Getting through the airport shouldn’t take you that long, but if you have a plan, and you stick with it, you can fly through the airport in no time.

Show up early

The best way to ensure you are not late for your flight is to show up at least two hours in advance.  Two hours may seem like too much time to spend waiting in the airport, but it is better to have a little extra time to wait than to miss your flight!  By the time you check your luggage, go through security and find your gate, those two hours may easily be whittled down to just a few minutes. With airport security as tight as it is these days, one never knows when a big delay might crop up.  Bring along a good book or magazine so that any time you have left to wait will not seem so boring.

Pack smartly

If possible, try not to check any luggage.  If you do check luggage, make sure it is easily identifiable so that you don’t waste time looking for it when you arrive at your destination.  The most efficient way to travel is with only carry-on luggage.  This way, one can skip baggage check altogether and move straight to security.  If you put enough thought into packing before you leave, you may find that everything you need fits nicely into a smaller bag.  Doing so not only reduces the amount of luggage you have to carry around, but it also removes the risk of your checked luggage being lost or misplaced.

Pay attention to FAA and airport regulations

There are many rules out there regarding what one can and cannot have in their carry-on luggage.  Liquids, sharp objects, wrapped packages and other such items may not be allowed in your carry-on.  These rules and regulations are usually posted all over the security areas within the airport, so there really is no excuse to ignore them.  It is a very unpleasant experience to have throw away or leave something behind just because you did not read the rules.  Moreover, when you are stopped by security and they have to inspect your bags by hand, you are delaying not only yourself, but everyone who is behind you in line.

Want to find a hot travel deal online?  I created a simple, yet effective list that can land you some pretty awesome flight deals online.

1. Call the Airline of your choice

Call the airline of your choice directly as they may have great sales going on.  Do not be afraid to ask for a cheaper fare.  There are many promotions going on, but your airline may not be upfront about these, so simply ask.  Tell the airline of any promotions that you have heard of and if your airline offer’s it, it could be a great savings to you.

2. Use your travel agent

Travel agents are a great source and though they often charge a small booking fee it can save you a great deal of time searching for flights.  This is a great source if you have little time to do your own search .

3. Take advantage of the internet

The internet provides many sites such as Priceline that are safe that allow you to provide all the information you need in order to set your own prices, get deals and set your time lines.  The great thing about this is that there is no middleman and often the savings can be great!

4. Use your travel miles

If you are a frequent traveler then use those miles you have been saving, it often can be enough to get free flights.  If you have not traveled great deals, then do sign up for the travel miles.  It’s easy to do and even if you fly only a few times a year, over time you will save enough to use those miles for a free flight.  Sometimes depending on the airline there are restrictions to cashing in your frequent flyer miles so check with your airline before making too many plans.

5. Use all sources available

There can be great savings on airlines if you are just willing to do the research yourself. Use all the sources above in combination.  Do your own search; call the airline and finally your travel agent.  Be armed with your research.  Tell your agent the flight number, the time, location and tell her you want that flight.  Your agent then may even have a better deal.  Be honest and tell them what you are willing and not willing to pay so that they can book the airline ticket you want.

Deciding If You Should Take Your Dog

If you can leave your dog at home it’s advisable to do so. The stress of flying on a dog a can be harmful. Plus a round trip ticket can cost around $250, which is something most people cannot afford. Remember only a handful of Airports have areas where you can take your dog to the bathroom. Not to mention you are going to have to leave the secure area and then go BACK through security again once you’ve found a spot for Fido to do his business.  Also, remember that you’re going to need a pet approved carrier.

How To Protect Your Dog At The Airport

As much as you want to take your dog out in the airport it’s best for him if you don’t. Everyone always wants to touch the cute little puppy and will often times stick their hands in the dogs face and pet him without even asking. Since the airport is full of windy lines and you’re busy getting checked in you often times have no clue that someone is even trying to pet your dog. Bottom line is your dog is scared, even if he’s not a vicious dog he may growl or bite to try and protect him or you.

