Flying can be a stress-filled experience for anyone but by following a few safety tips you can fly right on through!
Most people view air travel as being as comfortable and safe as any other mode of transportation these days - and most times it is. But you can make your trips safer and more stress free by following a few easy tips to make the entire experience a good one.
First, always check your tickets long before the actual departure date. Whether you buy them on-line or at an agent, check the dates and times immediately upon receiving them. Too many people get caught up in the experience and forget to check the details, often resulting in a last minute panic as they try to shuffle flight times and dates. While most airlines can accommodate a sudden change, it will probably be at the expense of your wallet and your patience.
Check the flight time the day before you leave, and again a few hours before you leave for the airport. While changes can and have been made within hours of a flight, you might be able to still catch any major changes before you arrive at the airport and lessen the amount of irritation and stress by having your flight changed at the last minute. Again, check the time and date of your departure as often as you feel comfortable with. Most airlines provide automated phone service for this, as well as on-line sites to give you the most up to date information.
Before leaving for the airport make sure that vital documents necessary to your trip are easily accessible. For example, make sure that your passport isn't at the bottom of your luggage but in a good area for you to quickly present it for inspection if you are traveling internationally. Keep all personal documentation on your own person and out of your luggage, both the carry on and the checked bags. While theft has dropped dramatically at airports in the past few years, there's always a chance that your luggage might be lost or misplaced - and you don't want all your personal ID to disappear along with it.
Along these lines, keep a small "survival" kit with you at all times; consisting of your personal identification, a small amount of cash and credit cards OUT of your wallet and any necessary medication as well as emergency contact numbers. In case of an emergency you can hand this packet over to medical personnel who can then deal with your ailment as well as contact family members without having to search through your belongings or wallet; saving time for all concerned. Some travelers make up a secondary wallet specifically for this purpose and tuck it inside their front pocket, far away from the prying fingers of pickpockets.
Arrive at the airport a few hours before your flight is due to depart - the average is two hours for international travel; at least one for local. Dealing with Customs will take some time if you are traveling out of the country, and you always need to be prepared for any shift in the airline's scheduling. Arriving early and rested will guarantee that you can cope with any difficulties that arise at the last minute.
DO NOT JOKE ABOUT VIOLENCE IN THE AIRPORT! Each year many people are taken into custody and questioned by the authorities when they made a small joke about bombing or kidnapping or hostage-taking in an airport. While such jokes are funny in another setting, understand that the security personnel at all major airports are dedicated to their work of keeping you and the other passengers safe and will perceive any joke as being a potential threat. Missing your flight due to questioning about your comment isn't fun. Realize that while the odds of an incident are small, they are taken very seriously by all airport personnel and you will be treated severely for taking it lightly.
Once on the plane, make sure that you are fully aware of the emergency procedures as directed by the attendants and outlined in a special insert placed by your seat. Many travelers ignore this at their own peril; feeling secure in the safety record of air flight and their airline. But better to be safe than sorry, and a few minutes reading might prove to save your life in an emergency.
Beware the drink cart. Many people have a lowered resistance to alcohol during a flight; often leading to embarrassing situations and the event termed "air rage". While the attendants can and will refuse to serve you, be aware that in a court of law the penalties are severe for attempting to interfere with the operation of an aircraft - and disruptive behavior is not tolerated by any airline due to the safety concerns. If you are a nervous flier, consult with your doctor as to medications you can take before you arrive for your flight - do not depend on alcohol to get you through the experience.
Many airlines offer kosher and vegetarian dinners upon request, so if you have any concerns about the meals available talk to your ticket agent or the airline upon receiving your ticket. Religious and medical considerations are taken into account when preparing the meals for each flight and all attempts will be made to accommodate your preference; but you must bring it to their attention long before takeoff while the plane is being prepared and equipped.
Upon arriving at your destination make sure that all of your luggage is secure and unopened. If you have any problems regarding the status of your bags, bring it to the attention of the airline IMMEDIATELY before leaving the airport. Many airlines have service counters open twenty-four hours a day for such matters; and if you leave the airport without reporting damaged or missing bags you might delay any problem solving for days.
Flying doesn't have to be a stressful experience. With a little foresight and a little planning you can arrive at your destination rested and ready to move on to whatever new challenges you have before you!
