When you are about to make your trip to Vancouver, BC, Canada, make sure you read over some of these helpful bits of information, and save yourself from the hassles that many travelers go through. Flying can be a smooth, and comfortable experience, if you know how to deal with flight attendants, and carry on baggage. Check out these 10 essential travel tips to get you on your way to a happy traveling experience.
#1 - Check in for Your Flight At Home
Nowadays, you can check in for a flight from home, and already have your boarding passes printed 24 hours before your flight. This will not apply if you checking bags in. The long line ups in the airports can be at check-in, or security.
#2 - Pack Light
If you have already checked in at home then you can pack a carry on bag and speed through the customs and line ups. You can also get to the airport only an hour early if taking a domestic flight, or two for an international trip.
#3 - It’s a Rat Race
Walk as fast as you can when you get off the plane. This will get you ahead of at least 5 people in the custom and immigration points, and get you out of the airport faster. You don’t want to wait in customs after a 15 hour flight, do you? Walk fast, its a race!
#4 - A Big Carry on Bag?
Make sure you get to the front of the boarding line and that you put your carry on in the compartment above you, or in front of you. If you place your carry on behind you, be prepared to wait for the plane to empty before you get to pull yours out. A hassle you really don’t want!
#5 -An Airplane is Just like Being on a Bus
You get a little space and remember that all airlines will charge you for extra for thing like entertainment, food, pillows, and drinks. Stop expecting that you will get anything for free. It’s a bus ride in the air.
#6 - Take the Plunge
Sometimes flights get canceled. Just make sure you call the airlines 1-800 number and stay online as you head to the airline counter desk. This will provide you with a bigger chance of getting onto another flight.
#7 - Take a Photo!
Our luggage gets thrown around when it is checked in. Take a photo of your bag before you check it in. Your bag could get lost, or severely damaged. Make sure you also put your personal contact information in the bag so if lost, they can get your bag back to you. Try to avoid packing fragile items, and your valuable keepsakes.
#8 - Don’t Abuse the Call Button Flight attendants may smile sickly when they come up to you after you set off the call button, but we can guarantee you they are annoyed. Don’t over abuse the call button every time you have a question, need a blanket, or some water. Wait until one of them passes you by and ask politely. The call button is only for more important matters and emergencies, so hands off!
#9 - Try Self-Service
Avoid the line ups and check in through the self-service kiosks that are available at most airports. You can change seats, upgrade, sign up for a standby flight, and even check your luggage. This will save you time and you won’t have to deal with any over-worked, tired airline agents.
#10 - A Cell Phone Parking Lot
Airports have begun to build cell phone parking lots where people can wait until they get a call before circling the arrival strip searching for their passenger. It’s a great solution, and will save people from losing so much money on gas by circling around, and around.
