10 Flying Tips I Wish I Knew Sooner

AJ
Jun 5
3 min read

Updated: Jul 31

Strategies for a More Comfortable and Safe Journey

Man waiting for the shuttle bus in front of an airport Hotel

Personal Note

Here’s a list of flying tips I wish I knew sooner. Some come from personal experience, others I picked up over the years from blogs and travel videos. But all of them make the difference between a smooth trip and a stressful one. As we get older, comfort and sleep matter more than they used to. And if we’re not ready or willing to splurge on first class or private drivers, we have to find smarter workarounds.

A quick-reference cheat sheet with the key points is available for download at the end of this article.

Tips

1. Book Morning Flights to Avoid Delays

Morning flights are less likely to be delayed because the planes are already at the airport and there’s less air traffic. However, if you need time to travel to the airport, or if setting a 4 a.m. alarm means you won’t sleep at all, like it does for me, consider spending the night before your flight at an airport hotel. Many airports have affordable hotel options, often for far less than an airline upgrade.

2. Check In as Early as You Can (Use That Text or Email They Sent You)

Airlines are allowed to oversell flights to make up for no-shows. If no one cancels and the flight is full, they may bump people to a later flight, sometimes based on who checked in last. If you get a text or email from the airline prompting you to check in, use it. It’s one of the simplest ways to keep your seat and avoid unnecessary stress.

3. Use Hotel Parking Instead of Airport Parking

In most cities, hotels near airports offer parking for lower fees than the airport lots. This may include valet service, making the experience easier. My husband and I always park at a hotel near the airport and use their shuttle. If we land during rush hour, we often relax in the hotel lobby, bar, or restaurant before heading home. It’s far more pleasant than sitting in traffic or waiting around in the terminal.

4. Use Hotel Shuttles to Avoid Airport Uber/Lyft Fees

Instead of waiting for a taxi or calling Uber or Lyft from the airport, which often includes a surcharge, take a free hotel shuttle to a nearby hotel and call your ride from there. They usually don’t ask if you’re a hotel guest.

5. Track Your Bags Yourself with Apple AirTags or Samsung SmartTags

Airlines often misplace luggage. Smart trackers let you locate your bags in real time, even before the airline knows where they are. I put one in my checked bag and also in my carry-on and personal item, even if I don’t plan to check them. On smaller planes, I’ve sometimes been forced to check my carry-on because the overhead bins were too small.

6. Bring a Foldable Tote or Backpack for Essentials

This goes with the previous tip. If you're asked to check your carry-on at the gate, you’ll want to pull out essentials like medicine, electronics, or valuables. A foldable bag lets you keep those items with you, and it fits easily under the seat or in the overhead bin.

7. Reserve Airport Security Time Slots in Advance

Many airports now let you reserve a free time slot to go through security. You can usually book a time slot the day before your flight and skip the regular security line using a QR code. In the U.S., you can also apply for TSA PreCheck for even faster access or Global Entry to skip lines when returning from abroad.

8. Don’t Put Your Home Address on Luggage Tags

Include only your name, phone number, and email. Listing your home address can be risky because it tells people your house might be empty while you’re away.

9. Don’t Show Your Name and Number on the Outside of Your Luggage Tag

Write your contact info on the back of the paper tag, and just note “info on back” on the front. Depending on where you are, someone could see your name, call your number, and use it to distract or trick you.

10. Clean Your Luggage Wheels

Luggage wheels roll through bathrooms, tarmacs, and dirty streets, then go straight into your hotel room or home. Use disposable wipes to clean the wheels when you arrive. For hygiene reasons, avoid placing luggage on beds, especially after airports.

If you are going to be traveling soon, you may also be interested in these other articles:

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