According to the Federal Aviation Administration, almost three million people fly in and out of American airports each day. Some of these people may fly as often as every week, while for others, it might be their first time hopping on a plane.
If you don’t fly often or haven’t done so in a long time, preparing for a flight in this day and age can seem tricky. You know that you need your passport, but can you also just use your driver’s license? Should you get travel insurance?
If you’re looking for answers to questions such as these, keep reading to learn about seven things that you’ll have to do when preparing for a flight.
1. Know Where You’re Going
It might sound obvious, but there should be no question in your mind about what your destination is. Modern technology and security prevent people from boarding the wrong planes, but you’ll still want to make sure that everything is clear in your mind.
You should know the city and state or region of where you’re headed to. If someone asks you, you’ll want to have an answer. Likewise, you’ll also want to remember your flight number, as you may have to write it down.
Aside from general destination information, make sure to check what the weather is like. You want to know if you’ll be flying into a blizzard or a desert.
2. Have Your IDs Ready
The IDs that you’ll need to show to airport security depend on where you’ll be flying to.
If you’re flying domestic, you’ll need to provide a government-issued ID. Most people fly using their driver’s licenses or passports.
If your travel plans take you outside of the United States, you’ll need to bring your passport. Make sure that it doesn’t expire in less than six months, as some countries won’t allow you to enter if it does.
You should also be clear on whether or not you need a visa to enter the country.
3. Look Into Travel Insurance
It’s always a good idea to have travel insurance, especially during the COVID-19 era. If something happens to your or your flight, you want to make sure that you don’t lose a ton of money.
Many people don’t realize that they already have a form of travel insurance. Oftentimes, this can come from your credit card company or health insurance provider.
Before you leave, make sure that you’re clear on what sort of plan you have. If necessary, you can buy more through the airline or a third-party provider.
4. Get Your Home Ready
An important part of traveling is making sure that everything is ready back at home. You don’t want to return and find everything in disarray.
If you’ll be gone for a longer period of time, consider placing a stop on deliveries and mail. You can also ask a friend or family member to pick them up. You don’t want them to accumulate on your front porch.
You can also ask someone you know to come by and check on your house. They can help you water your plants, check the interior temperature if necessary, and make sure that everything is as it should be.
5. Check-in
Most airlines allow you to check-in 24 hours before your flight takes off. Doing so can help make the morning of your flight less stressful.
When you check-in, you avoid having to wait in long lines and can make your way directly to security. You can also check your bags beforehand, then just drop them off at a designated spot at the airport.
You should receive an email telling you when you’re able to check-in. You can also use the airline’s app to do so.
6. Figure Out Airport Parking
Airport parking can be stressful (and expensive) if you don’t figure out what your options are beforehand.
Most people who pick someone up from the airport park in a short-term parking lot. These are expensive to park in for the long term, so try not to leave your car there overnight.
Passengers who travel for longer durations rely on long-term parking. These lots offer daily and weekly rates at a more affordable price.
If possible, you can also try to arrange for a friend or family member to drop you off and pick you up. This lets you avoid expensive parking costs, letting you keep your car safe and sound at home.
7. Make Sure That You’re Ready for Security
Going through airport security is never fun, but by taking some steps beforehand, you can make it a bit less stressful.
Make sure that any liquids you have are in containers smaller than 100 ml. You should also store them in a clear, plastic bag. If you don’t, or have bottles larger than 100 ml, airport security may have to search your belongings.
Remember that different airports and regions have different security requirements. For example, some may require you to remove your belt and shoes, while others are fine with you keeping them on.
Listen to the airport security officials so that you’re clear on what you have to do.
Preparing for a Flight Doesn’t Have to Be Hard
Whether you’re flying somewhere for the weekend or a year, it can be difficult to know how to go about preparing for a flight. Yet by following this flight preparation guide, you can be certain that you’ll get to your destination safely and with everything in order.
Do you now have a better understanding of the things to do before flying? If you do, take a moment to browse through some of our other articles for more helpful guides and tips.
