11 Practical Tips for a Hassle-Free Flying Experience
Flying can be both exciting and stressful. Compared to other modes of transportation, boarding a flight is still the fastest way to get to most destinations. But even if you’re a seasoned traveler, you can still encounter issues such as flight delays or cancelations, long lines at security, and limited legroom. For long-haul flights, in particular, you need to deal with possible leg pain and the effects of jet lag, too.
Fortunately, there are some ways you can make the trip much more comfortable. Whether you’re traveling for business or leisure, you can follow these practical tips for a hassle-free flying experience. To learn more about how you can enjoy a pleasant journey and feel refreshed once you arrive at your destination, read on.
Bring Sleep Masks
To ensure you stay comfy while napping, especially on flights that last for five hours or more, bring sleep masks. Wearing sleep masks can help you doze off properly even if the cabin lights are turned on or if the sunlight is streaming in through the window.
Wear Compression Socks
When you’re in a cramped space and have limited room to move, the blood circulation in your legs slows down, which can result in swelling and discomfort. By wearing compression socks, you prevent these health issues from occurring. These socks can also promote better blood circulation from your legs to your heart and back again.
The great news is that you can easily purchase the Burlix best compression socks for men online or from pharmacies. Just make sure you get a pair that you feel most comfortable in. You should also try them on before your travel date so you have enough time to return them in case there are any issues with them.
Pack Your Carry-on Bags with All Your Travel Essentials
Whether you’re packing light or need to check in luggage that doesn’t fit in the overhead bins, make sure to have all your travel essentials in your carry-on bags. That way, you can have a more comfortable and enjoyable flight without having to constantly get up to retrieve your belongings.
Bring Your Own Entertainment
To keep yourself from getting bored, make sure to pack some items to keep yourself occupied. Some of the items you can pack include reading materials or personal devices like your tablet or laptop. You can even pack headphones or earphones to make sure you don’t disturb other passengers while keeping yourself entertained.
Travel on Low-load Days
Proper planning can make a huge impact on your flying experience, particularly on the cost of your travel. If you want to get the lowest fares, travel on a Tuesday or Saturday. These are considered as low-load or the cheapest days to fly compared to other days. In the same vein, flying on busier days will cost you much more. For example, if you travel on a Friday, your fare can be 20 percent higher than the average price.
Go for the Earliest Flight Possible
In addition to traveling on less busy days, it’s best to take the earliest flight available in the day. In case you encounter delays caused by poor weather or mechanical issues, you’ll still have the rest of the day to go about your business. By comparison, a later flight may cause you to arrive at your destination near the end of the day, and you may find it harder to make up for the lost time.
Arrive at the Airport Early
Reduce any travel stress by arriving early at the airport. This will give you enough time to check in your baggage and go through security without worrying about missing your flight. Most airlines suggest arriving at least an hour and 30 minutes before your departure time if you’re flying domestically. If you’re flying internationally, you may need to allot more time so you have enough of a buffer in case of unexpected events.
Take Advantage of Online or Early Check-in
Many airlines offer online check-in as early as 24 hours before the flight. If your airline gives you the option to check in early, grab the opportunity to cut down the time you’ll be spending at the check-in counter. Also, checking in early lets you reserve your desired seat in case you haven’t chosen one yet.
Check If You’re Eligible for a Seat Upgrade
Want to have a little more legroom? See if you can upgrade your seat for free. Some airlines provide better seats for their frequent clients without any additional fee. And if you’ve accumulated a particular number of miles, you may be able to join the queue for a seat upgrade.
Apply for PreCheck
If you frequently fly across the United States, consider applying for the Transportation Security Administration’s PreCheck. As its name implies, this service can help you breeze through security checks at the airport. It allows you to proceed to a special security lane where you no longer have to remove laptops and toiletries from your bags, and you won’t have to take off light jackets and most shoes.
To get the PreCheck status, you need to apply online, attend an in-person interview, be subject to fingerprinting, and settle a USD 85 fee. The best thing about it is once you’re cleared, your PreCheck status lasts for five years.
Employ Some Tactics for Minimizing Jet Lag
A lot of travelers who fly to destinations with a different time zone from their departure location experience jet lag, which is when their body’s circadian rhythm gets affected by the difference in time zones. It can cause issues like daytime fatigue, feeling unwell, or difficulty staying alert.
While jet lag is temporary, it can affect how comfortable your travel experience will be. Fortunately, whether you’re taking a vacation or a business trip, there are many different ways you can reduce jet lag.
When choosing your flight time, choose the one that lets you arrive at your destination in the early evening. Make sure to stay up until 10 in the evening and avoid taking any naps.
Then, during your flight, refrain from drinking alcohol or caffeine. These drinks can dehydrate you and affect your sleep quality. As soon as you board the flight, sync the time on your watch or phone to that of your destination. Do your activities like eating meals and resting according to your destination’s local time so that you can help your body adjust to the new schedule.
Flying is the most convenient and fastest way to travel, but it can still be stressful for any passenger. Even frequent fliers can encounter some challenges. While there are no guarantees that you’ll avoid issues like flight delays and jet lag, there are ways you can reduce their negative impacts on your trip. By following the recommendations mentioned above, you can increase your chances of having a much more comfortable and enjoyable flight.