7 Air Travel Tips | Travel Logs Vol. 1
I started writing this post ages ago (okay, it was only a few weeks) while I was stuck overnight in Atlanta in one of the biggest travel snags of my life. For someone who's been traveling their whole life I've had surprisingly few horrific travel troubles. However, any travel trouble can be minimized if you come prepared. With that in mind, I thought we'd start a series on travel and see where it goes. Today's topic: air travel!
1. It's never been more important to be on time. Start your journey out on the right foot by being on time and planning ahead. Especially if it's your first international flight, plan to be at the airport two hours before departure time. For domestic flights, an hour to an hour and a half may be sufficient. See what your airline recommends.
2. Stay on top of your time-table. This may seem like a reiteration of point 1 but it's not. Bear with me. Check in ahead of time. Monitor your flight online or on the airline app if available. If you see your connection window closing due to delays, call for assistance. Avoid those long lines at the gate when the flight gets canceled! Another thing to check is how much time you will need to budget for security. It's easy to research how long the lines are for security at any given time at an airport with a simple google search.
3. Don't be "that guy" in the security line. Here's the deal people: you're gonna have to take off your shoes and belt, have your liquids in a baggie, remove your laptop, empty your pockets, and toss your blowtorch. So wear a belt-less outfit, easy shoes, have your liquids ready, laptop accessible, and don't carry anything they're obviously not gonna let you bring. When in doubt, know your regulations.
4. Plan for the best. If all goes according to plan prepare to have a little down time in the gate. Maybe buy a coffee or a magazine, bring a favorite book, or a podcast you've been dying to binge listen.
5. Be prepared for the worst. If the plan goes awry and you end up overnight in a random hotel somewhere (or worse: on the airport floor!) make sure you're prepared. Underwear: life saving. Toothbrush: can be nice even if you're not stranded, but don't use it on the actual plane because plane water is freaky. Layers: for freezing, dry airplanes or if your layover happens to be in Alaska. Hand sanitizer: Again, even if your not stranded, flying usually means public places all day. Change of clothes: not a must, but definitely to be considered.
6. Enjoy the luxury. Air travel is a gift of the modern era. When in flight, take the relatively short time to live it up. Make sure you're comfy (you can still be cute) and bring some moisturizer for your hands and face. Then enjoy some restful time to yourself or with your travel companions.
7. Have a few "just for the plane" things. I started doing this with my mom when I was child. I had a little backpack that she would fill with treats that I could only have once we were airborne. If you're a nervous flyer this can be particularly nice. Some items to consider: chocolate, a small roll-on scent, fun face wipes, fancy candies, gum you usually don't buy for yourself... the list could go on.
Are you taking a trip anytime soon? Any other good air travel tips?
I'd love to hear :) Wishing you all happy and safe travels. À bientôt!
