plane travel tips

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46 Amazing Airplane Hacks To Boost Your Flight & Travel Experience

Katie Seemann

Senior Content Contributor and News Editor

342 Published Articles 45 Edited Articles

Countries Visited: 28 U.S. States Visited: 29

Keri Stooksbury

Editor-in-Chief

29 Published Articles 3084 Edited Articles

Countries Visited: 45 U.S. States Visited: 28

1. Be Flexible To Save Money

2. stay alert, 3. use points to book your flight, 4. get help finding award availability, 5. don’t leave miles on the table, 6. choose your seat wisely, 7. book a flexible ticket, 8. keep your suitcase organized, 9. bring the ultimate travel accessory, 10. pack vacation essentials in your carry-on, 11. don’t dry out, 12. pay attention to your toiletries, 13. know where you’re going, 14. stay entertained, 15. charge up, 16. be ready to write, 17. think about meals ahead of time, 18. book a bassinet seat, 19. pack snacks, 20. bring lollipops to help pop ears, 21. keep them entertained, 22. use up energy before the flight, 23. remember where you park, 24. skip the long tsa security line, 25. a “touchless” and even faster way to skip long security lines, 26. go left, 27. be ready for the security line, 28. don’t pay for checked luggage, 29. don’t buy water, 30. stay active, 31. get the right size carry-on bag, 32. know how to access a lounge, 33. know your luggage, 34. put your bag in the right spot, 35. block everything out, 36. brush your teeth, 37. be nice, 38. clean your tray table, 39. choose your drink wisely, 40. sleep like a pro, 41. dress in layers, 42. bring socks, 43. find your luggage quickly, 44. late bags earn points, 45. speed through customs, 46. save money on transportation, final thoughts.

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Love it or hate it, flying on an airplane is a common part of travel. So, if you have to fly, you might as well make the experience as enjoyable as possible.

We’ve compiled this list of 46 of our best airplane and travel hacks to elevate your flight experience, including everything from flight booking hacks and packing hacks to airport hacks and inflight hacks.

We hope you’ll be able to use some of these flight tricks to make your next travel experience as awesome as possible.

Flight Booking Hacks

A great flight starts with a great booking experience. Try these tricks the next time you have to book a flight.

If you want to find cheap flights , it’s best to be flexible. When your dates aren’t set in stone, you can use the flexible date search option in Google Flights to see what dates offer the cheapest tickets. Just visit Google Flights , enter your origin and destination cities, then click on the travel dates.

You’ll see the prices for your flight every day on the calendar. Use the trip duration settings at the bottom to choose your desired trip length or play around to see if the trip length affects the ticket price. The lowest-priced tickets will be shown in green.

Another way to keep an eye out for the lowest price tickets is by signing up for flight deal alerts . Websites like Google Flights, Kayak , and Skyscanner allow you to sign up for fare alerts on your chosen route so you know if and when the price drops.

We couldn’t write a flight hack post without mentioning points and miles, could we? Of course not, since that’s our specialty! Using points to book your flight is an easy way to save on the out-of-pocket expense of travel. Plus, using points to book business and first class flights is a great way to make your entire flight experience so much more comfortable than flying in the back of the plane.

Hot Tip: If you’re brand new to the points and miles game, start with our beginner’s guide to bring you up to speed.

Using miles to book a flight is a great way to fly, but finding award availability can sometimes prove to be difficult. If you need help, look at a tool like ExpertFlyer , Award Nexus , or Seat Spy . These websites can help you find award seat availability without spending all day searching.

Whether or not this is your first trip on a specific airline or your fiftieth, sign up for the airline’s frequent flyer program and make sure your frequent flyer number is attached to your reservation. If you never plan on flying the airline again, you can credit the miles you’ll earn to a partner airline.

No one wants to get stuck in a middle seat in the back of the plane next to the bathroom, right? That one is obvious, but there are pros and cons to other seats as well.

• If you get motion sickness, choose a seat over the wing so you’ll feel less turbulence .
• Choose a seat in front of the plane if you’ve got a short connecting time.
• If you’re traveling with another person, choose a window and aisle seat toward the back of the plane. Unless the flight is sold out, you’ll have a decent chance that no one will choose the middle seat between you.
• If you want to sleep during your flight, go with a window seat.
• If you’re more comfortable having easy access to the bathroom, an aisle seat toward the back of the plane will be your best bet.
• If you definitely need a small bag with you during the flight, don’t choose a bulkhead seat because they don’t have anywhere to store a carry-on other than the overhead bins.

Use a tool like SeatGuru to find seat maps for your flight, along with notes about the pros and cons of every seat. This website is a must if you want to find the perfect seat on your next flight.

Thankfully, many airlines are offering flexible cancellation and change policies these days, but be sure to read the fine print. These policies often don’t apply to the cheapest basic economy fares. If you want flexibility, you might need to pay a little more upfront.

Packing Hacks

Packing a suitcase is an art, but it doesn’t have to be difficult. These easy packing hacks will help you save space and ensure that you’re prepared for anything.

A packing tip that many can agree on is that packing cubes are a must. These zippered bags come in lots of different sizes and colors to keep your clothes organized. When you arrive at your destination, just move the packing cubes to the drawers, unzip, and you’ve unpacked in an instant.

If you’re packing for multiple people in 1 bag, assign everyone a different color packing cube to keep everything organized.

A large scarf is a versatile item that is the perfect travel accessory. When you pack one in your carry-on bag, you can use it as a blanket to stay warm or for lumbar support to stay comfortable on the plane. Then use it as a scarf in cold weather destinations or as a beach cover-up for tropical vacations.

Picture this: your flight arrives at your vacation destination and you’re so excited to hit the pool at your resort — but your luggage didn’t make it yet! What could be a wasted vacation day for others is no big deal for you because you’re prepared. You packed an extra set of clothes in your carry-on , including important vacation items like a bathing suit, sunscreen, and flip-flops, so you can wait for your delayed luggage while sipping a tropical cocktail by the pool instead of being grumpy in your hotel room in the jeans and sneakers you wore on the plane.

Dry airplane air can easily dehydrate your body. In addition to drinking plenty of water on your flight, don’t forget to pack lip balm and hand lotion in your carry-on bag to combat uncomfortable dry skin. If you typically wear contact lenses, opt for glasses on your flight since the plane’s dry air can make wearing contact lenses uncomfortable.

Make sure your toiletries are in travel-sized containers if you’re planning on using carry-on luggage only. You can invest in a good travel toiletry bag to keep everything organized, or opt for the budget route and put travel-sized containers in a Ziploc bag to keep them from leaking on your clothes.

Pre-flight Hacks

These tricks of the trade are things to think about before you get on your flight.

If you’ll be traveling somewhere where Wi-Fi might be spotty or unavailable, it’s a good idea to download offline maps of the areas you’ll be visiting so you can access them even when you can’t access the internet.

To download a Google Map for use offline, just type in your destination. Then click on the destination name at the bottom of your screen.

Then click on the 3 dots in the upper right-hand corner and select Download offline map .

While many airlines offer inflight entertainment, there’s nothing better than knowing you’ve got plenty of your favorites ready to go. Download podcasts, music, audiobooks, or Netflix shows before you take off to ensure you have plenty to keep you occupied during your flight.

If you’re planning on watching movies or shows on your phone, bring a small stand or mount to set up on your tray table so you don’t have to hold your phone for the whole flight.

Be prepared. Charge all of your electronic devices the day before you leave so they are ready to go for your flight. Keep all of your charging cords handy in your carry-on bag in case you need to charge up at the airport, or bring a portable charger if you think you’ll need more battery power during your flight.

If you’ll be traveling internationally, bring a pen . This will save you from having to rely on your fellow passengers to borrow a pen on the flight to fill out customs forms.

If you’re on a long-haul flight that will be serving a meal and you’ve got dietary restrictions, be sure to order a special meal before your flight. If you wait until you’re on the plane, you’ll be stuck with the standard options.

Flying With Kids Hacks

Flying with kids can be an adventure, but with these pro tips, it will be as stress-free as possible.

Did you know that many airplanes (especially on long-haul international flights) have a few seats that can accommodate a bassinet on board (usually the bulkhead seats)? If you’re flying with a baby , book early and call the airline to reserve one of these seats.

If you’re a parent, you know that snacks are the answer to about 85% of your kids’ problems. This is no different on a flight. Pack snacks and everything will be okay.

Air pressure changes can affect kids’ ears more than adults’ ears. To help your little one pop their ears, give them a lollipop.

We aren’t saying you should always bribe your kids with new toys, but a long flight is a great time to go ahead and bribe your kids with a new toy ! Having something new will help keep them happy and entertained for longer.

If your child is sitting in the window seat, give them a package of gel window clings to play with, or try an airplane toy for a child’s first flight. The toy itself doesn’t matter as much as the novelty of having a new toy.

If all else fails, or even if you just want to keep things simple, bring a tablet with plenty of shows or games downloaded, along with child-friendly headphones . Most adults use screens for the whole flight, so why not let your kids do the same?

Kids have a ton of energy, and it’s a great idea to get rid of as much of it as possible before you board the plane. Many airports these days have specially designed kids’ play areas for this exact purpose.

If your airport doesn’t have a play area, take kids on a walk and let them ride the people movers (making sure they don’t get in the way of others trying to quickly make it to their gate, of course). When all else fails, try to find an empty area (the far end of the terminal is probably your best bet) and let them run wild.

Pre-flight Airport Hacks

You can make the time you spend in the airport before your flight as comfortable and stress-free as possible with these airport hacks.

While you think you’ll remember where you parked, it’s not quite so easy to remember after a week-long vacation. To help your memory out, take a picture of your parking space with any recognizable features and the parking row number so you can find your car easily when you return.

How would you like to breeze through the TSA security line — without taking your shoes off ? That can all be achieved when you have  TSA PreCheck . This program essentially gives you access to shorter security lines and the ability to pass through without taking your shoes and jacket off and without having to remove your laptop and toiletries from your bag. It’ll save time and hassle each time you fly.

According to the TSA , the majority of TSA PreCheck passengers wait less than 5 minutes in security lines.

Hot Tip: While TSA PreCheck costs $78 for a 5-year membership (and many would argue it’s absolutely worth that price), you can get it for free with many credit cards .

Breeze through the security lines without having to even take your ID out of your wallet. CLEAR is a program that allows you to do just that because it uses biometrics to verify your identity. After your identity is successfully confirmed (through an eye scan), you’ll be escorted to the front of the security line.

CLEAR costs $189 annually and is available in select airports across the country. Several credit cards include a discounted or complimentary CLEAR membership as part of their benefits.

If you have a choice, choose the security lines to the left — people tend to naturally go right more often than not, so the left lines may be shorter.

Regardless of whether or not you have TSA PreCheck, be ready to get through the security line quickly . Have your ID and boarding pass ready to go — do not wait until you’re at the front of the line to get these things out. If you don’t have TSA PreCheck, make sure you have your liquids and laptop easily accessible so you can remove them quickly without holding up the line.

Hot Tip: Be prepared before your flight. Know what you can and can’t bring through TSA security and check these TSA security FAQs for the answers to some common questions.

Checking your luggage can be expensive these days. While it might be easy to just bring a carry-on bag for some trips, many of us will still need to check a bag from time to time. You can avoid paying crazy baggage fees by choosing an airline that doesn’t charge for bags, like Southwest, by having airline elite status, or by having an airline credit card. Many airline credit cards come with free checked baggage , which can save you lots of money, even if you only fly a couple of times a year.

Buying water in an airport gift shop is expensive and isn’t great for the environment. Instead, bring an empty water bottle through security and then fill it at the filling station or drinking fountain after security. You’ll save money and reduce your plastic usage at the same time.

With many of us using fitness trackers and smartwatches these days, getting a recommended number of daily steps or movement time has become commonplace. To balance out sitting on an airplane for hours at a time, take the time before your flight to walk. Getting a few laps in around the terminal before you board your flight is a great way to stay active, even on travel days, and it provides great people-watching, too.

Before you attempt to pack for a week-long trip in 1 carry-on bag, make sure it’s the right size for a carry-on , and make sure you can lift it up to get it in the overhead bin. While other passengers will often offer to help lift heavy bags into the overhead bins, savvy travelers can manage their bags on their own.

Hot Tip: Need a new bag? Check out some of our favorite carry-on luggage bags for any traveler.

Airports are places we all spend a lot of time just waiting. So, next time you fly, plan to wait in style in an airport lounge . Lounges offer quieter places to get work done or to grab a snack and drink before your flight. Some even offer luxury amenities like showers and massages.

Having a Priority Pass membership allows you to access over 1,400 airport lounge locations in over 600 cities across the world. The best part is that there are many credit cards with Priority Pass access.

While it’s not inevitable, sometimes your luggage doesn’t make it onto the same flight as you. When this happens, you’ll most likely need to fill out lost/delayed luggage paperwork that will include an area for you to describe your luggage. A description of “black suitcase” isn’t going to cut it, so make sure you know exactly what your luggage looks like. When in doubt, take a photo of it before you fly, for reference.

Airplane Hacks

We love traveling here at Upgraded Points and have picked up lots of tricks along the way. These airplane hacks will help make your flight as comfortable and as fun as possible.

When choosing a spot for your carry-on bag in the overhead bin, go for the space on the opposite side of your seat, directly across from or slightly in front of your seat (never put your bag behind you). That way you can see your bag from your seat and you’ll easily be able to grab it after the flight without having to wait for the people behind you to deplane before you can grab your bag.

One of the keys to really relaxing and enjoying a flight is the ability to block out airplane noise to enjoy your podcast, music, or movie. Because of that, having noise-canceling headphones is a great way to make your flight more enjoyable.

No, we aren’t suggesting you need to brush your teeth on that quick flight from Chicago to New York City, but brushing your teeth on long-haul flights or flights where you’ll be sleeping can really make a difference in how refreshed you feel. Be sure to pack your toothbrush and travel-sized toothpaste (or even a disposable product like Colgate Wisp ), and don’t forget to use bottled water.

While this should come easily to many people, it bears repeating. Be polite and respectful to the flight attendants. They are there to ensure your safety and to help you have a comfortable flight and they deserve your respect. If you’re having a bad flight or don’t like a policy, don’t take it out on them.

If you think you’ll need extra attention from the flight attendants during your trip, consider bringing a small, edible gift like a piece of chocolate or a cookie (prepackaged, store-bought) as a gesture of thanks.

While airplane cleaning standards have increased since the COVID-19 pandemic began, things like tray tables are not necessarily cleaned between each flight. According to Forbes , airplane seatback tray tables are the dirtiest part of the airplane , so be sure to pack some disinfecting wipes and clean your tray table before using it.

Be sure to drink plenty of water during your flight to stay hydrated. While you might not like it, it’s best to avoid alcohol on planes, since it can speed up dehydration and could lead to a fuzzy start to your vacation. It’s also best to avoid carbonated drinks as the bubbles combined with changes in air pressure can cause discomfort for some people.

There’s a definite art to sleeping on a plane, and unless you’re one of those lucky people that can fall asleep anywhere, you’ll need all the help you can get. Use a  sleeping mask and earplugs to block out light and sound, and bring along a comfortable travel pillow to give your head and neck some support. Choosing a window seat can also make sleeping easier since you can lean up against the side of the plane.

Another trick to help you sleep on airplanes is to wear a jacket or sweatshirt with a hood . Putting up the hood will help keep you warm but will also cover your ears and part of your face, giving you more of a sense of comfort and privacy. Some hoods are big enough to pull down to cover your eyes, too.

Airplanes can often be freezing… unless they are way too hot. The problem is, you never know which temperature extreme your plane might suffer from until you are on it, so it’s best to dress in layers so that you’re prepared for anything. Always bring a jacket in the summer and wear a t-shirt under your sweater in the winter.

Hot Tip: If you bring a jacket but don’t need it on the plane, you can roll it up and use it as extra lumbar support.

If you’re wearing sandals on your travel day, bring a pair of socks to wear on the plane. Your feet will stay warm and your seatmate will appreciate not being up close and personal with your bare feet.

If your feet and legs have a tendency to swell, consider bringing compression socks onboard to wear during your flight. They will help reduce fluid retention and swelling, and may even reduce the risk of deep vein thrombosis (DVT).

Post-flight Airport Hacks

The travel hacks don’t stop when your flight lands. Use these tips to travel like a pro.

Many bags can look the same, so it’s smart to use a unique luggage tag or tie a brightly colored ribbon around your checked bags to make them easily identifiable in the baggage carousel. Alternatively, you can buy luggage in a variety of colors and patterns that are easy to pick out of a crowd.

Did you know that some airlines offer bonus points if your bags are late ?

Delta Air Lines offers the “Bags On Time” guarantee. If your bags take more than 20 minutes to reach the baggage carousel after any domestic flight, you’re eligible for 2,500 bonus miles by completing this form .

Alaska Airlines offers a $25 discount code for future travel or 2,500 bonus miles when your bags take more than 20 minutes to reach the baggage carousel. To make a claim , you need to visit the Alaska Airlines baggage desk at the airport within 2 hours of your flight’s arrival.

If you travel internationally even just once or twice a year, Global Entry can save you tons of time. This program allows members to speed through customs upon re-entry back into the U.S. Instead of waiting in the long customs lines, Global Entry members scan their passports and enter customs information at a kiosk before heading to baggage claim.

Bottom Line: Global Entry is a great program that will help you speed through the airport after international flights. It costs $100 to apply and the membership lasts 5 years. The great news is that many travel rewards credit cards come with a credit for the Global Entry application fee .

If you’ll be taking a rideshare service like Uber or Lyft from the airport, make sure you download the app before you need to use it. It will be easier and quicker to get a ride if your account is already set up, and you’ll have time to see if any of your credit cards offer discounts or bonus points . Be sure to add your credit card to your account and activate any bonus offers, if needed.

We think flying is fun and we hope that by using some of these amazing plane and flight hacks, you will, too! Also, be sure to check out our best hotel hacks to get the most out of your next hotel stay. If you’ve got additional travel hacks ideas, share them in the comments below.

Frequently Asked Questions

What are the best airplane hacks for sleeping.

If you want to sleep on your next flight, here are a few hacks that can help you out:

• Book a window seat so you can lean on the side of the plane
• Pack a neck pillow
• Bring earplugs and a sleeping mask to block out light and sound
• To stay warm, bring a jacket or large scarf that can be used as a blanket; wearing a hooded sweatshirt or jacket can also help cover your ears and eyes and keep you warm so you can catch some shut-eye

What are the best airplane hacks for toddlers?

If you’re traveling with a toddler, be sure to bring plenty of snacks and things to keep them entertained. A new toy is a great way to keep them occupied as are gel window clings if they’re sitting in the window seat. If all else fails, bring a tablet and kid-friendly headphones to keep them entertained and quiet for the trip.

What are the best airplane hacks for comfort?

There are a few things you can do to make your next airplane flight more comfortable. Wear comfortable clothes in layers so you can adjust based on the temperature of the plane. To help ease back pain, you can use a rolled-up jacket or scarf for extra lumbar support. If you’re wearing sandals, bring socks to keep your feet warm, and consider compression socks for long flights to help reduce swelling.

What are the best airplane hacks for long flights?

To make a long flight more comfortable, try these hacks on your next trip:

• Wear comfortable clothes that you can sleep in
• Dress in layers so you never get too cold or too hot
• Wear compression socks to help reduce swelling
• Brush your teeth before you go to sleep and once you wake up (but be sure to use bottled water)
• Download plenty of entertainment before the flight and bring a portable charger so your devices don’t run out of batteries
• Use airline miles to book a business or first class flight

What are the best packing hacks for flying?

To pack like a pro, you’ll want to follow these simple tips. Keep your luggage organized by using packing cubes. If you’re packing more than 1 person in a single suitcase, get a different color of packing cube for each person to keep everything separated. Use a toiletry bag or a simple Ziploc bag to pack your bathroom essentials. If your products leak, the spill will be confined to the small bag and won’t get all over your clothes. If you’re checking suitcases for vacation, always pack what you’ll need for the first day in your carry-on so you can start your vacation right away, even if your bags are late.

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About Katie Seemann

Katie has been in the points and miles game since 2015 and started her own blog in 2016. She’s been freelance writing since then and her work has been featured in publications like Travel + Leisure, Forbes Advisor, and Fortune Recommends.

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It doesn't have to be like that - making your flight more enjoyable is not that difficult. Whether you are an experienced traveler or a first-time flyer , you just need to be prepared. These 19 easy flight tips will make your trip pass in flying colors so that you never dread a long-haul flight again.

1. Dress Comfortably

Flying is one of those things where you need to prioritize comfort over everything else. Especially on flights that are in the 10+ hour range. One easy way to make your flight more comfortable is to wear the right kind of clothes. Tracksuits, leggings, cotton t-shirts, hoodies and lightweight sweaters are all great options. Especially since you can't really wear pajamas on a flight… unless you are in first class!

However, don't forget your feet - make sure that your shoes are worn in, and as comfortable as possible. Don't make the mistake of wearing brand new shoes on a long-haul flight, and ladies, keep those heels in your checked luggage.

It's also okay to take your shoes off on long haul flights as long as you make personal hygiene a priority. That means it's not ideal to walk around the plane in your socks. Afterall, the floor is pretty dirty, especially if you have to go to the restroom. So, wear some simple slippers if you don't want filthy socks. You'll thank me later.

2. Don't Be Shy, Ask To Be Reseated

If you're not happy with the seat you've chosen, the best thing to do is ask about seating options at check-in. Of course, it's always better to book seats as far ahead as possible . However, things always change on a plane, and seats often become available over time.

