I would like to share some of my tips when you are headed for the airport. The most important one is to allow plenty of time to get to the airport and through security. My home airport is Orlando International Airport (MCO). This airport has plenty of first-time travelers who aren’t familiar with the things that can help speed them on their way.
- Note where you park your car at the airport. This sounds easy enough, but in a parking garage, every floor looks the same. The last thing you want to do is wander through the lot or garage trying to find your car when you return.
- When you start packing your suitcase be sure to take any old baggage tags off the luggage. It’s a good idea to put your own tag with your name and your cell phone number in the event it gets lost or delayed. I’d also put a copy of your itinerary in the suitcase.
- Put something on your luggage that will identify it from all the other black suitcases out there. I used to recommend tying something on the suitcase to identify it, but recently, baggage handlers recommended not to put anything on your luggage that requires them to handle it separately. You could find a crafty friend use their Cricut to make you something that you could stick on your bags to make them distinct so someone else doesn’t take your luggage. Once you arrive at your destination airport, don’t take too long getting to baggage claim. You should try to get there before the luggage starts coming around. That way, if someone else grabs your bag, you can correct the mistake before they leave with it.
- Get to the airport early enough so your luggage has enough time to be loaded onto the plane. Check with the airline for the cutoff time to check your luggage. Take a quick second to verify the information the airline baggage tag. Personally, I find no pleasure in rolling my suitcase through the airport and then find a spot for it on the plane. Only one time in all my travels was my luggage delayed.
- When you are packing, you should put an outfit or two in each suitcase for everyone. That way if one suitcase is delayed you still have some clothing for the next day. DON’T put your prescriptions in the suitcase. You should also travel with the pills in their original container in the event you are questioned by TSA.
- When you get to the TSA security checkpoint at the airport, be prepared. If you have young children, you might want to practice so they aren’t scared of the process. Be sure to have your boarding passes and identification ready. I always travel with a folder (I know, old school) with all the information needed for our flights. That way if your phone battery dies, no signal, etc., you can travel worry-free.
- When the time comes to board the plane, be sure you don’t approach the gate until your zone is called. Everyone should be holding their boarding passes.
- Now that you are on the plane, please remember it is a good idea to pack your patience and your manners. You don’t own the overhead compartment above your seat, so you may need to find another bin to put your luggage in. You shouldn’t put your luggage in the first bin you find if you are in the back of the plane. If your luggage is heavy or bulky, don’t expect another flyer or flight attendant to put it up or take it down for you. Just remember, if you have two carry-on items, one goes under the seat in front of you.
- Some of my personal pet peeves on a plane, if you need to get out of your row to use the bathroom, don’t use my seat back as a lever to get up. Pay attention to the seat belt sign!! If the sign is on, that means you need to stay in your seat, it doesn’t mean you can wander the aisle or get something out of the overhead bin. Be kind to the flight attendants and your fellow passengers, if they have started beverage service, try not to get past them to use the bathroom.
- Don’t let your kids wander down the aisle of the plane if you aren’t behind them. The airplane isn’t a playground. You should pack a small bag with toys, coloring books, etc., to keep them entertained. If they are going to watch videos, be sure to bring headphones.
- I hate to say this, but the plane also isn’t the place to cut your finger or toenails. Yes, I have seen this several times. Also don’t take off your shoes and put your feet on the wall, or through the separation in the seats.
- If you were unable to get your family seated together, it is okay to ask the other people in your row if they wouldn’t mind moving to another seat. Just be prepared that they may say no. Don’t threaten by saying, well then, you can babysit my child. You don’t know their reasons for that particular seat, especially if they paid extra for it.
PS: if you are traveling to Orlando I highly recommend following them on X and Facebook. They have lots of great information and are very entertaining.
Traveling can be stressful but with a little bit of advance preparation, you can have a great airport and flying experience. Just remember to pack your patience and screw on your smile and you will be at your destination before you know it.
Kathy Werling discovered Walt Disney World later than most people but has made up for it. Living close to the theme parks hasn't gotten old yet for her. Kathy is an accomplished photographer and is always out finding new and different things to photograph and experience in the Orlando theme parks. Kathy is also part of the DIS Unlimited Podcast team.