Even though airplanes are the fastest mode of travel for long distances, the packing action that must be done and the various accessories that need to be prepared to go through security at the airport can often be quite a hassle. There are many rules that must be obeyed by passengers. However, as long as you know the rules and prepare everything, traveling by plane can be done without a single problem. In addition, when you are on the plane, you are on the move. Therefore, simply put, the thing you really have to do when traveling by plane is to sit back and enjoy the journey.
Step
Part 1 of 3: Packing Things
Step 1. Decide whether you will only be carrying carry-on bags or baggage
In accordance with the length of time you travel and the type of goods to be carried, determine the type of bag that will be used.
- Different airlines apply different standard cabin bag dimensions. Therefore, find out the requirements of the airline you choose to determine how large a carry-on bag you can carry.
- Keep in mind that some items should only be carried in a bag.
Step 2. Make a list of items that are regulated for use
The carrying of various types of goods, ranging from food, drinks, to weapons, is regulated by airport security. Here are some examples of items that may be prohibited from entering the plane by the airport:
- Food
- Liquid, bath soap
- Sports equipment
- Tools
- Self-defense equipment
- Sharp objects
Step 3. Find out if these items can be put in a carry-on bag or if you have to put them in the trunk
In fact, the number of items that are prohibited by the airport from being carried is not much. However, there are various types of items that can only be brought on board if they are packed in a carry-on bag. Check for items that might be questionable and see if you can take them without having to put them in your carry-on bag.
Most liquids and foods such as sauces, soy sauce and chili sauce should only be carried in the carry-on bag if the amount is less than 100.6 ml. The rules may be different for goods such as medicines, but there will still be certain restrictions
Step 4. Pack things as light as possible
While it may be tempting to pack a wide variety of clothes and shoes, try to include only the essentials and pack them as succinctly as possible by arranging them in different ways. If you want to limit your luggage to only one cabin bag, then the space for available items will be very limited. Also, be aware that, even though your bag may not be full, if it weighs too much, you will still have to pay for the excess.
- Baggage that is too full can make its size exceed the standards applied by the airline. If this happens, you will have to take things out of your carry-on bag to put them in another bag or leave them at the airport.
- Baggage fees usually range from IDR 337,500, - for one bag, with additional rates for bags that exceed the standard limit and double for more than one bag.
Step 5. Find out the liquid packaging regulations
Given the potential for liquid and aerosol materials to explode due to changes in air pressure inside the aircraft, airport security usually applies special regulations for them.
- All liquids totaling 100.6 ml can fit in the carry-on bag, and must be packed in one sealable plastic bag with a size of less than or equal to one liter. Each passenger is only allowed to carry one such plastic bag.
- Items larger than 100.6 ml can be packed in the trunk without having to be put in a sealed plastic bag. However, you should still put it in the bag to protect other items.
- Medicines and foodstuffs as well as infants and children are exempt from the regulation.
Step 6. When packing, roll the clothes instead of folding them
One of the easiest ways to save space from your luggage is to roll up your clothes instead of folding them.
In addition to saving space, rolling clothes also reduces the risk of scuffing the fabric
Step 7. Pack the items from heaviest to lightest
Start packing your bag by placing the heaviest items, such as shoes, at the very bottom. Then, put the rolled up clothes on top, starting with the heavier ones like jeans or sweaters, then working your way up to lighter ones.
- Packing things this way will prevent your clothes from being squeezed or shriveled from being piled up by heavier objects.
- Place toiletries and other light items on top so that they can be easily accessed for inspection at security check points at the airport.
Step 8. Try to pack clothes inside other things like shoes
If you bring shoes or boots, try to put small clothes like underwear in them. This will save space, but don't do it unless you don't mind getting the clothes dirty.
Step 9. Prepare a change of clothes in the carry-on bag
If you will be bringing carry-on luggage and baggage, then put a change of clothes in the carry-on bag just in case the bag you put in the trunk doesn't reach your destination.
- This way, you will have at least one change of clothes until you can get the luggage back.
- It is helpful if you also include essential cleaning supplies such as a toothbrush and toothpaste and deodorant that is less than 100.6 ml.
Step 10. Do not put heavy items in the outer bag pocket
If you use a suitcase to put in the cabin or for luggage, avoid placing large-sized items in the outer pocket. If you do, then the suitcase will swell and can make it exceed the size required by the airline.
Place magazines, light books, or other thin objects in the outer pocket
Step 11. Avoid locking the bag for luggage
Since airport security will check all baggage, it is recommended that you do not lock it for easy inspection. If you lock it, your belongings may be damaged when security tries to open it. The airport security will not be held responsible if this happens.
On the other hand, several key manufacturers such as Safe Skies and Travel Sentry have cooperation and are recognized by the airport so that their keys can be opened easily using equipment owned by security implementers
Part 2 of 3: Traveling to the Airport
Step 1. Make a report (check-in) 24 hours before departure time
Now, airlines provide online facilities for their passengers to check-in and confirm seat locations up to 24 hours before departure. You can do this using an app that can be downloaded on your phone or directly on the airline's website.
It will also save time because, once you arrive at the airport, you can go straight to security without having to queue for check-in
Step 2. Print and secure your boarding pass or boarding pass before departure
If you check-in early, you can print or access your boarding pass via the airline's app or website. Make sure you print it out or save it on your phone in case there's no cellular signal at the airport.
