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Yahoo
2 days ago
- Yahoo
14 Mistakes People Make When Flying, According to Travel Pros
"Hearst Magazines and Yahoo may earn commission or revenue on some items through these links." As a travel writer, I spend more time transiting through airports than most people. I've made (and seen) plenty of mistakes along the way. While most mistakes you make when flying won't ruin your trip, they can make the airport experience more stressful than it needs to be. That's why I've collected tips from travel pros on everything from airplane etiquette to packing for travel to the new REAL ID requirements. Whether you're traveling solo or with a group of family and friends, these tips will make it easy for you to breeze through the airport without any snafus. Doing all the boring stuff — like double-checking your travel documents and charging your electronics the night before — makes it easier to get to the beach or city (or wherever you're headed!) without any stress. Keep reading to find out more about the mistakes you're making while with family and friends is a great way to make memories, but it can also be stressful. One common mistake that people make is not discussing their travel logistics and expectations ahead of time. Laura Lindsay, global travel trends expert at Skyscanner, says you should ask questions of your travel companions including: Do you want to stay in the city center, or a little out of town? Is all-inclusive your vibe or would you rather go out to dine and drink? Do you prefer getting up early to maximize your sightseeing time or having a slow, relaxed morning? She also recommends having everyone download the same budgeting app to keep track of who is paying for what. Splitwise is an easy-to-use one that allows everyone to enter their expenses and have each person's total share calculated automatically. "Shared costs are at the heart of most fallouts and arguments during group trips," she says. "Forgotten pledges to pay you back later can quickly descend into resentment."As of May 7, 2025, you must have a REAL ID-compliant license or other identification in order to board domestic flights in the U.S. The REAL ID Act is a law that established higher security standards for state-issued driver's licenses and identification cards. If your driver's license or state ID has a star in the upper right hand corner, it's REAL ID-compliant. If you don't have one, you can make an appointment at a DMV in your state. Be sure to read up on the documents you'll need to obtain the REAL ID-compliant identification. If you don't have a REAL ID-compliant license, you can still travel domestically, but you'll need to bring a passport, permanent resident card, or other form of acceptable identification. Airlines have restrictions on how large your carry-on bag can be. Before heading to the airport, read up on your airline's restrictions and ensure your bag won't be too big to fit in the overhead compartment. If your bag has an expandable option, be sure it meets the size requirements even when it's fully expanded (if that's how you plan to travel with it). Additionally, you'll want to be sure that the bag isn't too heavy for you to lift into the overhead compartment on the plane. If your bag is too big, you may be asked to check it in at the gate. It's not the end of the world, but for people who really hate waiting at baggage claim, it's worth being thoughtful about the size of your carry-on. Very occasionally, luggage ends up in the wrong place. Since it may be several hours or days before the airline reunites you with your suitcase, you want to make sure you have the most essential items in your carry-on or personal item, not in your checked bag. For instance, you want to have your car keys, daily medications, and passports on you rather than in a checked bag. Should your bag get lost, not having access to these items could pose some serious difficulty. You may also want to ensure that any sentimental items (like your child's favorite stuffed animal or heirloom jewelry that can't be replaced) are packed in a carry-on rather than checked baggage, just in case. One thing that seasoned travelers do is ensure that laptops, phones, tablets, e-readers, headphones, and travel batteries are all charged up before travel. It's a pain to settle into your seat with a Kindle or movie loaded on your iPad only to have it die five minutes later. While outlets are often available, it's not a guarantee on all planes, so charge everything up things are more stressful than waiting in a long check-in or security line at the airport and worrying that you might miss your flight. To avoid this, the TSA recommends arriving two hours before a domestic flight's departure and three hours before an international one — yes, even if you have TSA PreCheck or Clear."I have TSA PreCheck and Clear, but that does not mean I can always go through the expedited line," says Lindsay Myers, a travel expert and founder of Get Lost With Lindsay. "Some smaller airports do not have that capability. So I am always prepared to go through the general line as well."Many credit cards offer access to airport lounges, where you can have complimentary food and drinks, comfortable seating, fast WiFi, and other perks. Double-check and see if any of your credit cards gives you lounge access. Instead of waiting in a crowded terminal and paying $40 for a burger and fries, you can wait