How To Make The Flight Easier on Yourself and Your Dog

If your dog is flying in cabin he’s not going to be able to leave his carrier so make sure he’s acclimated to it. Bring a few of his favorite toys and maybe a good rawhide chew to keep him busy for the flight. If possible choose a direct flight or one that doesn’t have a ton of stops along the way. To make it easier on both you and your dog and to maneuver around the airport faster it’s best if you try to take any luggage with you in your carry on. It slashes the amount of time that you will have to wait at baggage check or to get your baggage off the Carousel.

Traveling with small children on a airplane does not have to make one break out into a cold sweat and reconsider vacations until the child or children are in middle school.  It does, however, require some planning and preparation in advance to ensure things go smoothly at the airport and in the air.

Check-in

To help things run smoothly, ensure that your child or children know exactly what to expect.  There may be lines at check-in, and they will need to wait patiently while their parent(s) check-in.  If children are old enough to keep track of their own carry-on luggage, they should be taught to keep it in sight at all times.  If they are not old enough to keep track of their own luggage, as parents, you may want to bring a stroller to help store some of said luggage (most airlines allow you to gate check strollers).  After check-in, make sure that they have nothing of secret value that they snagged from home without your knowledge (e.g., their favorite matchbox car or their favorite scissors and an art project they just have to tuck in their backpack).  The last thing parents needs is an alarm when going through the metal detector, or the misfortune of having a bag that is already bursting at the seems needing to be unpacked and once unpacked, your child losing their favorite pair of safety scissors and breaking down in a fit of uncontrollable sobbing when the mean men take them away.

Amusement

We all know that kids have the attention spans of gnats.  Therefore, be prepared to entertain your child while waiting to board, on the plane, during layovers, and God help us, if the plane gets grounded somewhere.  This means, their favorite small toys, books, coloring pages, video games, and DO NOT FORGET the portable DVD player with MANY of their favorite movies.  It may also be helpful to bring headphones so that if you are lucky enough to have on board entertainment, you won’t have to purchase them.  Bring extra batteries for electronic devises and find outlets at the airport and plug in when possible.

Patience is Key

Most importantly, be patient.  Realize the kids are just as bored as you are, and try to make it a fun, new experience for them.  When your child starts crying five minutes into the flight, staying calm and collected yourself with help ensure that your child will eventually relax.  Understand that a normal, happy child may turn into a demon when confined to a 1×1 foot seat for 3 hours.  Realize that most people understand this, and will have sympathy for a crying child.  Realize that those people who do not have sympathy for you, may have never traveled with children of their own and you will probably never see them again.  Stay positive and realize that the end destination will be worth the small annoyances of getting there.

Security at the airport has made it difficult for travelers to start relaxing as they head away for adventure. Here are a few tips that can make your departure easier.

Know the Rules

Since 9/11, the security regulations have changed. If you are unaware of these rules, it will hold you up in the security line and you may end up having to throw away some of your items. For example, you can not bring water bottles through the security line. Although you’ll have to pay more, you can purchase water once you’ve gone through security. Also check out the rules for other liquids, such as a shampoo and makeup. You wouldn’t want the TSA to take these away from you.

Dress carefully

Clothes are also another concern while going through the security check. You have to take off any jackets, cardigans, or hoodies, as well as shoes. I tend to wear slip on shoes that are easy to take off, and socks. You’ll be walking on a dirty floor as you head through the line.

Other line rules

To make the line move quicker, be ready to take off your shoes, jackets, etc. You will also need to take any major electronics out of your back. Your laptop must be in a separate bin on the security belt and you may even be asked to turn it on. Have your identification and boarding pass readily available to show the guard. You will make the other travelers in line very unhappy if you are struggling to follow any of these standards.

Check info before you leave your house

The internet is a great place to go before you leave your house. Check to see if your flight is on time. It is also possible to check wait times for security lines. At busy times of the day, if could take up to an hour to make it through the line. Leave plenty of extra time to get to the airport, check your luggage, and get through the security line. You don’t want to miss your flight!

Have a good time

Try to relax. If you’re prepared and know what to expect, you go smoothly through the check-in process and will be on your way to a fun vacation.