If you’re a new flyer or it’s been years since you’ve flown, you might be wondering what can I do to make flying less stressful? In this post, I’ll share easy ways any traveler can make flying more enjoyable.
If you’re already an expert flyer, you might breeze right through these simple tips, and if you have any ideas you want to add, please share them on our Facebook community.
Assuming you haven’t yet booked your flight, I’ll give ideas about flights, items you might forget to pack, and things to leave at home. So let’s start at the beginning.
Prepare
Proper Preparation Prevents Poor Performance
Documents
Find out what documents or identification you will need. When possible, a Passport should always be your first choice and will allow you to travel almost everywhere. If flying with a Driver’s license, verify if identification must be Real ID compliant and make sure yours is.
What is a VPN and why do I need it?
Consider a VPN when using WiFi. Having your phone hacked and personal information stolen is no joke.
A VPN is a virtual private network, a safety net of sorts. It protects your information by ” hiding” Your IP Address. It also encrypts your data and sends it through secure networks. This hides your online identity so that you can surf the internet, do business online, and even stream movies and television shows anonymously.
A VPN even protects you from hackers when using public WiFi.
“On an unsecured public Wi-Fi network, hackers can easily intercept anything you send and receive. While most of your internet traffic is pretty uninteresting, it could include sensitive info like your bank account details, credit card numbers, or login credentials.” Avast academy
For safe keeping and anytime access, send or store important documents, copies of identification, health insurance cards, travel insurance, and credit cards to the cloud or email to yourself. Then, if for some reason you need the information, you will have it accessible from anywhere with an internet connection.?
Do I need travel insurance?
Travel insurance
Whenever you are traveling it is always a good idea to have travel insurance. Travel insurance is easily available to all travelers and you can purchase a policy up to a few days before your trip. If you travel often, a yearly policy might be worth considering. It’s a good idea to purchase a policy independent of your air or cruise plans through a third party. I have had good luck with both CHUBB and Insure My trip, but a quick internet search will find other options. If you or someone in your party has health concerns, you may want to book a policy as soon as you book your original trip to ensure you can have the benefit of canceling for any reason, and that if there is a look-back period on health problems, it will be addressed.
Some major credit cards may have some form of travel insurance. Check with your cardholder for details. Trip insurance policies may cover trip delays, trip cancelations, lost luggage, repatriation, and more. Make sure to read your policy and that is has all the coverage you need.
Choose flights wisely
Besides price, also consider the flight schedule. Airline A might be cheaper by $12 per person, but is a connecting flight with a layover. Airline B costs more, but you get to your destination faster.
Consider the number of stops and the total flight time when choosing a flight. Keep in mind that each stopover is an opportunity than can affect the flying schedule.
The final consideration for choosing flights is additional costs. Do you need:
- To check luggage
- Choose a seat
- Sit with family
- Require extra room
- Bring a carry-on
- Have snacks and beverages provided
For low-cost carriers, you will pay extra for things you might take for granted on other airlines. Seat size and pitch may be less than other lines. (Less leg room or room for your backside).
You may have to pay extra for checking a bag, choosing a seat, and even bringing a carry-on bag.
Can I get an upgraded seat free by asking?
You can try but keep in mind airlines are a business. They are out to make money. If you want an upgraded seat, pay for it. You can do this when you first book, wait and see if they offer a deal, or if you have miles, upgrade with all miles or a combination of miles and cash.
If you have status with an airline, you are more likely to get upgraded than a first-time customer.
Check-in ASAP
Make sure to check in as soon as you are allowed. Most airlines ask that you check-in around 24 hours before your flight.
Perhaps you are flying Southwest, check-in in as close to 24 hours as you can since there are no seat assignments, only boarding positions. The earlier you check-in, the better boarding position you will get.
If you are unavailable to check in at a certain time, say you are on a cruise or have no access to the internet, consider purchasing Early Bird Check-in. Starts at $15 depending on the flight.
Customers who book Early Bird are checked in 36 hours before the flight. Although you are not guaranteed an “A boarding position”, you will get a better position than those checking in manually.
Then, when you arrive at the airport, all you will need to do is print out the boarding pass, or pull up the app. A perfect solution for cruisers out at sea unable to check-in.
Alternately, book Business Select. By booking Business Select, you are guaranteed a boarding spot,” A1- A15″, you also get a free premium drink on flights longer than 176 miles, extra rapid reward points per dollar spent, and the fare is refundable.
Why check-in for a flight?
