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Busy airports and crowded flights add layers of anxiety to traveling. A bit of preparation, the right mindset, and a few pro tips can make airline travel less stressful. And even enjoyable! Read on for Airport Survival Tips.
My Life As A Road Warrior
A lot of people have the idea that authors just sit around in their jammies, think beautiful thoughts, and type all day and every day.
Well, there is indeed a lot of thinking and typing involved (also a lot of muttering under one’s breath and deleting). But that’s only part of the job.
Once the book is done, you need to get out in the world to help your creation find an audience. For me, that generally means going on a book tour that can last anywhere from four to six weeks.
Adding travel for pleasure and a few extra business trips in the off-tour season means that I spend a good twenty to twenty-five percent of my time away from home. As you can imagine, all that travel includes a lot of time in airports and on airplanes.
And in my role as a road warrior, there is something I know for sure. It’s not your imagination; airline travel is more stressful than it used to be.
The good news is you can do something about it. Over my years as a road warrior, I’ve come up with strategies and airport survival tips, and might even help you enjoy the experience of flying.
Making Airline Travel Less Stressful Starts Before Takeoff
Creating a less stressful, more enjoyable flying experience begins long before you get to the airport. Preparation is everything here, so this is the time to lean into your inner good scout to by following some simple tips to help you get to the airport feeling calmer and more in control.
Familiarize Yourself with the Rules
If you haven’t flown in a while or don’t fly often, it’s important to know and understand the rules about what you can and can’t check in your bags or carry on the plane. This article from the TSA provides a thorough list of what is and isn’t allowed.
Pack Light
Extra luggage or extra luggage weight can be a weight on you, too. Think through the events and activities of your trip, and bring only what you need. Years ago, I came up with a packing system that lets me travel for a whole month with only one checked bag. The post is older, and some of the items I recommended are no longer available, but the system still works. Check it out for packing tips to add to my airport survival tips!
Make a List and Check it Twice
A few days before your trip, make a list of everything you’ll need to bring in the way of paperwork – tickets, confirmation numbers, addresses and phone numbers, and identification. Assemble everything ahead of time and put it in a folder so it’s all together in one place.
Make another list of things you need to take in your carry-on bag – computer, chargers, medications, books, snacks, etc. Look both lists over before you go to bed the day before your flight. That will help you sleep easier. And then check it again in the morning, just before you leave.
Download Entertainment Apps Ahead of Time
With so many watching shows on their laptops, tablets, or phones, fewer and fewer airlines have inflight entertainment systems. However, most have apps that will allow you to stream shows for free during your flight. Make sure to download them before you board.
Get Some Sleep!
Plan for a good night’s rest before you travel. Check those lists one last time to put your mind at ease, and head to bed a little earlier than usual. The anticipation of traveling can sometimes make falling asleep more difficult than usual, so build a little extra time for rest into your sleep schedule.
Get to the Airport Early
As I said above, it’s not your imagination; airport travel really is more stressful than it used to be. That’s because airports are busier than ever. In the past, the rule of thumb was to arrive at the airport 90 minutes before a domestic flight and two hours before an international flight.
For most metropolitan airports these days, you should arrive two hours ahead of time for domestic travel and three hours ahead for international. If you’re leaving from an especially busy airport or traveling during holidays or peak seasons, you might want to arrive even earlier.
Knowing you have plenty of time to check in and get through security is number one on my list of airport survival tips to make airline travel less stressful! If you get through TSA a little quicker than you thought you would, just grab a bite to eat or take the opportunity to walk the concourses and get some exercise before your flight.
At The Airport And On The Plane – Airport Survival Tips
Check Your Attitude
Hardly a week goes by when the news doesn’t feature an article about passengers behaving badly. There really is no excuse for bad behavior, but I do believe that the stress of travel plays into it.
Following the above tips will help alleviate some of that stress. But entering the airport with a good attitude can also make a big difference, both for you and the people you meet on your journey.
Give yourself a little pep talk as you’re driving to the airport. Tell yourself that this is going to be a good experience. Make a pledge to be calm, patient, and kind to everyone you encounter that day, no matter what happens. And remember, you will get there eventually! Even if your flight is delayed or canceled, it’s not like you’re going to have to take up permanent residence in the airport.
Pack Snacks
Very, very few airlines offer meals these days. Some don’t even offer pretzels! I usually buy myself a meal in the concourse before boarding. However, I always have a few snacks in my carry-on in case time runs short. Protein bars, nuts, or dried fruit are my favorites.
Bring a Water Bottle
You can’t carry liquids through security. If you do, the item will be confiscated by the TSA. But it’s a good idea to bring an empty water bottle in your carry-on luggage and fill it once you’ve gotten through security.
Flying can be very dehydrating, so drinking water during your flight is a must. Having your own supply instead of having to rely on busy flight attendants will make that easier
Wear Compression Socks
On long flights, wearing a pair of light compression socks is a good idea. They’ll help keep the blood flowing, even if you’re sitting for hours in a pressurized cabin. And that will help you feel more energized when you arrive.
I’ve become a big fan of the Blue Maple brand compression socks. They come in cute patterns and colors, are fairly easy to put on, and are relatively inexpensive.
Bring Some Creature Comforts
Another thing you’re not imagining? Airline seats really are smaller than ever. Still, adding a few creature comforts to your carry-on can actually make flying a pleasure!
In addition to the snacks and water bottles I mentioned above, I always bring a good book and a small craft project such as knitting or embroidery. That way, I have something enjoyable to do if the inflight entertainment system goes on the fritz or in the event of a long delay.
Because planes can get cold, even in summer, I like to wear a lightweight travel scarf when I’m flying. You can wear it like a poncho or a scarf, but it makes a nice blanket if you’re feeling chilly. Roll it up, and it works as a pillow, too.
Every now and then, you’re going to be seated near or next to an unhappy, possibly crying child. Hey, babies need to travel, too! That is why I always travel with noise-canceling headphones. They are a little pricey and a little bulky, but I think they’re worth it.
Another less expensive and more space-saving option is to bring along some earplugs. I always try to travel with a couple of pairs anyway because hotel rooms often have thin walls.
Ready For Takeoff!
Flying definitely isn’t as glamorous as it once was.
But with a little pre-planning and following these airport survival tips, you’ll be ready for takeoff and a much more comfortable and enjoyable journey.
