Hope you all had a good weekend.
I have decided to write Part II for Lesson 1 after all the comments I have received regarding Part I. Hopefully these two parts combined will be a comprehensive reference for your travel needs.
(...continued from Part I, which can be seen here)
F. Flight entertainment
I have received several comments regarding this area. So I have composed a list of suggestions below based on those comments. Feel free to add more in the comment box.
Top 10 things to do during a flight
1. Sleep
2. Talk to person next to you
3. Video games (download a few games to your phone/ tablet devices/ computer. Make sure they can be played offline. Some suggestions include Monopoly, Poker, Where's my Water and Flappy Bird)
4. Read a book
5. Study a new language
6. Study for your CPA/ CFA exam (be sure to download the app to your phone/device or simply carry flash card)
7. Subscribe to free 30 minute in-flight internet via All State insurance and surf web/ check emails.
8. Work (hopefully your company is paying for the in-flight internet)
9.Sewing
G. Get through security
From my experience, to get through security quickly, you should do the following:
1. If you have a carry-on, make sure you put all the liquid in a freezer bag/ pack it on top of your clothes. That way you can easily take it out when it's time to go through security.
2. Have a handbag large enough to carry your laptop. You can find a variety of them on Amazon. I am currently having this McKlein one and I love it. That way you don't have to struggle to take the laptop out of your suitcase (my assumption is that when you pack the laptop in your suitcase, you will bury it under layers of clothes and what not)
3. This is an obvious but make sure to have your ID and boarding pass ready. As far as IDs go, refrain from carrying your passport especially if you are on a visa. The passport replacement process is a very painful/ difficult process and may affect your status in the US. Instead, use your driver's license. If you do not drive, go get yourself a State ID from the DMV or use your unexpired OPT card.
4. The moment you step in security, put down your suitcase on the table then go ahead and take 2 bins and lay them next to the suitcase. One bin will be for the laptop and the other will be for your liquid, shoes, jacket, etc. Lastly, lay your handbag on the table directly.
If you're checking in your bag, you can skip this step.
5. A few miscellaneous tips:
- Refrain from wearing underwired bras (ladies only). They will activate the metal detector.
- Choose clothes wisely. Do not wear shirt or pants with metal attachments.
- On the day of flight, be sure to remove all watches, metal earrings/ necklaces. Wear flats/ flip flops. You can always change back to heels for work when you get to your rental car later.
- Security always provides a sanitizer so use it if you desire.
- Make small conversations with security people (they usually remember you if you travel every week). This will help expedite the process a lot.