for your flight somewhere comfortable and clean while enjoying a complimentary meal and glass of wine. If you don't have lounge access through a credit card, you might still be able to get into airport lounges by purchasing Priority Pass. Memberships start at $100 a year, and you'll pay $35 per person per visit (which is probably about the cost of a snack or meal at the airport).Many people have made the mistake of tossing a full-sized body lotion or can of shaving cream into a carry-on bag. However, the TSA rules limit you to only carrying travel-sized containers that are 3.4 ounces (100 milliliters) or less. Any liquids, aerosols, gels, creams and pastes are subject to this rule. Additionally, all of your small containers must fit in one quart-sized bag. Even as someone who flies frequently, I often forget to grab snacks before heading to the airport. But I know there's no good reason to spend $20 on a bag of cheese crackers and some candy when I could get my favorites from the grocery store the night before for far less. (And if you're traveling with multiple kids, this tip can help you avoid a truly eye-watering total at the register)."Keep your laptop close by," suggests Myers. "I have a Samsonite carry on that has a laptop sleeve on the outside. I love it because I do not need to stop the security line and open up my luggage." It can be annoying to have yet another app on your phone. But as a frequent traveler, I've found that having the airline's app makes it easy to check in, make any changes to my reservation, get my boarding pass, and learn of any gate changes or flight updates. While all of these tasks can be accomplished without the app, I find it simpler to have everything I need in one you're waiting at the gate, it can be easy to get absorbed in a good book or consumed with keeping the kids entertained. But gate agents will often relay important information about flight delays, travel documents, and boarding processes over the loudspeaker. Do your best to keep one ear open for the info you'll need for a smooth you can use your credit or debit card abroad in many situations, it's still good to have some cash on you. "A lot of countries do not take American Express," says Myers. "I also always have with me some of the local currency. I just order it about a week in advance with my bank and it gets delivered to me. This is a free service through most banks." Doing this before you fly can also help you avoid foreign ATM fees when you land. Additionally, if you're taking a taxi or car service when you land, it's a good idea to have cash in case the cab isn't equipped to take you're flying internationally, you need to find out beforehand whether you need a visa to enter the country you're flying to. "I just went to the U.K., which I have been to dozens of times," says Myers. "But now, you have to have a visa to enter the country no matter where you are coming from. I also went to Indonesia this year and did not do my research in advance. You could obtain a visa at the airport, but that led me to long lines and double the costs." You Might Also Like 67 Best Gifts for Women That'll Make Her Smile The Best Pillows for Every Type of Sleeper
Daily Mail
3 days ago
- Daily Mail
Woman issues major warning over the item you should NEVER leave out in airport scanning trays
An avid traveler has issued a stark TSA warning over the one item you should never leave out in airport scanning trays. The woman, known as on TikTok, said that she made a shocking revelation after speaking to a TSA agent at the airport. 'The thing I am absolutely never doing when I go through TSA... I am not putting my phone directly into one of the containers or bins. It's always going inside a zipped pocket in my bag.' Ready to swipe: An avid traveler warned against putting cells in airport scanning bins 'Why? I did this once, the TSA looked at me and said, "You don't like your phone?" 'I looked at him like he was a little crazy and I said, "Yes." 'He said, "This is the fastest way to get it stolen."' The content creator added: 'The number one thing they see get stolen on a regular basis is phones and that's because they are left out and available. 'You know the lines can back up and somebody could just swipe it and you're not paying attention until you realize it's too late. And then try traveling without your phone. 'So always make sure that your valuables are zipped up into your bag when they go through the scanners.' Dozens of users flooded the comments sharing their own stories and tips. 'Someone swiped my mom's laptop exactly like this!' one person said. 'Make sure your driver's license is put into a zipped pocket too. Lost mine after going through TSA and didn't realize it until I was on the plane,' another wrote. 'Yup. Also, I worry about leaving it in the bin (recently saw someone do it and had to chase them down),' someone shared. 'Might be gross but I shove my phone inside one of my shoes…' a user admitted. Another suggested: 'I would include passport in this too. Or wallet. So many folks toss their personals right in a bin or on top of their bags.' However, some people acknowledge that airports often require all electronics to be placed in the bins. 'Except when the airport requires all electronics and phones to be out in a bin,' a person wrote. The poster responded: 'If that's the case, I'll comply, but be overly vigilant.' Many others also thanked the content creator for the advice.
