November 14th, 2007
How do I prepare for my Hawaii Trip?
Now that you have booked your trip, gotten all the details worked out and it’s getting close to your departure date, there is still more preparing for you to do pre travel.
Flights schedules and carry-ons.
The day before you are traveling don’t forget to call and check with the airline or check on their website for any last minute schedule changes. Here at Hawaii Aloha Travel we will send a notice of a schedule change before hand even if it is just a 5 minute change or so, however we are not alerted to any very last minute changes that may occur. Our documents have the phone number and website to the airline for you to call , making it convenient for you to have it at your fingertips to check your flight schedule the night before your departure.
For Carry-on luggage you want to be sure that the bag can fit in the overhead or under the seat to store during flight, but what should you pack?
-things to do in flight, bring a book, if you have children pack some colors or maybe a portable game system to keep them busy. Bring work with you that you can get done while in flight.
-bring snacks on board. I travel with a little one and I always carry snacks on board for him. On domestic flights nowadays they don’t serve free meals. Or very rarely do they serve meals. There are one or two airlines that will still serve meals on domestic flights and unless you are flying first class you won’t have any free meals. Most airlines will serve sandwiches or snack boxes for a fee. Usually approx. $5.00 each. If you have a long flight though you may want to pack something to tide you over, especially if you have some short layovers not allowing you enough time to walk to grab something to eat.
-If traveling with a lap top you can take those on board the aircraft. I suggest taking it on board with you rather than checking it into luggage. You are allowed one laptop and a carry-on or a laptop and a purse on board the plane.
-Also for updated information on what is allowed and not allowed on board the plane check the transportation security administrations website for the latest rules and regulations for onboard items.
Arrive early for your flight!!!!
Be sure that you leave the house in plenty of time to get to the airport. Always take into account traffic delays when you are planning what time to leave. You should arrive at the airport about 2 hours early for your flight so however far you are from the airport and if it’s traffic hour should determine what time you should leave your house.
What to pack and how to pack!
Baggage Limit.
-Each passenger is allowed 2 , 50lbs. pieces of luggage. If your bags are over that weight limit the airlines will charge a fee per piece that is overweight. Generally it is approx. $25.00 per bag that is 51-75lbs., however all airlines are different. Some are stricter than others and you may get an agent who will let you go at 51 or 52 pounds, but by all rights they do have the right to charge you even if it is 1 pound over weight. So try to even out the weight between your suitcases.
You may also not want to pack your bags to full and leave some room to bring home some souvenirs.
What to pack.
-For Hawaii typically you will want to pack summer clothes. Being that the temperatures range in the 80’s year round. So shorts, capri pants, skirts, tank tops , t-shirts, and don’t forget your bathing suit either. You may throw in there a light jacket for a breezy night or maybe at a show where the A/C is on. Remember in hawaii not only are the people very laid back , the attire is as well. You won’t need to bring a suit and tie (unless maybe you are getting married). Not even for a formal dinner night unless you want to. It’s very rare to see suit and ties in hawaii or formal evening gowns other than balls and proms.
How to pack.
-Not only should you even out your weight in the suit cases. If you are traveling as a family or even a couple try packing clothes for each of you in all the suitcases. Not saying that your luggage will get lost, but let’s face it. It happens. In the event one of the pieces of luggage is lost at least everyone will still have something that they can change into and not one person has nothing while everyone else has all their things.
So you if you have not planned your spring break, summer 08 or even last minute holiday vacations yet give us a call or visit us on our website.
Chris
Hawaii Aloha Travel
Toll free: 1-800-843-8771 ext. 32
email: chris@hawaii-aloha.com