For example, even if a great seat was taken when you booked, someone might have canceled their ticket. Don't give up hope.

If it's a priority to you, keep on asking too. Ask at the airport check-in desk; ask the person that's working the gate; ask the flight attendants once you've boarded the plane. You never know what's possible, especially since all of them have the power to move you around. Who knows, you might even get the dream - an aisle seat next to an empty middle seat. Or, a whole row of seats to yourself.

Ahhhh, bliss!

3. Carefully Choose Your Seat

It's smart to check websites like SeatGuru when choosing your seat, especially for long-haul flights. If we're talking about a flight that's an hour or shorter, then it's okay if you don't have enough legroom and you're sitting by the kitchen - the whole thing will be over before you can even get annoyed.

However, with long-haul flights, a little extra legroom is the difference between a good hour of sleep and swollen feet upon arrival. When choosing a seat, also consider your priorities - do you want to be closer to the exit so you can get off the plane faster? Or, do you want a window seat so you can admire the views and rest your head against the cabin wall? Maybe you want to be able to get up and go to the bathroom whenever you please - in that case, an aisle seat is the preferred option.

4. Ask for an Upgrade

When you arrive at check-in, have a polite conversation with the attendant about the seating situation. Ask if it's possible for you to upgrade your seat using frequent flyer miles, by auction, or just for some extra cash.

Even a small upgrade like premium economy will make the flight more enjoyable, thanks to the extra legroom.

Having your ticket upgraded can also get you lounge access and priority boarding. Imagine, while everyone else is waiting in line, you could be enjoying a free espresso and some actual edible airport food - how's that for more comfortable?

5. Aim for Airline Status

Having a status with your airline can be very rewarding and lucrative. It's also a sure way to make every flight more comfortable and enjoyable. Airline status means possible upgrades to business or first class, lounge access, and shorter waiting times.

Unfortunately, this is one of the few air travel tips that you can't really do much about on the day. All you can do is fly a lot with the same airline, ahead of time. The only way to have airline status is to rack up those frequent flyer miles until you reach the amount required. That's when your preferred airline will start giving you special treatment.

Of course, the rules for frequent flyer miles vary significantly from airline to airline, so be sure to do your homework. You never know when you will stumble across a loophole that might speed up your journey to that elusive status.

6. Apply for TSA Precheck

One of the best air travel tips for US residents is to apply for TSA Precheck, or Global Entry, as it's sometimes called. Especially if you fly regularly - it will save you lots of time and make all your flights more comfortable.

You can submit an application online - TSA Precheck is US$85 and Global Entry is US$100 for a 5-year membership. This may seem expensive, but it's an absolute bargain for the amount of time you save at the airport.

With TSA Precheck you don't have to remove your shoes, belt, or a light jacket (speaking of which, check out OutdoorCrunch's giant guide to best insulated jackets ), and your laptop and liquids can stay in your bag. You also have access to expedited security queues. After all, not wasting time pointlessly standing in line is one of the first steps you can take to make all your flights - short or long - more enjoyable.

7. Pack Snacks

Let's face it. Airplane meals are nothing like what your mother used to make! Especially if you're flying economy. They're usually far from the healthiest option, let alone tastiest, so your best bet is to pack your own snacks. That way you have options, even if the meal is ok. You might be hungry later, or decide to eat once you wake from a nap.

Another handy flight tip is to order the vegetarian meal , even if you're a self-proclaimed carnivore. They are usually of a higher quality, and you're more likely to be one of the first people served.

8. Charge Your Electronics at Home

In this day and age, your electronic devices are the key to making your flight more enjoyable. Watching a good TV show, or gaming a few hours away is the easiest way to make the time fly by. However, that's not going to happen if you run out of juice mid-flight. So, make sure all your devices are fully charged before you head to the airport.

Sure, some planes will have USB power ports in their seats, but not all of them do, and sometimes they just don't work. If you're flying with an airline for the first time it's best to check ahead whether you can charge your devices in-flight. If they don't have power ports, then you should pack a power bank in your carry-on.

9. Always Bring Entertainment

If you're anything like me, then you don't just want to pass the time on a long flight, you want it to go by as fast as possible. This means that you will need an activity that you find both fun and engaging.

Whether it's watching three movies in a row, binge-watching an entire season on Netflix, or devouring a good book - make sure that you have enough options to keep you entertained for the length of your flight. Otherwise, time can tick by very, very, slowly.

Did you know that Netflix will let you download episodes of certain shows and movies to your phone or tablet so that you can watch them offline ? This is great for your device's battery, since WiFi tends to drain it a lot faster and is ridiculously expensive on planes.

Similarly, game sites like Solitaire Bliss provide an excellent way to stay entertained with the ability to play dozens of classic card games offline. This feature ensures that you can enjoy continuous gameplay without the need for WiFi, saving your device's battery life while keeping you engaged throughout your flight.

10. Consider Noise Cancelling Headphones

The difference between a nightmare flight, and one you enjoy, can be as simple as bringing noise-canceling headphones . Even though some airlines will distribute earphones for free, they're usually cheap and nasty and not great at drowning out the background noise.

Imagine this scenario: you're on a 12-hour flight, you didn't bring any headphones and your neighbor is extremely talkative. Or even worse, they have a screaming child that doesn't look like it's ever going to get tired. Your only options are those overpriced earplugs you can buy from flight attendants, or jumping out the window mid-flight!

With good noise-canceling headphones, you can just put on an audiobook, music playlist, or a good movie and forget all about the mayhem around you. Quality headphones will also drown out all of the engine noise, which is important when you want to catch a few hours' sleep too.

11. Bring a Reusable Water Bottle

The key to staying comfortable on a long flight is hydration . There's nothing worse than a tickle in your throat, especially when there's no flight attendant around. You should drink extra water leading up to your flight and even more when you're in the air.

Since you can't bring a gallon of water from home, it's best to bring a reusable water bottle that you can easily fill up once you've passed the security checkpoint. That way, when you run out of water on the plane, just ask one of the flight attendants to refill it for you. They will likely help as long as the supplies onboard allow it, so just wait until they are less busy, smile, and you will be good to go.

12. Hydrate Your Skin Too

The pressurized air inside the cabin is incredibly dry and it's not great for your skin. After a long flight, it might even feel like you washed your face with sandpaper.

Prepare yourself for that - bring a moisturizer on the flight and maybe even a sheet mask if you can. Lip balm is also a good idea because your lips will dry out far sooner than your face. Just make sure that the moisturizer you decide to bring is in accordance with the TSA rules - meaning, it needs to be in packaging of 100ml (3 ounces) or less.

And you know what this also means? Don't wear any makeup on the flight. It's just going to clog up your pores, making it even more likely that you'll have issues in the days following the flight. Go makeup-free for the duration of the flight, and your skin will thank you afterward.

13. Don't Wear Contacts

I can't stress this one enough - wearing glasses instead of contact lenses on a flight. This can be the difference between a relaxing flight, and having to rush to the optometrist as soon as you land. The dry air inside the cabin will dry up your contact lenses, often causing them to stick to your eyes. Not only is this really uncomfortable, imagine what happens when you try to remove them afterwards!

If you absolutely have to wear contacts just make sure to keep your eyes from drying out with regular use of hydrating eye drops.

14. Maintain Personal Hygiene

Making yourself even a little more comfortable on a long flight can be as simple as freshening up mid-flight. We all start to feel a little gross after a few hours on a flight - after all, you're stuck in a giant metal tube, with no way to shower, or access fresh air.

So, when you start to feel icky, just head to the bathroom and freshen up. Splash some water on your face, put on some fresh deodorant, and maybe even brush your teeth. You can put on a fresh shirt - feeling nice and clean will help you stay comfortable and your neighbors might thank you for it!

15. Wear Compression Socks

Compression socks help regulate the blood flow in your legs, and they are particularly useful on longer flights. Especially if you usually have issues with swelling in your feet or ankles.

Good quality compression socks will keep the blood flowing in your legs and they can be the difference between smiling as you leave the plane at your destination, or painfully dragging your feet down the aisle.

You can easily get a pair online or at your local drug store, and they are usually very affordable.

16. Organize Your Daypack

When you get to the airport you have one important goal - board the plane as quickly and as efficiently as possible. And, if you act like a headless chicken when you reach the TSA checkpoint, you've not only failed yourself but potentially made yourself a target for a special security check.

That's why you want to organize your daypack (or carry on) down to the very last detail, instead of just throwing everything inside. Remember, when you get to the security checkpoint you'll have to take out your laptop and toiletries. So, put those somewhere easy to reach and not at the bottom of the bag. Even better, custom lanyards with a badge clip can carry your ID and are super convenient. The better organized you are the faster you'll get through security and board the plane.

17. Move Around on Layovers

The biggest mistake you can make on a layover is sit in the lounge and stare at your phone. Take the opportunity to stretch, walk around, and maybe even light exercise if it's possible. Do anything you can to get the blood flowing. You can sit again once you board the plane again. Now is the time to move.

If you spend the time waiting for the next plane sitting around, you're more likely to increase any pain or tiredness, and especially if you have swollen feet.

18. Ask Before Reclining Your Seat

If there's a person sitting behind you, it's not okay to just recline your seat whenever you please. Imagine if the person in front of you did that - not only would that make you uncomfortable, but it could also be fatal for any electronics you have on the tray. Not to mention your in-flight meal.

If you're lucky enough that there's nobody directly behind you, recline away - if you're in the window seat. If you're in the aisle seat and there's someone in the row behind, you still need to ask the person if it's okay. Maybe they want to use the bathroom or have something on the tray of your seat. Or, they are claustrophobic and it would ruin their entire flight if you recline your seat. In any case, don't do anything you wouldn't want others to do to you, and always check before reclining your seat. You might even make a new friend.

19. Bring a Blanket and a Pillow

If you plan to sleep during the flight, you will need a blanket and a pillow to make yourself as comfortable as possible. Most airlines will provide you with blankets and pillows on long flights, but it's always a good idea to bring your own. Especially if you're concerned with who used that pillow before you.

If you don't want the hassle of packing a blanket, or you don't have enough space in your carry on, at least pack a supportive neck pillow . You will be far more comfortable, and you'll avoid nasty neck pain and soreness once you wake from any nap you manage to have.

Also, the neck pillow might keep you from getting in awkward situations with your neighbor. After all, nothing quite compares to somebody waking you up because you're drooling all over their shoulder.

• Dollar Flight Club Review Travel Gear The hard-working team at Dollar Flight Club scour the Internet looking for the cheapest flights all day, every day. These are dished up to you, focused on your nearest airport/s with the goal of saving you at least US$500 per international flight ticket.

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30 Tips for Flying Like a Pro

Related To:

Whether for business or pleasure, flying can be stressful. Making your flight on time, hoping you remembered to pack everything, changing time zones, long layovers, crowded airports and long security lines can all induce stress. Take note of these expert tips and you’ll step off the plane feeling relaxed and ready for whatever awaits you at your final destination.

Businesswoman relaxing on airplane

Photo by: Jupiterimages

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Before You Go

Save time by skipping lines. Sign up for TSA PreCheck and go through the lines where shoes stay on and laptops remain packed. Fast Track Global Entry makes sense for jetsetters with disposable income who don’t want to stand in the customs line. Both require advance paperwork and fees.

Pack smart. Don’t check bags unless you’re going on a month-long adventure. There's no need to create another reason to wait in line.

Take advantage of airport apps. Filo connects you to airport WiFi and helps locate amenities like power outlets, play areas for kids and connecting gates. If you’re delayed or have some extra terminal time, FlySmart has reviews of terminal restaurants and shops by fellow travelers. The directionally challenged will love iFly , which uses GPS to help you reach that connecting gate without walking the wrong way.

Natural lip balm and skin salve made with organic oils and butters in black tin

Photo by: bluehill75

If you’re sitting on a plane for several hours, you might as well use the time to pamper yourself. Use a headscarf to keep hair in place and avoid bed head from napping. Pack some cocoa butter in your one-quart bag of liquids plus cotton hand gloves for a refreshing hand treatment. Give yourself an in-flight spa session with cucumber eye pads. Pre-moistened pads soothe and refresh tired and puffy eyes. You may get a few strange looks from people walking the aisle, but you won’t even notice (or care) because you’ll be relaxed to the max.

Yes, it is possible to get some shut eye on a plane. If you suffer from anxiety or have trouble sleeping on planes, consider getting a weighted blanket. Weighted blankets simulate the effect of a reassuring hug, which increases serotonin, producing a calming, sleepy feeling. Mosaic Weighted Blankets offers a refreshingly low-tech solution.

Click through these galleries to read all 30 tips for flying like a pro.

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Protect Your Trip »

27 things you should always pack in your carry-on bag.

Create your packing list of essentials and new in-flight finds.

What to Pack in a Carry-on Bag

Packing your carry-on bag for a flight is exciting – but it can also be overwhelming. With a little planning and a concise list of airport and in-flight essentials, you can maximize space and be prepared for your journey.

To help you decide what to pack in your carry-on bag, our team compiled this list of must-have items. Download the packing list here to use while you prep for your next trip, then read on to learn more about what to pack.

Carry-on packing list

Travel wallet, passport holder, toiletry bag, tsa-approved liquids bag and compliant containers, prescription medications, glasses case, travel pillow, packing cubes, tech organizer, luggage tracker, zippered pouches and reusable silicone bags, mini clip bag, hand sanitizer, bluetooth wireless adapter, wired earbuds or headphones, e-reader or a great book, travel adapter/converter, travel first-aid kit, reusable water bottle, activities or games, light jacket, change of clothing.

Protect your credit cards and cash with an RFID wallet like the Travelon RFID Blocking Single Zip Wallet , which prevents scammers from wirelessly stealing your personal information. This travel wallet is especially useful since it can also hold most smartphones.

If you're traveling internationally, an option like the TIGARI Passport Holder can protect your travel document and make it easy to locate in your carry-on bag. You'll need access to your passport at airport security, when you board the plane and when you're filling out entry forms, so keep the passport holder as well as a pen within reach. Once you arrive at your destination, put the passport wallet somewhere safe at your lodging or – if you feel inclined to keep it with you – stow it in your travel purse, belt bag or backpack to ensure it's safe while you explore.

Getty Images

Pack your toiletry bag in your carry-on so you can easily freshen up and so that you'll have essentials like toothpaste and deodorant in the event your checked luggage is lost in transit. Also consider packing toiletries that are useful for travel (particularly the dry air on planes), even if they're not part of your daily routine at home.

U.S. News senior travel editor Marisa Méndez recommends including a facial moisturizer and a body lotion in your toiletry bag. "My skin always dries out on flights and it's nice to have something to soothe my skin," she says.

"I always love having facial spray to freshen up after the flight," says Elizabeth Von Tersch , also a senior travel editor at U.S. News. She always keeps one in her purse. " Mario Badescu and Evian are great." These facial sprays help to moisturize your skin after the drying environment on a plane or give you a little midday pick-me-up.

When packing your carry-on bag for a flight, you'll want to have a clear quart-sized bag that meets Transportation Security Administration guidelines for liquids and gels. Some Dopp kits or toiletry bags include a removable bag for travel-size liquids, or you can buy this reusable TSA-approved clear bag on Amazon . Put any liquids or gels you're traveling with in this bag, including shampoo, lotion, liquid makeup items and hand sanitizer.

Keep in mind that all liquids and gels must be in travel-size bottles or containers measuring 3.4 ounces or less. Remember: You'll need to remove this clear quart-sized bag from your carry-on bag at security, so consider packing it in an external pocket or an easy-to-find spot in your carry-on suitcase. To learn more about TSA regulations, consult our article about what is allowed in a carry-on .

Never stow prescription medications in checked baggage : If luggage is lost or delayed, replacing these medications while traveling can be extremely challenging or even impossible. If you take multiple medications, consider a travel pill sorter like the EZY Dose Pill Organizer , available for about $5 on Amazon.

Whether you wear glasses for vision correction or you're packing your favorite pair of sunglasses, keeping them protected while stowed in your carry-on is essential. If you're bringing multiple pairs, a case like the foldable Dagne Dover Remi Glasses Case can hold up to three pairs, or the Lug Eyeglass Holder & Mini Pill Case works well for eyeglasses and contacts.

Courtesy of Cabeau

Resting throughout your journey can help you feel refreshed when you reach your destination and make the time pass a little quicker. But nothing can (literally) cramp your style like a stiff neck from sleeping wrong. Choose a comfortable neck pillow for travel like the top-rated Cabeau Evolution S3 or the MLVOC Travel Pillow (less than $30 on Amazon). For a travel pillow that doubles as a packing cube, consider the Tube pillow , which holds up to three days' worth of clothing.

Packing cubes aren't just for organizing clothing and shoes. Maximize space in your carry-on bag with these handy travel compartments . While Eagle Creek's PACK-IT line features the top-rated compression packing cubes on the market, many travelers also swear by the Veken Packing Cubes , which are usually available for $20 or less on Amazon. To maximize space even more, consider Lug's compression packing cubes .

If you're planning to travel with jewelry, watches or items that would be difficult to replace, be sure to put these in your carry-on bag, as checked items run the risk of being misplaced. For jewelry, a compact case that is easy to spot like the Lug Mini Swizzle is ideal for rings, cufflinks or earrings.

It's easy to let your charging cords get lost at the bottom of your bag or get your headphones tangled somewhere in your tote. A handy tech organizer such as the CALPAK Tech Organizer or the BAGSMART Tech Organizer , with zippered compartments and sections for specific cords, can help reduce tangled messes (and the need for you to search for your essentials in a tight airplane cabin).

Even though you'll have your carry-on bag with you, it's still a good idea to have a luggage tracker like an Apple AirTag or a Tile Pro securely attached to your bag. In the event you and your bag get separated, you'll be able to track down where you parted ways (because when you're jet-lagged it's easy to be a bit absent-minded).

Smaller than packing cubes, zippered pouches and silicone bags like the Stasher Silicone Reusable Storage Bags are perfect for storing everything from snacks to scrunchies. If traveling with family, consider different colored pouches for each traveler's items so you can easily tell them apart without removing everything from the bag.

Get a handy little bag with a carabiner clip, such as the CALPAK Luka Key Pouch , to securely attach to the outside of your bag for quick-grab items like gum, hand sanitizer or individual travel wipes . Once you're at your destination, you can clip it on a belt loop or use the elastic band to slide it on your wrist for your room key, lip gloss and other small essentials.

Tips on Trips and Expert Picks

Travel tips, vacation ideas and more to make your next vacation stellar.

Let's face it – traveling can introduce your body to a host of unwanted germs. Carrying a bottle of travel hand sanitizer will keep your hands clean on the go, even if there's not a bathroom nearby. To disinfect surfaces like airplane tray tables, arm rests or tables, consider having a pack of disinfecting wipes at your disposal as well.

During a flight, the low humidity and high altitude can have a drying effect on your skin and lips. To combat the dry air, consider packing a hydrating lip balm like this new stick option by Aquaphor . What's more, if you choose a balm over a liquid moisturizer, you won't need to store this product in your clear TSA-approved liquids bag.

In-flight entertainment can help your travel day go faster, but being tethered to the seatback with wired headphones can feel a bit constricting. Plus, you may have to unplug to let your seat mates in or out. Avoid those troubles and connect your wireless headphones to the in-flight system with Twelve South's AirFly ($35 or less on Amazon), which wirelessly transmits audio via Bluetooth.

If you'd prefer to connect directly to the in-flight entertainment to watch a movie (or maybe just tune out your seatmates), buy some inexpensive wired earbuds like this well-rated set by Jogteg . You can keep them in your carry-on so you're always ready, even on flights where they don't pass out complimentary headsets.

Having a book or magazine in your carry-on bag is always a good idea. Whether you encounter a delayed flight, a long layover or a plane with less than stellar in-flight entertainment, a good book will help pass the time.

On everything from red-eye flights to international jaunts, a good eye mask can block out light from overhead, the seatback screens and plane windows. The Nodpod Sleep Mask is especially relaxing since it's weighted.

"Even if you plan to grab a bite at the airport or on the plane (if that's an option), pack some snacks," says Amanda Norcross , content and SEO strategist for travel at U.S. News. "Flying is unpredictable and stressful for many travelers, and 'hanger' only makes things worse." Trail mix, granola bars, crackers, pretzels, dried fruit and popcorn are some good snack options you may want to throw in your carry-on. Also put chewing gum in your carry-on to freshen breath and help with ear popping.

It's not always easy to find a charging station at the airport, and there are restrictions when it comes to packing batteries in your carry-on baggage for any flight. One option that meets Federal Aviation Administration guidelines is the Anker 537 Power Bank (PowerCore 26K for Laptop) . This device can charge a laptop, smartphone or tablet quickly, to keep your devices running even on a long flight.

For international travel – since different countries use different plug shapes – packing a universal adapter or converter will enable you to charge your devices and other electronics. Before purchasing, consider what your needs will be, especially regarding the shape of the wall outlet plugs and the voltage of the countries you'll be visiting.

A travel adapter such as the EPICKA Universal Travel Adapter on Amazon makes plugs from the U.S. fit into electrical outlets around the world, whereas a travel converter like the ALLWEI International Travel Adapter converts the electricity voltage. If you're traveling overseas from the U.S., you'll need both of these devices to use electronics like laptops, curling irons and hair straighteners (unless your device is dual voltage, like the BaBylissPRO Nano Mini Straightening Iron ).

For minor injuries like blisters from new shoes or unexpected cuts and scrapes, pack a first-aid kit with Band-Aids and triple antibiotic ointment like Neosporin in your bag.

