Need advice on flying
 

So I have to go on a business trip next week to New Orleans. I havent flown in about 20 years. Anyone have advice? I know that I need to get to the airport early, but how early? For packing, what's the easiest way to avoid trouble? Should I have a carry on bag with my medicine and things like that, or is it ok to put that stuff in the suitcase? Any help would be appreciated.

Re: Need advice on flying
 

Carry-On guidelines

http://www.tsa.gov/traveler-information/3-1-1-carry-ons

I would get to the airport no less than 2 hours depending on what airport you are leaving from, what day you are leaving on, and the destination. At the Columbia airport, one hour is sufficient. ATL, 2 hours

Re: Need advice on flying
 

how early you arrive at the airport all depends on which airport you're using.

it's fine to have medicine in your suitcase. do not take any liquids that are in containers bigger than travel-size (meaning, do not take your normal can of shaving cream, it must be the travel sized version...cant remember exact ounces off top of my head)

have all of the travel-sized liquids in a separate, clear zip-lock bag. again, there is a specific size requirement, meaning you can't take a huge freezer bag, but i dont remember the exact size. i just go with the sandwich sized bag with my liquids.

pack the bag in an easy-to-access area of your luggage. when you go through security, you will have to remove the bag and place it into a bin to run through x-ray separate from everything else.

if you're taking a laptop, you will have to remove that also when going through security.

i'd advise wearing shoes that are easy to remove and put back on, because you will have to take those off as well to go through security.

other than that- bring a light jacket, sometimes the plane will be cold, sometimes hot...all depends on who on the plane is whining about the temperature.

you cannot bring a bottle of water or other beverage through security, but once you're through security you can purchase a beverage and take it with you on the plane or in any connecting airports / flights.

if i think of more i will add it.

Re: Need advice on flying
 

Also, check the airlines guidelines for weight limit on luggage. They are starting to get people on number of bags and weight. They'll tack on extra fees. One carry-on is allowed now unless I am mistaken.

Floyd flies all the time. I'm sure he can tell you more than I can

Re: Need advice on flying
 

Smile a lot!

Re: Need advice on flying
 

I would recommend taking an medication in your carry-on. If they loose your checked bag it may take a day or two to get it to you. And then you won't have your meds.

Re: Need advice on flying
 

If you're leaving from Columbia, get there an hour early. These days, people like to pack large carry-ons, to avoid paying for a checked bag. When I have to fly these days, I go the opposite. I put everything in my checked bag. Makes getting around in the airport easier. Put anything you want in your checked bag, and just cruise right through the xray and boarding.

Wear shoes you can slip on/off, makes it easier, you have to take them off going through the xray now. You'll have to remove your belt as well.

I know people are afraid of losing a checked bag - but I've never, ever had this happen. Especially if you are flying direct. Odds of losing a bag are slim/none.

Re: Need advice on flying
 

Don't take a picture with your iPhone. They might throw you off

Re: Need advice on flying
 

A lot has changed in 20 years. Pack a lot of patience.

Re: Need advice on flying
 

So, if I use some hair gel sometimes, that should go in the carry on bag, in a travel size container too?

Re: Need advice on flying
 

That would be my advice or...you can mail that stuff to your hotel room before you get there

Re: Need advice on flying
 

oh, also...when booking your flight- give yourself plenty of time between connections (assuming you're not on a non-stop flight)

i always give myself at least an hour between connections. because delays will happen...especially if you're flying American (or what used to be United). nothing sucks worse than missing a connection because some a-hole flight crew took their sweet time getting to your plane from their previous flight. you should go ahead and sign up for the frequent flyer program of whatever carrier you are flying, and then save the number for that program into your phone. that way, if you do get delayed or cancelled and have to change flights- you're not stuck waiting in line at the airport with 50 other people for one single person to handle everyone's changes. you can call the airline directly and get yourself onto the next available flight, essentially slipping in ahead of everyone else that is waiting in line.

Also, take a zip-lock bag with some type of snack. most flights these days dont even offer peanuts or pretzels anymore, though the longer flights (2+ hours) still do.

Re: Need advice on flying
 

anything that is moist to touch. this includes; shampoo, gel, moisturizer, deodorant, shaving cream, etc.

Re: Need advice on flying
 

personally, i would not recommend that.

if, by some chance- you get stuck in a connecting city for a day...you're without all the essential toiletries. having to find your way somewhere to get replacements just for one day, after your patience is already spent, is not fun.

i keep that stuff with me. sometimes, if i'm traveling all day...i get to feeling dirty, i'll slip into an airport restroom and wash my face with something from my stash, forget that handsoap stuff. or if you need to brush your teeth in the airport...little stuff like that helps.

Re: Need advice on flying
 

For things like hair gel - if you are checking a bag - I would just check it.

Of course, I still don't know - are you taking so much that you will need to check a bag? If so, I'd put almost everything in there. If you have pills that you absolutely must have (and are traveling with a woman) get her to put it in her purse.

Re: Need advice on flying
 

Put it in a quart size Ziploc bag, along with your toothbrush, toothpaste, deodorant, etc. No more than 3 oz I think, but they are lenient sometimes.

Also, check your bag well for ANY things that might be constituted as a weapon. Last year on my flight to Vegas, they gave me hell about a skate tool. (Basically an all in one socket, wrench, and screwdriver). I got to keep mine, but a lot of peoples got taken. They did take my multi tool though. Bastards.

Re: Need advice on flying
 

Things that would make this thread more helpful:

-what city are you flying from? Columbia? (The destination city is New Orleans)
-Are you flying direct, or do you have a lay over?
-Are you going to un-avoidabley need a checked bag?
-Are you traveling with others?

Re: Need advice on flying
 

I don't know yet. My company is setting all that up. We will probably be flying out of either Columbia or Atlanta. I pray not Augusta. Since we are heading to New Orleans, I don't think there should be a layover. I will be with one other person. I don't know about the checked bag. Like I said, I have some medicine and some hair gel. I don't think anything else, other than shaving stuff. I would guess its easier to check all that than put it in my suitcase?

Re: Need advice on flying
 

and, yes...if you have any medication, do NOT check it, keep it in your carry-on.

airlines will take your checked baggage, and you WILL NOT get it until you get to your destination city. i've heard stories of people being stuck in an airport, getting delayed or cancelled, and the airlines will not retrieve their medication for them from their checked baggage. I'm talkin senior-citizens and the type of medication that could threaten one's life if they don't take it. The airlines are soulless entities, and the people who work for them lack any semblance of common sense...so you must prepare for the worst when dealing with them. You might think I'm exaggerating, but I assure you...I'm not.

Re: Need advice on flying
 

if you're flying from columbia to new orleans, then yes- there will be a layover, most likely in ATL.

another FYI if you are connecting in ATL...that is the busiest airport in North America. if you're flying in the spring time, then expect delays. Random afternoon thunderstorms in the spring time are common in ATL.