Once upon a time, flying on a plane was the domain of the rich. Today, anyone can afford to take a flight, but the rules have really tightened. What you can bring with you, what you have to go through to get on the plane, it can be a real headache. The following article will guide you through how you can make your flight a bit easier with some careful planning.
When you buy your plane ticket, you must use the name which shows up on the identification you will use. They must exactly match each other; otherwise you may go through a hassle as you check in. Do the same for everyone in your party - give their exact name as shown on their ID. This can speed up the process of getting on the plane.
While cheaper, taking connecting flights to get to your destination can lead to massive headaches and disappointment. If you can take a direct flight, do it. You won't have to worry about losing your luggage between planes, forgetting something on the original flight, missing your connection, or any other related problem.
If you can check-in online, do it! That goes for both the flight and your hotel. If you have that off your mind, you will be able to relax. Find out about checking out online as well to further reduce your stress.
Know your itinerary like the back of your hand. Memorize when your plane boards, departs, arrives, when check-in is, when check-out is, and when your plane home boards, departs and arrives. While changes may pop up, you can generally plan your schedule around these times, leaving plenty of cushion room so that you don't miss anything.
Find out exactly what you can carry on and what you can't before you pack. Find out what the dimensions of the bag you can bring are and measure your bag AFTER it is packed. Buy a luggage scale and weigh it as well. Not only will this save you time when trying to check-in, but it will save you money on penalties for going over the limits on your checked luggage, too.
When choosing luggage, pick bags which will stick out on the conveyor belt. Hot pink and zebra print are not excellent choices for everyday wear, but perfect for spotting your bags at the airport. You may feel silly as you transport them to the hotel, but it's worth it to get out of the airport quickly and efficiently.
For the comfort of home, you can always bring your own pillow and blanket. Remember that you will have to put them in your luggage, and they are likely to take up an entire bag, but if you can do it, why not? This will help you fall asleep at night more easily.
Simple ideas like these are enough to ensure your travel goes smoothly. You will get on the plane quickly, enjoy the ride, and arrive to your destination stress-free. That leaves you able to have fun while frolicking away from home.