Your Pre-Trip Checklist: What to Do the Day Before You Travel

If you travel a lot by plane, you most likely developed some sort of routine that you follow prior to your flight. However, if you are not so familiar with this and flying might not be your second nature, keep reading. You will find out everything you need to know about what you should keep an eye on before you lock your seat belt in.

All this information will serve you when you want to make sure that you have all you need with you and all the legal aspects are taken care of. So, let’s see how the checklist should look like before you take that new flight, in seven easy but very efficient steps.

Your Pre-Trip Checklist

Save time by doing the check in online.

This online check-in process can be done usually up to 24 hours before your flight and it can save you a lot of waiting time at the airport. Not only that you will save time but you can also save some money. Get informed about the fees that are charged for your baggage as some companies might charge extra if you decide to check your bags at the airport rather than checking them online.

Check the weight limit offered by your carrier company.

Once you know the maximum weight allowed without a fee, weigh your baggage at home so you make sure that you don’t go over that limit. This is if you don’t want to cover the extra fee that you will be asked to pay in case you bring more than you are allowed to with you.

If you notice that the weight of your bags goes over the limit, rethink your packing system. Maybe you need to take some items off your baggage. Or maybe you need to move them from one bag to another in order to even out the weight. Be creative and organized at the same time in order to be able to bring everything you need with you, and not carry things that are not necessary for your trip.

Check all your documents and make sure you have all you need with you, legal wise.

In the race to create the perfect baggage, you might get a bit overwhelmed which is why there are big chances to forget the most important things: your paperwork. Always make sure you have with you your passport, ID card, maybe insurance, a printed airline ticket and any other papers you might need during your flight and during your entire trip. You might also want to bring your driving license with you because you never know when you need it.

It might be a great idea to even make copies of your legal documents.

Just in case one of them gets lost which could definitely happen by accident. Plus, in many cases, you will be able to get away with using just the copy of your documents and don’t dig in your bag for the original ones.

When you put together your carry on baggage, take into account the following aspects:

– Don’t take any liquids with you in their original container. Instead, pour your toiletries in clear plastic containers that are quart sized.

– Check the list of the prohibited objects and eliminate them from your baggage because they will be confiscated at the airport anyway.

– Your carry on bag should contain everything you need to survive in the tragic case in which your baggage would get lost. Include in it your finances, your phone, laptop or any prescription medication and even an outfit if your space allows you to.

– Always see how much your carry on bag should weight before starting to add a wide variety of items to it. There is no need to pay extra fees for it unless you absolutely have to.

What should your baggage contain?

This is a very good question but it also varies according to the type of trip you are taking and what you need to bring. If you are taking a business trip, get adequate clothes for your potential work events but also make sure you have a few outfits for your free time. Whatever you decide to bring with you, you should make your baggage at least two days before your flight, just to make sure you don’t forget any important items.

Make a list of everything you need to add to your baggage before you start packing.

This might sound nerdy but it actually is a great strategy that will save you from a lot of potential problems. Simply sit down, grab your agenda, and create a list of everything you need during your flight and trip. Then, start checking things off the list as you find them the appropriate place in your baggage. This can definitely be a lifesaver, especially if you are new at this flying routine.

Bonus tip:

Charge your phone and laptop as well as any other devices you might bring with you before your flight. Even if you might find the right outlet to charge your phone wherever you are going, it is still recommended to make sure you have that part covered before getting in the airplane.

As you can see, you will be ready to have a good flight and a good trip by only following these steps before jumping on the airplane. Over time, you will do all this naturally, the more you go through these types of travels.

But in order to not let your temporary excitement, generated by taking a new trip, get the best of you, you should try to follow this routine every time. This is why it is best to start planning your flight and your entire trip in detail ahead of time, in order to make sure that all the important aspects are successfully covered.

However, by keeping these tips in mind, you can be sure that your flight will go smoothly and pleasantly, without unwanted events.

Hopefully, you found these guides helpful. As always, feel free to leave a comment or send us a message anytime via our contact form.

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