Flying Without Problems – Mistakes to Avoid Before a Flight

You do not bring a pen on your overseas flight.

A pen will always come in handy to fill out immigration forms aboard. You will spare the flight attendant the trouble of supplying everyone on board with a pen.

You let your baby sit on your lap while flying.

Majority of airlines will let you travel with an infant on your lap at no cost but it is very dangerous. In case there is an impact/deceleration, chances are you might lose hold of your baby and he/she becomes a projectile. However, according to the government, if they require you to buy an expensive baby seat, you will just drive and driving is more prone to injury than flying. Sitting on an FAA-approved car seat is the safest way for your baby to travel.

You do not keep your personal stuff in your carry on.

In case your checked-in luggage gets lost or comes late, you should bring along your essentials inside your carry-on. These include your medications, cell phone charger, extra clothes and the documents required to get you past security and to your hotel. Do not pack too many things.

You do not use sun block.

Travelling too often is not healthy for your skin. According to a certain study, the amount of radiation received by pilots who fly for 1 hour at 30,0000 feet is the same as spending 20 minutes lying in a tanning bed. Another study reveals that they were also 10 times more prone to malignant melanoma. The solution is to always use sun block.

You do not go to the terminal bathroom.

Going to the bathroom at the last minute could delay the whole flight. It takes time for the plane to move along the ground and get in line before takeoff. So, when a passenger wants to go to the restroom, he/she has to tell the cockpit in order to stop the plane and wait for the person to be seated and buckled up. We would most likely lose our place in line.

You are an easy target when it comes to lost luggage.

Airlines can pay a maximum of $3,400 on lost bags with contents. To get a full disbursement, report lost luggage right away since most airlines have fixed deadlines to file claims. Present your report before leaving the airport, keeping all receipts connected with unforeseen expenses due to the loss. They may also give a refund on these.

You do not measure your carry-on suitcase.

Airlines have different carry-on requirements so you should verify space allowance and measure your bag before packing. If you fill it to its full capacity, measure the bag once more before leaving.