1) Things to keep handy for check-in at the ticket counter: Passport, itinerary, frequent flyer card, credit card. Everyone does self check-in now - one more way Delta is cheaping out on us. You'll need your ticket confirmation number. If you have your itinerary, it is usually on the last page.
2) Take a jacket or sweatshirt. These long flights get really cold and the airports are also cold. Even if it's summertime and you're sweating while you're packing for your trip, and you think you can't possibly need a jacket or sweatshirt on the plane, trust me - you will. This last trip I thought I would take a light rain jacket for the trip but really didn't think I would actually need it on the plane. Not only did I need it, I wished I had brought my zip-up sweatshirt hoodie instead! Also, even if you wear sandals, you might stick a pair of socks in your bag or purse to put on after you get on the plane. Then you can take off your shoes and just wear your socks on the plane. :0)
3) Take 2 quart-sized zip-lock bags. In one put your lotion, chapstick and any other liquids or gels for security. In the other put other items you might want near you in the plane, so you don't have to keep getting up and getting back in the overhead to get something out of your bag. Things like: candy, gum, breath mints, a pen (to fill out the disembarkation card for customs or to do a crossword puzzle), nail clippers, etc. Then you can stick both bags in the back pocket of the seat in front of you. You'll need the security bag for the lotion and chapstick.
4) Buy at least one bottle of water to take on the airplane. Even though the stewardesses come around with water every so often, for me it is not enough.
5) Be sure to check and double-check your gate. I have sat at several gates before I finally double checked my bording pass and found out I was at the wrong gate. If you have a long lay-over, it is very likely that your gate could be changed, so make sure you listen for announcements. Also look around if you see a lot of people leaving the gate area. Your gate may have changed and you didn't hear the announcement. If you have a question at all, don't hesitate to go question the airline employee at the gate desk.
6) Pay attention to signs telling you where to go in the airport. If you are catching a connecting flight and when you're walking to the next gate or terminal you find yourself starting to go through security to baggage claim, DON'T EXIT! (Unless you're entering the US for the first time. Then you do have to recheck your luggage before catching your next flight). If you exit to baggage claim by mistake, you'll have to go through security ALL OVER AGAIN! (No, I haven't done this, but I almost did.)
6) Take some kind of munchie in your bag. M&Ms, granola bar, Pringles in the can, etc, in case you get hungry after or before dinner. I would advise against taking fruit. Some countries (the US is one) will not let you bring produce into their country and have dogs sniffing your bags to see if you have any.
6) If you're flying a red-eye overnight, don't drink any caffeinated drinks late in the afternoon or evenings. If you can go to sleep, it will help you adjust to the new time zone better. The earlier you can try to go to sleep - if you can indeed sleep - the better. The flight to Ireland from the US arrives between 9 & 10 in the morning, which is about 2 or 3 in the morning US time. If you can't sleep, turn the personal movie screen back on and just have fun watching movies, tv shows, or playing games all night.
7) If you're not able to sleep all night, when you get to your destination, set an alarm and take about a 2 hour nap. Don't sleep any longer or you won't sleep that night. The sooner you can adjust to getting up at a decent time in the morning and going to bed at a decent time at night, the better. If you sleep late and stay up late, you will be tired your whole trip.
8) Don't mix your US money and your foreign money in your wallet. Take another zip-lock bag to stow away whatever money you're not using at the moment.
8) Airline food is not geared to kids. The standard dinner on the Delta flight from Atlanta to Ireland is a choice of pasta or a breaded chicken fillet. The pasta varies from lasanga to tortellini, but I wonder if a kid would really eat it. The torttelini has spinach.
9) Instead of taking a small (security-size) bottle of antiseptic gel, I found some antiseptic wipes in individual packets. I think the box had about 30 in it. I hate squirting get on my hands and thinking "my hands are disinfected, but are they clean?" With the wipes, it feels more like I am cleaning my hands.
10) I am amazed at how much simple politeness can mean in everyday life. Just saying "thank-you" to the stewardess, security officer, or airport store clerk, can make a difference. And if you really want to see what a difference politeness can do, make a simple comment to them. People are just doing their job, but if you take the time to make a comment, they are immediately your friend. :0)
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