Local and within the USA flights: hints

Pigeon Point Light House California

    We spend a good deal of time preparing for an international flight. We check our passport, our itinerary, and make sure that everything will pass TSA.

    What about short flights?  Besides long flights, we have four 1200 mile trips a year. This is roughly San Francisco to Portland and back. Each flight is under two hours for a total of 4800 miles. Still, we have a check list.

    ID -either Pre-check or Known Traveler. Update your drivers license if it is not current. If you don’t have a driver's license, do you have a passport? Any form of ID? You may wish to refill your EMPTY water bottle before getting on the plane. Most economy seats will likely get a beverage at 600 miles. Water is better. Take a snack if the time in both airports and the flight is over three hours. Layer your clothing. I always travel in a sport coat in summer and a warm jacket in winter. Not just deal with the cold of the destination but the place itself. If you are cool you will fly with only a carry-on. If you are trying save time checked baggage does not add much time. Read the list on the airplane's website to see what you cannot carry on. Total checked and carry-on is probably more than you need. Do pack your medications (preferred in the RX bottles) for more time than you will be gone.

Do not forget to bring along your sense of humor. (more to come...)