Airfare Travel

Airfare Travel - What You Can and Cannot Carry-on a Plane

Are you the process of packing for an upcoming trip that you have scheduled? If you are, does your trip call for air travel? If it does, you may first want to take the time to familiarize yourself with TSA’s rules and restrictions, concerning prohibited items. There are a number of benefits to doing so.

As previously stated, there are a number of benefits to familiarizing yourself with what items are allowed aboard an airplane or allowed in carry-on bags before you start packing for your trip. One of those benefits is that you will be able to pass through airport security with ease. This, alone, has a number of benefits, such as not missing a flight, no embarrassment, and no hassle to deal with.

When it come to familiarizing yourself with the items that are allowed aboard an airplane, namely in carry-on bags, you have a number of options. Most airports will clearly outline what is allowed and isn’t allowed; however, you shouldn’t wait until the last minute to familiarize yourself with these rules. Instead, you will want to visit the online website for the TSA. This website can easily be found with a standard internet search. A few of the rules and restrictions that you may find, concerning prohibited items, are outlined below for your convenience.

One concern that many individuals have is with sharp objects. Generally, sharp object that can be used as a weapon are prohibited from being carried on a plane. With that said, you will find exceptions to this rule. For example, cuticle cutters, cigar cutters, kitting needles, and crochet needles are allowed. Scissors are also permitted in carry-on bags, as long as they are less than four inches long and have blunt ends.

In keeping with sharp objects, disposable razors are allowed in carry-on bags, but many other sharp objects aren’t. For example, box cutters, loose razor blades, and swords are not allowed in carry-on bags. As for knifes, they are prohibited, unless the knives in question are plastic or non-sharp butter knifes.

Generally speaking, no sporting equipment is allowed to be carried on a plane, in carry-on bags. This is because many pieces of sporting equipment can be used as a weapon, especially when in the wrong hands. The TSA prohibits the carrying of baseball bats, ski poles, pole cubes, and hockey sticks. If you must bring these items with you, they must be checked in an appropriate sized case or bag.

As for children’s toys, you will find that most items are allowed. However, there is some concern with certain toys. The TSA allows the carrying on of transformer robots as well as toy weapons. With said, toy weapons are only allowed in carry-on bags if they do no look too realistic. If you are a parent, it may be best to use your best judgment and leave all toy weapons at home, as there are many more things for your child to do on an airplane.

As for walking canes, as well as other medical equipment, like wheel chairs, they are allowed. However, there may be some extra rules and restrictions, as well as steps taken. For example, airport security may thoroughly check a walking cane, especially one that has two detachable parts. This is done to ensure that no weapons or dangerous objects are concealed.

As for electronics, you will find that almost all are allowed aboard an airplane in carry-on bags. These items include camcorders, laptop computers, cell phones, pagers, and PDA systems. In fact, airports often recommend keeping these items in carry-on bags, as storing them in checked baggage is often risky, in terms of damage.

The above mentioned rules and restrictions, concerning items prohibited aboard an airplane in carry-on bags, are just a few of the many rules that apply. As a reminder, you should take the time to familiarize yourself with all airport rules and restrictions before you starting packing for your trip.
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Discount Air Travel

Discount Air Travel - How to Save Money When Traveling By Air

Are you getting ready to take a trip? If you are, will you be traveling by air? If you will be, you may be nervous about the costs of doing so. Any type of travel can be expensive if you are not careful, but air travel can be the worst. With that said, it is important to know that there are ways that you can save money.

One of the best ways to save money when traveling by air is to compare airline fares. This allows you to save money right from the start. Also, if you have more than one airline to choose from, which most travelers do, be sure to price compare. Also, being flexible with the dates and times that you can fly can also result in a little bit of money saved.

Speaking of flights, be sure to choose an airport that is close to your final destination. This is important if you must rent a car or take a bus or a cab. Ending up close to your destination should result in saved money as well as saved time, by eliminating unnecessary travel. On that same note, you will want to experiment with airports that are close by. For example, did you know that a simple thirty minute drive may result in huge price gaps, depending on the airport in question?

As for packing your bags, be sure to know airport security rules. You will want to use your best judgment, but you can also learn more about airport security rules by visiting the online website for the TSA. Don’t pack anything that is sharp or buy a drink to take with you to the airport, unless it is for a child. Chances are, you will have to toss these items in the trash, which, essentially equals money lost.

Although you will need to be careful with bringing liquids to the airport, you will want to bring snacks with you. Most snacks are okay, as long as they are dry food. Great items include fruit, chips, and crackers. Stop and pickup some of these items at your local grocery store before your trip or, better yet, buy them when they are on sale. Snacks and candies are usually very expensive at the airport and their costs can easily add up

As for parking at the airport, see if you have a close friend or family member who can drop you off and pick up back up when you return. This will allow you to save yourself a considerable amount of money on parking, especially on extended trips. If you must drive yourself, like if your flight leaves or comes in when most people that you know are at work, be sure to examine all of your options. For example, outdoor parking is usually much cheaper, as opposed to indoor garage parking. Also, the farther away you are able to park, the less money you will likely have to pay.

If your flight has an in-flight movie and you want to watch, buy the headphones. Yes, this will cost a couple of dollars, but most standard headphones will not work with airport movies and seats. If you do buy the headphones though, be sure to save them, as you can use them on another flight, like your return flight. Also, if you already have a set of headphone that you purchased on an airplane before bring those, as they will likely work.

To save yourself a couple of dollar on headphones, don’t watch the movie. Instead, bring other stuff to keep you occupied. Great items include portable DVD players, laptop computers, books, magazines, music players, and portable gaming systems. When using electronic items, be sure to have extra batteries on hand. As for a laptop computer, charge your laptop at any layovers you have.

As you can see, there are a number of different ways that you can go about saving money on your next trip. In all honesty, as long as you use your best judgment and plan ahead, you shouldn’t have to incur to many additional costs.
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