The reason you check in is that sometimes flights are oversold. The airline companies gamble, assuming some flyers will cancel at the last minute. These corporations want to fly with as full of a plane if possible. More bodies, more profit. Sometimes their gamble does pay off and everyone shows up.
What does oversold mean?
Oversold means the airline sold more seats than what is available. Or not enough seats for the number of bodies. When this happens, the airline begins offering money for people to volunteer to change their plans and take the next available flight.
The next available flight could be in an hour or tomorrow. If no volunteers are found, they pick the number of passengers that will not change their plans. Involuntary-denied-boarding, also known as being Bumped. One way to choose who gets denied boarding is to pick the last passengers who checked in or who failed to check in. They also scrutinize the fare type and can bump the passengers with the least expensive fares.
Why should I download and use the airline app?
When you use the app of your airline you can get flight updates and sometimes offer free inflight entertainment.
Expert flyer tip: Make sure to install your airline’s app on your phone before the airplane door closes. You will not be able to access WiFi to install the app after the flight takes off.
Now that you have the app it’s not necessary to print a boarding pass. It’s stored in the app. You don’t need to worry about losing it, or having to toss it away after your flight. You can board the flight and go through security with this digital boarding pass.
Sign up for flight alerts
When you book your flight or anytime after, you can sign up for flight alerts to let you know if your flight is delayed or canceled. It is a good idea to check for any updates before leaving for the airport. This could save you a trip to the airport or from waiting longer than necessary.
Learn your city codes
Every airport has a unique city code, usually 3 letters. Take the time to learn your home city code and destination airports. Pay attention when your bags are being tagged to your destination city. Speak up if something doesn’t look right. The agent may have fumbled the keys, and you may have just saved yourself from having a mishandled bag.
Know your passenger rights
Find out your rights when it comes to how your airline handles delays, voluntary, and involuntarily bumping. To find out more check out the Transportation gov overbooking website:
Depending on the situation, you may be entitled to compensation. For example, if a flight is oversold and your plans are flexible, you can make some good money or future travel credits by giving up your seat.
Know TSA rules
No matter if it’s been a few months, years since your last flight, or this will be your first flight, it’s your responsibility to know how TSA works. Perform a quick Google search and find out what to expect. You don’t want to be the one to hold up the line.
How to check TSA wait times?
If you want to check wait times at the airport before leaving home, there’s an app for that. My TSA App is available for both Apple and Android devices. The App reports the estimated wait times from fellow travelers. This information is handy, especially during peak holiday travel. The app also has a section where flyers can find out what items can be brought through the security checkpoint.
Dress for the screening
To avoid having extra screening, or a physical pat down, wear the right clothes. Choose items that fit your body. Avoid wearing outfits like baggy pants, skirts, and dresses. Opt for clothes that don’t look like there’s room to hide items.
This should go with saying, don’t wear a T-shirt that says “bomb builder.” True story, I saw a guy in line ahead of me waiting for a TSA screening with that shirt. By the time I got through the line, I saw him being led into a room with several other agents to get the “special screening.”
Avoid wearing long dresses or intricate hair styles.Yiu will get extra screening.
Wear shoes that are easy to remove and make sure you have socks. Avoid walking on the floor with bare feet.
If chosen for further screening, don’t get an attitude. You were probably randomly chosen. If you are a female, a female will be the one physically touching you. If you are male, you will be patted down by another male. Listen to the agent and try not to interrupt. If you stop them after they begin, they must start over.
Families
When traveling as a family with children, the child may be chosen. Always go with the child. It could be as some as the child had a piece of candy or gum in their pockets.
On one occasion, a friend of one of our sons was traveling with us. He had left some change in his pocket. My husband had to accompany him to the screening.
Do prescription medications count towards my liquid allowance?
Medications do not count towards your 3-1-1 allowance but should be clearly labeled. You may need to remove the medication and let the screener know you have it.
Can I bring breast milk or formula through airport security?
Formula, breast milk, and juice also do not count towards your liquid allowance. However, remove items from your bag and let the officer know you have them. These items do not need to fit in a quart-size bag. These liquids will go through the x-ray scanner and bottles may be opened to confirm what is inside. For more clarification on what items are allowed for infants and toddlers check TSA Traveling with children.
Some questions you might have before going through the security checkpoint:
- How does the TSA checkpoint work?
- How to get through the TSA checkpoint?
- Do you leave shoes on or remove them?
- Can you keep your belt on?
