Either you’re in a mad rush to the airport and panicking about boarding a plane on time, or you’re sat twiddling your thumbs waiting at the gate for hours on end- there seems to be no happy way! Airplane travel can be stressful, particularly during busy seasons.
The key to stress-free travel is planning. Those who fly regularly follow a set of practices that make their experience far more comfortable. By adding a bit of organizational structure to your pre-flight routine, you are guaranteed to avoid all of the useful airplane travel pitfalls.
Check out our list of ten top flying tips that you can put into place before boarding to make your trip easier.
What are the best flying tips before boarding a plane?
Bring some snacks
Many travelers are unaware if they can bring food to the airport and hesitate to pack snacks for airplane travel. Treat yourself with your favorite snacks and avoid those hangry mood swings while waiting. It not only means you won’t be boarding a plane hungry but also helps save money on expensive airport food. The restrictions on what you can bring in are even looser if you are traveling with a child, but remember, no liquids!
Prepare to sleep
Dozing off while you wait is an excellent way to catch a quick restful break and kill time simultaneously if you’re prepared. There are a few essentials that make sleeping on your journey effortless. Be sure to pack a neck pillow, an eye mask, and earplugs. That way, if your flight is not on time, you can snooze in peace. However, remember to set up an alarm so you don’t end up missing your flight!
How to have a safe and smooth flight with your baby
Charge your devices beforehand
Nothing makes a layover or a flight delay more boring than staring into space, wishing your phone hadn’t just died. Be sure to charge your phone, laptop, camera, and anything else you regularly travel with. While airports do have outlets, getting one isn’t always easy if there’s a crowd. The best way is to always bring a power bank and avoid the outlet roulette altogether.
Don’t sit still
Airplane travel has become a lot more fun in recent years due to the quality of airports. So, before boarding a plane, check out what is on offer, explore the airport. Some airports have beautiful gardens, high-end restaurants, and drop-in movie screens for you to enjoy. Your wait will be over before you know it. You can use airport alert tracker apps to help with navigation while you explore.
Bring an empty bottle
Keeping hydrated can be difficult and adds to the fatigue of traveling. Although you can’t take water through security, you can take a reusable water bottle. Fortunately, most airports now have water refill stations in the terminal for you to use. Bringing a bottle also means you can avoid purchasing expensive single-use water bottles and do your bit for the environment.
Pack Smart
One of the most overlooked but simple flight tips is packing smart. Organize your carry on so that the essential items are easily accessible. Remember that some airports require you to remove your laptops and other electronic devices at security clearance. So, these items should be packed in a manner that they are easily accessible to remove and to put back. Nobody wants to be the person digging through their luggage at the front of a busy check-in queue. If you’re going on a short journey, try and fit everything into your carry-on. It simplifies the entire pre-boarding process.
Leverage technology
Download useful apps specific to airports. These apps help with connecting to the WiFi, finding power outlets, and locating play areas. It takes away some of the stress before boarding, and helps you locate the gate. If your airport doesn’t have an in-house app, Flio, and FlySmart are all great alternatives.
Complete pre-check-in
Checking-in online to avoid lengthy queues during busy periods is a very handy flying tip. Most airports have automated bag drops for customers who have already checked in.
Also, if you fly more than a few times a year, take advantage of CLEAR or TSA PreCheck for US airports. CLEAR replaces your ID with fingertips and eyes and helps you get through security easily at major US airports. With the TSA PreCheck lasting a full five years, you get to walk through security much faster in a dedicated TSA Pre-Check lane where you don’t have to take off your shoes, or remove your laptop or liquids from your bag.
Take a supplement
Airplane travel can be exhausting, especially long-haul flight. We recommend taking a health supplement to keep your immune system intact. It can be an all-purpose vitamin or something more specific like probiotics to support your digestive system, adaptogens to tackle stress from jetlag and if you need to master your sleep during travel, maintain your magnesium levels. Pop a supplement before boarding and enjoy a hassle-free flight.
Splash out on an airport lounge
For long-haul airplane travel, treat yourself to an airport lounge. If you are a frequent flyer, invest in an airline membership, otherwise, simply buy a day pass to access these premium lounges. They are quiet, private and usually come with free drinks, food, and WiFi. You can even freshen up with a quick shower. You can also take some complimentary drinks when you go. It isn’t one of our cheapest flight tips, but we think it’s worth it.
Come prepared to board a plane for a hassle-free airplane travel
Boarding a plane isn’t rocket science but can be extremely stressful if you don’t come prepared. As long as you have the essentials, take time to pack carefully, and follow our tips for flying, you’re already halfway there.
