32 Genius Flying Hacks That Will Make Your Next Trip A Breeze

Who doesn’t enjoy traveling and seeing the world, especially during this unprecedented time that we’re living in? In spite of the joy of travel, the flying process itself can oftentimes be quite stressful. This can end a trip before it even begins, as the mere thought of going through common travel hurdles can be discouraging enough.

Thankfully, with some well-executed forethought and planning, your next airport experience can go much smoother, to the point that you might even enjoy the experience. All you’ll need is a little planning, and some shortcut hacks that most travelers are completely unaware of…

32. Not On The Rocks

A nice, cold drink is pretty refreshing, especially after all the prep you’ve done making your flight. It doesn’t even have to be an alcoholic drink to take the edge off; a nice soft drink can do the trick and make you feel at ease after an exhausting day.   

When offered your drink from the flight crew though, it’s best to skip the ice. Experts say that there may be a decent amount of bacteria in the ice that is being given out. Hopefully the can or bottle that the drink comes in will be cold on its own.

31. Don’t Sleep During Takeoff Or Landing

Many actually look forward to flying if only for the chance to get a few hours of shut-eye. Before you get all eager to just doze off right away, try to wait a little bit until after takeoff. If you don’t proactively manage changes in cabin pressure when the plane is  taking off, you can end up damaging your inner ear. 

Opening and closing your mouth, chewing gum, and even taking antihistamines will all help with cabin pressure changes, protecting your ears and your hearing in the long-run.

30. Dress Appropriately

Comfort is key when it comes to creating a comfortable flight experience. As you are dragging your luggage through the airport, you’re bound to get sweaty. Choose appropriate clothing that you won’t get too hot in before you get settled for the trip. 

Sometimes those 30+ minutes before they turn on the plane’s air conditioning, can be quite unbearable. Even if you’re a businessman who always dresses to the nines, you can dress a bit down even while working the whole flight.

29. Timeliness Is Key

You never know what types of snags or delays you’ll be up against when traveling. Ticketing snafus or extra-long lines in security, especially during busy travel times, can foil your travel plans quickly. 

Do yourself and your travel companions a favor by arriving early and allowing yourself plenty of time. Sometimes there are those last-minute, unexpected issues that may occur, such as a gate change or longer lines than you anticipated. Better to assume there will be unexpected delays and arrive early.

28. Pack Some Extra Socks

As you’re running through the airport to make a flight or even just walking the seemingly miles-long terminal, your feet will get a workout. In addition to the aforementioned comfortable shoes trick, you wouldn’t believe the amount of sweat your feet produce when you are traveling. Even with warm weather and flip flops ahead, socks are not a bad idea, for the time being. 

Getting a fresh-footed start when you land will allow you to reset, throw of some of that travel stink, and be ready to move the minute you land.

27. Lounge Around

Frequent fliers take particular note of this one if you aren’t already taking advantage of this one. Airport lounges exist for your comfort and convenience for those who have airline status. Rather than sitting on the uncomfortable chairs at the gate, relax in the lounge, enjoy the complimentary snacks, and wait for your flight in style.

Some lounges exist for credit card preferred members, while others charge a small fee for use. Regardless of the cost, it’s well worth it if you travel enough.

26. Wear Layers, Or At Least Bring Them

Even if you’re traveling to warmer climates, it helps to have a few extra layers with you to ensure that you are warm enough in transit. While you’ll likely be pretty warm before the flight, once aboard, the temperature can drastically change. 

Some cabins are quite cold; having an extra sweatshirt with you or a scarf and some thin gloves will ensure that you are comfortable on the flight. Pack some stretchy and breathable clothing in case you get too hot, or perhaps an extra layer or scarf in case the cabin is too chilly.

25. Wear The Right Shoes

Just like your clothes, your shoes will make or break your travel experience. Probably not a great idea to be toting luggage and belongings in six-inch heels?

