It's Time To Fly Again

With the start of summer, many Raleigh and Wake Forest residents are starting their travel plans.  For some it might be the first big trip since 2019.  As COVID restrictions continue to lift, many are starting to get back out there after longing for an adventure or just needing a getaway.  For many, this will be by airplane. Here are some ideas to make that trip easier as, well as some money saving tips.

With gas prices soaring, anywhere you can save money is beneficial, right? A few bucks here and a few bucks there can really add up. One of the best ways to save money on a flight is to bring your own headphones.  Especially those flights that offer TV or in flight entertainment where you will be tempted to purchase cheap headphones from the airlines and quite frankly, you will never use again. This will save you $5+.  Bring your Apple headphones from the older iPhones you haven’t used in forever and they will work in the audio plug.

Bring your own hand sanitizer and pack a small bag of Clorox wipes. This can save you $3-$5 when you are at the airplane magazine shop and realize you don’t have any.  Also, make sure you use them!  That tray pull down can be covered in germs and let’s face it people use them as a pillow, eat meals on them, as well as sneeze on them.  Protect yourself. 

Another great way to save money at the airport is to bring an empty water bottle. You can fill up once through security. Many water fountains now have that sanitary bottle fill feature which is quick and safe. Most airports make a lot of their money off of water and snacks.  Having a good amount of snacks  with you will lessen the temptation to buy that big $10 muffin. This can save you $15-$20 per person.

Try to book your flights on a Tuesday or Wednesday. They can have the better fares while Sunday can be the most expensive with people returning before the work week starts. Could save you $60-$80.

Sometimes time is money and they say that the security check point to the far left usually moves faster than the right.  Any chance to get through that part of the airport and potentially eliminate missing a flight, if you are running late,  could save you money.

Invest in a portable battery  charger.  There is nothing worse when you are on a long layover and every single outlet is taken with laptops and phone chargers.  They run about $20+ but are well worth it. If you buy what’s at the airport for portable charge options you will pay a premium.  If you have a portable one just plug it into your phone when needed and you can get that charge back without all the drama.  Also, put your phone in airplane mode when you fly.  One of the reasons it exist is to stop your phone from constantly trying to connect to a network which will drain your phone super fast.

Here is a pro travel tip.  It is said that the majority of turbulence can happen during the afternoon.  So, if you have a shorter flight book something in the morning. There can still be turbulence but maybe not as much. 

Here is another pro tip.  If you are traveling with liquids make sure you put them in bags.  Invest in some Ziploc bags and seal everything up.  Remember everything gets pressurized and things can expand.  Also, don’t leave much air in the zip lock bags.  The reason for this is let’s face it, most of our luggage gets tossed around quite a bit.  I bought my wife a really sexy bag for her recent trip and it came back from flying international looking like it had been dragged on the tarmac.  If there is not much air in the zip lock bags they won’t be forced open when they take a beating.

Save yourself time and lessen the anxiety by checking in early.  Seek out airlines that let you check in early, most do now.   Some let you check in 24 hours before and this will help avoid that first long check-in line. This will help cut down on stress.  Especially, if you are running late.

Don’t be afraid to buy luggage that has crazy colors. You want to be able to spot yours on the carousel.  I can’t tell you how many times I have missed our luggage and had to wait for it to come back around because they were all black.  Or grab someone else’s and awkwardly fumble for the name tag.  I just bought my wife a rose red rolling bag.  It’s a hard shell and clearly was able to take a beating. She could spot it a mile away. And don’t think for a minute that when I am traveling I won’t borrow it. People will see me coming but no one will mistake mine for theirs on the carousel.

Another great tip is to fly a redeye. I know these are not ideal because your next day is shot but if you have travel anxiety, like I do, leaving late at night and arriving early morning has its advantages. For one thing there are a lot less people around the airport. Fewer people in line at the security gates and less people milling around really makes moving through to your gate much easier.  Also, the flights themselves may not be as crowded.  Let’s face it less people on and off the plane alone has it’s benefits. 

Check your flight status before you head to the airport.  We have so much technology at our fingertips you can check it very easily.  No need to go to the airport early.  The TSA has an app you can use it to check wait times. However, my personal pro- tip is you can never get there too early. I really do suffer from travel anxiety.  Maybe it’s because I have missed flights before and I personally like to get to the airport and be within viewing distance of my gate. This brings me so much peace knowing I have done everything on my part, now I am just waiting on them. I know I won’t be rushing around and can relax before the flight. I am OK waiting for hours like this, my wife not so much.

Have a weighing device. They have portable ones or you can try to use your scale at home. Why be surprised at check-in that your luggage just gained 10 pounds. No, this one can be avoided. Know what your bag will weigh and you can be compliant with the airlines max weight for luggage.  There is no need to pay the ridiculous fee’s just because you brought too much stuff.  If it’s a gotta have try wearing some of the items in layers. Especially, those traveling during winter months. Wear the heavy shoes and pack the sandals.

Pack your most important items with you.  Believe it or not fanny packs are trendy again and this is one of the best uses for them.  Don’t put that extra cash or important items in your luggage.  Most airlines will let you have some type of carry on and if they charge for that usually you can have a back pack for free. Buy a cheap one at Walmart $10 if you don’t have one.  Use that for laptops, tablets, and other important items.  Things can get lost, why risk it?  Keep important items close to you. We are a family of 5 and I feel sometimes my backpack is heavier than the luggage but at least I have my most important things. .

If you are getting out there remember to stay safe.  A little preparation and thought can save you some time and money.  Oh, if you are flying international here is a quick update on a recent change. International travel as of June 12^th the US dropped some of the restrictions on international travelers entering the US.  The COVID testing requirement has been dropped making it easier to return.