- What do you do with liquids and how much can you bring?
- Does my laptop stay in the bag or do I remove it? Please don’t be the person standing there looking around not knowing what to do.
- Know the 3-1-1 rule for liquids in your carry-on and keep your liquids bag at the top of your carry-on or in an easily accessible pocket.
- Leave your laptop at home unless you need to work.
- Your smartphone can be used for the internet, and your entertainment needs.
- Remember to bring the proper cords and a power bank.
Want to get through security faster and not take your shoes off? TSA PreCheck might be your answer.
Pack
A good packing list is a must! Using a packing list you are less likely to forget important items and keep you from packing more than you need.
Use a bag that is just large enough for the belongings you plan on bringing and roll, fold, or use a combination of both.
Packing cubes are life savers. They keep clothing and other essentials neat. I don’t think I could travel without them again. If you haven’t used these zippered bags, be sure to try them out to decide for yourself.
A small, digital travel scale will come in handy for anyone that travels even occasionally. When not in use, store it with your luggage. Before leaving for the airport, be sure to check the weight of each bag.
Save yourself from additional stress Incase your bag doesn’t show up by cross packing. This can be done if traveling with another passenger or checking more than one bag.
What is Cross packing?
Cross packing is when you take some of your items, clothing, shoes, and personal hygiene items out of your suitcase and put them into your companion’s bag. They take half of theirs and place it in your bag. If traveling with two checked bags you can do the same thing.
The odds are in favor that at least one bag will arrive at your final destination. Bags sometimes do not arrive at your airport destination.
Just for added measures, always pack an additional complete outfit in your carry-on bag.
Do not go over fifty pounds, as you will pay for oversized luggage. If the weight is close, consider removing a few items. A pair of shoes or boots may make a difference. You can also remove a heavy coat and wear it. Your scale may be different than the airlines.
A suitcase can weigh more than you know before you even begin packing. My 26-inch hard side roller bag weighs 9 pounds when empty. That’s almost one-fifth of the allowed weight. I stopped traveling with this piece of baggage because I could hardly fill it before it went overweight. It was difficult to get the luggage through the airport if I were alone.
Soft-sided bags generally weigh less and give more options than hard-sided bags for expansion.
When choosing a suitcase, stay away from huge bags. Size matters too! Pick bags less than 25 inches. When you opt for 26 or 27-inch bags, you will have room in your bag to pack too much, you will keep adding because you think you don’t have enough, and before you know it you will be overweight.
Be sure to check with your airline to find out the allowed sizes and weight for both checked and carry-on bags. Their carry-on size may vary from airline to airline, and could even vary depending on the aircraft.
Don’t bring more clothes, shoes, and luggage than you need. You will be dealing with your luggage at the airport until you check it out if not checking a bag, carrying you personal item or carryon bag to your destination.
Can I check my bags at the curb?
If you decide to check a bag, consider doing so at the front door. Agents at the curb can take your bag from you and tag it for the flight. Many times there’s no line at the curb, so it can save you time. If you decide to check your bag at the curb, Please make sure to tip.
Can you check bags last minute?
Most domestic airlines require you to check bags at least 45 minutes before the flight leaves. Some require 60 minutes.
Don’t wait until the last minute to check your bag. Each airline has its timeframe.
What happens if you are too late to check a bag?
If you try and check your bag after the baggage cutoff, it will be refused. You are fine if the suitcase is small enough to be brought on board as a carry-on, but if your bag is too large to go as a carry-on, you will have to be rebooked (standby) on another flight, possibly at additional cost. So make sure to not arrive late.
Do I pack my prescription medications in my checked bag?
Always pack your prescription medications and any other valuables in your carry-on bag. If asked to gate check your bag, remove valuables and medications first.
Other important items in your carryon
Bring a portable power bank, and your phone’s charging cable, for your phone. If your phone needs a charge while at the airport, plug in the battery pack.
This way, if you are not paying attention for a split second, your charging unit will be lost and not your phone.
Staying healthy at the airport and plane
When you finally get on the plane and sit down, stop! Don’t touch anything! Pull out your disinfectant wipes and sanitize your seat and tray table, even before fastening your seat belt. A stomach illness called Noro Virus is commonly picked up on the way to vacation.
Masking requirements due to the Pandemic may no longer be required to wear on the airplane, but opt to wear one. It would be ashamed to get to your destination and become ill.