Choose flats or sneakers for the long walking you may do from the entrance of the airport to your gate. Additionally, choose shoes that are easy to remove, as you’ll likely be heading through security and need to take them off. Your feet will thank you later.

24. Opt For Advance Check-In

A huge ability to take some of the stress off traveling is to do an early check in. Take care of as many details as possible in advance to avoid hiccups.

Some airlines offer advance check-in via kiosks or even on your phone, making it a snap as you head straight to security and then to your gate. You can even get the boarding pass emailed to your phone as well, which will be nice to skip the first long line at the ticket counter. 

23. Stretch

Traveling can take its toll on your body. Even those of us who are extra diligent about exercising can’t always find time to fit in a workout when you have a flight scheduled that day. 

It’s especially important when sitting for long periods of time to find some time for periodic stretching. Aside for breaking up some of the monotony and boredom that may inevitably occur mid-flight, stretching will help reduce tension, as well as those aches and pains that sap energy.

22. Skip The Fizz

Coke, Sprite, and root beer are refreshing and tasty beverages that are offered for free on flights, but they may not be a great idea to consume mid-air.

When you drink carbonated beverages, you swallow excess air, which can really “backfire” later on as cabin pressure fluctuates. You may end up releasing a lot of that gas during the flight, much to the chagrin of your fellow passengers.  Steer clear.

21. Travel In The A.M. To Avoid Turbulence

Turbulence is an uncomfortable and sometimes scary event to experience on a flight. It can exacerbate motion sickness for those with sensitive stomachs. 

If you travel in the morning, you are less likely to experience turbulence caused by storms, high winds, and heat rising from the earth. Additionally, in the early morning hours, you’ll probably have a lot less food in your system in case you do tend to get sick in the air.

20. Bring Some Cash Along

With a world that seems to give people less and less reason to trust others, many have hesitations when it comes to traveling with cash, but sometimes it is essential. Credit cards may be convenient in most cases, but cash will always be king. 

If you’re traveling abroad, having local currency on hand for valet tips, in-flight purchases, and other small purchases will prepare you for almost anything.

19. Ensure Your Bag Is Unloaded First

After a long flight, the last thing you want to do is head to baggage claim for another thirty-minute runaround, looking for which bags are yours. There’s a cool trick that can help get you your bags quicker. 

If you don’t mind checking in last or toward the end of when your flight cutoff is, you’ll make sure that your bag stays accessible. That way you can get to the baggage claim, spot your bag as one of the first out, and be on your way.

18. Create Good Karma

What goes around comes around. You should always treat those in the service industry with respect and politeness. But frequent fliers will tell you that treating staff members and flight crews well will pay off. Even if it’s something as simple as handing the flight attendants a chocolate bar, it may pay dividends. 

These same staff members will return the favor in kind, giving you extra freebies and services that may not be accessible to more cranky travelers. If you’re up in the air for several hours, making a few new friends is not a bad idea. 

17. Steer Clear Of Babies If You Can

While babies in regular life are cute and precious, there is a certain nervousness travelers have when they see they’re seated next to a new parent and child.  The dreams of catching up on some nice sleep on a transatlantic flight dissipate as you know the inevitable screaming and crying is sure to come.

As much as we sympathize with the parents’ attempts to quiet their children in this stressful situation, if there are open seats that will have a much quieter ambiance, aim for those.

16. Ask…Then Ask Again

Last-minute changes happen on flights all the time. People don’t show up, others, shuffle seats, and some change their tickets. No arrangement is iron-clad with traveling. 

If you don’t get the seat you wanted the first time around, ask again at the gate if you can switch. These impromptu changes may work in your favor if you speak up.

15. Leave The Air On

Many unprepared passengers choose to turn off air vents because they get too cold. Perhaps they should have read our tips on bringing extra layers in a carry-on to prevent this. 

What they don’t realize is that if they keep the air on, it creates a sort-of mini forcefield around you when it comes to acquiring cabin germs.

