Audrey's Airport Advice - Top 10

Earlier this week I returned home from my fifth trip so far this year.  No, I am not a business traveler, but I do travel more than the average person.  I still have two more trips to go before the calendar runs out.  I thought I would share some knowledge that I have obtained over my many, MANY airport visits.  They all will help your next vacation go smoother, and you keep you from becoming the person everyone else "canNOT believe!"  Happy trails!

• Have your boarding pass and picture ID already out when you get to airport security.  It WILL get checked!  Fumble for it while you are waiting in line, or better yet, before you even get in line.  It may seem like a no-brainer, but if I had a nickel . . . 
• Please do NOT try to take a water bottle, or any beverage,  through security.  I have seen even people who seemingly have it together with their other liquids at regulation size (3 ounces) and in a one quart bag try to bring drinks through, including a barely sipped, freshly made frappacino.  It does not matter if it has an unbroken seal.  It really does not matter if you just bought it.  My favorite water bottle encounter includes a TSA worker stating to the woman in front of me, and I quote, "Lady, where have you been?"  
• If you haven't flown in a while you may not know there are now full body scanners in addition to metal detectors at most airports.  You will be directed to walk through one or the other, but more often than not, you'll get scanned.  They require you to stand still with your hands over your head for three seconds.  Don't try to simply walk through them.  You'll hold up the line and have a cluster of security around you instantly.  Another tip for body scanners, clean out your pockets.  Even a tissue causes an issue.  :)
• As you move about the airport, pull over if you need to stop.  People move very quickly in airports and you'll probably get run over, cussed at, and most definitely given the "Are you seeing this?" look.  The aisles are wide.  There are gates everywhere.  Need to get something in your bag?  Need to text?  Think like driving and pull over. 
• Take Airborne(R).  Like I mentioned, I have flown A LOT.  I used to get sick after every flight.  Planes are flying germ aquariums.  Since I have started taking Airborne, I no longer catch the traveler's cold.
• Practice lifting your carry-on bag over your head.  If you are bringing a carry-on that has to be put in the overhead bin, make sure you can lift it that high.  It is much easier to drag a bag off the conveyer belt, so if you can't lift it, check it. 
• Pack a snack for the plane.  You can bring food through security.  And remember how I told you not to bring a water bottle through security?  Buy a drink once you get through.  Of course you are going to get a free beverage and peanuts on board, but sometimes (like last Wednesday night) you are delayed once you have boarded the plane and have to sit for an hour before take off.  No food or drink until you have reached 30,000 feet.  ***Please refrain from stinky snacks.  Those with weak flying stomachs do not need added grief.  Remember, small confined space.  Eat the peppers at the gate.
• Bring a sweater.  Some planes are hot.  Some planes are cold.  Unlike Goldilocks, no plane I've ever been on is just right.  Make sure to wear layers so you can adjust to the temperature.  I've been hot on a plane that has the air going full blast and cold on a plane where my air valve is shut.  Also, thanks to the outbreaks of the flu and other diseases, most airlines no longer offer blankets.  I have had to buy sweatshirts in airports because I forgot my sweater.  And you think buying a drink is expensive!
• Turn down the volume.  I realize that the plane itself is loud and your ears may be plugged, so I concede that your volume has to be higher than normal.  It does not have to be so high however, that everyone around you is wondering why you have earphones at all since they can all hear your music, show or game.  And please make sure you bring headphones.  Especially for your children's game consoles.  
• Be patient.  You are in a hurry.  Guess what?  Everyone else at the airport is in a hurry too.  There is something about them that make even those with hours to spare antsy and in a rush.  If you remember to breathe and be patient with others you'll find yourself smiling at the guy who just can't seem to take his belt off instead of wanting to wring his neck with it.  I know it takes practice.  Maybe I'll finally be good at it on trip number six.  :)