Navigate
Do a bit of research before leaving on your trip. Airport maps are easily found with a quick internet search. You can find out where your gate and terminal are once it’s been assigned.
It’s also nice to know what else is close to your gate. Most airports have at least a few places to grab food, coffee, or adult beverages. Larger airports may have many choices. They’re usually small shops as well to grab last-minute items such as gum and magazines.
It’s very easy to get turned around in some international airports. By taking a few minutes before arriving, you can save lots of added stress. If you don’t have time before your trip, there should be a map or kiosk at the airport.
Layovers
Sitting around the airport, especially if you’re stuck there for a long time can be torture. Sometimes you might have to wait on a connecting flight and have an hour or more time to waste.
Or maybe you just got kicked off your cruise ship (disembarked) and have several hours to kill before your flight. Just know that there are options besides torturing yourself at the airport.
The airport can be confusing to navigate, especially at a larger airport. There may be several terminals or concourses. Your flight may come into terminal one, and your connection may be in terminal five.
Always check the app or reader board an hour or so before scheduled flight time. Your gate can very well change and you may not know. By using the app, you will have the most up to date information.
Getting from point A to point B
You just got off your originating flight and are at the airport of your connection. You read that the jet is parked at D27. Your connection is at A49 and you have 27 minutes before the flight leaves. Not much time. How will you possibly get to your gate in time?
Below are some of the tools that airports have that can help flyers move quickly from one part of the airport to the next.
Some airports have automated people movers. This is a flat escalator that you walk on and go faster than walking alone.
How does the people mover work?
To use the People mover, stand right, walk left. In a hurry, walk to the left. Catching your breath, stay to the right. You can stand and rest and still make progress. Just pay attention when they abruptly end. Watch your step!
In really large or spread out airports, there might be a tram, train, or bus where you can transfer between terminals quickly. Pay attention to the train you are getting on and hold on or steady yourself for the ride. These trains stop and go quickly. Make sure to exit at the correct stop, if not you may have to ride the train the entire route.
Dealing with canceled flights
It doesn’t matter if it’s at the beginning of your trip, during a connection, or on the way home. Canceled flights are very stressful.
If your flight gets canceled, avoid standing in the long line to reschedule your flight. Instead, open your app and try to change your flight there. Alternately, you could also call the toll-free customer service phone number.
Either way, don’t waste time. Start researching your flights. When you finally get to the front of the line, or an agent answers the phone, be kind. It’s not the employee’s fault. You can help them help you by having options of how to get you to your destination.
Do round-trip flights cost less?
Consider one way and round trip
In the old days of flying you had to book both legs of your trip together as a round trip. Then airlines tried to tell you this was the only way. I’m not sure if it’s always cheaper either way, but give yourself more options when booking and look at two ways.
Go a step further and look at any Airline that flies to your chosen airport. Unless you are trying to earn status, toss loyalty out the window. One airline may be less expensive on your outbound flight, and a different one on your return flight.
To save money or if you are short on time you might consider an overnight flight. Most red-eye flights depart around 11 PM and arrive in the morning.
Flights may be less crowded affording you to stretch out and sleep. If you end up flying the late flight you might be interested in a Hotel By Day so that you can get some rest and take a shower before continuing your trip.
Is there an ideal time to get the best price on flights?
No. There does not seem to be a magic number of days when to purchase cheap flights. Some sources seem to think the best time to buy is 75 days for domestic and 90 for international flights.
You can watch flights with apps like Hopper which will alert you of prices. Airlines have sales often. Your best bet is to sign up for alerts with each airline and purchase when the price feels right. I’ll say it again, purchase flights when the price gets to your ideal number, or the inventory is getting space.
On routes that are only served by one airline and or have few flights per day or week, you might be best served to book early.
How far in advance can you book a flight?
Each airline is different, but here are some of the major domestic carriers booking windows:
- SouthWest 7 to 8 months
- American Airlines 331 days
- United Airlines ~11 months
- Alaska Airlines 330 days
To save money on a flight, you could try flying on the day of the holiday. Many times, you can save a bit of money. You might also luck out and be offered a free beverage.
Comfort
For your comfort, research what are the best seats or which ones to avoid on seat map websites like:
- Seat Guru
- Expert Flyer
- Sky Trax
- Seat line
To recline or not?
Should you recline your seat or not is the million-dollar question. Many flyers will argue that they paid for the seat and it reclines, so it’s their right. Others take into consideration that they know the seats are small and have little legroom.
