3 Travel Don’ts at Airport Check-In

These travel tips might seem like no-brainers for air travelers, and I really thought they were. Today, however, my day of air travel has reminded me that many people need to be clued in on how to fly.

Consider this a semi-comprehensive list of the travel faux-pas I’ve seen at airport check-in counters (feel free to add your own in the comments section):

> “Ma’am, are you carrying bricks to build a school for needy children?”

This is the question we all wanted to ask when the lady in front of the line put her suitcase on the scale.

Not only was the suitcase overweight, but it was so morbidly obese, the airline didn’t want the responsibility of a guaranteed lawsuit for lifting the thing. She then had to redistribute the weight in her suitcases and purchase an extra bag to fit all her things. All of this happened while the rest of us waited. And waited.

Solution: Know the restrictions and weigh your bags before going to the airport. It saves you and everyone behind you at least a quarter of an hour at the airport.

>”This ain’t no train station! I can’t check you in for this flight because it departs in 15 minutes.”

I’m so serious, I really saw this happen: This morning, a guy shows up 15 minutes before his flight leaves and wants to check in. He somehow thinks he can still make it through the Spring Break security line in that time frame as well. Hmm. Lucky for him, the airline representative was able to get him on standby for a late evening flight. Good luck!

Solution: Double check with the airline and the airport to know the recommended check-in time. If you need to be there 2 hours early, consider showing up a few minutes before that if you hate lines. You might just luck out!

>”Vhhaaat? You want how much to check my bag? I already paid for the ticket…”  -Lady crawls out from under rock and reacts to luggage fees.

The rest of us want to pound our heads against the wall. Nobody wants to pay luggage fees, but there’s nothing we can do about it… short of not bringing luggage, letter writing, or a boycott. Other options include flying first class (for some airlines) or obtaining an airline credit card. Don’t look so shocked!

Solution: Again, read the directions. They’re on the airline website. Basically, it goes like this these days: Unless you’re flying a hip airline like SouthWest who has kept with the no-fee program or flying international, you’re going to have to pay to check in your suitcase. I know, it’s like, so totally, unfair. But it is what it is, so… the trick is to give ‘em less money: pre-pay online before going to the airport and it’s typically a few dollars cheaper!

Travel guru JohnnyJet.com also suggests shipping your suitcase as a potentially cheaper solution to the luggage fee issue. But that, my friends, takes organization. You either have it or you don’t.

If you enjoyed this article, check out 3 annoying ‘don’t-do-this-on-your-next-flight’ moments for more eye-rolling laughs!

(Photo via TheNewsHerald.com)