If you pay attention to the majority of air travel stories today, you'd be forgiven for thinking that it must be an inefficient, time-wasting, chaotic ordeal.
It seems that everyone has a story about long delays or being hassled at baggage check.
Fortunately, these stories are exaggerated.
Airport security has definitely been tightened over the past few years, meaning that you'll have to wait in more lines and go through more checkpoints than before.
You also won't be able to have a loved one accompany you to and from the gate.
But these are really the only major changes, and delays have been common with commercial flights since the industry's infancy.
Still, there definitely some precautions you can take that will get you in and out of the airport smoothly.
Here are a few ways to reduce the headache of air travel.
First, always try to pack light.
You may be used of bringing four pairs of shoes for a one-day stay, which will definitely increase your luggage count.
Instead of packing so much, try foregoing your checked luggage entirely and bringing just a carry-on bag.
To get everything you need in your carry-on, you'll have to maximize its space by choosing items of clothing that can be mixed and matched to create multiple outfits.
If you can get everything in your carry-on you'll save the trouble of waiting in line for your checked luggage.
You'll also save time since you don't have to pick up your checked luggage at baggage claim once the plane lands.
Your carry-on will be with you and ready to go as soon as you touch down.
If you're not taking a carry-on you might be able to check in via the airport's website before you even make the trip out there, which will save you from yet another line.
It goes without saying that you shouldn't bring anything dangerous on an airplane.
If you find yourself wondering whether a particular item would catch the attention of security, you're better off just not bringing it.
Incendiary items, including flammable liquids and matches, are out of the question.
Metal objects and sharp objects such as scissors are also not allowed.
Airport security now allows liquids, although it must be a reasonable volume of liquid for air travel and must be in a clear, zip-able plastic bag.
It seems that everyone has a story about long delays or being hassled at baggage check.
Fortunately, these stories are exaggerated.
Airport security has definitely been tightened over the past few years, meaning that you'll have to wait in more lines and go through more checkpoints than before.
You also won't be able to have a loved one accompany you to and from the gate.
But these are really the only major changes, and delays have been common with commercial flights since the industry's infancy.
Still, there definitely some precautions you can take that will get you in and out of the airport smoothly.
Here are a few ways to reduce the headache of air travel.
First, always try to pack light.
You may be used of bringing four pairs of shoes for a one-day stay, which will definitely increase your luggage count.
Instead of packing so much, try foregoing your checked luggage entirely and bringing just a carry-on bag.
To get everything you need in your carry-on, you'll have to maximize its space by choosing items of clothing that can be mixed and matched to create multiple outfits.
If you can get everything in your carry-on you'll save the trouble of waiting in line for your checked luggage.
You'll also save time since you don't have to pick up your checked luggage at baggage claim once the plane lands.
Your carry-on will be with you and ready to go as soon as you touch down.
If you're not taking a carry-on you might be able to check in via the airport's website before you even make the trip out there, which will save you from yet another line.
It goes without saying that you shouldn't bring anything dangerous on an airplane.
If you find yourself wondering whether a particular item would catch the attention of security, you're better off just not bringing it.
Incendiary items, including flammable liquids and matches, are out of the question.
Metal objects and sharp objects such as scissors are also not allowed.
Airport security now allows liquids, although it must be a reasonable volume of liquid for air travel and must be in a clear, zip-able plastic bag.
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