Then there are the few that will do whatever it takes so you cannot recline your seat. In the end, it’s up to you if you recline. I always glance back and make sure the person behind me doesn’t have a laptop out or a bunch of food on their tray table first.
Food and drinks
For comfort on and off the plane, bring a few healthy snacks. Cut-up veggies, apples, and peanut butter to-go cups are an easy way to eat healthy snacks. Keep in mind that the peanut butter will need to go in your liquids bag until you go through security as it is considered a liquid.
Trail mix and granola or protein bars can get you by until you can get real food. This can help fight hunger, and save you money by not having to purchase overpriced airport food.
Bring an empty water bottle. Purchasing water at the airport may cost five to eight dollars. There is usually a water fountain or water station at each airport. You can refill it after you’ve gone through security.
If you want to bring an item that needs to be kept cold, freeze a water bottle or juice box. Make sure it is frozen solid and not melted at all until you get through the security checkpoint.
As long as your water bottle or juice box is solid, it doesn’t count against your liquids. It would be a good idea to place this ice pack into another bag in case it leaks once it Begins to thaw and leak all over. By the time you get to your destination your frozen bottle be a cold drink for you to enjoy. In the meantime, it will keep your lunch cool until you eat it.
Do yourself a favor and skip the soda. You don’t need the extra gas. Opt instead for water or juice. It is important to stay hydrated.
If you enjoy a cup of tea, bring a couple of your favorite tea bags. You can get hot water on request on board your flight from the flight attendant. Also for a cheap meal, bring a cup of ramen soup or instant oatmeal.
Plan your entertainment
Before you leave home, decide on your entertainment. Download music, movies, TV shows, or audiobooks to enjoy during your trip.
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Double-check that you brought the correct charging cord and a set of headphones. My personal favorite is my noise-canceling headphones. With my chronic migraines, I rarely fly without them. I have had this Anker Soundcore pair for over a year now and it has worked well for me. They are light, have great sound, and noise-canceling is excellent. Battery life usually lasts me for the entire trip. You can find them on Amazon here:Headphones on Amazon .
Dress for comfort even if you are flying for business. You can always change your clothes before heading to that business meeting. This includes wearing comfortable shoes and socks. Pack the heals for your destination.
Layers are your friend. You can use a light sweater to cover your arms when cold or use it as a pillow when tired.
Put away your contact lenses and wear glasses if needed. The air inside the cabin is so dry, that your eyes and contacts don’t mingle well. If you decide to wear the lenses, make sure to have a travel-size bottle of saline solution for rinsing and resetting lenses as needed during the flight.
Organize your carryon
Organize your carry-on so that you know where items are without having to dig through them. Have a specific place for your travel documents, identification such as passport and visa, and other important papers.
In your carry-on, you should have a toothbrush and travel-size toothpaste. A travel-size deodorant and a few wet wipes to make you feel human after a long flight.
After exiting security and before the flight, I like to move my lotion from my 3-1-1 bag to an easier accessed location, so that I can keep my hands from getting too dry.
A small bottle of over-the-counter medicines for headaches and upset stomach should be packed where it is easily accessible.
If you suffer from chronic migraines, be sure to pack any prescription medications or comfort items to help you feel better. Also, have your chewing gum or hard candy where you will be able to reach.
Items like extra clothing and shoes can be packed at the bottom of your carry-on. Consider using packing cubes even for your carry-on bag. Besides allowing you to pack efficiently, going through the security scan will be a breeze.
Invest in PreCheck or Global Entry. This is my favorite new travel tool. You still go through the security screen, but you get to leave your shoes and belt on, and your liquids and electric devices get to stay in your bag. Getting to your destination and enjoying a hot meal or climbing into bed after a long flight is very comforting.
Don’t stress the small stuff
Delays may happen, there may be turbulence, and your bag may be delayed, but try not to let it bother you.
Now that you know these four simple tips that any traveler can use to make flying more enjoyable, let’s put them into action so that you can have a more relaxing flight, and get into “vacay mode” sooner. Continue learning, exploring, and being prepared.
Want to learn more about travel? We have more posts about air travel, airports, and how to get through the airport quicker that are ready for you to explore. You can learn about destinations, tours, and what to expect from your first time in the main dining room to your first port day
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Thank you to yousef alfuhigi on Unsplash for photo of (man looking out window in airport) Ph Phil Mosley on Unsplash for photo of (People waiting in line at airport check in) and Suhyeon Choi on Unsplash for (airplane passengers sitting in seats).
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