Are you looking for expert travel tips for flying like a pro that every frequent flyer knows? These are 13 secrets you need to know in order to be prepared and organized for that next flight.
When you are preparing for a trip you want to be as organized as possible. Whether you are a frequent flyer, travel rarely, or it is your first time flying, these are the best travel tips for flying.
You are going to learn about all secrets that frequent flyers know and tips on how to make the preparation and trip comfortable.
After reading this post you will feel relaxed, excited, and prepared for that trip.
This post is all about travel tips for flying like a pro.
Expert Travel Tips For Flying Like A Pro
Weeks prior to trip
1. Fine Print
First up is reading all the fine print. There are many people that do not know the airline regulations (as they change regularly) or what is included in their accommodation. Do not be one of those people. Download the airline app for easy access to your flight schedule. In addition, it will be easier to receive live updates by utilizing the airline application. The people that announce a flight is delayed before everyone else knows are the people that likely have the airline app. Know what is going on with your flight at all times by downloading the airline app or subscribing to updates via email/text.
For accommodation’s, double and triple check your check in time and any other documents you need. For international travel, sometimes accommodation’s need some form of ID or something filled out. If your hotel or stay does not have an app, be sure to check any correspondence you received or their website. Policies are always changing and you want to ensure you are prepared and there are no last minute surprises. 🙂
2. Ultimate Travel Packing List
You will see this many times in Chasing Sunraiz posts because it is a must! You NEED a travel packing checklist prior to flying. This is to ensure you do not miss anything. The last thing you want is to forget an important document. In addition, you do not want to forget your favorite necklace because you were packing last minute or you were unorganized. Do yourself a favor and use a travel checklist or travel application every time you prepare for a trip.
For details on the ultimate travel checklist, here is a post you will love: Ultimate travel packing list | What to pack for vacation list
If you never want to forget anything while packing and stay organized, enter your email at the bottom of this post for a free customizable ultimate packing checklist pdf 🙂
3. TSA/Global Entry
If you are planning on flying often or hate waiting in long lines, consider getting TSA or Global Entry. This is something you would need to prepare months in advance as there is an approval process. You will basically walk right through security as you do not need to take off shoes or take out electronics. These programs make flying super easy and is a huge timesaver. They are worth every penny and you will want to renew and be one of those “TSA precheck or Global Entry VIP’s 😉 ). If you are one that runs late or want to convenience of not waiting in those very long TSA lines, check out those programs. Keep in mind you will have to look up businesses that offer these services near you. There is likely one close by and the fingerprint process does not take long.
Which one is right for me?
If you are a frequent domestic traveler or want the convivence of shorter lines, TSA Precheck would be perfect for you. If you travel frequently internationally (5 or more times a year) then Global Entry would the right fit for you. In addition, they are affordable and last years!
4. Organize Luggage
Organization is vital!!! You need to know what luggage you are bringing to stay organized and prepared. For example, do you need to check luggage? How many outfits do you need for your trip? These are all questions that should be answered weeks prior to your trip. The reason for this is you do not want to overpack. On the other hand, you want to ensure you have everything you need.
For additional tips on packing, you will love this related post: 11 Secrets For How To Pack Luggage For International Travel
5. Airport Transportation
Next up is airport transportation. This is something many people forget until last minute. You do not want to be stressed out scrambling to find a ride a day before your trip. When you book your trip, book your airport transportation. These should always go hand in hand. Now this could look different for everyone depending on the airport you are flying out of or where you live. For example, if you live near a city, a train might be the best option as some cities offer fast, direct trains to airports. On the other hand, you could ask your friend to return that favor you have been saving and give you a ride. However, your transportation looks, ensure it is set in advance. Airport parking/transportation tends to be less expensive when you book in advance!
