Flying used to be exciting. You could grab your heavy suitcase (Free of charge), get through security in a flash, walk to the terminal, carry your cold can of Coca-Cola on the plane, and enjoy your flight. Boy, how times have changed! Now it's suggested that you get to the airport three hours before your flight leaves, and there are so many rules about what you can and cannot pack. How on Earth can anyone be expected to have a good time on a flight anymore? Flying the skies doesn't have to be stressful. While getting through security might not be fun, it can be easier.
First of all, gone are the days when you could get through airline security with your contact solution and shampoo in their regular-sized bottles. If you want to avoid having your solution, shampoo, and other toiletries thrown into the trash on the day of your flight, invest in 3.4 ounce bottles and transfer your liquids into those. Then, put them in a zip-lock bag for safe keeping. If you have a toiletry bag, stow the zip-lock bag inside of it.
One of the most important things that you can do to make your walk through security easy is to dress comfortably. You might be on your way to a professional conference in Dallas, or a swanky wedding in St. Louis, but you don't have to dress to the nine's to fly. Wear slip-on shoes (Don't forget your socks! You don't want to step on that dirty airport floor!), and avoid wearing a belt. Belts can cause the scanner to go off, setting you and other passengers back a few minutes. Forget the jewelry too. Put any jewelry you want to take with you in your carry-on or suitcase.
If you're taking electronics with you on that trip, you'll need to specially prepare those for the voyage too. Put all electronics that you don’t want in your carry-on in between layers of clothing in your suitcase, so that they are protecting from being jostled around. If your laptop is going on the plane with you, make sure you place a label on it for the ride through security.
Moreover, keep in mind that some things you think will be permitted on an airplane are not. Getting caught with these things in the security line will only cause more of your time to be wasted. What are some of those things?
If you're a smoker, common lighters are allowed. Torch type lighters, such as some butane lighters, are not allowed, but can be checked in your luggage.
Wearing gel insoles in your shoes for added comfort during those walks through the airport? Take those out before you leave home! They aren’t allowed on airplanes.
Bringing your sewing kit on your trip, just in case one of your outfits rips? Think again. Small scissors and other sharp objects are not allowed on the plane.