Staying hydrated while traveling is a must. Pack a reusable water bottle like the Corkcicle Canteen Triple Insulated Stainless Steel Water Bottle to fill up at the airport before your flight and refill throughout your travels. Even better – an insulated bottle will stay cold for hours.

Whether it's a long flight or layover (or maybe you just need a good distraction), having some activities like a miniature coloring book and mini colored pencils or small packable games can be really useful.

"I took a small coloring book and a small set of pencils on a flight once and it was life-changing," Méndez says. U.S. News senior digital producer for travel Leilani Osmundson says she and her husband love to bring a deck of cards and portable two-player games to pass the time.

"I typically wear a lightweight jacket on the plane to free up space in my carry-on," says Norcross. "If the plane is too warm, I can easily stuff it under the seat in front of me with my backpack." If you're in need of a simple yet effective packable jacket , check out the Amazon Essentials Puffer Jacket .

Whether your coffee spills off your tray table or you lose your checked baggage, an extra outfit is handy to have. Pack a versatile outfit (including socks and underwear) into your carry-on bag so you have a backup option, or perhaps have your swimwear and flip-flops ready to head directly to the beach the moment you arrive. For tired or swollen feet, having a pair of compression socks and a change of walking shoes can make your travel day much more comfortable.

What not to pack in a carry-on bag

When packing a carry-on bag or suitcase, it's important to note that some items are prohibited on all flights, due to Federal Aviation Administration regulations. The prohibited list includes aerosol products (such as anti-static spray or pepper spray), lithium or lithium-ion batteries, firearms and ammunition, flammables, and explosives. For more details on what you can and can't pack in your carry-on, visit the TSA's What Can I Bring? and the FAA's Pack Safe websites.

Why Trust U.S. News Travel

Rachael Hood loves to see how much she can fit in her carry-on bag. She always brings a few snacks, a good read and little luxuries to make the journey comfortable. Hood used her personal travel experience, along with her retail background and research expertise, to curate this list.

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Part of the fear of flying is actually a fear of the unknown. If you are flying for the first time—whether for business or pleasure—this includes not knowing what to expect at the airport or while you are in the air.

This step-by-guide spells out everything the nervous first-time flyer needs to know, from booking the flight to navigating the airport to getting situated onto the plane. 

We've packed in our best travel tips for first-time flyers based on the collective experience of our staff, so climb aboard and let's get you ready for the flight!

These flight tips cover most major airlines like American, United, Delta, Southwest, etc. For budget airlines like Frontier or Allegiant, you'll see some variance in items like luggage fees, in-flight accommodations, etc. 

Boarding procedures, safety instructions, and other instructions as they relate to the safety of staff and the passengers remain relatively standard. 

Booking the Flight

The first step in the flying process is purchasing tickets. To book the flight, most people purchase their tickets online through airline or travel sites or their mobile apps. The only thing you have to fear in this step is expensive ticket prices. Otherwise, it is a relatively easy process that you can handle yourself.

Directly through the Airline

In terms of convenience, booking directly through an airline's website is the easiest route. If there are any ticket price changes between the time you book and the time your flight departs, you can usually have that difference refunded with a quick call to customer service.

It's also easier to get better seats and address flight delays, changes, or cancellations when booking direct. Otherwise, you might be referred back to your travel agency, which is another cumbersome step to have to take when you're having problems with your flight. 

It's a little extra work on the front end, but for first-time flyers, this gives you added flexibility just in case something were to go wrong. 

PRO-TIP: Add your airline's phone number to your contacts and jot down important info like flight numbers, confirmation numbers, etc. in the notes app on your phone.

Just in case something does go wrong, having all of this info readily available will help solve problems faster.

Through a Travel Agency

There are some instances where booking through a travel agency is the better option. Specifically, if you are planning an international trip or one that is more complex than a week-long vacation in the United States, a travel agency can be a big help. 

OTA's, that's Online Travel Agencies, are sites like Orbitz, Trivago, Kayak, Booking.com, Expedia, and others. 

What's the difference between them? 

Spoiler alert - not much. In fact, the majority of these sites are all owned by four or so big players. 

Why use an online travel agency? 

• One-Stop-Shop, flights, hotels, car rentals, and more
• Good first-time user offers
• Helps to save time and money
• Quick and easy comparison of different airfares and schedules
• See reviews and recommendations from people who have taken the same trip before.

For the most part, they wrap up all of your trip into a single package and help manage the booking and getting you to your destination. All you have to do is pay and print out the trip details. 

If problems do arise on your trip, a customer service representative is only a phone call away to get you the help you need. 

Direct Flights

Whenever possible, get a direct flight. Layovers only add the potential for more problems. You want the journey to be as simple as possible, and when you only have to board and exit a single plane, you lessen the chance for delays, cancellations, and missed connecting flights. 

Layovers and Connecting Flights

If you can't find a direct flight, it's not the end of the world. A connecting flight is where you will travel to one airport to join a different flight that will take you to your end destination. Sometimes you may have multiple stops, but for most domestic flights, it's common only to have one.

A layover is a time in between these connecting flights. For example, if you fly from New York to Los Angeles, you may only fly halfway to Chicago. There you will exit the plane and wait in another concourse until your next flight is ready to depart for Los Angeles.

This can be a quick turnaround or several hours long; it all depends on the flight schedule.

If you must choose a layover, pick one that is at least 2 hours between the time the plane is scheduled to land and when the next one is scheduled to depart. Any less time may result in a missed connecting flight. 

What often happens is the plane's wheels will touch down at, say, 10:41 AM. However, the plane won't make it to the concourse for 'x' reason (jetway unavailable, lots of traffic, etc.) until 11:30 PM. By the time you're off the plane, it's almost 12:00 PM, and you're rushing to get to your next flight.  

When booking your flight, remember:

• Book a direct flight whenever possible, even if it costs a little more.
• Give yourself at least a 2-hour layover between connecting flights.
• Add more time to your layover if you want to eat, freshen up in the bathroom, etc. 
• Red-eye flights are often cheaper but at the expense of traveling at night.

RED-EYE FLIGHTS: You might see a "+1" on some flights, or see flights that fly overnight. These are referred to as "red-eye flights." Any flight that travels through the night is a red-eye.

The downside is obvious; however, these flights are typically cheaper if you can deal with not sleeping well.

Types of Tickets

You may see different ticket types available for purchase. The main differences you're likely to see include the ability to make flight adjustments after purchase, refundability, carry on allowance, seat selection, or boarding group. 

Be sure to carefully read the fine print of the ticket you are purchasing. Most airlines will be somewhat flexible on some of these policies. For example, if you need to change your flight weeks or months for departure, most customer service agents are happy to make that adjustment. 

Always, always, pack the night before! Get your laundry done a day or two before and make sure all of your electronics are fully charged. You will also want to pack some specific documents and ensure you have the right luggage. 

Important Documents

Be sure to have a valid form of ID, such as your driver's license and your passport if you are traveling internationally. The TSA has an article outlining other forms of acceptable IDs, if you are not using something typical, like your driver's license, military ID, or passport. 

Starting on October 1, 2020, all travelers in the US, over 18 yrs old, will be required to have a REAL ID-Compliant Driver's License or another form of acceptable identification.

More on the REAL ID can be found on the TSA website . 

Even if you plan on using a digital boarding pass on your phone, it may be helpful to print it from your home computer or at the airline's kiosk. 

An example of a boarding pass for an American Airlines flight printed at the airport.

Carry On Luggage

Carry on luggage refers to the larger suitcase or bag that you can bring on the plane with you and store in the overhead compartment.

There are restrictions to the size of the carry on you can bring; however, most bags from known brands like Chester, TravelPro, Delsey, and others are compliant for most domestic flights. 

International flights have slightly stricter standards, and are the requirements are only slightly smaller than domestic flights. Be sure to check the website of your airline for specific requirements.

If your bag is larger than specified measurements, you will be required to 'check' your luggage, which incurs around a $25-$30 fee.

BE AWARE: Don't go by your luggage manufacturer's advertised dimensions. Some manufacturers will not include the wheels or handles in their product listings. Airlines do take these into account.

If your luggage is questionable, you may be required to place it in this module to check its measurements.

Checked Luggage

If you are traveling for longer than 4-5 days, you'll likely pack a larger suitcase, which you will be required to check-in prior to going through security. These bags have weight limit restrictions, but as long as you're only packing usual items like clothes, shoes, etc. you won't even come near that limit.

There is a $25 to $30 fee for each way when checking your luggage. After checking your luggage, you will not have any access to your bag until you pick it up from the baggage claim at your destination.

TSA has specific restrictions on what you can and can't pack in both your checked and carry-on luggage. Each airline may have additional restrictions on what you can and can't pack. 

Personal Items

In addition to your carry-on, you are also allowed to bring on a 'personal item' onto the plane. This has to fit under the seat in front of you and is commonly a purse, small/medium backpack, or diaper bag of sorts.

These bags are subject to the same restrictions as your carry on and also have varying size requirements. It is best to pack items that will be accessed during the flight like snacks, headphones, laptops, power banks, etc. 

To summarize, remember:

• Make sure your ID is compliant and up to date
• Your carry on and personal item meet your airline's requirements
• If you are checking luggage, it also meets your airline's checked luggage regulations

Checking In

Before the flight, you are also required to "check-in," which just acknowledges you are still planning to make the trip. If you booked online, you could follow the instructions you get from the airline — you'll get an email or text prompting you to sign in. 

This is usually about 24 hours before your flight. If you didn't do so during the booking process, you can usually choose a seat during the check-in process, or pay for your checked bags (if applicable). 

Almost all major airlines allow you to perform all of these actions from the app. 

As part of this process, you receive a boarding pass—a document that proves that you have purchased a ticket and contains information about you and your trip. 

After checking in, your boarding pass is available through the app and can be added to your digital wallet. 

You can also print your boarding pass from a desktop computer or at the kiosk at the airport. It's highly recommended to do this just in case your phone dies or has technical issues at the gate. 

Arriving at the Airport

How early should i arrive for my flight.

Most airlines and travel experts recommend arriving two ahead of the scheduled departure time for any domestic flight. For International flights, plan for around 3-4 hours ahead of time.

If you are traveling during the peak holiday season, aka Thanksgiving and Christmas, it's advised to add an extra hour or two onto those times because of the influx of families, children, etc. 

Remember, you need to account for factors you can't control like traffic, security checkpoint wait times, etc.

PRO-TIP: Signing up for TSA Pre-check, Global Entry (for international travelers), or CLEAR, can save you TONS of time and hassle going through security.

It's basically like getting to go through the VIP line, which is always shorter.

If you are not being dropped off, you will need to pay for parking. You should check the rates and available lots at the airport you'll be departing from. Larger airports usually have 2, sometimes 3, different lots for travelers. 

One lot is designated as "daily," for travelers who will not be leaving their car overnight. This gives them a better rate than the "long-term lot," which is specifically for flyers who will be gone for more than a day. 

If you are gone for multiple days, park in the long-term lot, or else you'll be paying a lot more money to stay in the daily lot. 

When you pull into the lot, you'll likely pass through a gate where you'll receive a ticket about the size of a business card. Put this in your glove box as you'll need it to leave the lot. After coming back from your trip, you'll put the card into the machine on the way out and pay the parking fees. 

Lastly, for some major international airports, you may have to ride a shuttle from the parking lot or garage to the gates. It's recommended to tip these shuttle drivers a few dollars as they will typically help you with your luggage. 

PRO-TIP: If using an iPhone, drop a pin on the location for where you've parked your car and save it. Otherwise, make a note on your phone on the section, lot number, etc. of where your car is parked. This will make it much easier to find once you get back.

It's recommended to always print out a paper copy of your boarding pass and tickets, just in case the digital copies on your phone become inaccessible. 

You can print these out on your computer at home, or you can retrieve them from the kiosk at the airport. If the kiosks are not available or you are having trouble with them, you can talk with one of the airline's representatives to help you. 

You will receive all of the tickets and boarding passes for the first part of your flight, so be sure to place them somewhere where they can't be lost. The front pocket of a backpack, wallet, or purse is a good idea. You will want to be able to access them quickly, but keep them secure. 

Walk up to a kiosk or customer service rep to check into your flight.

Checking Luggage

If you plan on checking your luggage in, you can do that from the kiosk or by speaking with a representative. 

If done from the kiosk, it will print out a long sticker that you will wrap around the smaller, non-extending handle on your suitcase. You will remove the backing to expose the adhesive, wrap it around, and then connect the two adhesive sides together to form a loop. 

You'll then need to wait in line until you reach the check-in desk to hand off your bag. Sometimes the representative will be printing out the sticker and putting it on your bag. 

After you have landed at your destination, remove the sticker and throw it away before heading home. Having multiple labels on your luggage only increases its chances of getting lost. 

Getting Through Security

Depending on the airport, there may be a central security checkpoint for all gates—like in the Atlanta airport—or there may be separate checkpoints for each set of gates, like in the Tampa airport. 

Airport personnel can help you find the checkpoint, and there is generally ample signage to point you in the right direction. Regardless, all passengers must go through security, including children. 

When you reach the security area, you'll generally wait in line anywhere from no time to an hour or more. Once you get to an agent, they will check your boarding pass and ID to ensure they match. 

You will need a government-issued ID such as a driver's license, and as already mentioned above, starting October 1, 2020, it will need to be REAL-ID compliant. If your ID is compliant, you will not be allowed to pass security or board the plane.

If you become a frequent flyer, we recommend that you check out our CLEAR airport security review as a way to gain access and move through life more quickly and easily.

Be Aware: While waiting in line, you may be subject to a random screening. For example, while the author of this article was in Washington DC, his hands were dusted for any remnants of bomb-making materials. Unless you have recently been to a shooting range, near any gun powder, or fireworks, you will not have anything to worry about.

The Screening Process

Next, you will place your personal belongings and any carry-on bag (the one(s) you will keep with you on the plane) in bins that roll along a conveyor belt and under the x-ray machine.

This is the what security screening looks like after you have walked through and gathered your items.

BE AWARE: While waiting in line, you may be subject to a random screening. For example, while the author of this article was in Washington DC, his hands were dusted for any remnants of bomb-making materials. Unless you have recently been to a shooting range, near any gun powder, or fireworks, you will not have anything to worry about.

BE AWARE: The body scanner is a very sensitive machine. Something so much as your boarding pass or a stick of gum can show up on the screen.

Keep in mind this machine will not show any images of what is underneath your clothing - only if a foreign object appears on the outline of your body.

Any electronic larger than a cell phone needs to be removed from your bag(s) and placed in one of the containers. This includes laptops, tablets, and cameras. Be sure to have these items easily accessible and not buried deep within your bags. 

After that, you collect your belongings from the bin, put your shoes back on, and head to your gate area.

A Better Solution: CLEAR

If you would like to avoid most of the security screening, consider signing up for CLEAR and check out the review here. With CLEAR, you will only need to walk through a metal detector; all your belongings can stay in their respective bags — no removal of shoes, shorter lines, and less hassle.

Prohibited Items & the 3-1-1 Rule

Airports have strict requirements regarding what you are allowed to have on your person and in your carry-on bag. To find out what personal items you can bring with you on the flight, consult the resources below.

For a guide on permitted and prohibited items, visit this Transportation Security Administration (TSA) website page .

For information about the "3-1-1″ rule pertaining to liquids, visit this TSA webpage .

Finding the Concourse Gate

The "gate" is the area where you wait until time to board a plane. Each concourse in an airport houses several gates. A concourse resembles the wing of the mall in that it usually contains restaurants and gift shops. Any food or merchandise you buy in the concourse area is fine to take on the plane with you.

A terminal is the large main building of a section of the airport. The terminal houses several concourses. Imagine it like a large tree. A terminal is the trunk of the tree with large branches coming off the trunk, these are your terminals. Finally, there are small branches off of those larger ones called gates, where the planes are docked for the next flight.

It goes Terminal > Concourse > Gate, so in the picture the gate is L8. This is gate 8, in concourse L. According to this map of Chicago O'Hare Airport, concourse L is in Terminal 3. Large international airports have multiple terminals, but generally will not reuse concourse letters. 

When at the gate, you are free to sit wherever you please. When it is time to board, passengers line up and present their boarding documents to a gate agent. 

If you are using a digital boarding pass, it is scanned straight from your phone. Just ensure your brightness is high enough and have your paper one ready in case your phone has trouble scanning. 

You will then walk through a "jetway," or "jet bridge" which connects the gate to the outside of the plane.

A jet bridge waiting for an airplane to dock on a sunny day.

An airplane that has been docked to the jetway on a rainy day.

Valet Checking your Carry On

For smaller aircraft, typically ones flying in or out of small regional airports, you may be required to 'valet check' your luggage. Don't worry, this doesn't cost you any money, and is a common practice. 

Usually, an attendant will walk around the gate area, passing out small red or yellow tags that will attach to the top of your luggage. This will vary from airline to airline, but generally, if it has wheels, you will valet it.

After scanning your boarding pass, you'll leave your carry-on at the top of the jetway where it will be stored in the belly of the aircraft for that flight only. You will still take your personal item with you to your seat. 

After the flight lands, your bag will be waiting for you at the top of the jetway. It may take a few minutes for the crew to unload all the bags and make them accessible.

Boarding the Plane

Passengers board the plane according to the group number on their ticket. Different airlines have different ways of doing this, but for most first time flyers, you will be the last to the second-to-last group.

Once you make your way onto the plane, read the seating labels found around eye level just below where the handle is for the overhead storage compartments. You'll see row numbers, often with letters indicating the seat number. 

If you are having trouble getting your bag into the storage area or can't find your seat, flight attendants will be standing by to assist.

There will also be an icon indicating the window or aisle for you to determine which seat is yours. 

Planes have markers at about eye level so passengers know which letter on their boarding pass refers to which seat.

After locating your seat, place your luggage in the overhead compartment, ideally wheels first. You can take your backpack, purse, or whatever your personal item is with you to your seat. It will need to be placed under the seat in front of you for takeoff and landing. 

For those sitting in the front-most seat of economy you will not have a seat in front of you. Instead, look for the overhead compartments that are reserved for your personal items. 

Pre-Flight Procedures

Now for the fun part, the flying itself. For some people, this is where the fear and anxiety begins setting in. But if you know what to expect when you fly, you will hopefully be able to better manage the fear before you are in the air.

Passengers board the plane, find their seats, and store any carry on baggage in the storage bins above the seats. 

The crew relays safety instructions (or they are presented in a video on screens behind each seat), and the Captain gives a brief message to passengers along the lines of the weather in your destination city, any expected weather or turbulence issues expected and how long the flight is expected to take.

A safety card is in the seat in front of you to let you know what you need to do in the rare event of an emergency.

People that are already experiencing fear and anxiety when they fly tend to fear the worst during safety instructions. This is something you can learn to overcome by educating yourself on flight safety statistics and recognizing that the fear is irrational.

Accidents are very rare, so safety measures are seldom needed; the crew addresses them in the unlikely event they are necessary. If an emergency does occur, the crew is well-trained and equipped to assist passengers.

The Takeoff

The Captain then "drives" the aircraft on the ground to get in position for takeoff. Before takeoff, passengers must fasten their seat belts and remain seated until instructed otherwise. 

When the pilot gets the clearance to take off, the plane will begin accelerating along the runway before becoming airborne. This is the part some passengers dislike because the plane is leaving the ground, and the body is angled upward. 

Others have a feeling of exhilaration as the plane accelerates into the air. The acceleration and takeoff are likely to be a little bumpy as you move across the runway.

During the Flight

When the plane reaches a certain altitude, passengers are free to move about in the cabin and use the restrooms. Many planes have a video screen on the back of each seat with on-demand music, TV programs, and movies for entertainment. Wi-Fi is usually available as well, so you can take care of personal or business-related tasks.

The crew will also serve snacks and drinks. Depending on your ticket, food and drinks may be complimentary. 

If you're in the coach section (typically the cheapest) section, you'll generally get a snack like pretzels or cookies and sodas or water. You can still buy additional food items or alcoholic beverages if you prefer.

If there is turbulence and moving around is not safe while in the air, the crew will instruct passengers to remain seated until notified otherwise. Turbulence is nothing to fear—it is caused by fluctuating air pressures and is a normal experience of flying.

The Landing

Likewise, when you are close to landing, the crew will require that passengers be seated and buckled in. 

Some people fear this part of the journey because the plane will often slightly roll (turn) and change altitudes in preparation to descend and land on the airport runway assigned to the flight. 

When the plane lands, the Captain drives to the gate, where passengers use the jetway to exit the aircraft and enter the destination airport.

Post Flight Procedures

Exiting the plane.

Similar to how you boarded. Exiting the plane is essentially the same but in reverse. 

After the plane has exited the runway, there may be a wait until a gate is available for the plane to dock. This is dependent on whether or not flights are running behind and the availability of a jetway. 

You should remain buckled until the crew gives you the okay to unbuckle. If sitting near the rear of the plane, you will be better off staying in your seat as it will take a while for everyone ahead of you to get off the plane. 

Be courteous to other passengers and help when needed. 

Baggage Claim

If you checked any luggage, you would then head to the baggage claim area. Airport signage will direct you to baggage claim, or you can get assistance from airport staff. Shortly after landing, luggage is placed on a carousel for passengers to pick up.

Final Thoughts

Once you have experienced the air travel process for the first time, you will at least have addressed the fear of the unknown, and hopefully will enjoy any future flights. Good luck, and if you are interested in reading some additional tips for first-time flyers, click here .

First Time Flying | Resources

• Airport Terminals
• Fear of Flying Statistics

Written by Fly Fright Staff , Staff Writer

Fact Checked

Our team of writers and editors rigorously evaluate each article to ensure the information is accurate and exclusively cites reputable sources.

