Whether you are taking gifts to family or returning home with gifts you have received during the holiday season, travelling with large packages can be a hassle. From extra baggage costs to not having enough space to fit everything in your carry-on, there are just a few things to consider before you embark on your holiday journey this year.
AVOID PEAK TRAVEL DATES
A little preparation can help save you a headache and the unnecessary, high costs that may be charged by your airline for excessive or over-weight luggage when you check-in for your flight. Here are a few handy tips to help make travelling with your gifts a little easier:
Remember the 3-1-1 Rule Still Applies – Whether it is a gift or a purchase you have made, the 3-1-1 rule applies for air travel. Passengers are limited to carrying liquids no larger than 3.4 oz. which must also be in one 1 qt. sized transparent, plastic and sealable bag. Therefore, any liquids, such as homemade gravies, salsas or even gourmet olive oils will need to adhere to these requirements.
Do Not Wrap Your Gifts – You will need to save the wrapping for your destination. Airport agents are allowed to inspect any item they wish, which means they could undo all of your gift wrapping. To save yourself the hassle, travel with the gift item unwrapped and plan to wrap the gift as soon as you arrive at your destination.
Know What You Can and Cannot Check – Some items are not allowed on a plane, such as ice skates and baseball bats. You can check with your local airline or the airport to find out what items you will need to ship and which can be checked in your carry-on. Keep these guidelines in mind while shopping for gifts if you know you’ll be traveling by plane to visit your family this holiday season.
Keep it at a Minimum – You will want to keep the presents you pack to a minimum, which may mean shipping a few items home rather than carrying them on the plane with you. Depending on the airline, you will be limited to one or two carry-on bags. The more bags you check, the more you will have to pay to bring the luggage with you. You may want to compare costs for shipping versus checking extra luggage before you start to pack it.
You may also want to keep the size of the gifts you purchase for others to a minimum as well. Bringing gifts to your destination can be just as costly, so opt for smaller purchases or ones that can be shipped to your destination before you arrive.
Protect Valuables – If possible, items that are valuable or irreplaceable should always be carried on. Do not place them in a larger carry-on in case the airline forces you to check the bag. If you cannot carry it on, wrap it carefully and ship it to your destination.
Oversized Gifts – Oversized items and bags can cost hundreds of dollars to check. If you are purchasing oversized gifts, consider buying online and having them delivered to your destination instead of transporting them yourself. If you have to buy local, consider shipping it privately rather than taking it on the plane.
BOOK TORONTO AIRPORT TRANSPORTATION
If you are planning to travel with a number of gifts, consider booking Toronto airport transportation such as a luxury limousine or taxi to take you to and from your destination. When you book with AirFlight Services, our chauffeurs will carefully load your luggage and gifts for you so you don’t have to worry about the stress of making it all fit in your own vehicle.
Whether you live in Toronto, Mississauga, or Oakville, an airport taxi will be waiting for you to arrive, and ready to assist you with the extra packages and luggage you may bring back from your trip. After navigating through the airport and security with all of the gifts, you deserve a break.
If you are traveling to and from Pearson International Airport, consider booking an airport limousine from AirFlight Services. Call us today at 1‑800‑268‑6843 or book your limousine online. We serve customers across the GTA including Vaughan, Richmond Hill, Markham, and surrounding areas.