As the world of travel continues to change and adjust on a daily basis, many people are looking forward to finally being able to take a vacation again this year. Yay! If you’re planning to use air travel for your Indian Rocks Beach, Florida vacation, here are a few of our best tips to help you prepare for your flight. 

HELPFUL AIR TRAVEL TIPS FOR VACATIONERS

Be prepared for busier skies and fuller flights.

Air travel is on the rise and expected to reach its pre-pandemic levels in the months to come. Don’t expect too many empty seats on your flight and be ready for more people than you might expect at the airport. Arrive early and give yourself enough time to get through security and on your flight. 

Know the current mandates and requirements for air travel.

In this ever-changing world, it’s sometimes hard to keep up. It’s always a good idea to read up on your airline’s current rules and regulations well before arriving at the airport. It’s also prudent to check the current CDC guidelines for travel. At the writing of this blog, face masks are still required on all forms of public transportation and at transportation hubs (even if you’re fully vaccinated)—this includes at the airport and on and during your flight. 

Pack your patience.

Pack a little extra patience and politeness before arriving at the airport and throughout your travels. Flying might be different than the last time you hopped on a plane, so expect the unexpected. Take a deep breath and prepare your family ahead of time by talking about how things may look or feel different—and discuss the expectations, rules and regulations in advance. Being proactive is key to a successful trip to the airport and on the flight itself. 

Consider applying for TSA PreCheck before you fly.

You may want to consider applying for TSA PreCheck ahead of time. It basically saves you the hassle of removing your shoes, jacket and belt, taking out your laptop and liquids—and typically expedites the security check-in process. Most airports have a separate TSA PreCheck lane, but if not you can just show your boarding pass with the TSA PreCheck indicator to receive expedited screening in a standard lane. 

Enrolling involves completing a short, 5-minute online application and a 10-minute fingerprinting appointment at one of their 400+ enrollment centers. Most applicants receive their Known Traveler Number within a week. Renewing is even easier and most members can renew entirely online.

Remember the 3-1-1 rule for liquids if you’re bringing carry-on luggage.

Yes, the 3-1-1-liquids rule established way back in 2006 is still in effect. Each passenger may carry liquids, gels and aerosols in travel-size containers that are 3.4 ounces or 100 milliliters. Each passenger is limited to one quart-size bag of liquids, gels and aerosols. Common travel items that must comply with the 3-1-1 liquids rule include toothpaste, shampoo, conditioner, mouthwash and lotion. Containers larger than that must be packed in checked baggage. 

Plan ahead for food and drink.

Don’t expect your favorite airport restaurants or lounges to be available. They may be at limited capacity, crowded, or not operating at all.  Before leaving home, check your airport’s website to see the restaurants that are open near your terminal. If you don’t have any options, prepare a meal. Check your airport terminal’s rules about bringing your own snacks with you so you know what to expect when you arrive. Consider bringing empty reusable water bottles for each traveler that you can fill up once you’ve passed through security. Many airports offer refillable water stations at the terminals.

Check the traffic and road conditions before heading to the airport.

Check for construction around the airport that may cause traffic jams.  Give yourself some extra time if there is construction. The last thing you want is an unexpected delay that could result in you missing your flight. 

Skip the paper boarding passes and opt for e-ticketing instead.

If your airline app or boarding passes offer electronic paperless options, go ahead and skip the paper tickets. That way, no one loses or misplaces their boarding pass, and there is less physical contact when checking in at the airport. 

Relax and enjoy your flight!

Once you are checked-in, boarded onto the plane, and settled into your seat—focus your mind on your fun-filled vacation days ahead. It’s time to sit back, relax, and enjoy your flight. Cheers to your next vacation, and we sure hope it’s in Indian Rocks Beach, Florida on the gorgeous Gulf Coast. We hope you’ve found these air travel tips helpful. See you soon! 

AIRPORTS NEAR INDIAN ROCKS BEACH, FLORIDA