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11 Easy Air Travel Tips to Make for a Happier Flight

Written By: The Planet D

Travel Planning

Updated On: June 7, 2023

Dave spoke on CBC Radio this morning about making Spring Break Travels easier. We realized that a lot of people have anxiety over air travel and we wanted to give some easy air travel tips to ease that stress.

How to make flying more relaxing, speedier, and less stressful. 

Table of Contents

Air Travel Tips

Travel can be stressful, but if you are prepared to follow our air travel tips, you can not only make your travels easier, you can have fun at the airport and relax the minute you leave home.

Let’s face it. In today’s world, air travel is not fun. Remember the days when you used to love being at the airport or on the plane just as much as the trip itself?

Well, they are long gone my friend, with confusing security checks that seem to change rules from airport to airport to seats getting smaller with each trip, flying can sometimes be a downright miserable experience.

But we’re here to help!

1. Arrive Early

This may sound routine, but we hear of so many travellers arriving at the last minute at the airport.

One time, Dave and I waited 45 minutes for our parking lot shuttle to bring us to the airport.

There wasn’t another way out. No taxis swing by the ParknFly, so we had no other choice but to stand and wait.

As seasoned travellers who rack up nearly 100,000 air miles each year, we still arrive early to our flights.

I’ve talked to other full-time travellers who feel the same way. They (and we) say, why take the risk? Arrive early and relax.

2. Use Valet Parking Service

We usually book our parking online through ParknFly and did you know that for only $20 more (online only) you can upgrade to valet parking?

Valet parking gets priority and there are more shuttles for this. You never have to wait more than eight minutes. It doesn’t matter anyway because you are waiting indoors!

If it’s the middle of winter and you are flying somewhere warm, you don’t have to bring your heavy winter coats, leave them in the car, hop on the heated shuttle and be taken door-to-door.

When you fly home, give them a call from the airport and they’ll have your car warmed up, scraped off and waiting for you when you get back. We even get our car detailed at ParknFly.

Plus when you book online there are deep discounts for long-term parking!

3. Check In Online

We always check in online. That saves you tons of time of having to stand in line to check in at the teller.

Most airlines now have a luggage drop off only section for those who have already checked in online. You have done all the paperwork and all you have to do is drop off your bags.

4. Pack Carry On Only

Or better yet, travel with carry-on only bags.

If you are flying south, you don’t need a lot of clothing. Pack a few sarongs, shorts, non-wrinkle pants, and for a ladies, a cute strappy dress or two and you are good to go.

Most hotels supply shampoo, conditioner and soap and the small tubes of toothpaste are all you need for a week. Besides, you can always buy what you need at the gift shop.

5. Packing Tips – Pack Smart

Think about what you can and can’t bring on the plane with you. If you aren’t sure, don’t bring it!

We’ve left behind some a nice mini screwdriver (I’m talking an inch long tops!) because we forgot it was in Dave’s camera bag.

If you have a pointy object, liquids larger than 100ml or aerosol cans, they are taken away at security and thrown away. Start packing in advance and then go through your luggage once or twice before you leave and scale down.

We have a lot of mix and match clothing that we can turn into several outfits with only 3 to 5 pieces.

6. Be Prepared for Security

Don’t be that guy in front of George Clooney in Up in the Air, be George Clooney!

When you get to security, have everything you need to show in a plastic bag.

We also carry our computers a separate canvas shopping bag when checking in and when going through security, it’s easy access and takes the weight out of your carryon. We wear slip on shoes with clean and nice socks.

There’s nothing more embarrassing than holy socks at security! And men, don’t wear a belt.

We always have everything put away before we get to security except our passport and boarding pass. We never carry anything in our pockets. Think of the word KISS…Keep it simple stupid.

Note : Make sure your electronics are charged, with new security measures, you may be asked to turn on your computer, iPad or cell phone. If you can’t turn it on, it’s not coming with you!

7. Load Videos, Books or Music onto your Phone or iPad

We always have TV series, movies and books loaded on our iPads. You can never count on the entertainment system working on the flight.

Trust me it’s happened to us several times a year. We’ve sat in our seats, turn on our entertainment system and nothing happens.

The airline always offers us a coupon to redeem miles for the inconvenience but that never works either. Luckily we have our must see flick on the iPad and we enjoy our flight either way.

It passes the time in the airport too.

8. Pack Snacks

Flights are cutting down on giving passengers food and drink, so we always have a stash of food. Our go-to flying snack is a bagel with cream cheese and some crackers.

It fills you up quickly and does the trick.  It saves you having to buy food on the plane if they don’t offer it, and it helps out with the pitiful quantity of food they do give you if you get a meal.

This is also a good tip for kids, trust me I know. Dave’s a big kid and he gets grumpy when he’s hungry, if I give him a treat, he’s instantly happy.

9. Get Lounge Access

We use American Express Platinum to get into lounges all over the world regardless of what airline we’re flying.

In Toronto they have American Express lounges that cardmembers can enter for free, but get this!

Non-cardmembers can enter too for a fee. $40 gets you lounge access with food and drinks covered including alcoholic beverages. Just look for the Plaza Premium Lounge.

We see this at all airports. It’s different credit cards at each airport around the world, but there’s usually always one lounge that offers people entry for a fee. We say, if you travel a lot, get that card that offers the Priority Pass , we have access to 600 lounges across the globe. You can also purchase a yearly membership to Priority Pass to have access to lounges.

10. Stay Hydrated

Water is a tricky one. You know you can’t bring any water bottles with you through security but what about empty bottles?

We’ve seen people have to leave behind their Nalgenes and thermoses, so we never bother. If you want to bring something to fill your own water bottle, use a collapsible water bottle or we bite the bullet and buy water at the airport.

Flight attendants are supposed to bring you all the water you need, but believe me it never happens.

I’m always parched on the plane and they never come around enough. You can go back and ask for some though, so don’t be afraid to get what you want.

11. Carry Cash

We always carry small bills of US Dollars and Euros with us. It’s great for tolls if we are driving across the border, but we also have it to tip our valet or porters when we arrive at the hotel.

When we arrive at our we go to the ATM in the airport and get out a couple hundred dollars in the local currency. We don’t buy currency in Canada, we just get it when we arrive. With chip cards, we can use our credit cards all over the world.

There are plenty of ways to make your travels easier, just remember, this a vacation so have fun.

Give yourself the time you need so you don’t feel pressure at the airport. Terminals are getting better each day with free wifi, lounge access, and even massages. So start vacation early and make your time at the airport a part of your trip!

Must Have Travel Gear For Your Flight

GoToob Bottles : 

I am surprised at the amount of people that still carry liquids larger than 100 ml, but it happens nearly every time we fly.

I have to admit, I haven’t found 100ml bottles that work well or are reusable until we found the GoToob Bottles. The multipack contains three bottles perfect for shampoo, conditioner and sunscreen. I like the no-drip, leak proof valves and large opening making it easy to fill.

I didn’t bother to use the integrated label feature as it’s very small to read, I just go by the colour of the bottle instead. Keep these bottles separate in a plastic bag and you’ll whiz through security.

Trackable Luggage Tags : 

Have you ever lost your luggage never to be found again? I’m not going to lie, most airlines are not that helpful these days when it comes to helping you locate your valuables.

I’ve watched many a friend get nowhere fast as they have online discussions with airlines asking them for help finding their bags.

To make sure we have an extra leg up in case we lose our bags, we registered our trackable luggage tag’s serial number online giving us extra security when it comes to our travels.

Luggage Hugger :

Okay, how many of you have a black generic suitcase? Be honest. We’re guilty of it too, but with the luggage hugger, we can now locate our bag easily.

We thought we were safe with a duffel bag, but sure enough, when flying to Maui a couple of months ago, somebody grabbed our duffel bag thinking it was theirs.

Luckily we were there to correct the mistake. Now, that we have the luggage holder, our bags stand out when they fall onto the conveyor belt.

Read: 7 tips to Stress-Free Travel

Luggage Handle Wraps :

We’ve been using luggage handle wraps for years and this is the next best thing to the luggage hugger.

As a matter a fact, we use both the hugger and the handle wraps because you can never be too safe. We even put the handle wraps on our carryon bags because sometimes we have to stow them when boarding a small plane.

Do you know how many small black carry on rollers there are out there? Our handle wraps set them apart.

40 Blinks Eye Mask :

When flying, I always wear an eye mask. I can sleep anywhere and there’s something about air travel that knocks me right out. A good eye mask is a must.

I’ve been woken up by someone opening up their blind and unexpectedly blasting me with sunlight. I only made that mistake once. The minute I’m tired, I put on my mask.

The difference between 40 Blinks and other eye masks is that it is contoured out of molded foam so it doesn’t put pressure on your eyelids. It blocks the same light with twice the comfort.

EarPlanes :

As much as we hate to travel with a cold it is bound to happen.

We find that our allergies are acting up more and more as we get older as well. Have you ever flown with an earache? It is completely unbearable.

I keep a pair handy to relieve pressure in the ears for take off and landings. You may not always be affected by pressure, but when you are, you’ll be glad you have your EarPlanes.

Fun Read: Air Travel is so Annoying

No Jet Lag Pills :

The more we travel, the more we seem to suffer from jet lag . We do everything right.

We usually avoid alcohol, we drink plenty of water and we avoid caffeine, but we still suffer.

No Jet Lag pills have natural remedies such as Arnica Montana and Chamomilla to help ease the symptoms. We used them on our flight to Austin Texas and while it was only a two-hour time change, I felt great.

Normally I even suffer through daylight savings and it’s only an hour’s difference. So this must have done something. Plus it tastes good too.

Compression Socks  : 

I never took Deep Vein Thrombosis seriously until a friends sister got it after a flight.

Compression socks help with circulation and leg exhaustion. Compression socks have come a long way.

I tried them once a few years ago and they felt like they were squeezing my legs, my latest pair are so cushiony and cozy.

The merino wool keeps odour away and they feel comfortable on a flight.

Acorn Via Cap-Toe Ballet Flats :

Speaking of feet. I know that nobody likes to look at people’s bare feet when travelling. I was guilty of this in my backpacking days. I used to always travel in flipflops.

Now, I care about the people around me and slip into my ballet flats on the flight. They are comfortable and stylish and I’ve even worn them out of the airport too.

Why didn’t I start wearing ballet flats in my travels earlier?

And that’s our tips to make air travel easier. Did we miss anything? Have you got a tip to share? Leave it in the comments below!

• The Most Complete Travel Packing List You’ll Ever See!
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Travel Planning Resources

Looking to book your next trip? Why not use these resources that are tried and tested by yours truly.

Flights: Start planning your trip by finding the best flight deals on Skyscanner

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Find Apartment Rentals: You will find the cheapest prices on apartment rentals with VRBO . 

Travel Insurance: Don't leave home without it. Here is what we recommend:

• Allianz - Occasional Travelers.
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Need more help planning your trip? Make sure to check out our Resources Page where we highlight all the great companies that we trust when we are traveling.

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About The Planet D

Dave Bouskill and Debra Corbeil are the owners and founders of The Planet D. After traveling to 115 countries, on all 7 continents over the past 13 years they have become one of the foremost experts in travel. Being recognized as top travel bloggers and influencers by the likes of Forbes Magazine , the Society of American Travel Writers and USA Today has allowed them to become leaders in their field.

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21 thoughts on “11 Easy Air Travel Tips to Make for a Happier Flight”

Great read and useful tips i always arrive early cuts the stress out thinking will i get there on time. If im super early i just go find a coffee shop or somewhere to eat and just grab myself a snack. Only once was i really late 10 min before checking closed (one advantage no que at check in heheh) but so stressful. I always find bringing a proper pillow with me not one of these blow up ones is a god send yes can be a bit bulky but a small compression bag makes it easy to carry and also good tip about security again i have two bags one for liquids and one shoulder bag for electronics makes my life so much easier. Also i always set alarm on phone hour 10 min before take of time so i can start to make way to gate planes bored 40 min before flight and have had it in some airports were it takes like 30 min to get to gate i find doing that takes the stress out of oh no im running late getting to my gate.

It made sense when you said that we should arrive early so we’ll still be on-time even if something unexpected happens. I want to book an airport transportation service so I can continue doing work in the car when I depart on a business trip this May. I’m glad I read your article and learned why it’d be a good idea to book the transportation service for an early time!

Well-written article. Great summery of tips, thanks for sharing.

Your blog is filled with great tips. I just have a close call from Madrid to Malaga. I am sending this link to my family who are traveling by a themselves in April and May.

The earplanes you mention from Amazon will not ship to Canada.

Perhaps you can try Amazon.ca. Sorry about that.

Great advice, with so much to pack and organise you can easily forget stuff. Thanks guys will remember these for next time I fly.

Thanks Aaron, glad we could help!

Some good tips here guys! I myself am awful when it comes to prepping for anything, preferring to pretty much just wing everything, but I guess that’s just my style of travel.. When I am heading somewhere a little more out there, Venezuela, Palestine, Myanmar; hell yes, it makes sense to be prepared 🙂

Yes, water is tricky and depends which airport and airline we are using. Sometimes i managed to bring empty bottles, sometimes no. I ll just gulped down the whole mineral water, and bring the empty plastic bottle along. If i have to throw them away, well, i lose nothing. Just have to bear with the weird taste of in-flight water.

I could never get my hubby to not wear his belt 🙁

Arriving early to the airport is the best tip ever! Those are great tips! I always make it a point to leave early and arrive at the airport early – that’s really one of the simplest things that we can and should do!

“Arrive Early” This is the fact my friends always forget to do. Ha Ha. Effective Article.

I know eh! It sounds simple, but so many people don’t heed that rule and then get themselves into trouble

I really like your tip about loading music and books. It’s sounds obvious but I’ve forgotten before. On my longest ever flight – to New Zealand from the UK – my Kindle only had books I’d already read, and my phone battery died so I had no access to music. The 9-hour stop over in China was mind-numbingly dull!

I know how you feel. I have been caught off guard in the past. a ridiculously long flight to China with no entertainment system. Not fun at all.

I do a lot of these. My big one is arrive early. The day I’m traveling is a travel day. I’m not doing anything else, so I arrive at the airport early and I enjoy the lounge via my Priority Pass Card (a life saver). Interesting that you’ve received compensation when your in-flight entertainment system hasn’t worked. I’ve had this happen numerous times on Thai Air. Definitely no compensation of any sort, and flight attendants can get down right snarky when they have to reboot the system. Like you, I always carry my own entertainment! 🙂

That’s exactly how we feel. If we are travelling that day, we’re not doing else. That priority pass is amazing isn’t it? we’ve flashed it everywhere and are amazed with the lounge access we get. Love it! The only compensation they’ve given us is a voucher to redeem points for Air Canada (Star Alliance, same as Thai Air) Both times that I tried to redeem it didn’t work, so I almost think it is a ploy just to make us all feel better on the flight so we don’t complain.

Arriving early to the airport is the best tip ever! Recently, I needed to catch my Berlin-Paris flight and halfway to the airport I noticed I’d left my passport at the accommodation. It ended with me running like a mad woman, a 32,5€ taxi, a huge security line and more running. And even like that I didn’t make it on time, luckily the plane was delayed by 30 minutes!

Lucky your plane was delayed. We had that happen to us once years ago. We left our briefcase (it was the 90s) on the sidewalk outside my friends apartment. The passports and tickets were inside. We were almost at the airport and realized we left it all behind. Luckily a good samaritan saw what we did and grabbed our briefcase waiting for us to come back. We barely made our flight but we made it. Lucky too! Because we were moving to Vancouver at the time. That would have mess up our plans for sure!

Those are great tips! I always make it a point to leave early and arrive at the airport early – that’s really one of the simplest things that we can and should do!

I agree, it is simple and yet I see so many people arriving late! We’ve been in the ParknFly parking lot and witnessed people panicking because their flight is about to take off. We’re like “why are you just arriving now?”

Simple Flying

Airline travel 101: a beginner's guide to flying.

Flying for the first time? Here’s what you need to know

Airline travel has become an essential part of modern life, connecting people across the globe and making the world more accessible than ever before. If you're new to flying or simply want to brush up on your knowledge, this beginner's guide to airline travel will provide you with everything you need to navigate the skies with confidence.

First things first

The first step in airline travel is booking your flight . Start by choosing your destination and preferred travel dates. Visit airline websites or online travel agencies to compare prices and flight options. Consider factors such as layovers, airline reputation, and baggage allowances when making your decision. Once you've selected your flight, follow the booking process, provide passenger information, and complete the payment to secure your ticket.

Next, consider what and how you’ll be packing for the trip. Check the airline's baggage policy to determine the allowed size, weight, and number of bags. Make a checklist of essential items, including travel documents (passport, ID, and visa), tickets, electronic devices, chargers, medications, and necessary clothing.

Remember to pack liquids in accordance with aviation security rules. Oftentimes, you’ll need to follow the 100ml rule and place liquids, aerosols, and gels in a clear, resealable bag.

Want answers to more key questions in aviation? Check out the rest of our guides here .

All packed? You’re ready to go!

Before your flight, it's essential to check-in. Most airlines offer online check-in, allowing you to select seats, print boarding passes, and avoid long queues at the airport. Online check-in typically opens 24 hours before departure.

If you prefer doing this in person, head to the check-in counter at the airport. Note that some low-cost airlines might charge you for an in-person check-in, so definitely log in before your flight to confirm. Whether you check in online or at the airport, if you have luggage to check , arrive at the airport (wear comfortable clothes for the flight!) with sufficient time to complete the check-in process and drop off your bags.

Get the latest aviation news straight to your inbox: Sign up for our newsletters today.

Airport security procedures are designed to ensure the safety of all passengers. Familiarize yourself with the regulations to make the security screening process smoother. Prepare by removing any metal objects, electronics, and liquids from your carry-on bag for separate screening. Nearly all airports need you to pass through a metal detector and/or a full body scan to check for any dangerous substances. Ensure you don't have anything in your pockets and remove any heavy layers to avoid further scrutiny.

Some airports may require you to remove your shoes too. Simply follow the instructions of security personnel, place your belongings in the provided bins, proceed through the metal detectors or body scanners, and you’re good to go.

Once through security, keep an eye on the information screens for your flight's gate number and boarding time. Airlines usually begin boarding with specific zones or groups, so pay attention to the announcements and follow the instructions. Have your boarding pass and identification ready for inspection, and proceed to the aircraft when your zone is called.

Taking to the skies

Once onboard, find your assigned seat and stow your carry-on luggage in the overhead compartment or under the seat in front of you. Fasten your seatbelt and listen to the safety instructions provided by the flight attendants.

During the flight, don’t forget to make use of the provided amenities, such as the in-flight entertainment system (or bring along a flight-friendly game ), reading materials, or refreshments. Follow any specific guidelines given by the cabin crew – and remember to look out the window to enjoy a bird’s eye view of the world!

When the aircraft has touched down, remain seated until the aircraft has come to a complete stop and the seatbelt sign is turned off. Then, gather your personal belongings and proceed through the arrival procedures at the airport.

Lastly, locate your assigned carousel, and wait for your luggage to arrive (handy tip: use luggage tags so you can easily identify your bags). If any items are missing or damaged, be sure to inform staff at the baggage service counter before leaving the airport.

Discover more aviation news about the passenger experience here.

Now you're all equipped with the knowledge needed for a successful and memorable journey. Embrace the adventure, enjoy the experience, and most importantly, have fun!

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• Airlines + Airports

33 Tips for Making a Long-haul Flight More Comfortable

These tips for long flights will make your next trip much more enjoyable.

Whether you're taking a seven-hour jaunt to Europe or embarking on the nearly 19-hour journey of the world's longest flight , lengthy flights can be boring, uncomfortable, and exhausting. The nuisances of long-haul travel can range in severity from the mildly inconvenient (annoying seatmates) to the downright dangerous (deep-vein thrombosis is no joke), and a poorly planned journey can be enough to not only ruin your day, but a few more afterward, too. Luckily, there are some easy ways to make a long flight infinitely more bearable .

Here are 33 tips for long flights.

1. Book your tickets early.

This should go without saying. The earlier you book, the better your chances of scoring your favorite seat — it's that simple.

2. Sit in the back.

Just in case you don't have a favorite seat (or the ones in the front with all the legroom are taken), go for the back. It'll be noisier, sure, but if everyone else is scrambling for the front, you've got a far better chance of ending up with an empty seat or two beside you. Before your flight, keep an eye on the seat map to see if there are any empty rows you can claim last minute.

3. Use those air miles to upgrade.

If you've got 'em, flaunt 'em. You'll thank yourself when you're reclining in a first-class seat, sipping Champagne and pretending to like caviar. And if you don't have the miles, this is the time to splurge for a superior first- or business-class seat.

4. Shell out for premium economy.

Because, sadly, we don't always have the miles. A step up from regular economy class, premium economy might be slightly more expensive, but the benefits — priority check-in, extra legroom, comfortable seats — far outweigh the cost most of the time.

5. Try for a free upgrade.

Worth a go, isn't it? Arrive early, travel by yourself, dress nicely, and put on your best, most winning smile. Your odds of scoring a last-minute upgrade are better if you have elite status with the airline.

6. Prepare for jet lag.

There are several things you can do before your flight to help avoid jet lag , or at least mitigate it. Spend the days before your flight adjusting your sleep patterns (a few 4 a.m. or 7 p.m. bedtimes should do it, depending on what time of day you'll be flying). You can also book your flight so that it arrives during the day, make the most of your stopovers, and, most importantly, be well rested before you fly. Trust us, staying awake for the 24 hours before your trip because you're sure it'll balance out once you arrive just doesn't work.