14. Bring A Travel Kit With You

Stock up on things that you can use in-flight to keep you more comfortable. No matter how long or short your flight, pack things that will you’ll find useful like a pen, book, tissues, wipes, gum, headphones, as well as other accessories. 

In the event of a significant delay either before the flight or while on board, you’ll be thankful that you thought to bring toiletries, snacks and travel games are all beneficial when you find yourself with high-flier time to kill.

13. The Early Bird Gets The Seat

Much of your trip is out of your hands, but you can take proactive measures to minimize the possibility of delayed travel. An early morning flight allows you to travel during a quiet time usually, it reduces the possibility of delays. 

Additionally, if you are on an early-morning flight and there is a delay or flight-cancellation, you have a much better shot of getting on a later flight that day if there is room.

12. A Word On Snacks

Traveling with some snacks is essential on a long flight, but there are some things to be mindful of as you pack for you and companions.

Make sure snacks are airline approved, since some won’t work with allergies. It’s probably a good idea to steer clear of anything that might spill, melt, or get crushed. Protein bars, fruit and veggies are all healthy, practical options for a quick bite.

11. Bring Some Earplugs

Even if you’re not sitting next to a baby, the cabin of the plane still has the seats close together. Some of your fellow travelers may have young children, who at times, will inevitably get noisy. If you are less than tolerant of incessant noise, bring earplugs with you to block out the sound. 

Earplugs or noise-cancelling headphones can give you a bit more control about what you experience on the flight. They’ll make a huge difference in your enjoyment of your trip.

10. Stay Hydrated

As much as airlines aim to keep air circulating throughout cabins on their flights, sometimes it’s incredibly hot on planes before the engine is turned on. Passengers face dehydration concerns due to low moisture levels.

As the flight crew offers you options of beverages to quench your thirst, stick to pure, bottled water if possible, and avoid excess coffee, alcohol, and sugar, which can make dehydration worse.

9. Choose The Back

If you aren’t picky about your seat selection, you might consider the back of the plane next time you head out on family vacation. Yes you have to sit longer when the plane lands, but you can get some more rest as everyone pops up to just wait for others to get off the plane. 

Additionally, flight attendants tend to give better service back by their refill stations; they may even have extra perks for you if you keep your eyes and ears open.

8. Avoid Family Flights If Possible

If you value your rest, consider avoiding those flights that are known for high traffic. Popular family destinations like Disney World will likely mean a pretty noisy trip to Orlando for you and them. 

Of course, there are times when high traffic flights are unavoidable such as the holidays. Do your best to hunker down and put in those ear plugs for best results.

7. Bring A Reusable Bottle

Being parched on the plane as you wait for the flight attendants to eventually bring you a refreshing drink. You’ll never have to worry about substandard service again if you bring your own reusable bottle or thermos for drinking.

Flag down your flight attendant and ask for coffee, tea, or water refills. You’ll get your thirst quenched and they’ll be happy they don’t have to go searching for a cup.

6. Bring A Movie With You

While long flights offer entertainment options for weary travelers, sometimes the in-service entertainment options don’t work properly, leaving you a bit bored. And even if the screens are working, you don’t know what movies they’ll be offering and you can’t be assured that everything will be up to your standards.

Take a tablet or phone with you complete with some movies downloaded in advance. Choosing your own movies and television shows will be more enjoyable than being at the mercy of the airline, especially if they pause it each time there is an announcement. 

5. Fly Cheaper

Airline prices are a fickle thing. Here’s a trick that many people who aren’t tech savvy may not be aware of: If you check flight information several times from the same browser, you’re likely to see prices go up. 

Cookies present on your browser capture the attention of flight companies and these companies in turn raise prices. If you want to see the best prices, open your browser to an incognito window.

4. Place A Fragile Tag On Your Bag

With so many bags needed to be put on planes in such little time, bags are usually not treated gently by airline crews. The bags are often bumped, poked, prodded, and jostled excessively, placing the contents in real peril of being damaged.

