STAY CALM AND STRESS FREE

It's funny that people always ask me for advice on traveling on a plane! There are a few important things that I do when before and during my travels! I'm going to break this down into different categories so please come back tomorrow to see the rest!


Today's topic will be on the prep before heading to the airport!

Before leaving:

- I make sure I pack everything and anything! This means Double checking and triple checking. I also make sure that I double check the baggage size, weight, and fee's so that THERE ARE NO SURPRISES! I find this step prevents myself from being stressed and pissed off at the fee's if I'm charged!

Remember stay educated!

- Make sure your carry-on luggage is packed and ready. All Laptops have to be take out of the bag, jackets, shoes and all metal needs to be removed including belts, and finally liquids need to follow Transport Canada's Regulations. Transport Canada regulations are published below!

How To Pack your Liquids, Aerosols and Gels

Containers of liquids, aerosols or gels in your carry-on must be 100 ml/100 grams (3.4 oz) or less. All containers must fit in 1 clear, closed, resealable plastic bag no more than 1 litre (1 quart) in capacity. The approximate dimensions of a one litre/quart bag are 15.24 cm by 22.86 cm (6 in. by 9 in.) or 20 cm by 17.5 cm (8 in. by 7 in.).

At the screening point, take your plastic bag out of your carry-on and place it in one of the provided trays. One bag is allowed per passenger.

Any containers over 100 ml should be placed in checked baggage.

If you need any further information please click on this site:

http://www.catsa-acsta.gc.ca/home.aspx?id=1&pname=Home_Accueil&lang=en



Finally before you leave the house you should always say to yourself "Tickets, Money, Passport".

 

You're probably wondering what I mean by "Tickets, Money, Passport." Well here is the breakdown:

Tickets - Airplane tickets and booking sheets including your travel agents paperwork, Hotel confirmation, reservation confirmation, and everything else that you might need for your trip as in documents. Be Prepared!

Money - Cash, Travellers cheques, credit cards, and wallets! Make sure you never ever pack money in any of your checked baggage! I also suggest traveling with 2 wallets! 1 wallet is for holding important documents and credit cards which can be kept in a safety deposit box. The second wallet is for personal use where you keep enough money to get you through the day!

Passports - Never carry your passport with you when travelling unless it's required. Always keep the passport in a safety deposit box and try to avoid in room safes! Remember to make photocopies of your passports to have as a back. Also in this area I check to make sure I have all my ID's including drivers license.

TICKETS - MONEY- PASSPORT

Remember you're going on Vacation HAPPY HAPPY JOY JOY! So leave the attitude behind and be prepared for anything to happen including delays and mechanical. An Airplane is like a car, shit happens and at least it's on the ground and not in the air!



I can't tell you how many times I've heard people bitch and complain about the long lines for checking your bags, security, and so on! I can't stress this enough but give yourself time!



MORE TIME = LESS STRESS = HAPPY PASSENGERS!

LESS TIME = STRESS = ANGRY PASSENGERS = FREAK OUT ON FLIGHT ATTENDANTS!!



Time Frames (Remember this is what I think and plan for my flights just so we're all clear)

Gates normally close around an 1 hour before plane departs and this also means no more baggage check either!

Boarding happens between 30 to 40 minutes before departure and this includes pre-boarding too.

You should arrive around 2 hours before you're scheduled departure! This includes time for checking Inn, Baggage drop off, security and last minute goodbyes.

Domestic : at least 1 hour and 30 min
USA: At least 2 hours
International: At least 3 hours

Remember that International LINE UPS tend to be bigger because of the size of the plane, less check in desks, and sometimes there could be more than one flight leaving. Stop you're bitching and wait in line, the plane won't leave with out you!

 So Plan Accordingly!!!

Finally, keep in mind when you check in to not be a dick! The company sets regulations not the employee's! Should you at anytime have an issue with the company then fill out a complaint card and refrain from taking it out on us! Remember we are humans too and mistakes can happen.

Breath - Relax - And Be Respectful! You're Going On Vacation!!
Not like this ass in the video!