10 Things to Do Before Leaving for the Airport

Those last few minutes before going to the airport can be somewhat stressful, especially if you're doing things at the last minute. You have to get yourselves ready; if you have children then you have to get the children ready. On top of all of that you need to figure out transportation method to the airport. Will you drive to the airport and leave your car? Will you ask a friend or family member to drive you? Will you bite the bullet and take a taxi? Perhaps take public transportation? There are so many loose ends to tie up and it all happens within the span of a few hours... or less if you're a late packer.

How do you keep control of it all? I'd like to suggest a checklist of things you'll need to do before leaving for the airport. Here are the ten things I'd put on there:

1. Get printouts of your itinerary and airplane ticket purchases

It's always helpful to have printouts of your itinerary and any purchases from vendors such as airline companies and car rental companies. In case of technical difficulties having the print out can be your proof of purchase and defense against, "I'm sorry I don't see you in the system."

2. Carry your passport with you

In this day and age a driver's license may not be enough identification to get you through the airport. You'll definitely need a passport for international flights, but don't think just going across the United States makes you exempt from needing a passport. Normally you only need it for international travel, but it's a great piece of identification to validate you at security checkpoints and at the ticket counter when checking your bags in. If you don't have a passport, make sure you at least have a driver's license and some other form of identification - a credit card, a library card, state identification, some other form of identification with a photo on it if possible.

3. Check that you've packed any necessary personal hygiene products

Toothbrushes, toothpaste, floss, deodorant, perfume, lotion, tampons, condoms, etc... these are what I mean by personal hygiene products. You know if you don't have any you'll pay for it at the convenience store of the city or airport you'll be stopping in next. The token items you get at the hotel may last you a day, maybe, but don't depend on that.

4. Have cash and credit cards on hand

Credit cards are good for car rentals, and they're good to have if you made an online purchase using it. Sometimes agents need to see the actual credit card used to make sure that it matches your identification. Cash is good for taxi rides, tipping, and any extra expenses that may occur at the airport you're leaving from or the airport you're arriving to. I always recommend carrying cash when going to a new city anyway, at least enough for one day's potential expenditures.

5. Pack your cell phone charger and earpiece charger

Cell phone batteries don't last very long, and neither do earpiece charges. Be sure to pack these into your carry-on bag or one of your pieces of luggage. These two items will be critical for communication while you're out of town. If you don't take your cell phone, or you forget your chargers, be sure to get a calling card for emergencies.

6. Everyone use the restroom before leaving the house

It's always when you're on the way to the airport that someone has to go to the bathroom. Use it before you leave the house. Make sure everyone has at least tried to go. It might help not to drink liquids about two hours before your scheduled departure from home.

7. If you're leaving children with a sitter, leave all pertinent contact information

On a sheet of paper write down your cell phone number, your spouse's cell phone number, the number of a nearby relative, and the hotel number (when you find out what room you'll be in call back and leave the room number as well).

8. Don't forget to grab your camera

You know you usually sit this item somewhere obscure so make a mental note to grab your camera so you can take great pictures on your trip. If you use a digital camera be sure to grab the camera charger, memory card (if outside of the camera) and carrying case (if you have one).

9. Turn out all lights, check that all off, unplug all electronics (except the freezer and refrigerator), freeze any leftover food, and make sure all garbage has been thrown out

This is important especially if you're going to be gone for more than a couple of days. Not all food refrigerates equally, so it may be best to freeze leftovers for when you get back. Take items out of outlets you don't need to leave on, in standby mode, or in use. If you must leave items on make sure it's connected to a power surge in case of thunder and lightning so that nothing gets damaged. Finally, leftover garbage will stink when you return if not thrown out. There is nothing cute or relaxing about returning to a house that smells.

10. Be sure to set the alarm in your house and turn down heat or turn up air conditioning if you decide to leave it on in your house

Leaving the heat or air conditioning on if you're gone for a long period of time is a waste because no one is using it. I would recommend leaving your thermostat at a comfortable temperature until you return then return the settings to normal. For example, if you normally have the heat on 72 turn it to 66... if you have the air condition on 66 turn it to 70. You'll save on your energy and/or electric bill by going this route.