For many travelers, flying is one of the most stressful parts of traveling. From getting through airport security to boarding a crowded plane, there are many reasons people complain about air travel. It’s expensive, flights get canceled, and babies cry the whole flight.
But although there are many downsides to flying, most of us rely on plane travel to get to our preferred vacation destination or for work trips. Since flying is a necessary evil, we try to find ways to make it easier and more comfortable. There are plenty of things you can do to improve your flight. Here are a few tips to help you with everything from buying tickets to what to do when you arrive at your destination.
1. Get a great deal on your flight
Flights can be expensive, but there are plenty of ways to get a great deal. First and foremost, be flexible with your travel plans. Instead of choosing your destination and dates before searching for flights, look for cheap flights to different destinations during different times of the year and see what you can find. You can find much cheaper tickets if you’re flexible about where and when you vacation. Many travel websites allow you to explore destinations or put “anywhere” in the search bar so that you can look at all flights and find the cheapest destinations.
Another way to spend less on flying is to take advantage of miles, flight delay compensation, and other discounts. Many credit cards allow you to earn miles that you can use to pay for plane tickets. Airlines also have frequent flyer programs where you can earn discounts and other perks. And of course, if you’ve experienced canceled or delayed flights in the past, you can usually get compensation or a voucher that you can use toward a future flight.
2. Choose your seat wisely
Everyone has different seat preferences, but there are definitely seats that most people avoid. Middle seats are among the least popular since you’re stuck sitting between strangers. Choosing a good seat will help you enjoy your flight a bit more. Pick an aisle seat if you want easy access to the bathroom, or a window seat if you like the view. If turbulence bothers you, pick a seat in the middle of the plane, preferably above the wings, where you won’t feel as much turbulence. If you have a short layover and need to rush to make your connecting flight, choose a seat towards the front of the plane so you can exit faster. While it might seem like a small thing, a good seat can make all the difference in your flight.
3. Double-check the carry-on rules for your flight
Make sure your carry-ons are the right size. Your airline should list the weight and dimensions allowed on their website. Make sure you measure and weigh your bag before heading to the airport. Trying to repack and arrange your bags at the airport is a pain, so make sure you follow the guidelines.
4. Bring airplane essentials for a comfortable flight
Make a list of items you need to be comfortable on the plane. A neck pillow and a blanket are great if you want to get some sleep during your flight. Hand sanitizer and wet wipes are necessary for cleaning off your tray table, armrests, and any other germ-filled areas around your seat. Noise-canceling headphones will help you drown out the sound of noisy passengers and listen to music or podcasts during your trip. Anything that will make your flight more comfortable is worth bringing, so make a list and get what you need.
5. Arrive at your destination prepared
Once you arrive at your destination, you need to get to your accommodations and find your way around. To do so, you should have a fully charged phone and a rideshare app downloaded. Airport taxis are usually very overpriced, and wandering around a new city on foot without knowing where you’re going is going to get you lost. Make sure you know the address and details of your hotel or vacation rental. If you arrive prepared, you’ll get your trip off to a good start.
Plane travel can be a headache, but there are things you can do to make it easier. Be flexible and search for cheap flights during times when prices are low. Choose a good seat for maximum comfort on your flight. Make sure your baggage complies with your airline’s rules before you get to the airport. Bring your airplane essentials to survive your flight and make it a bit more comfortable. And make sure you’re prepared with a charged phone, hotel details, and a rideshare app when you get to your destination. Follow these tips to make plane travel more bearable and enjoy your travel.
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