A Pool Player’s Guide to Savvy Air Travel

With all the Vegas nationals around the corner, I deemed it appropriate to reprint this one. Safe travels!

With the soaring prices of fuel these days, more and more people are choosing to fly to events instead of drive. When flying, here are some useful tips for hassle-free traveling:

As pool players, it’s safe to assume that if you’re flying to a tournament with your cues, you will be checking a bag, no questions. The days of carrying our cues on the plane are behind us. To make sure your cues arrive where you do, always get to the airport AT LEAST one hour prior to boarding. Depending on the airport, you may want to arrive even earlier.

Checking in

• Most airlines currently charge a $15 fee to check your first bag and an additional $25 fee for the second. If you haven’t already, you may want to invest in an oversized duffle that will fit both your cues and clothes together. [see SammsPocket.com for an assortment]
• Make sure none of your bags are over 50 pounds. There’s typically a charge for that too.
• If you’re connecting, confirm that your bags are checked in all the way to your final destination.
• Check in online whenever possible. Just about every airline offers online check-in within 24 hours before your flight time. Even if you don’t have a printer, you can usually (re)print your boarding pass when you arrive at the ticket counter to drop off your bag(s).
• Have your photo ID out of your purse/wallet from the time you arrive at the airport until after you get through security.
• If you checked in online, you still want to (re)confirm the departing gate number with the ticket agent after checking your bag(s).
• Once you’ve checked your bag(s) in and they’re confirmed on the flight – Now, RELAX… You should still try to get to your gate on time, but don’t panic if the security line is a mile long. It’s unlikely that the plane will take off with your bags on board without you. They’ll generally page you until you get to the gate.

Security

• Try to wear comfortable, slip on shoes that are easy to remove. Please wear socks.
• Have your boarding pass and ID out and ready when entering the security line.
• Make sure you do not have any liquids/gels over 3 oz with you.
• Once your boarding pass and ID have been checked, put away your ID (you don’t need it again) but keep your boarding pass out.
• Get your electronics out and in a bin alone.
• Your shoes, belt, and jacket can go into a separate bin together.
• Cell phone, loose change, watches, keys, etc. can all go together in one of the smaller bins.
• Make sure you zip up and secure all your bags before placing them on the conveyer belt.
• Keep your boarding pass with you!
• Do not walk through the metal detector until you see the last of your items enter the x-ray machine.

Special Needs

• If you suffer from motion sickness, make sure you take and pack (conveniently in a carry-on bag) your air sickness pills.
• If you are susceptible to catching colds, make sure you take your Airborn and stock up on vitamin C and zinc approximately 2-24 hours prior to airport exposure.
• You may also want to carry anti-bacteria wipes with you.
• Keep your hands clean.
• Avoid unnecessary contact with your eyes, ears, and nose.
• Try to practice good basic hygiene.

General

• Use a list when packing to help ensure you don’t forget anything before and after.
• Clean out your pool case! You should consider doing this often anyway but it will definitely help reduce any unnecessary weight. Also, get change/tokens at the tournament. This will also help keep the weight to a minimum.
• Bring an extra bag. Find a lightweight duffle or backpack that can fold up and fit into your luggage. Be prepared in the event that your luggage is overweight or you bring some extras back with you.
• Once you get through security, check the gate assignment again before walking all the way there and realizing that it’s changed.
• Try to wear clothes with pockets. They come in handy.
• If you need a pillow or blanket, make sure you grab one or ask for one as soon as you board. Supplies are usually limited.
• Dress in layers. It can get chilly on the plane.
• Dress comfortably. You’ll be sitting in whatever you’re wearing for the next couple hours, or longer.
• Don’t forget to pack your music, books, games, pillow, snacks, and any other essentials.
• And, of course, never leave your personal belongings unattended and always check to make sure you haven’t left anything behind where ever you stop.

There you have it! Now you’re a savvy flyer. We’ll see you in Vegas!

Samm Diep, PoolTipJar.com © March 2008

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