Travel Tip - Make Sure Your Bag Comes Off First
Travel
Audio By Carbonatix
We’ve all been there. You’ve spent the flight cramped up next to a behemoth of a human being who, at one point, fell asleep on your shoulder. The TV for your seat didn’t work and the flight attendants ran out of the only snack you can stomach on their very meager menu. You finally disembark and make your way to the Luggage Pick Up Area and… you have to watch as everyone (including the slumbering behemoth) gets their bag before yours comes tumbling down the ramp.
People, there is a better way and I am here to show it to you. Here are four ways to make sure your bag comes off the carousel first!
NO CLASS LIKE FIRST CLASS
When it comes to getting your bag before everyone else there is one word that matters more than any other - PRIORITY. That’s what it’s all about. So, how do you get priority? Well, you’ve got to buy it. If your time matters to you and you’ve got the cold green lettuce to hand over, purchasing a first-class ticket to your destination is a surefire way to make see your bag gets treated with that special MVP experience. Front of the plane always equals front of the line.
MEMBERSHIP HAS ITS PRIVILEGES
It seems these days that everyone offers a credit card. Well, if you’re of the travel-minded persuasion (pretty sure I just made that phrase up) you should shirk off all other offers and only set your sights on airline and hotel cards. Why? The perks are killer, baby! You get points for travel and staying and you can use those points for… more travel and staying. What a concept! Additionally, if you frequently fly with the airline you’re smart enough to keep in your wallet, you can be sure your bag will be waiting for you by the time you get to the designated carousel.
TSA PRE-CHECK
I can’t say it enough. Get TSA PRE-CHECK. It’s so worth it. Not only do you get to breeze by the other folks in that winding line of sadness at security, but you also get to see your luggage before them too. Again, it’s all about priority and nothing says you deserve priority more than having the wherewithal to know this stuffy little trick. Yes, it costs more. Yes, there is paperwork to fill out. But think of the minutes you’ll save by not having to wait for your luggage to make its appearance.
DON’T BRING A CHECKED BAG
If there’s anything I’ve said more than “get TSA PRE-CHECK” it’s this—unless you absolutely need to, don’t bring a big bag with you on the plane at all. After all, you’re going on vacation. What’s the sense in bringing the life you’re trying to leave behind with you on the plane? I can guarantee, whatever you need that you don’t have stowed in your carry-on can easily be purchased at your destination. As a matter of fact, I have a shirt I consistently get compliments for and you know where I got it? On vacation at Walmart of all places. Who knew?
So, that’s it! Start saving time and live a little. You deserve it.
Until next week, I’m Erik “The Travel Guy” Hastings and I’ll see you in line at security!