If you wish for your belongings to arrive intact, consider placing a “fragile” tag in several places on your luggage to help preserve the contents. There’s no guarantee it will eliminate any issues entirely, but it should certainly help.

3. Put On Your Sunday Best

While we mentioned earlier the smart idea of flying in comfortable clothes, for those looking for possible flight upgrades, pack up those tracksuits and put on your Sunday best to try to inspire red carpet treatment.

Rumor has it that people have been moved to first class with the addition of a suit and tie, and extra perks given to those who spruce up a bit. 

2. Prepare To Avoid Jet Lag

This one is for those traveling abroad or to a time zone that is vastly different than yours. If you’ll be traveling more than twelve hours, you’ll likely need to prepare for jet lag and a bit of a schedule adjustment once you land (as well as return).

Choose your flight time carefully, and if you have the opportunity, prep for the time change by getting some extra sleep beforehand so your internal clock isn’t completely off. 

1. Choose A Good Podcast

Watching movies on your own phone or tablet are great, but they drain a lot of battery life. If battery life is very precious to you while on the plane, choose a couple of good podcasts to listen to as you travel to your next destination as they’ll use battery than watching a movie or show. 

Now that you’ve learned the best pro flying hacks, the following are the best flying hacks from experienced, regular travelers. Not quite sure how the pros missed some of these incredible tips…

Reduce Your Number Of Carry-Ons

Taking a long flight or trip means you’ll have more belongings. You may be tempted to bring everything and the kitchen sink aboard your flight so as not to risk it being lost in your suitcase or because you’ll need it for the flight.

It’s probably best to stick with the one carry-on bag, and not pay for one. Bottom line is, the more bags you have, the more potential you have to lose something in transit, especially in the often-frazzled state that traveling brings to some people. Be more of a minimalist, at least while in the sky. 

 Use The Time To Get Work Done

Once your flight departs, you’ll find yourself with time on your hands. It often feels like you’re in a vacuum where time doesn’t quite exist.  You’ll want to fill the time with something entertaining, or at the very least, productive.

Bringing work items such as your laptop, important work documents, and other “to-do” lists will allow you to use the time productively as you travel, and will hopefully allow you to need to do less work upon arrival at your destination. 

Stay Away From Blankets And Pillows

Items like blankets and pillows can make a long flight more comfortable. Cabins aboard planes can sometimes be quite chilly, and getting a pillow certainly helps get you some of that much-needed rest, especially with those uncomfortable headrests. But you may want to steer clear of these creature comforts.

Refusing ice in your drinks because of germs was just the beginning. Unfortunately, blankets and pillows are frequently used by many and are seldom washed in between flights. You likely wouldn’t want to use a hotel pillow or blanket that hadn’t been washed.

Jog To Reduce Jet Lag

Jet lag is sometimes unavoidable, especially if you are doing transcontinental flights. Jumping into your new schedule is the best remedy for fatigue.

While it’s tough to get on to the schedule of your new time zone or getting your body to adjust to the change, getting up and out on the first day of your new adventure is the best medicine. A morning jog bathed in sun can help reset your body and your internal clock.

 Choose The Right Seat

Knowing what your seat preferences are important when flying. Most people probably would prefer to not have a middle seat, though some travelers don’t care that much as they’ll be asleep the whole flight.

If you’re someone that needs to get up a lot to stretch or use the bathroom, you’ll want the aisle. If you’re a fan of more elbow room and checking out how things look during takeoff or landing, then go for the window. Another reason to try and book in advance is so you can opt where you want to sit.

Kindness Is Key

Traveling can its take on body, mind, and emotions. Even the most balanced person can get a little snippy when travel plans go awry.

Remember, kindness is key when interacting with ticket staff and flight attendants who are offering assistance. It’ll come back your way as well.

Make New Friends

This one depends on your personality, and how extraverted you may be. Some people have in mind a plan to sleep the whole flight, watch their favorite shows, or catch up on work. Long flights are often places where you find yourself in close quarters with others. It could be an opportunity to network or make new connections. 