Daily Mail
4 days ago
- Daily Mail
Woman issues major TSA warning over the item you should NEVER leave out in the plastic bins
An avid traveler has issued a stark TSA warning over the one item you should never leave out in the plastic bins. The woman, known as on TikTok, often shares her travel tips and tricks on the video-sharing platform. In a recent clip, the content creator - from Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania - said that she made a shocking revelation after speaking to a TSA agent at the airport. 'The thing I am absolutely never doing when I go through TSA... I am not putting my phone directly into one of the containers or bins. 'It's always going inside a zipped pocket in my bag,' the traveler explained. 'Why? I did this once, the TSA looked at me and said, 'You don't like your phone?' 'I looked at him like he was a little crazy and I said, 'Yes.' 'He said, 'This is the fastest way to get it stolen.'' The TikTok user added: 'The number one thing they see get stolen on a regular basis is phones and that's because they are left out and available. 'You know the lines can back up and somebody could just swipe it and you're not paying attention until you realize it's too late. And then try traveling without your phone. 'So always make sure that your valuables are zipped up into your bag when they go through the scanners.' Dozens of users flooded the comments sharing their own stories and tips. 'Someone swiped my mom's laptop exactly like this!' one person said. 'Make sure your driver's license is put into a zipped pocket too. Lost mine after going through TSA and didn't realize it until I was on the plane,' another wrote. 'Yup. Also, I worry about leaving it in the bin (recently saw someone do it and had to chase them down),' someone shared. 'Might be gross but I shove my phone inside one of my shoes…' a user admitted. Another suggested: 'I would include passport in this too. Or wallet. So many folks toss their personals right in a bin or on top of their bags.' However, some people acknowledge that airports often require all electronics to be placed in the bins. 'Except when the airport requires all electronics and phones to be out in a bin,' a person wrote. The poster responded: 'If that's the case, I'll comply, but be overly vigilant. 'That doesn't work. I travel all the time and they always make you take your electronics out of any bag. Just keep an eye on it,' someone recommended. Many others also thanked the content creator for the advice. Recently, TSA warned travelers about a common camping item they cannot take on board after one clueless passenger put it in his carry-on. The security administration posted the stern note to Facebook after the team at Pensacola International Airport in Florida stopped a man from taking a stove - complete with propane tank - onto the plane. 'Listen, friends, we love watching cooking shows as much as you do, but any top chef has to know that you cannot bring a stove with a propane tank attached through airport security in your carry-on bag,' the post began. 'This one was hard to miss, but great job by our team at Pensacola International Airport (PNS) for discovering this during standard checkpoint screening on Monday, and educating the passenger on the regulations we have around prohibited items. 'The passenger said he was unaware that stoves and propane tanks couldn't be carried on a plane, so let this be a learning moment for everyone… propane tanks cannot and do not belong in either your carry-on or checked bags. 'Camp stoves can be carried on, but *only* if they're empty of all fuel and fully cleaned so no fuel vapors or residue remains.'
