is to make sure you have the appropriate size liquids in ur bag! Usually (100 ml) or 3.4 liquid OZ. Anything over that size, like expensive perfumes or lotions, you will have to throw out, unfortunately. I do not make the rules.
Overpacking
Not going to lie, I used to have a major issue with this. I used to pack an outfit for every season or case scenario that might happen.. after a couple of years, I learned it never happens. I do not end up wearing even half the stuff I brought!
I now like to pack with just a backpack to make sure I’m not overpacking. BRING NECESSITIES ONLY. If you have to bring a big suitcase for a big occasion, look into what it will cost to check bags, the weight limitations, and the fees for those bags.
If you go over the weight limit, extra fees may apply so be careful! Some airlines charge $100 more! One last tip before arriving at your destination, check the daily forecast! It will help you think about what to pack.
Arrival at your destination
When landing, you start thinking about everything you’re about to do once you deboard the plane…hotels, transportation, excursions, food….. this is all PRETTY important.
Do you know what your transportation options are? Do you need to have a rental car, are you ubering everywhere? Do you know how far your hotel is from the airport? How much will everything cost? The solution to this is LOTS OF RESEARCH.
Look at reviews of the hotel, the rental agency, the place you’re going to. Make sure the destination is the one you want to go to!
Determine how much time It will take to get from place to place, how long will it take to get from the airport to the hotel, the hotel to the excursion, etc. DO RESEARCH!
Budgeting
Know how much you would like to spend, plan out at least 2 months in advance for small trips and 6 months for big trips such as overseas. Budget how much for the choices of the hotels you would like to pick from, how much It would cost to get a rental car for a week, etc. find out prices BEFORE you get to your destination so you aren’t stuck without anywhere to go!
These are just some of the most common travel mistakes I see at the airport. Avoiding these mistakes will guarantee your travel to flow much smoother!