Listen to your gut–if it’s time for a nap, then go with the flow. Don’t be afraid to strike up a conversation though with a seatmate; you never know who you’ll meet.

Prep Your “Closed” Face

Make sure to “read the room.” While some people like to strike up conversations and make a new friend on flights, others prefer not to be disturbed during a flight, especially if it’s a red-eye or early morning trek. 

If you are more of an introvert when flying, prepare your “closed” face. This may give someone the hint that you’re not into chatting. If all else fails, prepare a polite response to make your intentions clear that you’re looking to just have some alone time.

Try To Relax

Traveling stresses people out partly because there are so many things can go wrong when you travel. Lost luggage, delayed flights, poor service, and unruly passengers are just a few of the ways that your flight can be an unpleasant surprise. 

As we mentioned, the preparation is in your control. Once you get to the airport and aboard the plane, you are no longer in control. As hard as it may be, refrain from micromanaging and go with the flow, and do your best to relax.

Get In The Shorter Line

As with all public places from the grocery store, to the post office, there are going to be long lines and short lines wherever you go. Navigating the right choice is the trick here. Many people assume that the short line is off limits for them.

Studies have shown that with the majority of people being right-handed, we naturally tend to gravitate right when lining up. Go left and find faster service.

Turn On Phone Alerts

Nothing is more annoying that trekking to the airport only to find out your flight has been delayed several hours. Many airports and airlines now have specific apps that can give you up to date information on flights, lines, and other travel-related data.

Put a few of these apps on your phone before your next big trip, and you’ll be in the know when it comes to navigating your travel plans, and minimizing your wait-time hopefully.

Practice Politeness With Other Passengers

This one isn’t as much a hack as it is just best practice of manners. We all have different stories and reasons for traveling. Some people are thrilled they’re going away, while others completely dread flying.

As we don’t know what other people’s stories are, it’s important to practice kindness and politeness to everyone we deal with, from fellow travelers to the airport and airline crew. Remember that people working for airlines may have to deal with hundreds of upset customers every day. Try to be courteous and you’ll leave a positive impact.

Use A Scarf For Beauty Purposes

Having your hair the way you want it isn’t always doable when traveling. Hat hair isn’t great, bed head feels embarrassing, but plane hair is up there among the worst looks you can sport, especially with so many people in attendance. 

If you want to stress less, female travelers should consider donning a scarf over their luscious locks. You’ll not only feel better about the lack of judgment, you’ll be ready for anything when you land.

Sign Up For Email Alerts

This is a tip for before you purchase your ticket. If you haven’t yet booked your flight yet, it might be in your best interest to watch fares for a little to see if you can find the best deal. 

As much as you might be hesitant to sign up for another email list, opting in to receive email alerts will allow those fare deals to come straight to your inbox, letting you cash in on when there’s a good price. You’ll fly for less while having a great time.

Sign Up For An Airline Credit Card

Frequent fliers again, this is a no-brainer. Many travel credit cards exist that can make travel easier and less expensive as you take advantage of their benefits.

Just as we mentioned earlier about using airline lounges with special status, credit card companies have some great incentives and spending bonuses, which can translate to free flights.  You can also cash in points for travel perks and hotel deals that can mean even more luxuriousness on your trip.

Bring A Power Pack

Yes, in recent years, airports have charging stations for electronics, however sometimes they don’t always work fully, and there is the natural worry about leaving your device unattended. Additionally, once you’re in the air you may not have access to USB ports for your devices. 

Make sure to bring a power pack  that can help you get the battery your device needs. This will come in handy especially on those longer flights when you can’t be assured that your battery life will last when it counts most.

Purchase Flights On Tuesdays And Wednesdays

Sometimes you need to fly on certain days and can’t avoid that. What you usually can do is choose what day to purchase the tickets. Statistics have proven that flights are cheaper all day Tuesday and into the weeWednesday hours, when airlines are trying to dump extra tickets.