If you check-in at the airport, the airline agent will give you a boarding pass at that time
Step 3. Prepare identity documents for security checks
Identity documents need to be prepared for adult passengers aged 18 years. Children and youth under 18 years of age do not need to provide identification when traveling accompanied by an adult. You must prepare valid identity documents such as:
- Passport
- Visa (if required)
- Identity card
- Driver's license
- Residence permit
- Border crossing card
Step 4. Go to the airport with plenty of spare time
Know the exact time of boarding (boarding) and departure of the aircraft. Plan so that you can reach the airport with enough time to spare to get through the security checks and flight gates on time.
- Most airlines recommend that you arrive at the airport 30 to 45 minutes before departure time for domestic flights, depending on whether or not you have checked baggage. For international flights, it is recommended that you arrive at the airport at least two hours before departure time so that you can pass various international passenger checks.
- Set aside extra time in case you have to drive yourself and park the car in a long-term parking lot. You should have enough time to reach the terminal from the parking lot.
- If the airport you are departing from is a large and very busy place, get there early just in case. In addition, also take into account what day you will be traveling. Weekends are usually busy periods so the airport security and staff will be more crowded with potential passengers.
Step 5. Prepare all the items needed for security checks for easy access
You will need a boarding pass and identification document. Once you reach the checkpoint, all the necessary items should be easily accessible so you can get through it quickly. Keep the following items at the very top of your carry-on bag so you don't have to bother looking for them:
- Liquids and aerosols in a one liter plastic bag
- Electronic stuffs
- Medicines and fluids for medical purposes
- Foodstuffs for babies and children
Step 6. Remove, store, or avoid wearing metallic items before passing inspection
As you go through the checkpoints, you'll have to take things off or not wear them at all to get through. These items will be placed in separate containers which will later be scanned with an X-ray machine. After that, you can advance past the metal detector. Example:
- Shoe
- Jackets, coats, sweaters
- Belt
- Coin
- Mobile
- Jewellery.
Step 7. Find out how to declare medicines and essentials for babies and children
If you have liquid medicine or baby milk, formula, or juice for babies or children, you will need to notify airport security for proper inspection.
- Tell the security guard that you have any medications or medical fluids when you go through the screening. If you also need items such as ice cubes, injections, pumps, and IV fluid bags, tell the staff about this as well. It can be helpful to label these items so they can be checked easily. Keep them separate from other liquid items such as soap and cleaning products. The boxes of ice or gel needed for your treatment must be frozen at the point of inspection. You can also request that the medication is not scanned using X-rays or not opened. However, if this is the case, then another method of examination will have to be carried out.
- If you are packing groceries for babies or children, you are also allowed to carry them up to more than 100.6 ml in carry-on bags, and these items can also be put in sealed plastic bags with a size of more than one liter. However, these foodstuffs must be separated from other liquids which will also be checked at the safety point. Let the staff know that you brought the groceries so that they can be checked properly. Security may ask to X-ray scan your breast milk, formula, or juice or open them. However, you can turn it down if you want. In that case, other inspection actions will be carried out. The ice and gel boxes will have to be completely frozen when you go through the security checks. Other items such as baby food that has been put in cans, jars, and processed will be allowed in, as will bite toys that contain liquids, but all of these items must also go through inspection.
Step 8. Find your flight gate and wait for boarding time
After going through security checks, use the directional signs at the airport to find your way to the gate of your plane. We recommend that you go directly to the gate to avoid missing your flight and to confirm the location.
Once you find the correct gate, then you can go to the restroom, find a place to eat, or shop to shop, if you have time
Step 9. Transfer the items you will need during the flight into a carry-on bag that you will continue to hold in your seat
To be able to board faster for yourself and everyone else, stash everything you'll need mid-flight in a carry-on bag that you'll tuck under the seat in front of you. This will save time during boarding because you no longer need to unpack your cabin bag before sitting on the plane seat.
Part 3 of 3: Enjoying Airplane Travel
Step 1. Buy food and drink
After going through security checks, you can go to the restaurants and shops in the terminal to buy drinks. In addition, you can also buy snacks that are approved by security and put them in your carry-on bag so you don't have to buy them again from the seller inside the terminal.
- Having snacks and drinks will help you pass the time until you reach your destination. Although some airlines still have beverage services for passengers, many of them no longer provide heavy or light meals. Usually, when an airline offers a meal, you will now have to pay again.
- Another way that can be done is to eat at one of the airport restaurants. While they are usually more expensive than outside restaurants, if you still have to wait a long time before you can get your next heavy meal, you might as well buy one.
Step 2. Use electronic equipment sparingly
Most likely, you will have difficulty finding plugs to charge electronic equipment. Also considering that many other passengers are also looking for and need a place to recharge their equipment batteries, finding one accessible plug can be difficult.
- Once you are on the plane, you will be asked to turn off your electronic equipment or put it in Flight Mode. Make sure you do this to prevent interference with the signal transmitted by the aircraft. Keep in mind that you won't be able to access apps that require cellular data or Wi-Fi while your phone or electronic device is in Flight Mode.
- Today, many airlines offer Wi-Fi, but you will usually have to pay for it. Consider in advance whether the cost is worth it or not. For example, if you are traveling on business and have to work on an airplane, the fee may be worth paying. However, if you're traveling for recreation and you don't really need Wi-Fi other than for entertainment, the costs may not be worth it.
Step 3. Bring books or other entertainment items
To pass the time in transit or on a flight, bring a book, crossword puzzle, word search, or other entertainment that your traveling companion might share.
Step 4. Sleep
On the plane or at the airport, you can sleep. Both places are not comfortable, but if you have to leave early in the morning, late at night, or if you are going on a long afternoon flight, then you should rest.
Step 5. Watch a movie or TV show
Once the plane reaches a certain altitude, the flight attendant will announce that certain electronic equipment can be used. If you can use a laptop, for example, you can watch movies or TV shows to pass the time.
