Some Advice for Your Next Trip
If you’ve never flown before, the idea of it can be a little intimidating. However, the more you travel, the more you learn. In this blog, our Philly Airport parking company has a few tips to regard if you’re a first-time flier:
Over-packing
No matter where you’re headed, it’s easy to over-pack your suitcase and bring way too much with you. Do yourself a favor and lay out all of the things you plan on taking a few days early. Each day, revisit the pile and eliminate one thing you know you won’t use or wear. You’ll not only be less overwhelmed with choices, but you’ll also have less to carry around with you.
Not knowing the seating policy
Not every airline is the same when it comes to seating. While some airlines let you choose your seat when you book your flight, others assign you a seat when you check in. Some, like Southwest, even use a numeric filing system. Before you book your flight, look into the seating policy so you know what to expect and what you have to do to get a good seat.
Putting liquids in your carry-on
The TSA has issued a 3.4-ounce rule, which means all of your liquids, gels, and aerosols in your carry-on baggage must be 3.4 ounces or fewer. When packing, make sure you abide by this rule; packing large bottles (like shampoos, hairsprays, body washes, etc.) will extend the amount of time it takes to go through security and in addition, you’ll have to either go back and check your bag or throw out your liquids.
Not renewing your passport
Passports expire every 10 years and renewing one takes several weeks to do, so if you’re planning a trip outside the country, make sure your passport is valid. If not, give yourself at least 8 weeks before you depart to renew it.
Forgetting to notify your credit card company
Credit card companies monitor the location of each of your purchases and if you don’t let them know that you’ll be traveling, they may see charges made in another state or country and freeze your account. Before you leave, contact your credit card company and let them know where you’re going and what dates you’re traveling to avoid any trouble.
Not getting to the airport early enough
If you’re a first-time flier, the airport can be an intimidating place. Get to the airport 2 hours before your flight if you’re flying domestically and 3 hours before your flight if you’re flying internationally. You’ll give yourself enough time to check your luggage, get through security, and find your gate and in the end, you’ll be much more relaxed when you know you have time to spare.
Planning too much
While planning is a good thing, there is such a thing as planning too much. Having every minute of every day planned out leads to unnecessary stress, so relax and leave some things unplanned. You may just stumble upon one of the best bars, activities, or restaurants when you play things by ear.
Wearing/packing uncomfortable shoes
It sounds simple, but many first-time fliers don’t bring enough comfortable shoes. While you may think you’ll wear your high heels or dress shoes often, chances are you won’t and if you do, you’ll be uncomfortable. Check your itinerary - if there are times you’re walking, pack a pair of sneakers or comfortable sandals. In addition, be sure to wear your bulkiest shoes during your flight so you can make more room in your luggage.