I travel a lot. Lucky for me since not only do I love to travel, but it’s also part of my job. I get asked by friends that don’t travel as often to give them some pointers about packing, going through security and any little tips I can give to help make their trip a little less stressful.
What To Know Before Flying
I still get anxious when I have to travel. With all the flying I do, the benefit is that I fell like I now have it down to a science. But everyone is different. I give myself a lot of extra time. I bring my laptop and plan on having some extra time at the gate where I can work or read. It does make traveling easier if you give yourself that extra time.
Do you wonder what can you can bring on a plane and what to expect at security?
Packing your carry-on travel tips.
If you are not checking in a bag, you can check in online the night before, and you won’t have to go to the counter for anything. And you can go straight to the gate. Just print your documents. If you can’t print them, there are usually kiosks in the area of the airline check-in counter, and there you just need to enter your confirmation number and your name. There is always someone there to help you.
What about liquids?
You will need travel size liquids like shampoo and conditioner. They sell fillable bottles in stores like Walmart and Target if you want to use a specific brand and you can just fill them, or they sell travel size bottles of different products in a special travel size section. I use a ziplock bag to put all my 3.4 ounces (or smaller) bottles and other liquids like perfume, makeup, and gels. You must fit all bottles into a one quart-sized, clear, plastic, zip-top bag; 1 bag per passenger placed in screening bin. One-quart bag per person limits the total liquid volume each traveler can bring. The 3.4 ounce (100ml) container size is a security measure. I am lucky to have short hair, so I don’t usually pack a lot of hair stuff. I use the hotel shampoo and conditioner most of the time.
Identification
You will need a valid government-issued ID and boarding pass when you go through security. After that, you won’t need your ID again so you can put it in a safe place. You will still need your boarding pass to get on the plane.
What about my Starbucks and bottled water I just bought?
Don’t bring a water bottle or any other drink container through security. Buy a bottled drink after you get to the gate. Any drink – water, coffee, etc., you can’t take through. I have thrown away a few water bottles throughout my travels. It’s been a while since I did it, but it’s easy to forget until you get up to the security check.
Declare larger liquids. Medications, baby formula and food, and breast milk are allowed in reasonable quantities exceeding three ounces and are not required to be in the zip-top bag. Declare these items for inspection at the checkpoint. Officers may need to open these items to conduct additional screening.
When you go through security, you will have to take out the ziplock bag and take off your shoes. Put those items together in one container together, and a sweater or jacket if you have one. If you are traveling with a laptop, it must be in a container by itself, and then the luggage and any other bags just go on the beltway.
If you wear jewelry, the machine usually won’t pick it up. However, bracelets and/or watches sometimes will, so you may have to take them off and go through security again. But usually, they will look after you go through the machine and you will be good to go.
Pre- ✔️ –
Wait Time is 5 Minutes or Less
In October 2016, 97% of TSA Pre✓® passengers waited less than 5 min.
4+ Million Members
Over 4 million are already taking advantage of TSA Pre✓®
How it Works
1. Apply Online
Submit an online application in 5 minutes & schedule an appointment at any of 380+ enrollment centers.
2. Background Check
A 10 minute, in-person appointment that includes a background check and fingerprinting.
3. Enjoy TSA Pre✓®
Add your KTN to your ticket and enjoy!
I travel with only carry-on luggage almost every flight. T hat also ensures no chance of losing any luggage. That has only happened to me once. That was enough for me to try do prevent it from happening again.
Read more
- You Have to Remember – 9/11, 20 Years Later - September 11, 2021
- Creating the Perfect Look with a Maxi Dress - October 20, 2020
- Brand Better Giveaway - October 6, 2020
Great tips Tara! Thanks.
I can relate to this post 🙂
Through time, I’ve become a light-packer and it’s all because I don’t want getting hassled by check-ins, immigration, etc. Pack light and there’s not much trouble.
I’m not crazy about flying but this will definetly help. Thanks Tara!!