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Travel + Leisure
13-06-2025
- Travel + Leisure
My Mom Has Traveled for 40+ Years With Just a Carry-on—These 8 Genius Packing Tips Let Her Fit 100 Items in Her Bag
My mom has traveled throughout the world for nearly 42 years and prides herself on never checking a bag. Whether she's traveling for work or taking a trip to New York City to visit me, she has nailed packing a carry-on down to a science and can fit 100 items into her compact luggage for a weeklong trip. With more than four decades of travel experience, she has mastered how to survive long travel days through her own trial and error as well as tips she picked up from colleagues. Now, she can easily identify the biggest packing mistakes most travelers make. She shared her personal packing hacks with Travel + Leisure , plus the must-have items that help her fit everything she needs for a weeklong trip into a carry-on (like her skincare routine, makeup, an extra pair of shoes, and a mini hair straightener). They can all be found at Amazon's travel store, starting at $6. A handy set of packing cubes, like this set of eight, will help you organize your suitcase by outfit or article of clothing (my mom prefers to do the latter). Plus, you won't have to dig around and ruin your precious folding just to find a shirt. Bonus tip: My mom recommends creating a capsule wardrobe, so you can mix and match a few core pieces into many outfits, which minimizes the amount of clothes you pack. For weeklong summer trips, she sticks to four bottoms, five tops, two dresses, a bathing suit, a sweater, a skirt, two pairs of pajamas, and a pair of underwear for each day. 'I can turn that into 20 different outfits,' she said. And if you want to bring any extra layers, she recommends wearing those on the plane. Vitamin bottles are bulky, and several will fill up your luggage fast. That's why my mom stopped packing separate containers and opted for a slim travel pill organizer. It's small enough to slip into a pocket of your carry-on and has eight slots for your medicine and supplements. If you want to organize it further, you can use the included labels. Having traveled with family and coworkers for decades, my mom has noticed that one area people always go wrong with packing is shoes. While it's nice to have options, shoes take up the most space, especially if they're bulky. She recommends wearing your sneakers or walking shoes on the plane, and packing a flat, versatile option that you can squeeze into the side of your suitcase. One of her favorite pairs is Chaco sandals because the shoes are flexible enough to pack, have arch support, and can easily be paired with shorts, summer dresses, and flowy pants. This is one of the most handy tips my mom has passed down to me. Unlike a steamer, Bounce's spray is tiny enough to go inside your toiletry bag, which saves so much room in your carry-on. It also quickly smooths out any travel clothes that aren't wrinkle-free, so you can avoid whipping out the hotel iron. All you have to do is spray the wrinkled area and smooth it out with your hands. Plus, the clean scent helps keep your clothes smelling fresh when there isn't a nearby laundry room. A hanging toiletry bag gives you the ability to see everything inside without having to dig around and lay everything out on the bathroom counter. This one is made with clear pockets and slots to put your bottles into. The built-in hanger can go over the bathroom door or on a hook, so everything is on display. Bonus tip: Avoid taking your entire beauty routine with you when you travel—you only need the absolute necessities. For skincare that includes a good cleanser and moisturizer, but if you want to cut down what you pack even more, my mom suggests bringing a tinted moisturizer with SPF. The only shower toiletry my mom packs is Ouai's multipurpose hair oil. It acts as a heat protectant, makes her hair 'smooth like silk,' and minimizes frizz, which is especially important in tropical climates. If you're wondering why shampoo and conditioner aren't on her list, it goes back to her secret to fitting more things into a carry-on. You must reduce the amount of bulky items you pack and use things the hotel provides you, which include hair care items and body wash. Most hotels have a blow dryer, which means you can skip packing your own and use that extra space for more important things, like a packable pair of shoes. For days when she wants to give her hair a soft wave or straighten it, my mom's go-to is a mini straightener. It's compact and acts as a three-in-one styler that she said 'can make my hair wavy, add a light curl, or just [smooth] some spots.' My mom has racked up more than 2,000 hotel stays, so she knows that having a lot of outlets is a luxury you don't have in all rooms. Instead of bringing more than one charging cord, my mom prefers a folding charging station because it gives her three chargers in one, packing-friendly device. It also keeps her phone, smartwatch, and wireless earbuds together, so she doesn't have to remember where everything's plugged in and risk forgetting to pack anything. Love a great deal? Sign up for our T+L Recommends newsletter and we'll send you our favorite travel products each week.
