Cut the Stress Out of Thanksgiving Air Travel

Thanksgiving is just around the corner. About two weeks now millions of Americans will be traveling long distances to visit relatives or vacation over the extended weekend. Thanksgiving is known as the busiest time for travel of the year, and the high volume of travelers can result in undesirable situations, such as traffic jams and flight delays. However, with the right planning, you can cut the stress out of Thanksgiving travel and focus on enjoying your trip. Here are some helpful tips for minimizing stress when traveling over Thanksgiving from our Bradley Airport Parking service.

Give yourself extra time

Last year, AAA anticipated 46 million people would travel on Thanksgiving— the most since 2007. This year, you should expect no different and allow yourself plenty of time to deal with the crowds of other travelers. Generally, it's recommended to arrive at the airport two hours before a domestic flight and three hours before an international flight. But, for Thanksgiving you should arrive up to three hours before your flight to allow time for holiday traffic, parking and airport security.

Check your flight status before you leave

Have you ever arrived at the airport to learn that your flight has been delayed or canceled? It's not a happy feeling. Save yourself the time and stress by checking your flight status before you leave. With the large number of travelers and unpredictable weather conditions that come with this time of year, you should be checking your flight status every 30 minutes before heading to the airport. By staying on top of it, you'll be ready to set up a backup plan should any major issues arise.

Don't check a bag

Sticking with a carry-on suitcase will save you time and money. And, if you have a family, luggage fees can really add up. By sticking to a carry-on and checking in online, you can skip the check-in stage and head straight for security. Most airlines allow two carry-ons per person. So, in one pack all the clothing and personal items you need for the weekend and stow it in the overhead compartment. In your other bag, pack things you need for your flight, such as snacks, charged electronics, an empty water bottle— which can be filled once you make it through security— and other forms of entertainment.

Think about parking

Unless you have a friend who can drive you to the airport, you'll need to drive yourself and park at the airport. On-site airport parking lots will be extremely crowded, making it very difficult if not impossible to get a spot. Save yourself the time, money and hassle by making a guaranteed parking reservation with an off-site parking service. If you're traveling from the Bradley Airport, choose Z Airport Parking. Our Bradley Airport long-term parking rates are unbeatable, and we will make sure you arrive at your airport terminal in a quick and timely fashion.

5 Ways to Take the Worry Out of Air Travel

There is a lot of tension and worry associated with air travel. There are so many things to remember that are outside of your regular routine, you're usually happy if you can just keep track of them all. And that's assuming you don't run into any problems. Every day, air passengers deal with delays, missed flights, cramped seats, long lines, extra fees, the struggle to get home again, and more. Here are some of the best ways to make this whole process easier, so that you can relax and get where you need to go without the worry.

1.       Invest in valet airport parking—What's worse than dealing with all of the many hassles of air travel? Getting back to your car to find it covered in snow, damaged or missing. Of course, you could simply order a taxi to take you, but that's cost prohibitive if you don't live right near the airport, and it doesn't offer any protection for your vehicle while you are away.

There is a better option, however: Z Airport Parking at Bradley provides you with a secure, monitored location in which to keep your car during your trip. Also, if it does happen to snow, you won't have to set your bags down on the wet ground while you dig it out. Our valet service will be more than happy to clean off your car and warm it up so that you can jump right in comfortably.

2.       Remember TSA—TSA is considered a universal hassle, and there are really only two ways to deal with it that leave everyone happy: you can either try to play by the rules and get through quickly or apply for TSA PreCheck. Which of these options makes sense for you will depend largely on how often you travel.

TSA PreCheck gives you access to security fast lanes at airports, allowing you to skip taking off your shoes and only requiring a regular metal detector for your items. The tradeoff is that you have to agree to a thorough background check and actual face-to-face meetings ahead of time to determine that you are a low security risk. Once cleared, though, getting through security from then on will usually be a breeze.

If you travel all of the time, PreCheck might really save you some trouble in the long run; if not, you might simply want to check TSA guidelines for prohibited items (take that Swiss army knife out of your carry-on!), wear easy-to-remove shoes, and have your ID ready.

3.       Check in early—One of the best ways to ensure that you get a good seat (on airlines without assigned seating) and a spot in the overhead for your carry-on is to check in as early as you are allowed. Most airlines allow you to check in online 24 hours before the actual time of the flight, so make sure you are near a computer.

