HOW CAN YOU DRAMATICALLY IMPROVE YOUR FLYING EXPERIENCE?
Flying has become increasingly more stressful since Covid. Here are 19 strategies to take to have a better flight experience this summer and beyond.
1. AVOID BASIC ECONOMY LIKE THE PLAGUE
Airlines have always had economy fares but have now added a new fare called Basic Economy. Be sure you are aware of all the rules of these fares. Theses fares are non-refundable, you do not get to pick your seat, and you board last. For just a little more you can get regular Economy and have these choices.
2. READ THE FINE PRINT WITH DISCOUNT AIRLINES
While discount airlines like Spirit or Frontier offer cheaper fares they make up for it with the extra costs like fees carry on baggage fees, seat selection, booking fees, and boarding passes.
3. CHOOSE YOUR AIRCRAFT CAREFULLY
Not all planes are created the same. Some planes are wider but pack in more seats. Some have a 2-3-2 seating while others have 3-3-3 seating.
4. PICK A NICE TRAVEL PILLOW
The best travel pillows support the neck and head in a natural position, preventing the head from falling forward or to the side. They should be adjustable, ergonomic, and made from natural latex. The gentle support of a good travel pillow can make all the difference in preventing neck pain and headaches. The pillow should be worn upside down for the most comfort. Pillow can be used to rest your neck or your hands and arms and as a divider to separate your seat from other passengers.
5. DRESS COMFORTABLY FOR THE FLIGHT
Cute but comfy clothing options for a flight include leggings, a long cardigan or oversized sweater, joggers, sneakers, and a denim jacket.
6. HAVE SOMETHING TO DO
Flights get boring. Watch movies, read a book, play mini games, catch up on work on your laptop, listen to music or podcasts, learn a new language.
7. PACK YOUR OWN SNACKS.
Airports are notoriously overprices. You can bring food in you carry-on.
Items allowed for travel in your carry-on include baby food, bread, candy, cereal, cheese, chocolate, coffee grounds, cooked meats, cookies, crackers, dried fruits, fresh eggs, meat, seafood, and vegetables, frozen foods, gravy, gum, honey, hummus, nuts, pizza, salt, sandwiches, and all sorts of dry snacks
8. GET AIRPORT LOUNGE ACCESS
I you travel frequently lounge access can be worth the cost. The seating is more comfortable and most lounges offer free meals and refreshments., Some even have private showers.
9. SIGN UP FOR TSA OR CLEAR
Skip ahead to a separate line getting through security. You don’t have to remove your shoes, small liquids or your lap top from your carry on bag.
10. DON’T FORGET ABOUT GLOBAL ENTRY
Let’s you pass through the typical customs and immigration lines when you are returning from international travel. This is included with your TSA pass.
11. INVEST IN THE RIGHT LUGGAGE
Our advice is that you only bring what you need and avoid checking a bag if possible. You are allowed a carry on that will fit in the upper luggage storage and a personal carry on that will fit under the seat in front of you. Also, a laptop and hat or jacket doesn’t count as a carry on.
12. PACK WITH A PLAN
Get organized. Invest in packing cubes and toiletry bags and/or roll your clothes to maximize space. Your travel advisor can share packing tips with you.
13. BRING YOUR OWN HEADPHONES
Don’t rely on airline headphones. They may run out and they are not noise cancelling. If you travel a lot it is worth investing in a good set of head phones.
14. DOWNLOAD THE AIRELINE’S APP
These apps give constant updates on flight stats, your arrival and departure gates, and may let you move your cancelled flight without standing in long lines.
15. APPLY FOR AIRLINE CREDIT CARD
You can earn free mileage and other perks using with a specific airline. Some also allow points for purchases other than flights.
16. FLY DIRECT WHEN YOU CAN
There is less chance of cancellations and baggage getting lost when you only have one flight. Also you get to the destination faster without layovers.
17. PAY FOR AN UPGRADE
Even upgrading from basic economy to regular economy can give you more legroom, faster boarding and other benefits for just a small amount more.
18. BUY TRAVEL INSURANCE
Gives peace of mind. You can get reimbursed for things such as trip delay, trip cancellation, lost luggage and more.
19. WORK YOUR WAY TO ELITE STATUS
Obtaining elite status with a specific airline can result in extra perks such as early boarding, free checked luggage and more.