Travel Articles, Airline Travel, traveling on an airplane, flying

Many people find airline travel to be very stressful. There are airline rules to follow, check-in times to co-ordinate, unexpected delays that can occur, and various other details that have to be looked after. Following the rules and regulations offered by the airlines, and by careful planning, you can relieve the stress of air travel.

Your first resource in planning your air travel is contacting your travel agent. Your travel agent can give you a lot of advice to help you plan your trip which can help to reduce your air travel stress. Your agent can advise you on what you will need in documentation in the form of passports, visas, etc. Your travel agent can tell you if certain medical shots would be advisable (such as shots for Hepatitis, etc., although it still may be necessary to confirm this with your doctor), what you may need to take on the place in regards to medications (diabetic needles, aspirin, specific pills, etc.) or letters from doctors. Your travel agent can also tell you how much weight you are allowed with your luggage, how many bags are allowed, and the size restrictions for your luggage. Your agent will also typically be able to advise you on the airport location, parking availability (and perhaps even supply you with discount parking passes) or which terminal to use. The key point here is that contacting your travel agent can give you a lot of information that will help to reduce the uncertainty related to air travel.

There are also certain things you can do beforehand to help relieve the last minute stress of traveling. Be sure that you have luggage tags with your name and address on them attached to all your bags—and make sure to include tags on your hand luggage as well. Remove any old travel stickers or tags from your luggage to avoid any confusion as to your destination by airline personnel.

It can also be a good thing to place something identifiable on your luggage for when you are collecting it after you arrive at your destination. A simple piece of colored string attached to the handle, or a colorful bungee cord wrapped around the middle will make it appear uniquely yours. When you are collecting your luggage, this will enable you to be sure that particular piece is yours at a glance.

Weigh you baggage before leaving home (you can use a bathroom scale for an approximate weight). Make sure that you conform to the luggage weight restrictions. You do not want to have to unexpectedly pay for overweight luggage. Here is where your travel agent’s information on luggage weights will come in handy. Be aware that different airlines may have different restrictions, so be sure to check each time you travel. Some airlines will also weigh your hand luggage, while others don’t. Also make sure that your hand luggage fits the airline’s restrictions as well. Your hand luggage needs to be able to fit in the overhead racks above the seats.

You also need to check on what is allowed for you to take in your hand luggage. Before 9-11 you would have been allowed to take a water bottle from home in your hand luggage. Now it is much more restrictive in what you are allowed to take on board. You may even have trouble with certain creams or make-up. It is a good idea to ask your travel agent (again) what the current restrictions are.

When packing your luggage, be sure to include one change of clothes in your carry-on bag (just in case your luggage is delayed or lost). Also make sure that any items that may leak (such as creams or shampoos) have been placed in waterproof sealable bags. If you are taking gifts with you, it is advisable to keep them unwrapped for customs sake.

Be sure to follow the airline guidelines with respect to flight confirmation and check-in times. Usually it is advisable to call the airlines at least 24 hours before the flight leaves to check that everything is O.K. Then call again before you leave for the airport (at least 4 hours) to check that your flight is still on time. And also be sure to conform to the check-in times that your airline insists upon, such as checking in two hours before an international flight or one hour before a domestic flight. Try an factor in a little extra time in case there are any delays, or so you can arrive early enough to go through the security checks and have a little time to relax before boarding the plane.

When you arrive at the airport, have all your documents readily available. A good idea is to use a travel wallet. There are many good models available, some that hang around your neck and others that secure to your waist. A travel wallet will enable you to provide your passport or photo I.D., ticket and boarding pass easily.

Today airports offer automated check-in that allows you to pre-register. Using the machines is relatively easy, and there are usually airline staff available to assist you if you do need help. These machines can be great time-savers.

Before you board the airplane, try to use the washroom facilities in the boarding area. It may be awhile before the washrooms are available for use on the plane itself, sometimes due to delays in take-off or perhaps due to air turbulence.

Try to take travel items that will make your flight more comfortable. These can include travel pillows, a small travel blanket or eye shields that block out light to enable you to sleep. You should also take a little snack in your hand luggage, like a candy bar, in case the meal is delayed. And, take along a candy to suck on while the plane takes off to help relieve eardrum pressure. Take along something to read on the plane, or a puzzle book, or something else to keep you occupied in case the on-board movie is not to your liking.

While on the plane and before you disembark, fill in any forms given to you by airport staff that may be required to be filled out at your destination. These can include domestic visas or custom forms, etc. If you have them filled in beforehand then when you arrive at your destination you won’t have this to worry about.

With all of the above, you can see that planning and doing things before your trip can help relieve a lot of the stress that may be involved in airline travel. You can have an enjoyable trip with the right preparations, and you will then be able to handle any other small stresses that may come up more easily