7. Check in early.

The last thing you need before your long-haul journey is to panic your way through a busy airport — or to miss your flight.

8. De-stress before you arrive.

Have a nice breakfast. Go to the gym. Read a book. Go for a walk. It's important to relax before you embark on your journey.

9. Don't overdo the carry-ons.

You'll need more for a long-haul flight than you would for a short one, but that doesn't mean it's a good idea to overpack. Keep the essentials in your personal item so they're always within arm's reach.

10. But do bring your own pillow.

A travel pillow is a staple carry-on item for long-distance travelers. Almost every airport sells them, and looking a little ridiculous is a small price to pay for not destroying your neck.

11. Pack plenty of face masks.

Face coverings are still required on planes, so be sure to stash several in an easy-to-reach spot to switch them out as desired.

12. Noise-canceling headphones are your new best friend.

If you can't afford them, some high-quality earplugs will do just fine to block out the airplane noise or loud passengers.

13. Buckle your seat belt over your blanket.

If you plan to sleep at all during your flight, make sure your buckled seat belt is visible. In case of turbulence, the seat belt light will turn on, and flight attendants may come around the cabin to check that everyone is buckled up. If you're buckled beneath your blanket where they can't see it, they will wake you up to check.

14. Pack an eye mask.

An eye mask is especially useful if you're flying during the day, or if you want to catch some shut-eye before the cabin lights are dimmed.

15. Dress right.

Keep it loose and comfortable — you're not here to impress anyone. Remember to bring layers for when it gets cold — a cardigan or sweatshirt is always good to have on hand.

16. Try to relax.

Do whatever it takes — meditate, listen to some calming music, do some breathing exercises — not only will it help you sleep more easily, but it's also good for your psyche in general.

17. Travel blankets exist for a reason.

Don't bring anything too thick (remember, it has to fit in your carry-on), but make sure it's enough to keep you warm when the plane's air-conditioning is going full blast.

18. Download some backup movies onto your tablet or laptop.

In-flight entertainment systems are not always reliable. They sometimes fail, and when they do, you'll be glad to have something to do in reserve.

19. Charge those devices.

The absolute last thing you need is for your iPad to run out of juice one hour into an 11-hour flight. This is especially true if your in-flight entertainment system isn't working.

20. Load up on podcasts.

Listening to podcasts uses up less battery life than watching a movie, and they are often more distracting than music. You can get through an entire flight on podcasts alone.

21. Stay healthy.

Sitting in a cramped metal tube for the better part of a day (or more) is not good for you. Fight off dehydration and deep-vein thrombosis — your two biggest enemies in the sky — by regularly drinking water, preparing an in-flight beauty routine , stretching, and walking around the cabin.

22. Stay hygienic.

This is for everyone else's sake as much as your own. Bring toiletries in your carry-on and make sure to brush your teeth, throw on some deodorant, or even change your clothes. Just make sure you do it in the bathroom, please.

23. Get creative.

You rarely get the chance to sit down for such a long time, more or less distraction-free, so why not make the most of it? Bring a notebook, a sketchpad, or whatever else you need to give the right-hand side of your brain a workout.

24. Get productive.

If you have your laptop with you, this might be a good opportunity to catch up on any busywork that needs doing. Bonus: Everyone else on your flight will think you're a sophisticated jet-setting businessperson, right up until they notice that Netflix tab you have open.

25. Befriend the crew.

Simply not being horrible to the flight crew is a given, but you could always go one step further and make an active effort to be nice. Not only will you up your chances of preferential treatment, but you'll also be doing something lovely for the folks who look after you up there.

26. Pack extra snacks.

Airline food is not usually plentiful, even on long-haul flights, and it's important to stay well nourished. No need to overdo it, of course, but no one was ever sorry to find a couple pieces of fruit or granola bars in their carry-on.

27. Adjust your watch.

It's important to acclimatize yourself to the time zone of where you're heading. As soon as you get on the plane, change your watch to the local time of your destination, then alter your routine accordingly.

Some passengers enjoy a glass of wine or beer (often free on international flights) to accompany their in-flight meals and entertainment.

29. Don't drink.

That said, don't treat booze as a way to cope with your flight. You'll end up using those tiny bathrooms far more frequently, plus alcohol is dehydrating and will mess up your sleep pattern. Keep it sensible.

30. Bring your best conversation.

Many people dread sitting next to a chatty seatmate, but you're just as likely to be seated next to a genuinely interesting and friendly fellow traveler as you are anyone else. Don't bother anyone if it's not appropriate, but don't be afraid to strike up a conversation with your neighbor either. Long flights can get pretty boring.

31. Pack lots of activities for your kids.

Traveling with kids? Make sure to pack plenty of activities to keep them entertained throughout the flight. Bring gaming systems, iPads preloaded with their favorite shows (and headphones), coloring and sticker books, and more, and don't forget their favorite snacks.

32. Practice mindfulness.

Small issues can feel like major injustices when you're stuck on a plane, but it'll all seem insignificant if you keep one thing in mind: Once you're in the air, there's nothing to be done. You're on the plane until it lands. Close your eyes, take a breath, and come to terms with this truth so you can arrive at your destination relaxed and ready to go.

33. Combat jet lag.

The flight isn't over just because you've disembarked. To fight jet lag, get as much daylight as you can, take a quick nap if you have to, hydrate, and exercise at every opportunity. Do all of that for a day or two and you'll be back to normal — just in time for the return trip.

• Travel Tips

A Step-by-Step Guide to a Hassle-Free Airplane Journey

• 20 minute read

• November 3, 2023

Air Travel Tips to Know Before Your Flight

From booking your flight with the right airline to understanding how to stay comfortable during long flights and handling disruptions like a pro, we’ve got you covered.

Plus, we’ll provide essential tips for staying healthy on a plane, traveling with kids and pets, and even reducing your carbon footprint to make your travel experience more environmentally responsible.

Join us on this exploration as we delve into the world of airplane travel, answering your questions, and simplifying the process.

Also, if you are looking best hotels and Homestay deals then we recommend booking your hotels and homestay with  priceline.com

Importance of Airplane travel

Airplane travel holds a pivotal role in our modern society, offering a multitude of benefits that extend far beyond just getting from point A to point B. Its significance can be observed on both personal and global scales, making it an essential mode of transportation in today’s interconnected world.

First and foremost, airplane travel has revolutionized the way we experience the world. It has made it possible for people to explore distant lands, connect with loved ones across continents, and engage in cultural exchanges that were once unimaginable. It has opened doors to opportunities for adventure, learning, and personal growth, allowing individuals to broaden their horizons and gain a deeper appreciation for the diversity of our planet.

On a global scale, airplane travel plays a vital role in driving economies and fostering international relations. It facilitates the movement of goods and services, spurring trade and economic growth. The aviation industry itself employs millions of people worldwide, contributing significantly to job creation and economic stability. Furthermore, by fostering international tourism, it supports local economies and helps preserve cultural heritage.

Moreover, airplane travel has played a critical role in times of emergencies and crises. During natural disasters or humanitarian crises, airplanes are often the quickest and most effective means of delivering aid and relief to affected areas. They enable rapid response and support, ultimately saving lives and mitigating the impact of disasters.

In an era of increasing connectivity, airplane travel has become a cornerstone of diplomacy and international cooperation. It allows leaders, diplomats, and delegates to engage in face-to-face discussions and negotiations, fostering collaboration and understanding among nations. The ability to traverse long distances swiftly has played a significant role in conflict resolution and peace-building efforts.

Lastly, the importance of airplane travel extends to the field of scientific research and innovation. It enables scientists to conduct experiments and observations in various parts of the world, advancing our understanding of the planet, climate, and the universe. Without the capabilities of airplane travel, many groundbreaking discoveries and advancements in science would remain unattainable.

Preparing for a smooth flight

Booking Your Flight

Booking a flight is the crucial first step in your air travel journey, and making informed decisions in this phase can significantly impact your overall experience. Here, we’ll delve into the details of booking your flight, covering essential aspects such as choosing the right airline, determining the best time to book your tickets, and selecting the ideal seat.

Choosing the Right Airline

Selecting the right airline is not just about finding the cheapest fare; it’s about aligning your preferences and needs with the airline’s offerings. Here’s what to consider:

• Reputation and Reviews: Research the airline’s reputation by reading reviews from fellow travelers. This will give you insights into their service quality, punctuality, and overall customer satisfaction.
• Amenities: Different airlines offer varying amenities. Some provide complimentary meals and entertainment, while others charge for these services. Consider what’s important to you, whether it’s extra legroom, Wi-Fi, or in-flight entertainment.
• Baggage Policies: Review the airline’s baggage policies to avoid unexpected fees. Some airlines allow a certain amount of checked baggage for free, while others charge for all checked bags.
• Seat Comfort: Consider the seat pitch and width. If you’re tall, you might prefer airlines that offer more legroom. Also, check if the airline offers lie-flat seats for long-haul flights.
• Frequent Flyer Programs: If you’re a frequent traveler, it’s worth looking into the airline’s frequent flyer program. Accumulating miles can lead to free flights, upgrades, and other perks.

Best Time to Book Tickets

Timing is crucial when it comes to booking flight tickets, as it can affect both the availability and price. Here are some key factors to keep in mind:

• Advance Booking: Generally, booking your tickets well in advance can save you money. Airlines often offer discounts for early bookings, so plan your trip and secure your tickets ahead of time.
• Seasonal Variations: Airfare can fluctuate significantly depending on the time of year. High-demand seasons, like summer and major holidays, often result in higher prices. Try to book during the airline’s off-peak season for potential savings.
• Weekday vs. Weekend: Prices may vary depending on the day of the week you book. Generally, it’s advised to book tickets on weekdays rather than weekends, as prices may be lower.
• Flexible Dates: If your travel dates are flexible, use fare comparison tools to find the cheapest days to fly. Sometimes, shifting your travel plans by a day or two can lead to substantial savings.

Selecting the Right Seat

The seat you choose on the plane can significantly impact your comfort during the flight. Here’s what to consider when selecting the ideal seat:

• Window or Aisle: Decide if you prefer a window seat for the view or an aisle seat for easy access to the restroom and more legroom.
• Exit Rows: Exit rows offer extra legroom, but they come with the responsibility of helping in case of an emergency. Make sure you’re physically able to assist if needed.
• Bulkhead Seats: These are the seats behind the dividing wall or curtain. They offer more legroom but may lack under-seat storage.
• Seat Pitch: Seat pitch refers to the distance between seats. If you’re tall, look for airlines that provide more seat pitch for added comfort.
• Online Seat Selection: Many airlines allow you to select your seat during online check-in. Be sure to check in early to secure your preferred seat.

By considering these factors and making informed choices in booking your flight, you can start your air travel journey on the right foot, ensuring a comfortable and enjoyable experience from the very beginning.

Packing for Success

Packing efficiently for your air travel adventure is a skill that can save you time, money, and stress. Whether you’re a seasoned traveler or new to the game, understanding what essential items to bring and how to pack efficiently is crucial for a smooth journey.

Essential Items to Bring

The key to successful packing is bringing the right essentials while avoiding unnecessary items. Here’s a breakdown of what you should consider packing:

• Travel Documents: Your passport, visa, and any required identification documents should top your list. Make photocopies and store them separately for added security.
• Tickets and Itinerary: Ensure you have both physical and digital copies of your flight tickets and a detailed itinerary, including hotel reservations and transportation information.
• Medications: If you have any prescribed medications, bring an adequate supply and carry them in their original containers with proper labels.
• Toiletries: Pack travel-sized toiletries in a clear, resealable bag to comply with airline regulations. This includes essentials like toothpaste, a toothbrush, shampoo, and soap.
• Clothing: Choose versatile clothing suitable for the destination’s climate. Consider layering to adapt to temperature changes. Don’t forget underwear, socks, and sleepwear.
• Electronics: Bring essential electronic devices like your phone, charger, and any adapters or converters needed for your destination.
• Entertainment: Books, e-readers, or other forms of entertainment for the flight can help pass the time.
• Personal Items: Pack your wallet, keys, and any personal items you use daily.
• Travel Pillow and Eye Mask: These can help you get rest during the flight, especially on long journeys.
• Snacks: While airlines provide meals, having some of your favorite snacks can keep hunger at bay.

Packing Tips for Efficiency

Once you’ve identified your essentials, it’s time to pack efficiently to make the most of your luggage space. Here are some tips to help you achieve that:

• Roll Your Clothes: Rolling your clothes rather than folding them can save space and reduce wrinkles. This technique is especially useful for T-shirts, jeans, and casual clothing.
• Use Packing Cubes: Packing cubes are a traveler’s best friend. They keep your clothes organized and separate, making it easier to find what you need without unpacking everything.
• Maximize Space: Utilize every inch of your suitcase. Stuff socks and small items inside your shoes to save space.
• Heavy Items on the Bottom: Place heavier items at the bottom of your suitcase, closer to the wheels. This helps balance the weight and makes the suitcase easier to maneuver.
• Keep Essentials Handy: Pack your travel documents, a change of clothes, and any valuable items in your carry-on bag. This way, you’ll have access to them during the flight and in case your checked luggage is delayed or lost.
• Consider Compression Bags: These bags allow you to squeeze the air out, reducing the volume of bulky items like sweaters or jackets.
• Avoid Overpacking: It’s tempting to bring more than you need, but try to resist. Overpacking can lead to additional baggage fees and make your luggage heavier and harder to manage.
• Know Airline Regulations: Familiarize yourself with your airline’s baggage rules to avoid surprises at the airport. Different airlines have varying weight and size limits for checked and carry-on bags.

Efficient packing not only saves you time and money but also ensures a hassle-free travel experience. By focusing on essentials and using smart packing techniques, you’ll be well-prepared for your journey and can enjoy the adventure with peace of mind.

Airport Navigation

Navigating through an airport can be a complex and sometimes stressful experience, especially if you’re not familiar with the process. To help you have a smooth journey, we’ll break down the key aspects of airport navigation, including arriving on time, understanding security and customs procedures, and effectively moving through the airport.

Arriving on Time

Arriving at the airport with ample time before your flight is crucial for a stress-free start to your journey. Here’s what you need to know:

• Check Your Itinerary: Review your flight details, including the departure time, terminal, and gate. Ensure you have the correct information to avoid any last-minute confusion.
• Early Arrival: Most airlines recommend arriving at the airport at least two hours before a domestic flight and three hours before an international one. These timeframes allow for check-in, security checks, and potential delays.
• Online Check-In: Many airlines offer online check-in, which can save you time at the airport. Take advantage of this service if available.
• Traffic and Transportation: Consider potential traffic and transportation delays when planning your arrival time. It’s better to have extra time to relax at the airport than to rush to catch your flight.
• Parking: If you’re driving to the airport, research parking options. Some airports offer long-term and short-term parking areas, and rates may vary.

Security and Customs Procedures

Security and customs procedures are essential but can be intimidating for travelers. Understanding what to expect can make the process smoother:

• Security Checkpoint: After check-in, you’ll pass through a security checkpoint. Remove your shoes, belts, and items from your pockets and place them in a bin. Laptops and liquids should also be removed for screening. Be prepared to walk through a metal detector or full-body scanner.
• Customs Declaration: If you’re traveling internationally, you’ll need to complete a customs declaration form. This form asks about items you’re bringing into the country, such as gifts, purchases, and prohibited items.
• Passport and Visa: Ensure you have a valid passport and any required visas for your destination. Customs officers will verify your documents during the entry process.
• Know the Rules: Familiarize yourself with the rules and regulations of the country you’re entering. This includes restrictions on items like food, alcohol, and tobacco.
• Prohibited Items: Be aware of what items are prohibited in carry-on and checked baggage. These rules vary by country and airline, so check with your airline and the airport’s guidelines.

Navigating the Airport

Airports can be vast and sometimes confusing, so understanding how to move around efficiently is essential:

• Airport Maps: Most airports provide detailed maps and signs to help you find your way. These maps can be found online or in the airport itself. Familiarize yourself with your departure and arrival terminals.
• Gates and Screens: Monitor departure boards and screens to stay informed about your flight’s status, gate, and boarding times.
• Airlines and Assistance: If you’re unsure about anything, don’t hesitate to ask airport staff or airline employees for assistance. They are usually available to answer questions and guide you.
• Time Management: Use your time wisely. Visit the restroom, grab a snack, and relax in the waiting area. Stay near your gate and be ready to board when your flight is called.
• Security in Transit: If you have a connecting flight, be aware that you may need to go through security again at your connecting airport. Plan for extra time to clear security if necessary.

By arriving on time, understanding security and customs procedures, and efficiently navigating the airport, you’ll set yourself up for a smooth and stress-free travel experience. Being well-prepared and informed ensures that you can focus on the exciting journey ahead rather than getting bogged down by the logistics of the airport.

In-Flight Comfort

Ensuring a comfortable flight is essential for an enjoyable air travel experience. This section will provide you with valuable tips and insights on how to make your time in the air as pleasant as possible. We’ll cover tips for a comfortable flight, entertainment options, and how to manage snacking and hydration effectively.

Tips for a Comfortable Flight

• Dress Comfortably: Wear loose-fitting, breathable clothing and layers that you can easily adjust to suit the cabin temperature.
• Choose the Right Seat: If you have the flexibility, select a seat that suits your preferences. Window seats provide a view and a place to rest your head, while aisle seats offer easy access to the restroom. Exit-row seats typically have more legroom.
• Bring Travel Essentials: Pack a neck pillow, eye mask, and noise-canceling headphones to help you relax and get some rest during the flight.
• Stay Hydrated: The air inside the cabin can be dry, so drink water regularly to prevent dehydration. Avoid excessive alcohol and caffeine, as they can contribute to dehydration.
• Move and Stretch: Get up and walk around the cabin periodically to prevent stiffness. Stretch your legs and do simple exercises in your seat to keep your blood flowing.
• Adjust Your Seat: Experiment with different seat positions. Recline slightly to reduce pressure on your lower back, but be considerate of the passenger behind you.
• Elevate Your Feet: If your feet tend to swell during the flight, consider propping them up with a small bag or cushion.
• Stay Relaxed: Travel can be stressful, so practice relaxation techniques like deep breathing to stay calm and composed.

Entertainment Options

• Preloaded Devices: Bring your tablet or laptop with pre-downloaded movies, TV shows, or e-books. Ensure your devices are fully charged before the flight.
• In-Flight Entertainment: Most airlines offer in-flight entertainment systems with a range of movies, TV shows, music, and games. Check the airline’s website for their available content.
• A Good Book: A captivating book can be a perfect companion for a long flight. Whether it’s a thrilling novel or a non-fiction bestseller, reading can make the time fly by.
• Podcasts and Audiobooks: Download your favorite podcasts or audiobooks before the flight. They can be a great way to pass the time.
• Window Views: If you have a window seat, enjoy the ever-changing view outside. Whether it’s the landscape below or a breathtaking sunset, the window can be a source of entertainment.

Snacking and Hydration

• Pack Snacks: Bring your favorite snacks like nuts, granola bars, or fresh fruit. These can come in handy between meal services.
• In-Flight Meals: Depending on your flight duration, you’ll receive meals and snacks. Be sure to check the airline’s menu in advance to know what to expect.
• Special Meal Requests: If you have dietary restrictions or preferences, consider ordering a special meal when booking your ticket. Airlines often offer options like vegetarian, gluten-free, or kosher meals.
• Stay Hydrated: Drink water throughout the flight to stay hydrated. It’s easy to forget to drink in the dry cabin environment, so make a conscious effort.
• Limit Alcohol and Caffeine: Alcohol and caffeine can lead to dehydration, so consume them in moderation.

By following these tips for a comfortable flight, taking advantage of entertainment options, and managing snacking and hydration, you can ensure that your time in the air is enjoyable and as stress-free as possible. A comfortable flight sets the tone for a pleasant journey and helps you arrive at your destination feeling refreshed and ready to explore.

Dealing with Jet Lag

Jet lag is a common challenge for travelers who cross multiple time zones, disrupting their circadian rhythms and causing discomfort. To help you cope with jet lag, we’ll explore the phenomenon and provide practical tips for minimizing its effects.

Understanding Jet Lag

• What is Jet Lag: Jet lag, also known as desynchronises, is a temporary sleep disorder that occurs when your body’s internal clock is out of sync with the time zone you’re in. This misalignment can result in a range of symptoms, including fatigue, insomnia, irritability, and digestive issues.
• Causes: Jet lag is primarily caused by rapid, long-distance travel that moves you across multiple time zones. This swift change disrupts your body’s internal clock, as it struggles to adapt to the new light and dark cycles at your destination.
• Symptoms: Common symptoms of jet lag include fatigue, daytime sleepiness, difficulty falling asleep at night, early morning awakenings, digestive problems, irritability, and difficulty concentrating.
• Duration: The duration of jet lag varies from person to person and depends on factors like the number of time zones crossed and individual resilience. Typically, it takes several days for your body to fully adjust to the new time zone.

