Princeton Happenings

School vacation is here and for many lucky families this means warm, sunny destinations, quick get-a-ways and airports. With gas prices so high, some cities still close to $4 a gallon, flying for most families is the best money saving way to travel. Here are a few tips when it comes to traveling in airports over school vacation.

Plan ahead.
Are you a list maker or one who throws everything in a bag and buys what you need or forget when you get to your destination? Either way it’s best to pack a day or more before your flight to avoid the last minute run around of “where did I put this and where’s that?” To make things even easier many airlines offer the convenience of checking in to your flight 24 hours in advance. You can even printing your tickets from home if you have a printer. This will save lots of time at the airport of waiting in long lines just to get your boarding passes.

Don’t forget your doctor’s notes and always remember 3-1-1
Airports in the last 10 years have cracked down on what can and cannot be brought on an airplane especially liquids. 3-1-1 is the best way to remember what is allowed in your carry on so you’re no throwing away that brand new bottle of Pantene you bought for the trip. All liquids must be 3oz containers or less. These containers must be in 1 quart sized clear zip lock bag and taken out of your carry on luggage and placed on the security belt. Each passenger is allowed only 1 zip lock bag. Some exceptions can be made if you are traveling with infants or have a doctor’s note requiring other wise so be sure you have that on hand with your ID and boarding pass at security.

Safe money on those high airport parking fees!
Although many large airports like Boston Logan Airport are offering huge savings on long term parking over February vacation you have other choices! Why spend and extra $200 on parking when you could spend it on the parks!? Ask a friend or relative that might not be going away on vacation if they would be willing to bring you. I usually offer to let them use my car (and my full tank of gas) for the week in exchange. If this option is not available take a bus or an airport service shuttle. Many of the airport shuttles are free for kids under the age of 12 and can still save hundreds.

Arrive an hour to two before your flight is due to board.
The last thing you’ll want to do is miss your flight so plan to arrive early for any and all those unexpected delays that airports bring. Checking luggage can easily be done at the curb rather than wait in a long line inside but make sure you have the $2 per bag to tip to ensure you’re luggage arrives at the right place and on time. Be ready when you get up to security with your ID, boarding passes, and any doctors notes that you would need. Wear not only comfortable shoes but something that will be easy to slip on and off easily as security will make you remove shoes, belts, and anything in your pockets. (I always bring an extra pair of socks to change into after my once clean socks become dirty from walk on the airport floor).

Bring a book or your homework for the plane or delays.
Arriving early for your flight is the safe bet but some times this can leave you with a lot of down time. You’ll want something to keep you and the kids occupied while waiting and on the plane ride to make it go by faster so if you enjoy reading or crosswords this is the place to do it! When I was younger my parents always had me bring my homework. Many children, once they’ve reach middle school will have homework over vacation this is the time to get it done. It might be a struggle at first but they will thank you later when they can just enjoy vacation.

Lastly, you’re on vacation, enjoy your time off don’t bring the office or stresses of home with you.