2 years ago
Travel tips
It’s been a while since I did any regular travel and I’ve forgotten a lot. I figured these notes may help somebody out there. The goal for air travel is to get in and out of the airport as quickly as possible.
Packing
For business travel it’s easy, one 22 or 23 inch roll-on bag and a backpack. Most business trips last two or three days so I pack light (two pair of pants, a couple shirts, etc.) Anything longer and I’ll still try to use the larger carry-on to avoid the delay at baggage claim.
Backpack v. Shoulder bag
A backpack helps distribute the weight between both shoulders. Case closed. I will sometimes pack an extra shirt or light jacket in the backpack instead of my roller. Another option is a rolling-laptop bag but I’ve yet to find one that doesn’t sacrifice space or practicality for the rolling frame. Besides, you look like such a sucker rolling a terrier sized Samsonite behind you.
Dropping Off
Go opposite. When you’re leaving have your *very good friend that agreed to drop you off* take you to Arrivals. At departures you have to jockey for position just to wait for some long goodbye to get out of your way. At Arrivals the attitude is more “OMG SO HAPPY YOU’RE HERE. GET IN THE CAR. LET’S GO!”
Airport Security
It’s very easy
Put your watch and belt in your backpack.
Put your phone in your jacket pocket.
Keep your ticket and your ID in your back right pocket or back left pocket if you’re a lefty.
Show your ID and ticket and say “hello” to the nice person. Chit-chat a bit. You won’t get the suspicious eye. Put your ID and ticket back into your pocket.
Pick a short line, you’re not cutting and TSA actually likes it. It keeps things moving.
Get two bins and two bins only. Shoes, jacket and toiletries (on top) in the first bin and your laptop in the other.
Don’t put your roller up just yet.
Put your backpack through first then your computer bin, then your personal effects bin, finally your roller.
Pull your ticket out of your pocket, walk through the metal detector and say “thank you” then get your bag.
Put your computer into the bag, grab your toiletries off the top off the effects-bin and put it in your bag. Bag goes on your back, grab your jacket, drop your shoes and squeeze them on and finally grab your roller.
The last step seems like a lot but basically it’s like self-discovery; Grab what’s yours and do what’s natural.
Loyalty Plans
Sign up even if you don’t fly that often. Here’s why; let’s say you have a middle seat in the back of the plane. Once you clear security, go to the desk and ask if there’s an exit row or something toward the front of the plane available. While the airlines will deny that membership matters, if you’re in their club, you’ll have a better shot at a better seat. The same goes for hotel plans.
Mileage status has its benefits. Early check-in, upgrade priority, early boarding, free drinks (depending on the airline), ability to pick the good exit-row seat. You all know about the good exit row seat, right? It’s the second exit row. You get more leg room and the ability to recline. The first exit row seats don’t recline. Plus those miles add up to free air travel. This past summer I paid less than $20 to fly myself and Sweetness for a SEA-BOS-NYC trip.
Partner mileage is a little trickier. Most of the time you are treated like luggage on code-share airlines but it never hurts to ask. Don’t expect much if you haven’t made VIP-Captain’s Club-Gold level, though.
Always rent a car
Biz travel is hard enough. On one organizer’s recommendation, I did not rent a car and used the hotel shuttle. While free, it took me two hours and 15 minutes from the time I deplaned to get to my room. I made it to the hotel about half an hour after the restaurants closed and room service just had the “quick and greasy” menu. So rent.
Surroundings
Use Google Maps to find the closest mini-mart, drug store, etc. The economics of grocery shopping at a hotel are stupid. If you have no choice, save the receipt and turn them in with your expenses.
Personally, I like to travel. Once I clear security, I feel free. Airports can be incredibly inhumane and hostile but loyalty plans, slipping through security, priority boarding and the occasional upgrade make it a pleasure.
