Are you ready for Spring Travel

Spring Break is the start of peak travel season.  Here are some tips to make it easier!

Pack smart. Before packing your bags, check to see what exactly you can carry on and what you should plan to check. Planes are usually full during vacation season and you’ll want to avoid having to check bags last minute that you intended to carry on. Also, familiarize yourself with regulation-size bags to avoid having to pay extra for oversized items. If you are planning to travel with food, be aware that food items may require further TSA inspection. If you’re not sure if a food item is considered a liquid or a gel it is best to pack the item in your checked bag or ship it to your destination in advance.

If you’re traveling for a celebration and bringing gifts along, wait to wrap them until you reach your destination or consider shipping them. TSA agents may inspect wrapped packages, which could mean needing to undo your carefully wrapped packages and pristine bows.

Have a special request? Learn about the accommodations your airline provides for children, pets, travelers with disabilities, travelers with food allergies and more.

Traveling with children? Kids can ride in their collapsible strollers through the airport, and then these can be checked at your gate. Your stroller will be returned to you at the aircraft door at your connecting city or destination. If you’re planning to bring a larger, non-collapsible stroller or car seat, you can check it in the lobby.

Save time with mobile check-in. Most airlines allow you to check in and receive your boarding pass directly on your mobile device by using the Airline app. With your boarding pass right on your device, you simply scan the barcode at airport security checkpoints and at the gate during boarding.

Make a checklist. Before heading out the door, double-check that you have all of your personal items, including travel documents, ID, house keys, medicine and other valuables you may need on your trip.

Check flight status and weather Check your Airline app regularly for the latest updates, weather conditions, flight status and gate information.

Arrive early and avoid the stress of the airport hustle. You’ll want to give yourself extra time before your flight. The TSA advises arriving at the airport two hours before your flight for domestic travel and three hours for international travel, in anticipation of long security lines. This can help ease the stress when navigating busy check-in areas, security lines and crowded boarding gates.  To help everyone get through security lines as quickly as possible, please cooperate with TSA guidelines and have your boarding pass and identification ready before you get to the front of the line. For future trips, consider enrolling in a Trusted Traveler program for expedited security screening and customer processing.

Get ready at the gate. Once you are through security, check the mobile app or the flight information displays for the latest update on gate assignments and boarding times.  Additionally, make sure your personal items (such as your backpack or purse) contain your items such as ID, medicine, keys, e-cigarettes and other valuables.

Now… relax!