Read In Details – Tips on How to Manage Jet Lag in Kids

Tips for Minimizing Jet Lag

• Gradual Adjustment: Before your trip, gradually adjust your sleep schedule to align with your destination’s time zone. Go to bed and wake up an hour earlier or later each day, depending on the direction of travel.
• Stay Hydrated: Drink plenty of water before, during, and after your flight. Dehydration can worsen the effects of jet lag.
• Limit Alcohol and Caffeine: Both alcohol and caffeine can disrupt your sleep patterns and dehydrate you. Consume them in moderation or avoid them, especially on the day of your flight.
• Sleep on the Plane: If you arrive at your destination during your regular sleep hours, try to sleep on the plane. Use earplugs, an eye mask, and a neck pillow for added comfort.
• Adjust Your Watch: As soon as you board your flight, set your watch or devices to the local time of your destination. This will help you mentally adjust to the new time zone.
• Get Sunlight Exposure: Natural light is a powerful regulator of your body’s internal clock. Spend time outdoors during daylight hours at your destination to help your body adjust.
• Melatonin Supplements: Some travelers find melatonin supplements helpful. Consult with a healthcare professional before using them to determine the appropriate dosage and timing.
• Avoid Heavy Meals: Overeating or consuming heavy meals close to bedtime can disrupt your sleep. Opt for light, easily digestible meals, especially in the evening.
• Stay Active: Engage in light exercise, such as stretching and short walks, upon arrival at your destination. Physical activity can help reset your body’s internal clock.
• Patience and Flexibility: Be patient with yourself and allow for some flexibility in your schedule as your body adapts. Avoid scheduling important meetings or activities immediately after arrival.
• Consider Short Stays: If possible, plan shorter stays at your destination. The shorter your trip, the less time your body has to adjust to a new time zone.

By understanding the nature of jet lag and implementing these tips, you can minimize its effects and make the transition to a new time zone more manageable. While it’s challenging, with patience and preparation, you can enjoy your trip without being overly impacted by jet lag.

Staying Healthy on a Plane

Staying healthy while traveling by plane is essential to ensure you arrive at your destination feeling your best. This section will provide tips for avoiding illness and suggest exercises to maintain your physical well-being during long flights.

Tips for Avoiding Illness

• Hand Hygiene: Wash your hands frequently with soap and water, especially after using the restroom and before eating. Carry hand sanitizer for occasions when washing facilities are not available.
• Mask Usage: In times of contagious illnesses, consider wearing a face mask to reduce the risk of airborne infections. This can be particularly useful during flu or pandemic outbreaks.
• Avoid Touching Your Face: Your hands can transfer germs to your face, so avoid touching your eyes, nose, and mouth to reduce the risk of infection.
• Stay Hydrated: Drink plenty of water to keep your mucous membranes moist, which can help protect against germs. Dehydration can make you more susceptible to illness.
• Seat Selection: Choose a seat away from passengers who appear unwell or are coughing/sneezing. Consider a window seat, as it reduces contact with other passengers and surfaces in the aisle.
• Disinfecting Wipes: Pack disinfecting wipes to clean your armrests, tray table, and other commonly touched surfaces at your seat.
• Keep Air Vents Open: Use the air vent above your seat to create a personal airflow barrier, helping to divert potentially infectious air away from you.

Exercises for Long Flights

• Ankle Rolls: Lift your feet off the ground and rotate your ankles in both directions. This helps improve circulation and reduces the risk of blood clots.
• Leg Lifts: While seated, lift your legs one at a time and hold them in an extended position for a few seconds. Repeat this exercise to keep your leg muscles engaged.
• Seated Forward Bend: Bend forward from your waist while sitting to stretch your back and relieve tension.
• Neck Stretches: Gently tilt your head from side to side and forward and backward to relieve neck tension and prevent stiffness.
• Shoulder Rolls: Roll your shoulders forward and backward to reduce shoulder tension and improve circulation.
• Breathing Exercises: Take slow, deep breaths to calm your body and improve oxygen intake. Inhale deeply through your nose, hold for a few seconds, and exhale slowly through your mouth.

Etiquette and Consideration

Maintaining a courteous and considerate attitude while traveling is not only respectful but also contributes to a more pleasant experience for everyone involved.

Being a Considerate Passenger

• Keep Noise Levels Down: Use headphones to listen to music or watch videos, and adjust the volume so it doesn’t disturb others.
• Recline Your Seat Mindfully: If you choose to recline your seat, do so gradually and consider the person behind you. Avoid reclining during meal times or when the person behind you is using their tray table.
• Respect Armrests: Share armrests with your fellow passengers. Avoid spreading into their space, especially if you’re in the middle seat.
• Personal Hygiene: Ensure you’re well-groomed and use appropriate deodorant. Maintain basic personal hygiene to make the journey more comfortable for everyone.

Respecting Cabin Crew

• Follow Instructions: Listen to and comply with cabin crew instructions promptly. They are responsible for your safety and comfort.
• Avoid Unnecessary Requests: Be mindful of the cabin crew’s workload. If you require assistance, use the call button responsibly.
• Express Gratitude: When the flight concludes, take a moment to thank the cabin crew for their service. A little politeness goes a long way.

Dealing with Delays and Disruptions

Delays and disruptions are an unfortunate part of air travel. How you handle these situations can make a significant difference in your overall experience.

What to Do in Case of Delays

• Stay Informed: Keep an eye on flight status boards and announcements. Sign up for airline alerts to receive real-time updates on your flight.
• Contact the Airline: If you face a significant delay, consider reaching out to the airline’s customer service via phone or social media for assistance and information.
• Backup Plans: Have a contingency plan for delays, such as entertainment, snacks, and necessary medications in your carry-on bag.

Handling Disruptions Like a Pro

• Remain Calm: It’s easy to get frustrated during delays, but maintaining your composure will help you think clearly and make better decisions.
• Rebook Early: If your flight is cancelled, don’t wait too long to rebook. There will likely be other passengers trying to do the same.
• Hotel Accommodations: In the case of significant delays, ask the airline if they provide accommodations or meal vouchers. You may also consider booking a hotel yourself for a more comfortable wait.

By practicing good hygiene, following in-flight exercises, being a considerate passenger, respecting cabin crew, and handling delays and disruptions calmly, you can ensure that your air travel experience remains as pleasant and stress-free as possible, even when faced with challenging situations.

Traveling with Children

Traveling with children can be a rewarding experience, but it requires some planning to keep them comfortable and entertained.

Tips for Flying with Kids

• Plan Ahead: Pack essentials like diapers, wipes, snacks, and toys in your carry-on bag. Be prepared for any delays.
• Seat Selection: Consider booking seats together and bring a car seat for infants and toddlers. Airlines often have family-friendly seating options.
• Entertainment: Bring a variety of entertainment, such as books, coloring books, electronic devices, and headphones to keep your children occupied during the flight.
• Snacks: Pack a selection of your child’s favorite snacks, as in-flight food might not always suit their taste.
• Schedule Flights Wisely: Try to schedule flights during your child’s nap time or bedtime to increase the chances of them sleeping during the journey.

Read In Details – What are some tips for traveling with children?

Traveling with Pets

Flying with pets requires careful planning to ensure their safety and comfort.

Guidelines for Flying with Pets

• Check Airline Policies: Different airlines have varying pet policies, including size and breed restrictions. Research your airline’s guidelines before booking.
• Pet Carrier: Invest in a well-ventilated, secure pet carrier that complies with airline regulations. Ensure your pet is familiar with the carrier before the journey.
• Vet Visit: Visit the veterinarian for a health check and to ensure your pet is up-to-date on vaccinations and has the necessary documentation.
• Food and Water: Limit your pet’s food intake before the flight to prevent motion sickness. Provide water regularly during travel.
• Comfort Items: Bring familiar items like toys, blankets, and a piece of your clothing to comfort your pet during the journey.

Airplane Travel Insurance

Airplane travel insurance can provide peace of mind and financial protection during your journey.

The Importance of Travel Insurance

• Cancellations: Travel insurance can reimburse you if your trip is canceled or delayed due to unforeseen circumstances.
• Medical Emergencies: It covers medical expenses in case of injury or illness during your trip.
• Luggage and Belongings: Travel insurance can reimburse you for lost or damaged luggage and personal belongings.

How to Choose the Right Plan

• Coverage: Determine the coverage you need, including medical, trip cancellation, or baggage loss. Choose a plan that best fits your travel style.
• Price: Compare prices from different insurance providers. Keep in mind that the cheapest plan may not provide adequate coverage.
• Read the Fine Print: Carefully read the policy terms and conditions to understand what is covered and any exclusions.

Environmental Considerations

Travelers can minimize their environmental impact by making conscious choices.

Reducing Your Carbon Footprint

• Choose Direct Flights: Non-stop flights are more fuel-efficient and produce fewer emissions.
• Pack Light: The heavier the plane, the more fuel it consumes. Pack only what you need.
• Use Public Transportation: Opt for public transportation or shared rides when exploring your destination.

Sustainable Travel Options

• Eco-Friendly Accommodations: Choose eco-friendly hotels that prioritize sustainability and environmental responsibility.
• Reduce Plastic Use: Carry a reusable water bottle and avoid single-use plastics during your trip.
• Support Local Communities: Shop locally and support community-based tourism initiatives.

International Travel Tips

When traveling internationally, you need to be prepared for specific considerations.

Passport and Visa Essentials

• Passport Validity: Ensure your passport is valid for at least six months beyond your planned return date.
• Visa Requirements: Research the visa requirements for your destination country. Some countries offer visa-free entry, while others require visas in advance.

Currency and Language Considerations

• Currency Exchange: Familiarize yourself with the local currency and exchange rates. Consider carrying a small amount of local currency for initial expenses.
• Language Skills: Learn a few basic phrases in the local language to facilitate communication. Carry a phrasebook or use translation apps for assistance.

By following these tips and guidelines, you can make your international travel experience more enjoyable, safe, and environmentally conscious. Whether you’re traveling with children, pets, or just for leisure, careful planning and consideration can enhance your journey.

Air travel offers a world of opportunities and adventures, but it’s important to be well-prepared to make the most of your journey. From booking your flight to reaching your destination and considering various aspects of your travel, a smooth and enjoyable experience is within reach.

Booking your flight wisely, choosing the right airline, and understanding the best time to book tickets are crucial steps that set the foundation for your trip. Selecting the ideal seat can significantly impact your comfort throughout the flight. And don’t forget the importance of a well-suited travel insurance plan to provide you with peace of mind during your journey.

Efficient packing ensures you have everything you need without unnecessary clutter. Knowing what essential items to bring and using smart packing tips can make your trip hassle-free. In-flight comfort is equally important, with tips for maintaining your well-being, staying entertained, and managing your snacking and hydration effectively.

Airports can be complex to navigate, but understanding how to arrive on time, go through security and customs procedures, and move efficiently through the airport can help make your experience more enjoyable.

Dealing with jet lag requires some thoughtful strategies, from understanding its causes to tips for minimizing its effects. Staying healthy on a plane is crucial, with tips for avoiding illness and exercises to keep your body in good shape during long flights.

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24 Expert Tips to Prepare for an International Flight

Scott Keyes

August 1, 2023

Whether it’s your first international trip or your 500th, here’s a handy checklist of things to do before and during the flight to ensure a smooth trip. 

Things to do in the weeks before your flight

1. Check the passport validity and visa requirements of your destination.

If you’re traveling internationally, you’ll need a valid passport that matches the name on your ticket. But sometimes that’s not enough. Some countries require your passport be valid for a certain amount of time (usually six months) beyond your trip, while others require a certain number of blank pages (and some require both). 

Depending on the country you’re from and where you’re visiting you may also need a visa and/or proof of onward travel. And, if you’re traveling with a child (but only one parent) you may be required to being additional documentation. For example, South Africa requires that a minor child accompanied by only one parent have a letter of consent from the other parent. 

2. Make electronic copies of your documents. 

Scan or photograph all your documents such as your passport, driver’s license, and any visas and put the files in cloud storage, Google Drive, or your email so that you can access them on the go if needed. 

3. Take steps to boost your immune health. 

Air travel (and travel in general) can be stressful and it can expose you to lots of germs. Reduce the risk of getting sick on your trip by ensuring you’re setting out with a healthy immune system. Get lots of rest and stay hydrated in the days before your trip. 

Things to do the day before and day of your flight

4.  Check-in online to snag the best seat. 

Check in as soon as possible so that you can choose a good seat (if you weren’t able to select one at booking) and have first crack at any available paid upgrades. 

Checking in online promptly when check-in opens is especially important if you’re flying Southwest. Southwest seating is not assigned; boarding order is determined by check-in order and passengers choose their own seats. If you don’t check in soon after online check-in opens, you’ll likely board in the last group and have limited seating options. 

5. Choose the seat that fit your needs. 

The best seat on the plane depends on your preferences. If you like to get up a lot, go for an aisle seat so you can move about with ease. If you just want to lean against the wall and sleep, book a window seat. If you’re tall and need the extra legroom, aim for the bulkhead or an exit row (but be aware these seats often don’t recline). Seatguru.com is a great resource for finding the best seats for your particular aircraft. 

6. Request a special meal to get served first. 

Airlines have come a long way in catering to special diets. On many flights you can choose (at booking) from a special meal that’s kosher, gluten free, low-sodium, low-fat, etc. 

Not only does this give you more control over what you’ll be putting in your body during the flight, special meal orders are served first, so if you’re anxious to eat and get to sleep, order a special meal to reduce waiting time before service. 

7. Pack some basic toiletries in your carry-on. 

If you’re checking luggage, be sure to keep some basic toiletries and one outfit change in your carry-on , just on the off chance your luggage gets delayed and you’re without your checked bag for a day or two. 

Whether you’re checking luggage or going carry-on only, it also helps to keep items like face wipes, deodorant, and toothpaste in an easy-to-reach spot so you can freshen up upon landing or during a layover. 

>> Get more packing tips here.

8. customize your checked bag to make it stand out. .

The vast majority of luggage in the world looks nearly identical; if you’ve got the typical black roller bag, add some custom flair (a brightly colored luggage tag or ribbon, for example) to help distinguish it from everyone else’s. And make sure you have a secure luggage tag on it with your name, phone number, and email address. 

9. Load up on entertainment to enjoy in-flight.

On some budget airlines, entertainment is BYO, so download plenty of podcasts, music, movies, or TV shows to your device or bring lots of books and magazines to get you through the flight. Even on flights where seatback entertainment is the norm, it can be nice to switch between watching a movie, listening to a podcast, or reading. And don’t forget your headphones. 

10. Remember the 3-1-1 rule for liquids. 

The TSA (and the transportation governing bodies of many foreign countries) limits the amount of liquids you can bring on board a plane in your carry-on. All liquids, aerosols, and gels must be in a container of 3.4 ounces (100ml) or less. Additionally, all of your liquids, aerosols, and gels together must fit into one quart-size resealable bag. Baby food and certain medications are exempt. See the TSA website for details. 

11. Pack a water bottle and travel-friendly snacks. 

Not only is bringing your own water bottle better for the environment , it’ll save you money at the airport (remember you can’t bring liquids more than 3.4 ounces through security so you’d have to buy water afterwards). Another bonus: you don’t have to wait for a flight attendant to bring you water so you can hydrate more easily throughout the flight. 

Pack a few simple snacks, too, such as nuts, cut fruit, cheese and crackers, granola bars, or beef jerky. Many budget airlines no longer include food service and even on airlines that do, you may prefer your own food to what’s served on board. 

12. Bring a sleep kit. 

While some airlines still provide a small blanket and scratchy pillow in economy, many don’t (or they charge for it). If you’re heading to a colder climate, your coat or a large scarf/pashmina can double as a blanket, otherwise consider investing in a small, lightweight travel blanket. 

A pillow doesn’t have to take up much space, either; inflatable pillows fold down to a small package. If you’re sensitive to light or noise, add a sleep mask or ear plugs and you’re well on your way to sleeping comfortably on the plane . 

13. Keep your devices powered up. 

Many planes now have power ports at every seat, but don’t risk running out of juice for your cell (especially if it’s doubling as your entertainment for the flight). Bring a fully-charged external battery pack and don’t forget the USB cord and a plug adapter that works in the country you’re visiting. 

14. Wear comfortable clothes. 

The watchword for economy travel is comfort. Forgo the suit or stilettos and dress for comfort, both when you’re hoofing it through massive airports and when you’re curled up in an airplane seat for 8+ hours. 

It is possible to be comfortable but still presentable in loose-fitting slacks or jeans, or stretchy leggings and sneakers, flats, or low-heeled boots. Layers are key, especially if you’re traveling from one climate extreme to another. And remember, not only do your feet swell on long flights, but you may want to remove your shoes to sleep (and you definitely want to put them back on to use the restroom!) so opt for comfy shoes you can easily wiggle on and off. 

Things to do at the airport

15. Arrive on time. 

Every airport has its own guidelines for how early you should be at the airport before an international flight, but typically the recommendation is three hours. When you consider that most international flights start boarding about 40-60 minutes before take-off, that’s really only about two hours to check in (if you couldn’t do it online), check your bag (if needed), get through security, and walk to your gate. If you’re traveling during peak times, it’s wise to get there even earlier. 

If you’d rather cut it close, download the MiFlight app to get real-time data on the wait time at your airport. And check your airline’s cut-off times; every airline has a time after which they’ll no longer allow you to check in or check a bag. They’ll also note the cut-off time for boarding (usually 15-20 minutes before takeoff). If you arrive after these times, you may not be able to check a bag—or even board the plane. 

16. Ask about upgrades or better seats. 

Sometimes when an airline has unsold premium seats (such as premium economy or business class ), they’ll sell these upgrades at a discounted price. 

Even if you don’t want to shell out a few hundred dollars for the extra legroom, it can be worth asking the gate agent or check-in staff if there are any better seats available. They might be able to move you to a window or aisle seat if you don’t already have one, or they can put you in a bulkhead or exit row for more legroom. If the plane isn’t full, they could even move you to a seat with an empty seat next to it so you have more space to spread out. 

17. Look for lounge access. 

Lounge access is no longer just for frequent flyers. While many lounges do require that you have status with the airline, a premium ticket, an Amex , or Priority Pass membership, there are some lounges, such as the Aspire Lounges found in Europe, that allow access for a fee. 

Paying for access this way isn’t cheap (it can cost around $50 per person) but if you have a long layover it can be worth it for a quiet place to rest and the free food and drinks. Some lounges even have nap pods and showers. 

18. Keep important documents, medication, and valuables in your carry-on.

Never put valuables, medication or documents like your visa in your checked bag. If your luggage gets lost or delayed, this could be a huge headache. Additionally, even locked suitcases aren’t immune from theft. 

Make sure you keep all these items in your carry-on, and if you have to gate-check your carry-on for any reason, be sure to move these items to the smaller bag you’re bringing on board. 

19. Bring a pen.

When entering a country, you may need to fill out a paper customs declaration or immigration form, and many airlines don’t provide pens for passenger use. It’s a small thing, but tucking a pen into your carry-on bag saves the hassle of trying to borrow a pen from your seatmate, or the stress of rushing to fill out the form upon landing. 

Things to do on the flight

20. Use antibacterial wipes to clean your seat and tray.

Airplanes are grimy places, and studies have shown one of the most germ-infested spots is your tray table. Before you put your phone or magazine on it—and especially before you eat off it!—give it a thorough cleaning with antibacterial wipes. While you’re at it, wipe down the seatback entertainment, armrests, and overhead light buttons and air nozzles. 

21. Get on the local time zone. 

Jetlag is a nearly unavailable part of traveling far distances by plane, but you can take steps to minimize its effects. A few days before the flight, start to get your body aligned with the new timezone by waking up and going to bed closer to the times you’ll do that in the place you’re visiting. Upon boarding, set your watch and phone clock to the local timezone. And, be sure to get some sleep if you’re on a red-eye flight that arrives overseas in the morning. 

22. Hydrate.

Airplanes are not only dirty places, they can be extremely dry places, too. Drink lots of water the day of travel and during the flight, apply (unscented) moisturizer and lip balm to help dry skin, and bring saline for dry eyes. It helps to avoid alcohol and caffeine as well, as both can cause dehydration and make it harder to sleep. 

23. Get up and stretch to avoid a blood clot.

A blood clot or Deep Vein Thrombosis can ruin a trip (and put you in the hospital) so avoid the potential of this dangerous condition by getting up from your seat frequently. There are lots of simple in-flight stretches you can do (like these recommended by Qantas ) or simply get up from your seat every once in a while and take a walk up and down the cabin. 

24. Wear compression socks.

Compression socks help keep your feet from swelling and reduce the risk of blood clots and DVT by increasing circulation in your legs and feet. You can pick up a pair for under $10 online (or for slightly more at an airport shop).

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Founder & Chief Flight Expert

Published August 1, 2023

Last updated December 21, 2023

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10 Travel Tips for Flying like a Boss

These 10 travel tips for flying will help you move smoothly through the airport, stay comfortable on your flight & get you to your destination in one happy piece.

Find this post helpful? Learn how you can support Bearfoot Theory’s work here . You can also shop for gear through the affiliate links in this blog post where we get a small commission at no cost to you. It helps keep our team running and the lights on. THANK YOU! -Kristen

Long security lines, unhealthy and overpriced food, running late, and dealing with checked luggage are just a few things that can cause stress when you are flying. Anyone who’s had a bad flight knows that it can leave you feeling tired and disheveled at the beginning or end of a vacation, and that’s never a good way to start. So what are the best tips for flying?

Whether you are flying home for the holidays or halfway across the world for an epic adventure, being prepared and organized are key to a good flight. 

In this guide, I share 10 travel tips for flying that will help you move smoothly through the airport, stay comfortable on your flight, and get you to your destination in one happy piece.

Take the stress out of long travel days with these 10 best tips for flying .

1. Invest in CLEAR or TSA PreCheck

My #1 tip for flying is if you fly at least 2-3 times per year, it is worth signing up for CLEAR or TSA PreCheck to save yourself some serious time. I got TSA PreCheck years ago, and I can’t believe how much more enjoyable flying is. You breeze through the security line, and you don’t have to remove your shoes, laptops, liquids, belts or sweaters. CLEAR is an annual membership while TSA PreCheck is good for 5 years once you are approved.