The Sun
09-06-2025
- The Sun
I tried 5 viral packing hacks to see which could fit EVERYTHING into my £16 Primark carry-on case & the best was free
WITH many of us gearing up for summer getaways, the cost-of-living crisis continues to place pressure on our budgets. As a result, more travellers are opting for carry-on hand luggage to avoid additional fees. 12 However, with strict size and weight restrictions imposed by major airlines, the challenge of fitting five days' worth of clothing, shoes, hair products, and toiletries into one compact case can feel daunting, if not impossible. Social media is flooded with packing hacks promising to make this process easier, claiming you can effortlessly fit everything you need into your hand luggage. Determined to separate the genuinely useful hacks from the overhyped ones, I decided to put them to the test. And as someone who proudly holds the title of 'world's worst packer' - frequently squashing items into my suitcase, breaking zips, or sitting on it to close it - I knew I'd be a tough critic. To really push these hacks to their limits, I packed for a five-day trip that required clothing for both rain and sunshine. This meant including a mix of warm and lightweight items to create a variety of outfits. My packing list included: a thick blazer, a wool turtleneck jumper, a shirt, five T-shirts, a summer dress, two pairs of shorts, two pairs of jeans, five pairs of socks and underwear, a belt, a pair of trainers, flip-flops, my hairdryer, and a bag of toiletries. For the test, I used a cabin-sized soft-shell suitcase measuring 55 x 35 x 18cm, which I bought for £16 from Primark. Here's how it went. One in three travellers admit they have no idea how to pack a suitcase efficiently Packing cubes Rating: 4/5 12 12 Packing cubes are all the rage, constantly popping up on my social feed, so naturally, I had to put them to the test. I picked up a set of packing cubes from Primark for £8 and started with the largest one. I carefully folded my clothes to match the size of the cube, ensuring they were as flat as possible. To my surprise, I managed to fit nearly my entire five days' worth of outfits into the largest cube, with only one pair of shorts, socks, underwear, and my belt left out. I placed the packed cube flat into my suitcase, and while it took up the majority of the space, the clothes were neatly compressed and zipped up, leaving some room around it. There was enough space for a smaller cube, which I used to pack the remaining clothes. The smaller cube fit perfectly alongside the larger one. This clever use of space left more than enough room in the other compartment of the suitcase for my shoes, hairdryer, and toiletries. The packing cubes not only kept everything organised but also made it much easier to maximise the available space. The only issue is, you have to pay for the cubes! Vertical packing Rating: 5/5 12 12 12 The vertical packing hack for a carry-on suitcase is a brilliant way to maximise space while keeping your items neatly organised. Begin by laying out all the clothes you plan to pack, folding or rolling them as compactly as possible. Instead of stacking clothes horizontally (one on top of the other), position each item upright and side by side, much like filing papers in a drawer. This approach not only saves space but also allows you to see all your belongings at a glance, eliminating the need to rummage through layers. Initially, I was sceptical about this hack - especially with the bulkier items I needed to pack. I couldn't imagine fitting everything into such a small suitcase. But to my surprise, it worked! As someone who typically piles everything in haphazardly, I was genuinely shocked by how much I managed to fit using this method. You can use smaller items like socks, underwear, belts, and swimwear to fill gaps between the upright clothes. Shoes can go at the bottom or sides of the suitcase. Place toiletries in a sealed bag and tuck them into any remaining gaps, ensuring they don't shift during travel. If you have heavier or bulkier items (e.g., a hairdryer), place them at the bottom or corners of the suitcase for balance. Use zippered compartments for accessories like chargers or hair products. It's a game-changer for efficient packing. The horizontal rolling method Rating: 1/5 The rolling method - where clothes are rolled into compact cylinders instead of folded flat—is designed to maximise suitcase space. By rolling your clothes, you can save room compared to traditional flat folding, allowing you to fit more items into your luggage. This method is also said to reduce creases in fabric and keeps your packing visually organised, as you can easily see and locate each piece of clothing. Additionally, it claims to efficiently fill gaps by utilising every bit of available space. A popular twist on the hack suggests laying rolled clothes horizontally (packing from the side of the suitcase rather than the bottom) instead of vertically. While this might work for thinner items like T-shirts and shorts, it becomes far less effective when packing bulkier clothes. In my experience, thicker items like jumpers and jeans took up most of the suitcase when laid horizontally, leaving little room for anything else. As a result, I could only half-pack my suitcase, making the hack impractical for trips requiring varied clothing. Ultimately, I found this variation more effort than it's worth, earning it a low mark. While it might work for lightweight summer clothes, it's certainly not ideal for bulkier or mixed outfits. Holiday packing tips Jemma Solomon, aka The Label Lady has got 5 packing tips to help you get organised for your next holiday. 