Have you ever heard the phrase, “You can’t have it both ways”? That’s exactly what flight security is: a trade-off. You want to be safe on your flight, but you also want to feel relaxed and not stressed out. With top-flight security, you can have both!
The next time you are debating whether or not to fly somewhere for vacation, think of these top 10 tips for flying safely:
1. Dress comfortably in clothes that are easy to take off if necessary
2. Pack your bags with items that don’t need to go through TSA screening
3. Request an aisle seat at least 30 minutes before boarding so that there will be more room in the event of a security breach.
4. Pack your laptop in a separate carry-on bag.
5. Pack your travel documents in a separate carry-on bag.
6. Pack an empty bag to put all of your belongings in after you go through the checkpoint.
7. Turn on your phone’s flight mode before you board the plane.
8. Leave your jewelry at home.
9. Wear slip-on shoes, and pack a pair of flip-flops or sandals in your carry-on.
10. Leave your liquids in your checked luggage.
Give yourself plenty of time to get through security so that there is not a rushed feeling.
You can also ask for an enhanced pat-down, which will be more thorough than standard procedures and take longer but is much safer in the event of a breach.
Lastly, don’t forget to pack your patience.
When flying, always be aware of the following:
Always arrive at least two hours before your flight if you are traveling internationally. For domestic flights, plan to arrive an hour or more early. The earlier in advance that you can get to the airport and check-in with TSA security officers for screening, the shorter your wait time will be.
Keep your boarding pass, ID, and any other important items with you at all times, especially when traveling through crowded or high traffic areas.
Use TSA PreCheck if eligible to expedite the security screening process for international flights.
When departing from the United States by air, it is mandatory that passengers receive a passport valid for at least six months beyond the period of their stay in the destination country or countries
Report any suspicious items, behavior, unattended baggage, and unusual situations to security officials immediately.
The following are top-flight tips for staying safe while traveling:
Always arrive at least two hours before your flight if you are traveling internationally. For domestic flights, one hour is recommended.
If a flight is canceled or delayed, immediately contact your airline and then call the airport to check on possible options.
Carry only what you need for traveling; if it’s not necessary to bring an item with you, leave it at home! You’ll have less chance of leaving something behind in a hotel or if someone steals your suitcase.
Bring a copy of your passport and other personal identification, in case you lose the originals. Make sure this is stored separately from your original documents so it can’t be lost with them!
Book any pre-trip accommodations as soon as possible to avoid last-minute prices that will cost more than planned.
Research your destination’s customs and travel laws, as these may differ from what you’re used to. For example, in some countries, it is illegal for anyone but the country’s citizens to bring weapons across their border.
If traveling internationally, make sure to check about any regulations on vaccinations or medications that are required by people entering the country.
