Nov 28

Nov 28 Getting on That Plane

Traveling is probably some people’s worst nightmare. From checking in on time, to printing that boarding pass before it’s too late to, avoiding counter fees, and baggage fees, getting through security and getting on that plane.

My favorite, let’s hide my bag as much as possible, so they won’t make me pay for it. That’s always fun, except when you get caught, that’s not fun. $50 less in my bank account never makes me jump for joy.

So here it is. First step, checking in, honestly this is the easiest part, except when you forget. So just don't forget, set that alarm or reminder the night before, but not too early. Usually airlines will fill up the plane back to front. So I guess there is a perk to forgetting till last minute. Last minute checkins are usually rewarded with isles 15 and up, and you could even get lucky with an exit row. That’s the best, sitting next to those who actually paid to have extra leg room.

Now baggage is a little more tricky. Some airlines allow for both a carry on and a personal item, but most people who choose more affordable flights do not get this perk. That is if you are like me and fly airlines without those perks like United, and Frontier and the BEST Spirit. I’m just kidding Spirit is the worst, from those hidden fees for absolutely everything, including $3.50 to pour water into a glass, to the get your money flight attendants. I mean sometimes they can be reasonable but for the most part they are not. So anyway, back to what I was saying about baggage, always go for a soft duffle. If you think you can get away with a roller bag and not pay for it, that’s a risk you might not want to take. If it is to size then you are good, but if it is over, there is no way you can squeeze that sucker into the bag size cube they have. Unless you are my mother who broke off the handle to her roller to make it fit, when they told her it wouldn’t. Then just don't use a roller when flying with “cheap” airlines. And if you think a tiny little purse and a duffle are okay too, think again. I once had a person at the counter circle me to make sure that I was only carrying one bag. Joke is on them because it was under my coat. But yah always go duffle; yes it is a pain to carry, but not all of us are lucky to fly Delta or American.

Its all about packing smart and just enough.

If all else fails just start putting things in your pockets.

When you get past the counter or you print your boarding pass, the next move is security. Recently I applied for TSA Pre Check, and I have to say it has been wonderful. For $85 you can get Pre Check for 5 years! I mean yah its $85 but think of all the lines you can skip and if you are like me and travel with an obnoxious amount of photo equipment and technology then it’s a blessing. Plus you don't have to take anything off. Just put your belongings in the bin and move on. What’s not to love. Just make the appointment and go to your closest airport, answer some questions, get fingerprinted and then you are good to go. If you would rather not do that then that’s fine too, the wait will just be a little longer, and always put electronics on top, or security will not be a fun time. Though some airlines will also allow you to buy pre check before hand.

Once past security, if you are early and you have time for a snack or coffee go for it, because with my tip you could wait till the last minute to board. If you have a seat you like and you know that the plane is full, don't bother with what I tell you. If you have a seat where you would rather not sit, in the back or in the middle seat, then listen up. I learned this from my parents, probably the masters of traveling, emphasis on the masters. They know everything, it’s quite humorous sometimes. Something they always do is just wait. They sit in the back just out of sight of the counter and try their best to be the last ones on the plane. Once they announce last call, that’s when you pounce. And if they close the gate after you, then you have won, because any of the seats left are fair game, because sometimes they just don't check; just be careful, or ask nicely.