1. Write a list Think about all the essentials you need to take with you; suncream, medicine, a few games for the kids, beach towels, and write everything in one list, which you can tick off as you add it to your suitcase. Or for complete ease, try Google's AI app - Gemini - which will create a list for you and help you not over pack. 2. Involve your kids Jemma said: 'My girls are getting older, they're 11 and nine, and they enjoy helping to pack. So I send them a list, and say 'this is what you need' and they follow the list. 'And then I give them a rucksack each - and say to them 'you can have whatever you want in there as long as it's not liquid', and they can take that on the plane. And that's their 'home away from home' items.' 3. Try a hack or two She said: "I think they all work, but for different reasons - and you've just got to pick the right one for your trip. "Rolling your clothes is really good to stop your clothes from getting creases. And if you're trying to get a lot of items into your case, it's a space saver. 'Packing cubes are great - for example, I'm going on holiday with my three kids and we're all using the same suitcase for our clothes. "These handy compartments let you separate your clothes, toiletries and tech into designated cubes, maximising luggage space by keeping your items compressed and neatly stacked. "I love taking them abroad with the family and it means my kids can easily take charge of their own items once we've arrived." 4. Decant beauty products Do you really need to take full-size bottles of shampoo and conditioner with you? The beauty industry has evolved so much, you can now buy shampoo bars or sheets - which are much lighter and smaller. Or, if you'll be popping to the shops when you're abroad, consider buying some items when you arrive. 5. Get organised before you come home Jemma said: 'When you repack on holiday [before coming home], the trick is to separate clean from dirty clothes. 'Also pack it in some form of order - so lights, darks, colours for items that need washing, or if you wash your clothes by person in the household, piles for each person. "Then you can put it straight into the washing machine. Do it straight away, don't leave it." The vertical rolling method Rating: 2/5 This method is quite similar to the previous hack but slightly more refined - and feels like one that's been passed down through generations long before the days of social media. Instead of laying the rolled cylinders horizontally, the hack suggests packing them vertically. I found this approach to be much more effective, as it allowed for better organisation and made use of the suitcase's height. However, despite its advantages, I was still left with a pair of shorts that didn't quite fit, and closing the suitcase turned into a struggle. I even had to sit on it to get it zipped up, with my belt awkwardly squeezed in at the last minute. While it's an improvement on the horizontal method, it still falls short for bulkier items or when you're packing for a longer trip. Space saving method Rating: 2/5 12 12 This hack was the perfect complement to my vertical rolling method, helping me free up extra space in my suitcase by cleverly utilising every spare inch. The idea is to maximise not just the space inside your suitcase but also use items like shoes and the edges of the bag. The hack suggests using your shoes or trainers as holders for smaller items like socks and underwear. This simple trick created just enough extra space for me to fit my pair of shorts into the remaining gaps, along with the rest of my underwear. Another ingenious tip was to avoid rolling up your belt. Instead, lay it flat and wrap it around the edge of the suitcase, surrounding your packed clothes. This was such a savvy solution and made perfect sense - it's hard to believe I hadn't thought of it before This hack is a no-brainer for anyone looking to optimise their packing and is definitely worth trying on your next trip. Luggage Rules for Major Airlines British Airways Cabin Baggage: 1 cabin bag (max 56 x 45 x 25 cm) and 1 personal item (max 40 x 30 x 15 cm), total weight up to 23 kg. Checked Baggage: Economy allows 1 bag up to 23 kg. Premium Economy, Business, and First Class allow more. EasyJet Cabin Baggage: 1 small cabin bag (max 45 x 36 x 20 cm), no weight limit but must fit under the seat. Checked Baggage: Fees apply, up to 23 kg per bag. Passengers can pay for additional weight up to 32 kg. Ryanair Cabin Baggage: 1 small bag (max 40 x 20 x 25 cm). Priority boarding allows an additional larger cabin bag (max 55 x 40 x 20 cm, up to 10 kg). Checked Baggage: Fees apply, options for 10 kg or 20 kg bags. Virgin Atlantic Cabin Baggage: Economy and Premium allow 1 cabin bag (max 56 x 36 x 23 cm, up to 10 kg). Upper Class allows 2 bags. Checked Baggage: Economy Light has no checked baggage. Economy Classic, Delight, and Premium allow at least 1 bag up to 23 kg. Upper Class allows 2 bags. Emirates Cabin Baggage: Economy allows 1 bag (max 55 x 38 x 20 cm, up to 7 kg). Business and First Class allow 2 bags (total up to 12 kg). Checked Baggage: Economy Class varies by fare type (from 20 kg to 35 kg). Business and First Class allow up to 40 kg and 50 kg respectively.