2. Pack Healthy Snacks

Almonds, apple slices, dried fruit, carrot sticks, and protein bars are just a few good examples of great snacks to hold you over when flying. Be sure to load up on protein and healthy fats since these will help keep you feeling full and satisfied. Packing snacks will also make it less likely that you will splurge on airport food, which is often unhealthy and overpriced. Plus, you won’t arrive at your destination starving.

Check out some of our favorite lightweight hiking snacks that are easy to throw in your carry-on for when you are feeling hangry mid-flight.

3. Bring a Sleep Kit

Landing at your destination well rested will help set your trip off to a great start. Whether you’re stuck in a middle seat, leaning against the cold hard window, or winging it on the aisle, bringing a few small items with you will make your flight much more comfortable. Invest in a comfy travel pillow or better yet, use a lightweight, packable backpacking pillow for flying.

While you’re at it, carry an eye mask and earplugs too – both are small, easy to carry, and may come in handy, especially if you are changing time zones or end up sitting next to a screaming baby. If you need something to drown out all noise, noise-canceling headphones or noise-canceling earbuds work great. They’re pricey, but worth it if you travel a lot.

4. Organize Your Backpack

Take time to organize your backpack, purse, or other carry-on before you leave home so you aren’t scrambling at the airport and lugging around more than you need to. Have a special compartment for important documents such as your boarding pass and ID so you’ll know exactly where to find them when you get to the front of the TSA line. Fanny packs are a great option for airport travel because they free your hands up and there’s no worry of forgetting your bag at the boarding gate if you keep the fanny pack secured around your waist.

Also take time to stock up on flying essentials like a book, your favorite magazine, snacks, and your sleeping kit BEFORE getting to the airport.

5. Download E-books, Music & Movies

WiFi onboard can be expensive and slow and not all routes offer in-flight entertainment. If you have a favorite tv show or a movie you’ve been wanting to watch, download it before boarding so you can watch it during your flight. Same goes for E-books and podcasts. If you have Netflix, you can download movies and shows on your smartphone, tablet, or laptop for offline viewing.

If you frequently travel with a friend, your partner or kids, you may want to consider getting a headphone splitter so you can watch together. I also have Spotify Premium which allows you to listen to your playlists when you are traveling and download them for offline use.

6. Charge Up your Devices before your Flight

Make sure to have everything charged before heading to the airport. This may include your phone, laptop, camera, and any other electronics you travel with. You never know if you’ll be able to find an open outlet or if security might take longer than usual leaving no time to charge up.

You may even want to consider carrying a small backup battery for your phone or other devices you use heavily when traveling. I also always bring a travel adapter that allows you to charge several devices and comes with worldwide adapters for those of you traveling abroad.

7. Pack a Reusable Water Bottle

You can’t take water through the security checkpoint, but you can take an empty reusable water bottle . Most airports have water fill-up stations so you can fill a bottle post-security. Drinking lots of water is an important tip for flying because the added elevation and recycled air can result in dehydration.

Having a refillable water bottle on your trip will also help you save money ( and help the planet ) by not having to purchase plastic water bottles every time you’re thirsty.

8. Take an Immune Supplement

When you fly, you are sharing oxygen with 100+ people, who have recently shared air with another 100+ people. Get the idea? Plus you touch items that a high volume of other people touch such as security bins, seatbelts, tray tables, and door handles. Give your body a boost to fight off the germs with an immune supplement. Nuun makes handy vitamin tablets with immune boosting properties that you can toss into your reusable water bottle. While you’re at it, pack some hand sanitizer too.

9. Dress in Layers

Plane temperatures can range from unbearably stuffy and hot to practically Arctic cold. Be prepared for both. Dress in a base layer that you’ll be comfortable hanging out in for the duration of your flight and bring an extra layer or two to wear on top.

I like to wear a tank-top as my bottom layer just in case there’s a tarmac delay without air circulation. A warm packable jacket , good socks , and a beanie are always helpful to pack in case your flight does end up being surprisingly cold, especially on those early morning flights.

10. Move on Your Layovers

Layovers are a great time to stretch, walk around, and do anything but sit to counteract all those hours on the plane. Be sure to locate your next gate and check to confirm your flight is on time before you take a stroll. You can keep an eye on your flight status on monitors located throughout the airport as you walk around. Believe it or not, some airports have indoor gardens, art displays, massage chairs, yoga rooms, and even movie theaters. Explore the airport to get your steps in. Your body will thank you later.

What are your favorite tips for flying? Do you have any to add? Share your experience in the comments below.

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With two decades of hiking and seven years of van life under her belt, Kristen has dedicated her life to helping people experience the positive effects of nature. As a pioneer in the outdoor blogging space, she founded Bearfoot Theory in 2014 and has since authored more than 350 blog posts about outdoor travel, hiking, camping, and van life. Her work has been featured in National Geographic, Outside Magazine, and Backpacker, and when she’s not on the road, she lives in Park City, Utah with her partner Ryan, their son, and two adventure pups.

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13 Comments

Great tips. Also nowadays most of the restaurants at the airport provide healthy choices as well as the airlines even the low-cost ones

You are indeed right, it is getting better and better everytime I fly through an airport!

Good tips Kristen! I like your idea of wearing a layered dress. Yes, really it is a great idea to make us comfort according to the environment.

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• Pingback: How to Control Flight Anxiety: 5 Quick and Easy Tips — Vagabondish

My husband and I are wanting to plan a trip for our 10th anniversary in May and are trying to get things organized now. I loved your idea to organize your purse or small bag before you leave home so that you find your essentials with ease when you need them. I think it’d be unforgettable if we could find a private jet charter to fly in to get that luxury experience.

Always ask yourself, “what’s the backup plan”. When traveling internationally, for example, you have a passport, a scan copy file saved on a small zip drive and a paper copy. You take photos with a good camera, your iPhone is a backup and maybe a small point and shoot is second backup. We also always travel with a electronic gear bag, about the size of a toiletry kit. It has all charging cables, backup batteries, a small HDMI and adapters to plug into the tv, headphone backup, camera battery charger and my favorite a small travel USB hub with 4 ports. On a trip to Africa I plugged my USB hub in, in the dining area and came back to find others in our group plugging into my one hub.

Very good tips! One item I suggest people take in their carryon is a few anti-diarrhea tablets. Needed them once on a four hour flight and was “rescued” by a flight attendant. I have many flights since, and never needed them since, but, good to be prepared.

Thanks for sharing, Jim!

What I would do for the clothing, I would wear the heaviest things for the flight so I would have a lighter bag and won’t need to pay extra.

Hi Natalia, great tip! Thanks for sharing

Tsa precheck is the needed but for an extra $20 for 5 years you can get global entry which allows a faster customs line when returning to the US and includes tsa precheck

Agree – I have global entry and many credit card companies will reimburse you for the cost. Thanks for chiming in! – Kristen

9 travel packing tips to save space in your luggage

As a traveler, I'm proudly team carry-on, striving each time I fly, whether it be for a few days or a few weeks, to fit everything I bring within the confines of my Away carry-on bag .

There are other people, including maybe some reading this article, who prefer to check a bag so they don't have to worry about cramming everything into one or two carry-on bags.

Whether you're firmly team carry-on or team checked baggage, some universal tips can be helpful when packing, regardless of the size of your suitcase.

Read on for TPG's best general packing tips.

General packing tips

Organization hacks

Whenever the topic of packing comes up in conversation among TPG staffers, packing cubes are mentioned over and over again, and they will "change your life," says TPG editorial director Summer Hull.

As a mom of two who frequently travels, Summer recommends families use cubes to divide up the packing by activity and day, rather than each person using a cube for all of their items.

If you're looking to get started with packing cubes, Summer's favorite option is a five-pack from Calpak for $68 , which she raves about for the "thick mesh and polyester material that has held up extraordinarily well across our theme park trips, ski adventures, cruises and beyond," along with the ability to survive multiple rounds of heat in the dryer without any noticeable impacts.

"Additionally, the cubes have waterproof pockets that you can use to keep wet or especially dirty items separate from the rest of the items, meaning that the last morning's jump in the pool won't make your whole bag a bit soupy," wrote Summer .

The great thing about packing cubes is that you can use them to organize your items to your liking. For example, TPG senior editor Madison Blancaflor prefers to organize her stuff in packing cubes by item.

"Packing cubes, packing cubes, packing cubes is my No. 1 tip," Blancaflor told me. "Not only do they help you fit more stuff, but they help you stay organized while you're traveling."

As someone who frequently uses packing cubes myself, I've learned to pack things inside of things in order to fit the intended items in the cube, a concept Blancaflor referred to as nesting.

"Knowing how to nest things is helpful — having your belts lay around the outside edges, fitting socks inside your shoes, putting underwear inside bra cups, etc.," she explained. "Any of those small space-saving things add up to a lot more space by the end of it."

Like all things, though, even packing cubes have their downsides, which is why one TPG staffer recommended using vacuum-sealed bags instead.

"I will never fly anywhere without my vacuum-sealed bags and hand vacuum," said TPG SEO senior associate Hannah Streck, who uses the bags for space-saving, cleanliness and organization purposes.

"I am able to pack so much more into my carry-on and able to see what I packed without having to open or take out the clothes, which is a downside of packing cubes," she said.

Another tip to help you stay organized while packing is to color coordinate your outfits, per cruises editor Erica Silverstein.

"I color coordinate outfits to reduce the number of shoes I need to bring and try to pack pieces that I can dress up or down," she shared. "For example, I could wear a top with a skirt at night and then with jeans the next day."

One space-saving tip that I've been practicing for a few years is rolling clothes versus folding them, which TPG credit cards Ryan Smith echoed, and added that he keeps a toiletries bag ready to go.

"I keep a toiletries case ready at all times that I never touch it while at home unless I'm reloading it with supplies that ran out," he said. "This way, I don't have to worry about packing toiletries or forgetting them."

Read more: I fly almost 100,000 miles per year and don't travel without these packing cubes from Calpak

How to keep your clothes wrinkle-free

One inevitable issue I always seem to run into when packing is keeping my clothes from wrinkling while in my suitcase. I've long placed tissue paper in between articles of clothing, a tactic I learned from my mother.

Though this works to an extent, I am eager to try plastic dry cleaner bags, per the advice of TPG editor Melissa Klurman.

"I use plastic dry cleaner bags to keep my clothes from wrinkling — you pop one item in each bag, although I often double up, then fold them all on top of your bag," she said. "The air in the bags stops the friction, and your clothes don't wrinkle."

Tips for packing carry-on only

One of my favorite features of my Away carry-on is the built-in battery pack since I know I'll always have access to a charger for my phone if needed.

"I always have a portable battery pack in my carry-on since you never know when you are going to be stranded somewhere and not able to find an outlet," said TPG's Executive Editor Scott Mayerowitz. "It also lets you keep moving in delays, and you aren't stuck next to an outlet."

During the holiday travel season, many of us may be packing winter clothing items. Whether you're departing for a cold destination or heading to the ski slopes, TPG editor Christine Gallipeau reminds us to wear those heavy items, rather than take up precious packing space.

"I wear my bulkiest items, which in the winter, usually means jeans, my thicker coat and boots," she said. "That way, I don't have to use valuable carry-on space for them since I never fly with a checked bag."

Bottom line

As you head out on your next flight, keep these simple packing tips in mind.

Whether you try out packing cubes or vacuum-sealed bags for the first time or try rolling instead of folding your clothes, these tips should make packing a little less stressful, while saving you space, which is the ultimate goal.

FinanceBuzz

15 Things You Must Do Every Time You Board a Plane

Posted: October 25, 2023 | Last updated: October 25, 2023

From waiting in the security line to keeping your fingers crossed that the plane isn’t delayed, flying is rarely a stress-free process.

However, whether you’re a first-time flyer or hop on a plane every few weeks for work, everyone can take the same steps to make sure the process goes as smoothly as possible.

Here are 15 steps frequent flyers take when boarding a plane that make the entire experience easier and more efficient. Step up your travel game by putting these tips into practice.

Compare the best travel credit cards for nearly free travel

Make sure your passport is valid

Traveling abroad? Pull out your passport right now to make sure it’s still valid.

You don’t want to be stuck in the stressful position of having to make an emergency call to your state representative’s office to try to get a passport ASAP.

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Check your TSA PreCheck status

If you don’t already have TSA PreCheck, sign up before your next flight. It makes the security process smoother and more efficient.

It also saves you from the stress of arriving at the airport only to realize that the standard security line is wrapped around the building. Having PreCheck allows you to avoid that hassle, as you get to use a shorter line that is almost always faster.

The process of getting TSA PreCheck can take time, so stop by the official website to learn more about how to enroll.

If you already have TSA PreCheck, make sure it’s still valid. It must be renewed every five years.

Notify your credit card provider of your travel plans

If you’re traveling somewhere that is out of the ordinary for you, notify your credit card provider before you take off.

If you arrive in Europe but typically don’t travel there, your lender could flag the card and put it on hold temporarily out of an abundance of caution. Letting the lender know your plans in advance can help you avoid this inconvenience.

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Confirm your sitter’s plans

Before you leave home, make sure your pet sitter or house sitter has everything they need to do their job while you’re gone.

Remind them which days they need to be on duty. Also, do a last check to make sure they have a key to get into your house.

Pack your carry-on for easy access

Packing your carry-on efficiently is one key to a comfortable travel experience.

Consider using smaller storage bags to help organize your belongings before you put them in the carry-on. Keep items that you will need during security and boarding toward the top of your bag.

Double-check your toiletry bag

No one likes leaving a favorite toiletry behind because they forgot that liquids must be in containers that are 3.4 ounces or less. Double-check your toiletry bag to make sure you are in compliance.

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Make sure the airline app still works

Make sure you have the airline’s app on your phone and that it is still working before you get to the airport. It can make everything easier, from checking a bag to monitoring delays and exploring the latest in-flight entertainment.

Download media

If you plan on tuning into a podcast or catching up on a favorite show, download those to your phone before leaving home.

With media already on the phone, you won’t have to worry about a strong Wi-Fi connection to listen or watch, and you won’t have to pay for internet access.

Figure out where to park

You don’t want to arrive at the airport only to find all the lots are full. So, look at your options ahead of time and see if you can reserve a spot, either at an airline lot or a less expensive lot nearby.

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Check out the Wi-Fi situation

Some airlines will provide free texting, while others offer free internet. Some don’t offer connectivity at all.

So, find out your airline’s Wi-Fi situation. If service is available but isn’t free, decide whether you want to pay the additional fee.

Make sure you have the seat you want

If you didn’t pick your seat when you first booked the flight, you might have been assigned something you don’t like.

If so, open the airline app and see if you can change the seat. There may be an upgrade fee associated with the change, but it could be worth it if you feel strongly about switching.

Fill up your water bottle

No one wants to pay several dollars for a bottle of water at the airport, so don’t forget to bring your own reusable water bottle.

You will have to empty it before you go through security, but most airports have filling stations where you can fill the bottle with free filtered water.

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Moisturize your skin

Dry air is inescapable in an airplane. So, apply moisturizer to your skin before your board. This is especially important if you are going to be in the air for a long time.

Have your boarding pass ready

Whether you print a boarding pass or keep it on your phone, have it out and ready to go once it’s time to board.

Doing so will help the entire process go smoothly and reduce the frustration of fellow travelers who are anxious to board.

Wipe down the tray table

Airline tray tables are notoriously dirty. To make sure you have a sanitary experience, take antibacterial wipes with you and give the entire tray table and the armrests a wipedown as soon as you board.

Bottom line

Traveling can be a complicated process, but using a few expert tips makes it easier.

Also, consider booking your next trip — and paying for other vacation expenses — with a great credit card that helps you earn travel rewards or other perks.

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How To Sleep On A Plane, According To Experts

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There are few things more difficult than sleeping on an airplane—particularly if you’re surrounded by noisy passengers and bright reading lights. Truthfully, though, the environment doesn’t need to be unpleasant for you to have trouble closing your eyes: An unfamiliar setting alone can cause disruptive sleep. With some strategic planning and the right accessories, however, you can maximize your chances of getting quality rest while flying.

With some strategic planning and the right accessories, you can maximize your chances of getting ... [+] quality rest while flying.

“The barriers to getting poor plane sleep are not planning ahead, noise and exposure to LED lights,” says Dr. Mark Atkinson , MBBS, medical director of Sens.ai . Ahead, we’ve put together some tips to help you combat that first culprit—not planning enough. With some strategic brainstorming before your flight and a few effective products, you can counteract some of the common barriers passengers face when trying to get a good night’s rest on a plane.

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Be strategic before you even step on the plane: Think about the time of day you want to fly out, for starters. Khaliah O. Guillory , a certified sleep consultant and founder of Nap Bar in Houston, Texas, says she specifically books fights that align with her sleep cycle—and she’s very selective about where her seat is located in the cabin. “I don't want to sit next to the lavatory, and I don't want to sit in the very front or the very back of the plane,” says Guillory. “The reason why is because that's where the flight attendants are preparing the food and the drinks and it's going to be a little noisy.”

Once you’ve selected your preferred row, try to book a seat where you’re likely to feel most comfortable. Atkinson recommends the window on the side of the plane that will allow you to sleep on your usual side. “For example, if you typically sleep on your left side, choose a window seat on the left side of the plane.” Guillory offers a different perspective: While she used to opt for a window seat, she prefers an aisle seat these days. “I like to stretch my legs out,” she says. “And I'm just more comfortable that way.”

Bring Along A Really Comfortable Pillow

Ostrichpillow

Ostrichpillow Go Neck Pillow

Atkinson adds that investing in a high-quality pillow is the best way to support your head when sleeping on a plane. “The two main types are U-shaped neck pillows that support the back and sides of your neck and memory foam pillows that mold to the shape of your neck,” he shares. “To prevent strain on your neck, try to maintain a comfortable posture with your back straight and head aligned with your spine.” The ergonomic design of the Ostrich Go Neck Pillow , above, helps with precisely that: It claims to keep your spinal posture intact in order to prevent neck pain after those particularly long hauls.

Dress In Comfortable Layers—Then, Add A Blanket

Gravel layover blanket.

You should, of course, dress comfortably for your flight. “Wear light, easily removable layers that you can take on and off to adjust to the temperature fluctuations on the plane,” says Atkinson. “This will help prevent overheating and getting too cold.” If you have a tendency to get chilly when you’re in flight, bring along a pair of cozy socks or slippers and your favorite travel blanket to help you feel warm as you settle in for your flight. Research shows that wearing warming socks in a cool environment can shorten sleep onset, increase sleep duration and lessen awakenings. And in addition to keeping you warm, a blanket can also double as added support. “We aren’t designed to sleep upright, so if in economy, tilt your seat back as far as you can and provide support to the natural ‘S’ curve of your spine using a small pillow or rolled up blanket,” says Atkinson.

Block Out The Noise

Dubslabs bedphones sleep headphones.

A crowded plan can be filled with any number of loud distractions, and all of this can make it quite difficult to fall asleep and stay asleep. Wearing noise-canceling headphones or listening to soothing sounds might help block out the noise around you. Guillory, for one, prefers to listen to pink noise when she’s in flight. “A lot of people are familiar with white noise, but pink noise is one of my go-tos, especially when I'm on the plane,” she says. “Because it’s softer and it's more soothing, and it just promotes relaxation.”

Our favorite noise-canceling headphones , Bedphones, are discreet and unobtrusive—and according to the manufacturer, they’re also the world’s smallest on-ear headphones. Layered in soft foam, they lay flat against the ear, which makes them a great choice for long flights where you need to get some shut-eye.

Limit Screen Time

Truedark twilights classic.

If you’re traveling to a different time zone, Atkinson recommends changing the clock on your phone and watch to your destination time zone once you board the plane. “The sooner you start syncing your eating and sleeping times to the new destination, the better,” he says. But as you get closer to the time when you want to go to sleep, put the devices away. “Blue light emitted from LED screens can suppress melatonin, the hormone responsible for your sleep-wake cycle,” he explains.

Consider wearing a light-blocking mask or glasses to promote better sleep. “For evening and night-time flights I recommend wearing TrueDark Twilights ," says Atkinson. “These glasses block out blue, green and purple light wavelengths and tell your brain it’s time to relax and get ready for sleep.”

Prep A Sleep Amenity Kit

Mack's slim fit soft foam earplugs.

What are the essentials you usually need to get a good night’s rest? After all, you know your sleep routine best. “Headphones, your eye mask, lip balm, anything you think you’ll need,” says Guillory—all of these should be packed in your on-plane bags. Even better: Store them in a specific, small compartment that you can keep handy during your flight.

An eye mask and earplugs can work wonders to block out the sights and sounds of your fellow passengers. “I find Mack’s silicone earplugs to be good,” says Atkinson. “Even better are noise canceling earbuds from QuietOn or the Bose QC Ultra Headphones ,” he adds.

Practice Good Sleep Hygiene—And Try Your Best To Decompress

Espa connection pillow mist.

The rules of good sleep hygiene still apply when you’re in flight. For instance, Atkinson recommends bringing healthy snacks rather than eating airplane food and limiting your alcohol intake. “While alcohol might help you get to sleep, it interferes with your circadian rhythms, as does caffeine, so these are both best avoided,” says Atkinson.

You should also plan to practice the habits that help you get to sleep on a regular basis. Visualization and breathing techniques are tools Guillory uses to relax while she’s on a plane. “I'll literally close my eyes right when we're about to take off and visualize just a very easy breezy travel in the air,” she says. “It just helps me immediately decompress and de-stress,” Guillory says. A pillow mist, like the one above, can also help to calm your mind and create a more ideal sleeping envioronment.