6. Appointments
Any nail/hair/waxing appointments that you need prior to your trip, book them now! Do not be that person that is begging your nail person to take you last minute because it slipped your mind. Too many people do this and wind up settling with nails they hate. Organization and planning is key for stress free travel. This includes any doctors or specialists that you normally see. Ensure that these appointments do not overlap with your trip. A lot of specialists nowadays charge a last minute cancellation fee. Do not be one of these people and check your schedule ahead of time. 🙂
1 Day Prior To Trip
7. Airport Outfit
What you wear to the airport is extremely important. The reason for this is travel days are long days. You want to be as comfortable as possible. Do not make the mistake that I did once and wear heels for a long flight. You will start your vacation with blisters which is not fun. Also, you never know if your gate is further than you anticipated and you have to walk fast. Comfortable shoes is a must! Luckily, nowadays there are many cute loungewear and workout sets so you could still look cute but be comfy. Choose your outfit the night before so you are not scrambling to find something last minute.
8. Snacks
Next up is snacks. 😀 While most airlines give out snacks or a meal for free depending on the duration of a flight, it is always better to have your own snacks. If you are a picky eater, definitley pack your own snacks. Even if the flight is not too long, you do not want to get hangry. As long as the food is sealed up and a solid, you could bring this on the plane! Airports tend to raise the prices for food and drinks. Do not get caught in a situation where you are spending $10 for a small bag of chips. Instead opt to pack your own snacks and eat whenever you want.
9. Time
Give yourself plenty of time to get to the airport. You do not want to be one of those people stressing and running through the airport. Some airports are larger than you think. Also, sometimes your gate could very far from the entrance. Gates change all the time in airports. Time management is key! Leave all the packing for several days leading up to your flight. Sometimes there are a couple last minute items to pack. However, ensure all your important items are packed ahead of time and double check that ultimate travel checklist.
10. Download!
Downloading entertainment is a must!! While there are many planes with in flight entertainment for long flights, I cannot tell you how many times I have seen someone with one that does not work. Sometimes the in flight entertainment does not work the entire flight! The flight attendants are always helpful and tries to make it work, but sometimes they cannot. If you download your favorite books, movies, or shows, you will be sure to keep yourself entertained for the duration of your flight. Do not get stuck staring at a blank screen for that long flight.
Airport Day
Yay!!! It is travel day! You made it.
11. Comfortable Seating
Ok, you made it through TSA and are looking for somewhere to lounge. Most airports have an online map you could look at to navigate the airport. Try and find somewhere you will be comfortable. For example, you could sit by a coffee shop until 30 minutes to an 1 hour of boarding. Do not go to the gate last minute because you could miss important announcements. However, you deserve to grab that cup of coffee or glass of wine to relax to start that vacation. Do not forget to use the restroom prior to boarding. During taxing and takeoff you will not be allowed to use the restrooms.
12. Travel Essentials
Next up is plane travel essentials. Once you are on the plane, have all your travel essentials handy for the flight. While most flights you could grab your bag in the overhead bin after takeoff, sometimes with a lot of turbulence you cannot. In order to avoid this, keep everything you need at least to keep you occupied and comfortable within arms reach. For example, your neck pillow, entertainment, headphones, and blanket are something you should have handy in the seat pocket or your lap.
For more awesome tips on surviving those long flight and travel essentials, you will love this related post: Travel Organization | 7 Genius Travel Tips for Long Flights
13. Relax
Final tip is easier said than done, relax and enjoy!!! Vacations are meant to be fun and stress free. Whatever you normally do to de-stress, ensure you do de-stress prior to and during your flight. If you are one that gets anxiety when it comes to flying, then this tip is especially for you. Enjoy yourself and unwind because you more than deserve it. Try different techniques to help with de-stressing. Journaling, breathing techniques, and music are a few things to try. Know that this trip is coming at the perfect time and you are have been doing amazing preparing.
Happy and safe travels! xx
These are the expert travel tips for flying that you should save for later. Hope you feel ready and excited for that next trip!
This post was all about travel tips for flying.
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