REAL LIFE

Ten Tips for Successful Airline Travel

By Candace, age 19, California
Sweet Designs Featured Writer

For most students, winter break is winding down and it's almost time to go back to school. Since many college students live far away from home, the airlines are their only form of transportation. One of my relatives works for the airlines and I've had the opportunity to fly quite a bit over the past few years. Over-packing and being unprepared are some of the more common problems that happen to everyone, and these ten tips will make sure it doesn't happen to you.


1. Pack one suitcase and one carry-on bag. Your carry-on bag could be a purse, a backpack, or a duffel bag. Having only two bags will prevent you from bringing items you don't need or being charged extra for them.

2. If you think you might be eligible to be upgraded to first class, you will have a better chance of being put on board if you wear a skirt and blouse or dress pants. Do wear comfortable clothing that you can sit in for long periods of time. Also, bring a jacket because the airlines usually keep the temperature cold and sometimes they don't have blankets.

3. Keep jewelry to a minimum. Try not to wear anything metal or you'll probably be searched by security.

4. Do buy a drink after you have gone through security so you don't get thirsty during the flight. Also, bring a snack from home such as trail mix or peanut butter and jelly sandwiches in case you don't like the food being served on the airplane, and because these days, often little to none is.

5. Do buy a pack of gum. Your ears will pop less during changes in elevation.

6. Bring a plastic bag to keep your shoes separate from your clean clothes when you pack.

7. Remember, you are restricted to bringing no more than 3.4 fluid ounces in a quart sized Ziploc bag in your carry-on luggage. Bring mini versions of items like toothpaste and deodorant so they don't take up as much room in your suitcase or bag.

8. Bring a book to read or some other form of entertainment, such as your iPod, so you don't get bored during the flight.

9. Also, bring a charger for your phone in case it dies. Most airports have outlets that allow you to charge your phone and you'll be happy you have a charger if there is an emergency.

10. Most importantly, be sure to bring identification and an ATM/credit card, or you might find yourself stuck in the middle of nowhere without money and a way to get home. Your driver's license or passport are important because of the new security restrictions. Without them, you probably will not be able to board the flight. If you don't have a driver's license, get a state issued ID card.


With these ten tips in mind, a fellow traveler can board an airplane feeling equipped and ready for the journey ahead.

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