Never Pick the Wrong Seat on a Flight Again

By the time you get to the screen to choose your seat assignment when purchasing a flight, you’re probably “over it”. After researching flight schedules, comparing prices, deciding to actually pull the trigger and making sure you spell your spouse’s middle name correctly on the personal information page – the last thing you want to do is fuss with which row is best.

But that’s a big mistake.

Choosing the wrong seat on a flight can really set a bad tone for an exciting getaway.

For instance, are you traveling with a gal who loves to lug around a giant purse (guilty) and will rummage through it no less than ten times during the flight to retrieve snacks, lipgloss, headphones or her cell phone? Well then the bulkhead seat is not for you.

Or how about if you are traveling with a child who has in the past been known to swing his little feet back and forth the entire flight? Then you better pick a seat with a little extra leg room. Or how about a seat with a TV in the headrest so Sponge Bob can do some of the babysitting and you can finally catch up on some “you time”.

But how do you know which seat is best for you? Well say hello to my little friend- Seat Guru. Accessible via app or online, Seat Guru allows you to get Seat Map Advice or Check a Flight Status with just a few clicks.

Simply input the airline, departure date and flight number (or departure/arrival cities) and Seat Guru will pull up the airplane you will be flying on. Along with the model of plane they have a detailed interactive seat map key that shows if the seat has a Good review, Be Aware rating or a Bad Seat warning. After clicking on a seat you will find a detailed description of features and amenities (power port, TV, extra leg room) or warnings (limited recline of seat, proximity to lavatory).

In the info section you will find details about the flight like if in-flight entertainment will be offered or if carry on rolling bags will need to be tagged and stored under the plane for the flight.

This tool is a great resource and is worth a look. I’m a girl that likes surprises but not when it comes to my vacations. So check out Seat Guru and let me know what you think!

Front of the Line – TSA PreCheck

Have you ever been standing in the never ending security line at the airport watching the “elite travelers” zip right through the exclusive TSA PreCheck line? Yep.  And I bet every time you think to yourself… as soon as I get home from this trip I’m going to figure out how to do that.

Well consider it done my friends.

Of all my travel discoveries this one probably tops the list. The process to apply is fairly simple and if you are lucky enough to live close to an enrollment center you’ll be skipping to the head of the line in a matter of weeks.

So how does it work?

This program provides eligible, low-risk travelers with expedited security screening. To take part in the program, you fill out an application, visit an enrollment center to provide proper documentation (a passport, or your birth certificate and drivers license will do) and pay a non-refundable $85 fee (valid for 5 whole years).

After you apply online, appear in person to do a short interview and are approved, you will then receive a Known Traveller Number (KTN). You will use this number when you make future flight reservations in order for the airline to print an indicator on your boarding pass that allows you to go through the PreCheck line.

Where does it work?

You will find it at more than 160 airports with 16 participating airlines.

Perks

• Shorter security lines

• No need to remove shoes, laptops, 3-1-1 liquids, belts and light jackets

• Cost is only $85

• Status is good for 5 years

• Feeling like a Superstar

• Overall less stressful experience checking in and getting to the gate

I’ve only encounter a handful of places that didn’t offer a PreCheck option and I had to wait in the regular security line. But even then you are usually handed a laminated neon card that allows you to keep your shoes on and all your liquids in your bag.

As much as people hate on the TSA, I’d like to give them a big old gold star for this program. As Hall and Oates would say… “Well cause you, You make my dreams come true.”

More Questions? 

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