Bring Headphones
Bringing headphones is great for many reasons. You won’t have to purchase a set to watch the movie, but they are likely to be more comfortable. Though we’re happy airlines offer them, they might not be the best quality. Bonus points if you bring noise cancelling ones!
Bring Headphones
Ask for an Upgrade
Many people are not aware that you can actually ask for an upgrade and that there are circumstances when you’ll actually get one. However, if you’re celebrating a special moment, you deserve special treatment. There’s nothing wrong with asking for an upgrade to have a better experience, though you might not always get it.
Ask for an Upgrade
Go to the Left at the Security Check
It’s hard to stand in line for long periods in the security line, and you could eliminate the stress. Instead of turning to the right, go left to the one farther away from you. Most people will go to the right one, so you’ll move through the system faster.
Go to the Left at the Security Check
Bring a Charger
Everyone loves technology, and you need to keep your phones and tablets charged. Traveling without these things might be unsafe. Though airports have charging stations, it’s best to bring your own so that you don’t have to wait. Consider bringing a portable charger so that you won’t be reliant on wall chargers, especially when the airport is crowded.
4. Bring a Charger
Bring Hand Sanitizer and Wet Wipes
People are in close proximity to everyone on a plane, and you don’t want to catch a cold. Therefore, make sure you pack hand sanitizer and wet wipes, using them whenever you can. Plus, you can feel a little more fresh after your long flight!
Bring Hand Sanitizer and Wet Wipes
Book Early Flights for Less Turbulence
Turbulence is something no one enjoys, and many people have to take medication. Though it’s often unavoidable, you could reduce your chances of dealing with it. Since turbulence occurs mainly in the afternoon, book an early morning flight to get a smooth ride.
Book Early Flights for Less Turbulence
Bring Ziploc Bags
When packing for a trip, make sure you grab some Ziploc bags. They’re handy when you purchase something at the airport, but you can also use them to store various trinkets that might otherwise get lost in your luggage.
Bring Ziploc Bags
Check in 24 Hours Before the Flight
Online check-ins are an excellent option now, and most airlines offer this service. You can check in 24 hours before the flight, which means you’re not rushing to stand in line and have another person do it. You’ll simply print out a boarding pass or use your phone.
Check in 24 Hours Before the Flight
Photograph Checked Luggage
Many people purchase the same luggage, but that can be problematic when it’s time to find yours on the carousel. Make sure you take a picture of it before you check it. Then, you can refer to that photo at the baggage claim line to ensure you get the correct one. This will also help if your baggage gets lost.
Photograph Checked Luggage
Freeze Liquid for the Plane
Liquids have been banned on most airlines for many years, but you can take small containers. If you want a drink and don’t want to pay for it, freeze a bottle of water before the trip. If it’s still completely frozen during the security lines, you can take it on board with you.
Freeze Liquid for the Plane
Find a Good Seat
Use SeatGuru to help you find the most comfortable seat on the flight. It offers reviews on specific seats, which will help you decide what to book. Once you get off the plane, make sure to leave a review for the next person!
Find a Good Seat
Fly the Red Eye
Most people want to sleep late at night, but if you dislike crowds and wish to enjoy a quiet flight, the red-eye might be the best solution. You can read a book or take a nap, and you’ll arrive at your destination before you know it!
Fly the Red Eye
Check out Restaurants and Shops
Traveling is exciting, and most people think they’ll get something to eat while at the airport. However, it’s wise to check ahead to make sure it will have something you’ll eat. Plus, the prices are often higher, so you might decide to eat elsewhere.
Check out Restaurants and Shops
Bring Empty Water Bottles
Airports make money by selling snacks and beverages. If you typically purchase a bottle of water, bring an empty one from home and fill it from water fountain when you’re through security. It will save you a ton of money!
Bring Empty Water Bottles
Wear Red
Pushing through a busy airport is always stressful. However, if you’re traveling with companions, it’s easy to get separated. If you all wear red scarves or shirts, you’ll be able to see each other quite easily.
Wear Red
Check Flight Status
You want to get to the airport with time to spare, but you don’t wish to sit there forever. Make sure you check the flight status before heading to the airport. If there’s a huge delay, you can wait to leave and won’t be sitting around, bored at the airport.
Check Flight Status
Collect Hotel Toiletries
People enjoy hotels because of the room service, comfy beds, and more. They often include toiletries, and you can take them home. Even if you don’t think you’ll use them, they can be beneficial. When you stock up, you won’t have to buy travel-sized items later!
Collect Hotel Toiletries
Use the VIP Lounge
Flying frequently gives you many perks. You can often exchange your frequent flyer miles for VIP lounge access. They typically offer complimentary drinks, comfortable seating, and entertainment. Sometimes, you can also buy day passes separately.
Use the VIP Lounge
Avoid Rebooking Lines
If your flight gets canceled, you likely rush with everyone else to the desk to rebook it. Instead, find a phone. Call the airline directly and talk to the representative. They have the same abilities as the airport attendants and can help you much faster.
