Flying - Things to Know Before You Leave Home

14 June | Anna Trosper

Getting ready for your flight? There are a few things you can do at home to make the experience at the airport much easier for you- and I’m here to help you with some of the main rules to help you plan for your upcoming trip! 

Be smart about what you carry on! 

Nearly all airlines allow you one carry-on and one personal item, like a purse or backpack. Some airlines now charge for any item you carry onto the plane, but if you are traveling on an airline that doesn’t, it may sound like a good idea to use the “free” carry-on allowance to save money vs. checking a suitcase.  

While this may sound like a cost saver, it isn’t always the best idea. This will depend on whether you are travelling with small children or a large family. If everyone in your party is big enough to handle their own bags, then I say go for it! If not, then keep the carry-on items to only the things that each member can easily haul for themselves. Even toddlers can handle a small backpack with a few items in it, but they probably aren’t going to be able to handle a suitcase and a full-sized backpack themselves. 

I don’t like spending any more for my flights than the next person, but please trust me: when cost is a factor, it is less hassle to pack lighter (and do laundry while you lounge by the pool) so that you spend less in bag fees than it is to try to board a plane with 2 kids, 1 spouse, 4 rolling suitcases, 4 backpacks, 1 diaper bag, and a car seat. 

Weigh your bags before you go 

Every airline has maximum weight allowances. If your luggage exceeds those, you’ll be charged extra – sometimes, a LOT extra! 

Make sure you verify what the weight allowance for your airline is and then weigh your bags. Don’t leave anything to chance! 

I like traveling with a handy and inexpensive digital scale. It takes all the guesswork out of figuring the weight.

Make your bags easy to identify 

Unless you have something like a hot pink suitcase with sparkly unicorns plastered all over it, most bags look alike when coming off the plane in baggage claim. 

You can tie brightly covered ribbons around the handles, or if you want to be fancy, you can purchase fun things like these pom poms. 

This is especially important if your luggage is black. Everybody seems to have black luggage and it can be easy to accidentally snag somebody else’s suitcase if you don’t have something on yours identifying it. 

And make sure all your bags (even your carry on) are labeled with luggage tags with your name and address on them – I also put one inside each of my bags in case it gets lost and the tag gets torn off. 

Know the TSA rules 

All adults will need a Photo ID that matches the name on the airline ticket. If not, you will not get through TSA. My niece did not check this and her ticket did not have her last name just like her ID so she had to go to counter and get fixed. Line was over 1 hour for the ticket counter and our flight boarded in 1 hour.  STRESS!!! We made the flight, but had to run only to be the last ones on board.  

This goes for everyone in your party! This is very important – you don’t want to be that person in TSA line that is holding up everyone else because you did not follow the rules. If you are ready and know what to expect and what you can and can’t take thru TSA it will be faster and easier on you and everyone else.  

Now, what can you take through TSA check points? 

1. 3.4 Ounces or smaller sized containers with lotion, shampoo, crams, things like that (liquid) – and they must be taken out and placed in a 1-quart sized Ziplock baggie and placed in the bin. 

2. Shoes must come off and be placed in the bin- Children under the age of 12 do not have to do this. So, it is better to wear shoes that are easy to get on and off.  

3. Belts and wallet for men need to come off and go into bin 

4. Any Toys or stuffed animals for the kids will have to go into the bin for screening 

5. Laptops, camaras all electronic devices must be pulled out of bag and placed in the bin 

6. Make sure to go through everything – no sharp objects like pocket knives, scissors, etc. 

7. Nothing Flammable 

8. No Firearms 

9. Try to limit the jewelry (or anything else that can mess with the metal detectors) to make the security screening process easier. 

Make sure you know what they are, so you don’t accidentally put something in your carry on that won’t be allowed through. 

There are special allowances for formula, breast milk, etc. You can find those on the official TSA website. 

 Pack any necessary medication in your carry-on 

Never assume that you won’t need your medicine before you arrive at your destination! Also, keep in mind that delays happen, and luggage can get lost. Always keep any medication you may need for the flight (like Dramamine and Sudafed) as well as your prescription medication with you in your carry-on. 

Check in ahead of time 

Whether you use an app or do it via website, if given the opportunity to check in ahead of time, do it. 

Checking in ahead of time secures your spot and speeds up the process in the airport. 

If you are all check in the only thing you will have to do is drop off checked luggage.  

If you do not have TSA Pre Check  

Reserve your security checkpoint time through CLEAR (available for free in select cities) 

The TSA checkpoints are one of the biggest stressors for travelers. 

Pre-Check is a great option, but if you don’t have that you can still save some time in a few select cities (including Orlando) by reserving a spot in the checkpoint line. 

You’ll still have to go through all the steps non-Pre-Check travelers do (like removing your shoes), but your wait should be reduced. 

To reserve your spot, follow these steps: 

1. Navigate to the Clear Reserve website up to 72 hours before your flight (we’ve done it in the car on the way to the airport) 

2. Select your city 

3. Enter in your flight details (including number of passengers, which can be up to 10) 

4. Select your time 

5. Once confirmed, you will get a QR code that you will scan at the airport. You should also receive a confirmation email with a QR code 

6. When you get to the airport, look for the Reserve Lane (not the CLEAR checkpoint lane, but the RESERVE LANE). You’ll scan your QR code there and enter a (hopefully) shorter line. 

So, with a little planning ahead before you leave on your trip, your experience at the airport won’t be so bad at all and can go smoothly. Well for what you can control at least. Always arrive to airport with plenty of time before your flight. It is better to try and waste time at airport than be stress about getting thru TSA and running to your plan only to miss your flight!  

I would be happy to help you plan your next adventure and help you with all the planning and ins and out of travel these days. You can reach out to me at annat@wishesfamilytravel.com or find me on Facebook. I hope this helps you a little with your next adventure and hope to hear from you soon. 

Thank you 

Anna