If possible, check in online at the airline’s website within 24 hours of your departure.  You will be asked to enter your passport information.  You can also select or change seats.  Depending on the airline, you may or may not be able to print out your boarding passes.  Whether you check in on line or not, you will still have to present your passport to an airline agent, and get bag tags if you check luggage, remember you will be charged a fee for any bag weighing over 50 pounds.

311 Luggage Rule-suggestion – If you want water on your flight consider carrying an empty bottle thought security, then filling it with water before you board.

Once your luggage has been tagged, you will give it to a TSA agent.  Be sure your luggage is not locked.  Carry medication, jewelry, cameras and other valuables in your carry on bag.  Pack a pen to complete immigration forms on board the flight.

In route to your gate, you need to pass though security.  You will need to show your boarding pass and passport.  Place your carry on bag, along with any jacket, sweater or coat, and shoes, loose coins or metal money clips, your watch and any belt with a metal buckle in the plastic bins provided.  To simplify your travels avoid wearing metal jewelry or belts and consider slip on shoes.

Most Airlines no longer offer complimentary meals, consider packing a sandwich, cookies or granola bar in your carry on bag.

Luggage can be lost or delayed, be sure name and address are easily found, also mark your bag with a luggage strap or colorful yarn, so no one mistakes your bag for theirs.  Pack at least 1 complete outfit in your traveling companion’s bag, so if only one bag is delayed you have something.  And put a swim suit in your carry on so you can head for the pool even if your bags are delayed or you room is not available upon check in.

Be sure to see that your bags have been properly checked, match the name, flight number and city codes, on your baggage claim check to ensure your luggage is headed the same place you are.

When you arrive at your destination you will need to present your passport at immigration.  Then claim your luggage and proceed through customs.  Then exit the airport to find your hotel transfer.  Ignore the people inside the terminal who pretend to be your tour guide.  Do not let anyone take your luggage before you get to the transfer van.

The day before your scheduled return departure, ask your tour representative to reconfirm your flight and transfer time.

When you check out you will usually get a small slip of paper to give to the bell captain.  Do not loose this; it proves that you have paid for any incidentals that you may have charged to your room.

If you purchase liquor in the duty free shop, it will be sent to your gate.  Remember to pick it up before you board.  If you are changing planes enroute, realize that this liquor must be placed in your checked bags, one you have cleared customs.  You cannot carry liquids on to connecting flights.