If you have the luxury of deciding when to purchase your upcoming flight tickets, check the flight prices on Tuesdays and Wednesdays (in an incognito browser of course). 

Plastic Wrap Those Bottles

Nothing is quite as frustrating as unpacking your suitcase at your destination and finding that there is toothpaste shampoo, or general goo over your belongings. How do you avoid getting conditioner on your socks that are packed?

If you do have small bottles of liquid–shampoo, perfume, bodywash–consider wrapping them in plastic for your long flight ahead. Even if they don’t open up while being handled by the airline crew, you’ll want to use this protective measure just in case.  

Put All Extras In Your Carry On

This one goes back to our minimalist tip. When we’re in such a hurried state going through security, removing shoes, seeing how many bins we’ll need, you’re likely to lose something. Countless stories exist about things being lost at security. It’s no big deal when it’s a pen, but when it’s a wallet, phone, or set of keys that you forget, it’s heartbreaking. 

As you prepare to go through security lines, put your extra accessories into your carry-on bag. Not only will you not have to remember all the individual items to take out in a panic, you’ll be able to send your bag through with everything safely tucked inside.

Take Your Time When You De-Board

People are creatures of habit. And odds are when a plane lands and those lights turn off that indicates people can stand, 90% of the passengers will stand up and go in line in the aisle. Yes, there is a cabin fever of being confined for hours and the need to stretch your legs, but in practice, most people are not getting off the plane any sooner.

Better to take a few minutes and stay seated. You’ll be able to get some more sleep, finish your movie or podcast, and you’ll be less rushed when you do de-board that you can make sure you have all your belongings. 

Choose Connecting Flights To Save Coin

Now this depends on how big of a hurry you may be in when booking your itinerary or if you are traveling alone. If you are traveling with young kids, this one isn’t as easy option If you don’t mind the adventure of visiting multiple cities and taking more time to get there, choose connecting flights rather than a nonstop ticket. 

Connecting flights are always cheaper than direct flights, since the trip will take longer, and there is wait-time on each leg. If you opt for this choice, make sure you travel light, and get ready to save some serious money.

Avoid Eating Heavy Before You Leave

While eating an airplane meal is not the best culinary experience for most, you’ll want to avoid eating heavy before you travel. If you end up needing to use the bathroom on the plane, it’s not the most luxurious or pleasant experience. 

Heavy meals can also lead to excess motion sickness. If you’re predisposed to motion sickness, consider sipping ginger tea before and during your flight. If you’re very worried about being hungry on the plane, bring some to-go snacks or meals so you can eat if there’s a long delay at some point.

Check TSA Packing Guidelines

Modern travel requires thorough security. Aside for what is potentially dangerous to bring aboard, there are packing guidelines about the size of items and liquids that are allowed. You don’t want to pack something in your carry-on and have to surrender it as you’re making your way through the security line. 

Prior to traveling, call the airport or go online and check on TSA packing guidelines. Ask questions about personal items to ensure you’re allowed to bring everything you plan to. 

Double Check Your Documents

Aside for making sure you have all the essentials, like your tickets, identification, and passport handy and within arm’s reach once at the airport, there are additional things to be on top of. 

Check documents for accuracy as well as expiration dates. Make sure that your driver’s license hasn’t expired and is considered valid identification. Also, you’ll need your passport to be valid for six months after your trip when traveling internationally.  You won’t want an unwelcome surprise when finding out you aren’t cleared for flight.

Pack A Pillowcase

A pillowcase is a great thing to have handy for so many reasons when traveling; you’ll surprise yourself with all the possible uses for this item. It’s a good idea to cover that pillow the flight crew handed out as we mentioned they are washed less than you’d prefer. 

But what you can use a pillowcase for is to distinguish clean from dirty clothes, to collect odds and ends items as you go through security, and — in a pinch — even as a towel for a quick wash.