4.       Stick with a carry-on – unless it costs more—The conventional wisdom is that carry-ons are always the better option, and that's usually true with airlines that offer them for free. However, some budget airlines these days charge low prices on tickets with the understanding that everything else will cost you extra – from snacks to carry-ons. These airlines often charge more for a carry-on than a checked bag, meaning that you will either pay a little more to avoid the carousel at the end, or pay less and wait for your bags. If you are allowed a free carry-on, take advantage! It involves less waiting and means that your luggage will never get lost in transit.

5.       Make sure your luggage stands out—Have you ever noticed how many of the bags on the carousel look virtually identical? How much black rolling luggage do manufacturers think that we need? Rather than having to check every single piece that swings by you, invest in some unique luggage in an interesting color or pattern. It will be hard to mistake that bright green for someone else's black bag, and you'll be able to leave the airport more quickly. In a pinch, you could sew an identifying patch or tie a scarf onto your bag to help it stand out.

Z Airport Parking's 5 Essentials for Flying

Every day, approximately 1.75 million people board a flight in the United States and each year, 40 percent of adult Americans fly internationally and domestically. These numbers reflect the steady trend that Americans are relying on air travel more than ever, for anything from a trip home for the holidays to a routine business meeting out of state. No matter the destination, if you’re one of the many taking to the skies this year, why not fly prepared to make your trip as smooth and enjoyable as possible?  Catch up on ways to best be prepared for your next flight with Z Airport Parking’s top five essentials for flying.

A Carry-On

If your trip demands the use of a larger checked bag, you may consider a carry-on bag unnecessary. However, we see carry-ons as highly convenient and beneficial, particularly if you’re heading out for a long flight or are traveling with valuable possessions. Most airlines don’t charge any extra fee for a carry-on that meets size standards (typically 45 inches total when length, depth  and width are combined), and with a carry-on, you can ensure you’ll be both prepared and entertained for the duration of your trip. Plus, if packed wisely your carry-on could be a lifesaver in the case of a lost checked bag. 

Our top items for a carry-on include:

•          Portable electronics for entertainment or work: tablet, smart phone, MP3 player
•          Reading  materials: books, magazines
•          Extra hygiene supplies (3.4 ounce maximum bottles of shampoo, contact solution,toothpaste, extra contacts)
•          Medication (should be clearly labeled)
•         Ear plugs, headphones, inflatable neck pillow (saves space when deflated)
•          Necessary personal items: license, passport, wallet
•         An extra set of clothes and small umbrella/rain coat

Research Options for Best Airport Parking

Rather than parking at the airport, consider the advantages of private, offsite parking. Near almost any airport fliers can find offsite parking options that accommodate long-term parking and often offer free shuttle service to terminals. Offsite parking is essential to consider if your trip will require long-term parking, in which case you’ll benefit from a parking service that is safe, reliable, and far more cost-effective. Look into coupons and loyalty programs among private parking services as well; for example, at Z Airport Parking at Bradley International Airport, we reward our loyal customers with free parking services every 7^th day! We also allow companies to register for significant corporate discounts and will even clear your car of snow during the winter.  Click here for specific coupons for Bradley Airport Parking and click here to find parking coupons for other airports. 

Early Check-in

If you’d like to get the best seat possible on your flight, increase your odds by checking in with your airline a day early.  This doesn’t mean you need to show up at the airport beforehand; if you’ve purchased your ticket online or have a ticket confirmation number, chances are your airline allows passengers to check in electronically one day before a flight to save time and hassle on the day of departure. Not only is early check-in more efficient, once you’ve logged in, you can browse available seating in real time and select the seat you prefer. This simple measure can save you hours of discomfort in a crowded middle seat with minimal leg room.

Check for Points

Before booking, check to see if your airline offers its passengers opportunities to participate in a frequent flier miles or rewards points program. These programs attribute points or certain rewards for each mile or leg of a trip you fly, and can result in benefits like upgrades and credit towards your next flight.  Almost all major airlines, from American Airlines  to Southwest to Delta, offer passengers the opportunity to sign up for a rewards program, so don’t miss out and shop around for a deal that works best for you!

Review Restricted Items

Before packing your luggage or carry-on, avoid potential headache by double checking TSA’s list of prohibited items (which also indicates which items are acceptable in a carry-on and which are acceptable in a checked bag). You may be aware of more obviously restricted items, but did you know you also can’t carry on scissors of certain blade lengths, razors, peroxide, or medication in certain quantities? When a restricted item is identified by security, chances are you won’t see it again. For a full list of prohibited items, check out the TSA website.

Prepare for your next flight with a visit to Z Airport Parking at Bradley International Airport and explore our exceptional parking services and coupons, or make a guaranteed reservation online. We offer 24/7 parking services and are just three quick minutes away from Bradley International Airport!