Why Trust Forbes Vetted

At Forbes Vetted, we’ve devoted hundreds of words to helping people get better sleep. Our deeply researched sleep and mattress stories reflect our commitment to our readers, and we even have a team of in-house certified sleep coaches who stay up-to-date on the latest consumer products and knowledge. For this story, we consulted Dr. Mark Atkinson, MBBS, medical director of Sens.ai, as well as Khaliah O. Guillory, a certified sleep consultant and founder of Nap Bar in Houston, Texas.

What Is The Best Way To Sleep On A Plane?

Be strategic about the seat you choose and your sleeping position. “Adjust the headrest to fit the back of your head comfortably. To prevent strain on your neck, try to maintain a comfortable posture with your back straight and head aligned with your spine,” says Atkinson. Consider using a travel pillow or neck pillow for added support and comfort during your flight. Additionally, wearing noise-canceling headphones or using a sleep mask can help block out distractions and promote better sleep. Don't forget to stay hydrated and avoid caffeine or heavy meals before your flight to ensure a restful journey.

How Can I Sleep 12 Hours On A Plane?

Adopting good sleep hygiene habits, blocking out the sights and sounds around you and practicing relaxation techniques will help you maximize the amount of sleep you’re able to get in flight. “I’ve averaged eight hours on a flight,” says Guillory. To achieve a longer duration, consider adjusting your schedule prior to the flight to align with your destination's time zone, allowing your body to sync up with the new day-night cycle. Additionally, try to create a comfortable sleeping environment by wearing loose, breathable clothing and using a blanket to stay warm.

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Use these digital tools to ease your travel stress

Be an airport insider with these hi-tech offerings that will get you to your final destination in no time and with less stress.

By Amy Iverson

Air travel is a key part of many vacations, but the lines, delays and crowds can make it less than perfect.

The good news is that technology is available to ease your journey.

A simple text prompt, Google search or phone app can help you avoid the problems that cause many common difficulties.

Check flight status with your phone

This first text tip is the simplest, yet the most mind-blowing. Anyone using an iPhone can easily find out flight information by tapping on a flight number in Messages.

That’s right, there’s no need to open an airline’s app, just text yourself the airline name plus the word “flight” and the flight number. Then tap on that number to see flight information at a glance.

When you click, a map pops up showing where the plane is in real time. You can see whether the flight is on time, its arrival gate and how to get to baggage claim.

This smartphone trick is especially helpful when you need to stay in touch with your ride home from the airport. Whether your family member is doing you a solid, or a ride-sharing driver is headed your way, texting the flight number is a simple way to get them all the information they need.

This flight tracking service works for iOS, even if the text is coming from an Android phone. But the feature does not work if an Android phone is the receiver.

Use AI to create travel plans

In the past, I’ve relied on Frommers or Fodors to give me an initial itinerary for any location I plan to visit. Now, artificial intelligence can help me plan upcoming trips.

To use this travel tip, turn on Google’s generative AI capabilities in Search Labs by clicking on the lab beaker in the upper left-hand corner of the Google app’s homepage. Then, ask something like, “plan a two-day trip to Boston” to get a specific itinerary, including where to visit and eat, as well as hotel and flight recommendations.

The AI-generated schedule will be a jumping off point that you can fine-tune the schedule with your own ideas.

I tried something similar on Chat GPT and was underwhelmed with its specificity. Google’s AI did a much better job at giving me a fairly robust travel plan.

Using PreCheck and Global Entry

For years, I’ve been pushing the advantages of TSA PreCheck for anyone who flies more than a few times per year.

After you enroll, you get to use a shorter security line and don’t need to remove shoes or belts. You can also leave your laptop inside your bag.

The online application process takes five minutes. After you complete the form, you’ll need to appear in person for about 10 minutes at one of their sites.

And now, those with digital driver’s license IDs are getting even more perks at airport security. Chicago O’Hare and Los Angeles International are no longer asking to see a driver’s license for travelers who have both TSA PreCheck and a digital driver’s license. You get your face scanned, but since it compares that photo with your digital ID, you don’t need to show or insert a physical driver’s license anywhere.

If you fly internationally four or more times each year, you may want to opt for Global Entry , which grants expedited customs screening for travelers returning to the U.S.

TSA PreCheck comes as part of Global Entry, which costs $100 right now for five years (that price goes up to $120 in October). Some credit cards and frequent flyer programs will reimburse these fees.

But if you don’t go for Global Entry, be aware of this little-known app that could save you time at customs. The Mobile Passport Control app has you submit a photo, customs declaration and passport to streamline your return to the U.S. at some airports.

Create a profile with your passport, then once you land in the US, take a selfie, complete some questions and bring your passport to a Customs and Border Patrol officer. You can add up to 12 profiles on the app for family members.

Don't lose your items on the plane. They could end up resold here. | Cruising Altitude

Losing luggage is a nightmare scenario for many travelers. It could mean having to buy a whole new wardrobe or even parting with something near and dear to them.

But those lost items are sometimes given a second chapter thanks to Unclaimed Baggage, a store and e-commerce site that resells many items that vanish during travel.

“Airlines really are great in reuniting lost luggage,” Sonni Hood, public relations manager at Unclaimed Baggage, told me. But, she said, “a fraction of a percent adds up quickly when you consider that millions of people fly every day.” 

The store in Scottsboro, Alabama, said it introduces about 7,000 items to its shelves every day, and the online shopping portal sees about 5,000 new items each week. 

In a new report that Unclaimed Baggage plans to release annually, the store details the most common items in lost bags for the year.

“The different things that are happening in our culture eventually find their way into what people are packing in their suitcase,” Hood said. 

According to the Found Report , some of the most common items in 2023 were underwear, shoes and tablets/e-readers. (Sonni swore an oath that the store sells only unused underwear, so go forth with your shopping in peace.)

She also said lost luggage can teach you a lot about consumer trends. Lululemon is clearly having a moment – it’s one of the most popular brands in the store right now. Stanley cups also saw a spike in appearances in 2023, edging out Yetis and other thermos brands that were more popular in the past. Even electronics come and go in waves.

“Last year we found hardly any DSs, (but) we found so many Nintendo Switches,” Hood said.

The report also details some of the more novel finds of 2023, including two live snakes, 19 Rolex watches, a jar full of shark teeth, and a Halloween card from the 1980s signed by President Richard Nixon.

How to avoid losing your bags when you travel

Hood said there are simple steps travelers can take to make it less likely they lose their stuff in the first place – or more likely they’re reunited with it if something goes wrong.

Here are her essential tips:

• Label your bag inside and out with your name and up-to-date contact information.
• Remove old stickers and bag tags from your checked luggage.
• Make your suitcase stand out on the carousel so someone doesn’t accidentally take it.
• Pack all your essentials, like medicines, in your carry-on bag.
• And finally, don’t rush.

“Whenever you’re getting off the plane, it’s so easy to leave your Kindle or a cellphone or your glasses in the seat,” Hood said. So take a second to really make sure you have everything with you before you depart.

As someone who once left his jacket in the overhead bin and then spent hours trying to find it at the lost and found in London Heathrow Airport, I agree.

As Hood said earlier, airlines are generally pretty good about reuniting passengers with lost items. I did get that jacket back, for example. Here’s the process at the four largest U.S. airlines if you lose something on your trip.

American Airlines' lost luggage process

American recommends filing a report with the airport or with the Transportation Security Administration if you know you lost your stuff on the ground. But if you lost it on an aircraft or in a lounge, or you’re not sure where along your journey you may have left your things, there’s a process for filing a claim through AA.

According to American, once you file a claim, the airline will search for your items for up to 30 days. For lost baggage specifically, American requires you to make a report in person at the Baggage Services Office within four hours of landing. You'll also need to submit an online claim form and a checklist of the items when reporting a lost bag and requesting reimbursement for any of its contents. 

For all other individual items, AA has an online claim form, accessible by clicking here . 

Delta Air Lines' lost luggage process

Delta has online forms for lost, delayed or damaged bags and missing , nonchecked items that were lost on board, in a Delta lounge or in the gate area.

According to the airline, it will search for lost bags for about 21 days, and 30 days for lost nonchecked items after receiving a report. The airline recommends being as detailed as possible in your missing-items report and filing the report within seven days of noticing the items are missing. 

United Airlines' lost luggage process

United has an online claims process for lost luggage that hasn’t been found within five days of your arrival. The airline recommends going to the Baggage Service Airport if your luggage hasn’t arrived when you land or calling the Baggage Recovery Center if you’ve already left the airport. United requires passengers to report missing bags within 24 hours within the U.S., U.S. Virgin Islands, Guam and Puerto Rico and within seven days at international destinations.

For missing nonchecked items, United also has an online form . 

Southwest Airlines' lost luggage process

Southwest requires passengers to file a report in person at the airport’s Baggage Service Offices if their bag does not arrive or to file an online report if they have already left the airport. 

Southwest requires passengers to make their claim within four hours of arrival for a domestic flight and within seven days for an international itinerary.

The missing-bag claim form also has an option for missing nonchecked items. 

Zach Wichter is a travel reporter for USA TODAY based in New York. You can reach him at [email protected]

Seeing the total eclipse from 33,000 feet

Despite the pilot’s best efforts, delta’s eclipse flight didn’t offer passengers the best view of totality.

SOMEWHERE OVER ARKANSAS — As skywatchers gathered across North America on Monday to peer up at a total solar eclipse, a plane full of Delta Air Lines passengers hoped to get a unique view from above the clouds.

But despite the efforts of the pilots on the route from Dallas to Detroit, a glimpse of totality proved elusive for many of the people who had reserved a spot on a flight that promised special maneuvers to get everyone a peek.

Passengers crowded near windows as the plane made a series of turns. However, the angle of the sun in the sky through much of the flight meant it was difficult to see much at all without craning your neck. Questions of “Did you see it?” bounced around the plane.

Kyle Carter, 40, a stay-at-home dad and private pilot from Orlando, said he didn’t see much of the actual eclipse during the flight, but he was happy with what he experienced.

“What I wanted to see, more than the actual eclipse itself, was just the shadow racing toward us from behind,” he said. “I did see that. You could see the darkness come towards us.”

Attorney Scot Kees and his daughter Gabrielle, 8, came from Atlanta for the flight. He said they “got a sliver” of the eclipse.

“Even though we didn’t get it completely, it was a fun community experience,” he said. He pointed out that clouds were an issue for many on the ground, so he’s not sure he would have seen more if he’d traveled somewhere else. “I’m glad we got to see what we did.”

2024 total solar eclipse

Before people on the plane flew into a few minutes of totality, the lights were dimmed and the sky outside grew darker. Flight attendants and the pilot offered a couple of heads-ups. Seat-back screens showed the scenes elsewhere along the path of totality, including Mexico, then Texas and up through Indianapolis.

Passengers got a bag of swag that included “solar eclipse” Sun Chips, a Moon Pie, eclipse glasses, and Delta-branded socks and hat that said “climbing the cosmos.”

Captain Alex Howell said in an interview after the flight landed that he didn’t look at the sun during the flight, but saw the sky turn into a “dark version of dusk.”

“The city lights came on because of the darkness,” he said.

In the lead-up to the eclipse, several airlines publicized their best-chance flights for a prime viewing spot, with more than two dozen crisscrossing the country on Delta, United, Southwest, Alaska and other operators. They were careful to include caveats and make no promises.

“While Delta flight plans have been designed to maximize time within the path of totality, this is subject to change due to factors outside of Delta’s control such as weather and air traffic control that could impact timing and aircraft,” the airline warned.

Delta operated two dedicated eclipse flights from Texas on Monday, including one from Austin. On the flight from Austin to Detroit, a couple wearing eclipse shirts got engaged after passing through totality.

“Everyone was clapping and yelling and just really happy for them,” said Delta spokeswoman Catherine Morrow, who was on the flight. The captain piped up from the flight deck to ask the outcome.

In Dallas, the airport scene was festive Monday morning. Passengers walked under a celestial-themed balloon arch to board, airline representatives handed out glasses and a Yorkie named Delilah posed for photos with her humans.

“It’s her first eclipse, how could she miss it?” said Alan Goldberg, 70, an attorney who lives in New York City and Florida. Monday was Delilah the dog’s second birthday.

Thomas Iwinski, a 34-year-old meteorologist from Detroit, flew to Dallas Monday morning to get on the flight back home that would transport passengers along the path of totality. He described the mood at the gate as “ecstatic, joyful, elated.” He rented a home in Tennessee for the 2017 eclipse but didn’t want to take a chance on clouds this time.

“It’s definitely going to be something that I’ve never experienced before,” he said.

The airline had been planning for the flights for months.

In October, an operations planning staffer mentioned the upcoming eclipse. That led to some brainstorming and spitballing, said Chris Clisham, a flight superintendent at the airline, in a phone interview.

“And dot dot dot, here we are,” he said.

The logistics sound like an SAT word problem: If the plane is traveling at 400 mph and the moon’s shadow is racing at 1,600 mph, where will they overlap? And for how long? Throw in the angle of the sun while you’re at it.

“Fortunately, even though I am a math major, I didn’t have to bring any trigonometry into this equation,” Clisham said. Flight-planning software did the heavy lifting.

The airline first announced an Austin-to-Detroit flight in mid-February, describing it as “specifically for umbraphiles to be able to spend as much time as possible directly within the path of totality.” That flight sold out in a day, so Delta quickly added another one, this time from Dallas.

Jamie Larounis, a D.C.-based travel industry analyst with UpgradedPoints.com , had no special plans to see the eclipse. He was intrigued by Delta’s first flight, but it sold out before he could snag a seat. Then he saw a news release about the Dallas flight.

“Within 30 seconds, I had it booked,” he said. “I dropped everything.”

Before the flight, he said, he dropped 107,500 airline miles to book a first-class seat on the left side of the plane, equivalent to about $1,149. Anyone who heard about the plan assumed he has an extreme interest in eclipses, but he said he is more of an aviation buff.

“They all think I’m some sort of meteorologist, am I some sort of physics whatever,” said Larounis, 34.

Melanie Elliott, 36, of Chapel Hill, N.C., was disappointed to have missed the Austin flight so she leaped at the chance to fly out of Dallas. An astronomy fan who got a degree in physics, she was wearing astronaut earrings, a solar system necklace and a star and moon ring. After the flight, she said the view of totality — as she “was like laying on the right side of the seat” to try to see — was “a little disappointing.” She said she’ll watch her next eclipse from the ground.

But there was one huge perk for her: Astronaut Scott Kelly spoke at a post-flight party in Detroit and posed for pictures with passengers.

“Scott Kelly touched my moon tattoo,” Elliott said. “Kind of worth it.”

During the last eclipse visible from North America, in 2017, photographer Jon Carmichael tried to win a spot on a special Alaska Airlines flight so he could photograph the eclipse from the sky. He lost out, but pored over flight schedules and compared them with the eclipse path to find a Southwest flight from Portland, Ore., to St. Louis.

With the help of the pilots — one of whom even cleaned the window outside Carmichael’s seat before taking off — he took about 1,200 photos that formed an iconic photo mosaic documenting the eclipse.

Carmichael, who has also photographed an eclipse from land, said there are pros and cons to being in the air. The experience on the ground is more immersive; there are temperature changes, reactions from wildlife and the view is not obstructed by parts of a plane.

But in the sky, clouds are much less likely to get in the way. And, he said, it’s possible to see the moon’s shadow moving across the earth on the ground — a view unavailable to eclipse watchers for most of human history.

“We’ve only been flying as a human race for a little over 100 years; that’s only the blink of an eye,” he said. “It really gives you a sense of the scale of the universe that we’re part of this huge incredible celestial system where you actually can see the moon’s shadow being cast onto the Earth, moving across the Earth.”

A total solar eclipse passed across the United States on Monday, April 8. See photos and videos from the path of totality and read our reporters’ coverage from scenes across the nation .

Looking ahead: Missed this one? The next eclipse visible in the United States won’t be until 2044 — and then we’ll see another shortly after in 2045. If you did watch this eclipse but without proper eyewear, here’s what to do if your eyes hurt .

The science: This eclipse appeared especially dramatic because the sun was at its most active period in two decades. In the past, solar eclipses have helped scientists learn more about the universe . Here’s everything else to know about the solar eclipse.

Solar Eclipse 2024: Expect Flight Delays and Traffic Jams from Texas to Maine

By Rachel Chang

All products featured on Condé Nast Traveler are independently selected by our editors. However, when you buy something through our retail links, we may earn an affiliate commission.

Millions of people are expected to travel to see the total solar eclipse on April 8. As a result, large swaths of the country could be faced with traffic jams and flight delays in the coming days, government agencies warn.

“This rare event may be a once-in-a-lifetime for some, but could have widespread impacts on the traveling public,” Federal Highway Administration (FHWA) administrator Shailen Bhatt said in a video message in late March. “So please plan ahead to arrive early, and, if you can, stay put to avoid traffic congestion.”

According to the FHWA , 32 million Americans live within the eclipse path—which sweeps from the Mexican border in Texas up to the Canadian border in Maine —and millions more are expected to travel into the zone for the event. That means even those who aren't traveling for the eclipse should prepare for crowds of umbraphiles in many parts of the country, particularly at and around certain airports and roadways.

Last week, the Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) issued an alert flagging that the already busy spring break week will be exacerbated by eclipse-related travel. While the peak travel day was Thursday, April 4 (with 50,670 scheduled flights), fliers should also expect busy airports on Friday, April 5, the FAA says.

The agency has even issued a domestic notice warning of “possible impacts to air traffic and airports along the eclipse path” from April 7 to April 10. Higher volumes of traffic are expected at airports of all sizes within the eclipse zone, especially in the greater Boston , Chicago , Cleveland, Fort Worth , Houston, Indianapolis , Kansas City , and Memphis regions. Aircraft may be subject to potential airborne holding and reroutes, the notice says, and arrivals to some airports could possibly be restricted due to the increased volume. For travelers, all that could result in flight delays, traffic jams on the way to the airport, a lack of parking spots, and long security lines.

During the 2017 solar eclipse, some traffic jams lasted between 7 and 15.5 hours.

While the last solar eclipse visible from the United States was just a few years ago ago in 2017 , the anticipation for this year's is even greater. One reason for this (in addition to the duration of totality being almost double in length this time) is the fact that the 2024 eclipse path is much wider and more densely populated than 2017's.

“What makes it even more appealing is that there are so many major cities and populated areas along the path of totality this time,” Expedia travel expert Christie Hudson tells Condé Nast Traveler , citing Austin , Dallas , Dayton, and Indianapolis as 2024 eclipse hot spots.

The travel booking company has seen searches for hotels within the path go up 1,100% compared to the same period last year, including a 1,155% rise in searches for Burlington, Vermont; 985% for Little Rock, Arkansas; 705% for Dayton, Ohio; 645% for Buffalo, New York; and 545% for Indianapolis.

Likewise, Airbnb has also experienced a surge of more than 1,000% in searches compared to last year for what it calls “up to 268 seconds of darkness.” In fact, one in four Airbnb guests with a booking the night before the eclipse has a stay booked within the totality path, the company says.

How to avoid eclipse traffic jams

Traffic congestion warnings have been released for totality path states including Texas , Arkansas , New York , and Maine . Rental car company Hertz has seen a 3,000% increase over last year in advance bookings for cities within the totality pathway, the American Automobile Association (AAA) says.

When the eclipse hits, with totality starting at 1:27 pm local time in Texas and ending at 3:35 p.m. local time in Maine, “the last thing you want is to be driving,” Hudson, of Expedia, says. “So make a day of it, bring a picnic, and make sure to get gas the night before.”

On the roadways, the most congested sections are likely to be rural roads in popular eclipse destinations that aren't built for such a high volume of travelers, an AAA spokesperson tells Traveler. Following the 2017 eclipse, four of the five most bottlenecked locations were not freeways, AAA data from transportation analytics data company Inrix shows. At the time, traffic lasted between 7 and 15.5 hours, with the longest backups ranging from 45 to 70 miles.

In Texas, the eclipse path follows much of Interstate 35, through Austin, Dallas, and Fort Worth, as well as smaller towns, a Texas Department of Transportation spokesperson told Time Magazine , warning of “possible significant delays” on both the main highway and farm roads. Austin NBC affiliate KXAN warns of backups on U.S. Highway 290, 281, and 183—the latter especially around Liberty Hill.

Over in Arkansas, AR Highway 70 to Benton and AR Highway 65 between Conway in Greenbrier are forecasted to be the busy zones, per the Time report.

Around Columbus, the Ohio Department of Transportation told the local NBC affiliate WCMH to expect high volumes on Interstate 70 in downtown and Zanesville, Interstate 71 in downtown, Interstate 75 in Cincinnati and Dayton, Interstate 475 on Toledo's southwestern side, and Interstates 76 and 77, plus State Route 8, in Akron. Real time congestion can also be tracked here .

Canada's side of the Niagara Falls in Ontario has preemptively declared a state of emergency as an estimated 1 million travelers flock to the photogenic waterfall, which lies in the eclipse path. On Friday morning, the city issued a map of road closures in Niagara Falls and Fort Erie.

To avoid getting caught in traffic following the eclipse, “consider staying longer at your eclipse-viewing destination afterward,” an AAA spokesperson tells Traveler . “Much like after a concert, hang out until the initial rush passes.”

Hudson concurs, saying: “There will be many crowds. Pack your patience—and your special eclipse viewing glasses!”

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