How to Keep Busy During a Flight

Unless you are one of the lucky few who can sleep on a plane, you are going to have to get creative in order to pass the time between take-off and touch down. Banish the boredom of flying for hours on end by planning ahead for your next flight with these creative ideas:

·         Download movies to your smartphone before leaving home. You won’t need internet connection to watch them.

·         If you are traveling around the holidays, take this uninterrupted time to write out your Christmas cards. If you are flying to or from your honeymoon, use the flight to get a jump start on your thank you notes.

·         Organize your digital photos on your computer. This way, you will know just what folder to go to the next time Great Aunt Iris wants to see “that photo of you with the monkey.”

·         If your travels are taking you to a foreign land, check out some language books from the library and learn the native tongue on the flight over.

·         Bring a notebook and make up short stories about the people sitting around you. Describe the person, where you think they are going and what you think they are doing.

·         Want to feel productive? Use this opportunity to polish your proposal or work on next week’s homework.

Plan ahead with U.S. Park! Make your free online parking reservation with us the next time you fly out of Detroit Metro Airport (DTW)  

Surviving Airport Security

 Getting through security at Detroit Metro Airport can be one of the more stressful parts of air travel. However, a lot can be done to streamline the process, if you know what you’re doing. To make your excursion through the airport as efficient and comfortable as possible, keep in mind the following advice:

·         Plan ahead. Pack your bag of liquids and your electronics in an easy to access exterior pocket. A good TSA experience starts at home.

·         Dress for success. Security is going to make you take your shoes off. You know this. Avoid wearing knee-high lace up combat boots! Wear shoes that are easy to slip off and a belt that won’t set off the metal detector.

·         Stash your stuff early. It is pretty likely that you will have a bag or purse on your person during your journey through the airport. Avoid fumbling at the checkpoint by sticking your personal items in one of these convenient bags well before you get in line.

·         Order your items. For example, put your shoes on the conveyer belt first, then your laptop, followed by your bag of liquids, and finally your coat. This way you can put your shoes on first, pick up each item as it is scanned, and finally put on your coat and make your way to your gate.

·         When in doubt, leave it out! Unsure if an item is prohibited or not? Put questionable items in your checked luggage or leave them at home.

Don’t forget to make a reservation with U.S. Park to ensure a stress free trip.