Avoid Rebooking Lines
Avoid Bright Clothing
Getting through security is tough, and you don’t want to give them a reason to pick you to check. Flight attendants claim that random checks often happen to people wearing bright colors. Though it’s not a hard rule, it might be wise to think about your attire.
Avoid Bright Clothing
Nap at the Airport
Delayed flights can leave people cranky, but you should try to nap. It isn’t easy to sleep on a hard seat, but many airports now rent out sleeping pods, such as Heathrow in London. They go for $60 and give you four hours of rest.
Nap at the Airport
Store Your Laptop Safely
Instead of packing your laptop in the carry-on luggage, buy a separate laptop case. Then, you can easily pull it out for the security check and also during the flight without having to shuffle things around. They’re often inexpensive and can save you tons of time.
Store Your Laptop Safely
Photograph Your Parking Space
Airport parking can be stressful because you’re searching for a good space and then often have to rush inside. Before heading into the airport, take a picture of the area to know exactly where it is when you return.
Photograph Your Parking Space
Wear Extra Clothes
You don’t want to pay more to check extra bags. Therefore, you can wear your bulkiest items to the airport. It might be a little uncomfortable, but you can remove them after you get through security. This could save you a lot of money!
Wear Extra Clothes
Wrap Bag and Luggage Handles
After being on a long flight, you want to get to the hotel and relax. Therefore, you must get through the baggage claim part quickly. It might be wise to wrap something colorful around the handle to help you spot it sooner.
Wrap Bag and Luggage Handles
Sign Up for Global Entry or TSA Precheck
Once you arrive at your destination, you don’t want to stand in a long customs line. It might cost you some money, but you could apply for Global Entry or TSA Precheck in most airports. This means you’ll skip the lines and be out of the airport faster.
Sign Up for Global Entry or TSA Precheck
Check for Free WiFi
Visiting another country is fun, but you don’t want to use up all your smartphone data. Many times, they charge you for “roaming,” as well. Check to make sure there’s free WiFi in the airport to avoid all those issues later.
Check for Free WiFi
Pack Liquids and Electronics on Top
TSA has countless rules about what you can/can’t bring on a plane, and everything is now screened. Therefore, it’s better to pack your electronics and liquids on top of your clothes so that they’re very visible and easy to take out of the bag quickly.
Pack Liquids and Electronics on Top
Get Deals on Tuesdays and Wednesdays
CheapAir performed a study showing that the best times to purchase airline tickets are Tuesdays and Wednesdays. You could save up to $73 per ticket when doing this, and the cheap days to travel are Thursdays and Fridays.
Get Deals on Tuesdays and Wednesdays
Portable Weight Checkers
Nothing is more irritating than learning your luggage is over the weight limit. You could end up spending extra money or removing items and leaving them at the airport. Instead, purchase a portable weight checker to be sure you’re safe.
Portable Weight Checkers
Don’t Listen to Music
Most people like to listen to music while at the airport to keep them calm. However, you don’t want to miss any announcements about your flight. Airlines might offer vouchers for people who will take the next flight or talk about delays.
Don’t Listen to Music
TSA App for Wait Times
Don’t simply hope for the best when you get to the airport and see the security check line. Be prepared the next time and download the MyTSA app. It offers information on tips, traveler warnings, and wait times.
TSA App for Wait Times
Don’t Rush Aboard
People always rush around to board the plane, pushing and shoving to find their seats. Remember that the airplane won’t leave without you. Walk slowly and avoid the stress that rushing can bring. It will be easier for you and everyone else this way.
Don’t Rush Aboard
Important Items in the Carry-On
When traveling, pack your important items in the carry-on. This should include documentation, phone chargers, medications, valuables, toothbrush/toothpaste, underwear, and another change of clothes. If your checked luggage is lost, you’ll at least have a few things.
Important Items in the Carry-On
Bring a Power Strip
It’s often hard to find outlets at the airport. Even when you do, there’s only one outlet. Therefore, bring your power strip with you to charge multiple things at once. Consider sharing the outlets you don’t need to be the hero.
Bring a Power Strip
Laptop Stands
You might want to work at the airport or during the flight. If you also enjoy reclining your seat, you might want to invest in a laptop stand. They’re inexpensive and will help you position the laptop correctly while you recline.
Laptop Stands
Front Side of the Airplane
The best seats tend to be near the front of the plane. If you often feel upset or get sick while flying, these might help you avoid problems. Other options include window seats and exit rows. However, you might prefer an aisle seat if you want to disembark quickly.
Front Side of the Airplane
Don’t Wait in Line to Rent a Car
You will probably need to rent a car when traveling to a new place. Book it online on the rental website instead of heading to the line once you arrive at the new airport. In fact, you might save money and get a better option.
Don’t Wait in Line to Rent a Car
Print Boarding Passes and Maps
Download and print an airport map and your boarding pass before getting to the airport. This will help you save time and check in much earlier. Plus, you’ll skip most of the lines and won’t lose your way while trying to find the gate.
Print Boarding Passes and Maps
Use Glasses
If you usually use contact lenses, it’s likely best to avoid wearing them because they could dry out. The oxygen and humidity are much less in a plane. Therefore, it’s better to wear glasses during the flight.
Use Glasses
