This article was originally published on Travlerz
Whether with your friends and family or on a solo trip, flying on an airplane is exciting, but the commute itself isn't always easy. Shorter flights are more tolerable than longer ones, but some of the best travel vacations to visit in the world aren't a few hours away. Thankfully, there's an abundance of great flying tips and tricks to learn from, since so many people try to make te experience better for fellow travelers. Keep reading to see some of the best airplane hacks and make air travel a breeze!
Noise Cancelling Headphones on the Plane Can Help You Relax
Whether it's a crying baby or someone with a persistent cough, it sometimes feels like your flight goes on forever when there isn't a moment of silence. So, if you don't have a pair of noise-canceling headphones, you should definitely pick one up before your next flight. You'll be able to sit back and relax, regardless of the chaos around you. Rest is much needed when traveling, and noise-canceling headphones really do make that happen.
Everyone on a plane values peace and quiet, but there isn't a way to control who sits around you, thankfully, noise canceling headphones can really help guarantee relaxation when it's needed.
Avoid Fizzy Drinks to Stay Comfortable in High Altitudes
The beverage service is one thing that everyone on a flight looks forward to, but avoiding certain drinks actually has its benefits. Your body is slightly uncomfortable as it adjusts to being at a higher altitude, so avoiding irritants, such as bubbles, is beneficial. This can also help stop any unwanted gas before it even starts, which might be suitable for you and everyone else on the plane. Staying hydrated with something like water is certainly a better option.
It's hard to say no to an ice-cold can of your favorite soda, but avoiding bubbles can help you feel a lot more comfortable on your long journey in the air.
Book an Aisle Seat for Extra Space
Not every airline allows their customers to choose their seats, but for ones that do- there is a clever way potentially get more space. This works better if you are traveling with multiple people, but booking the aisle and window seat leaves room for the potential of nobody sitting in the middle. That's because most people avoid reserving a middle seat since they aren't as comfortable as the other options.
Sitting in an aisle seat will definitely provide extra space in general, but a window seat will be just as good since most people don't enjoy sitting in the middle.
Get Settled Before Taking That Nap
Naps make time pass by much faster than staying awake, which means they really are a much-needed thing when flying. Some people are quick to nap as soon as they land in their seats, while others take some time to get settled before bedtime. Waiting is actually a better idea because falling asleep quickly won't give you the time to regulate your body during takeoff. Also, you might end up missing the snack service.
Falling asleep before takeoff also won't give you a chance to pop your ears when the cabin air pressure changes, and that could leave you with a nasty headache after waking up.
Say No to Ice on the Plane, It May Not Be the Cleanest
Health is a priorityy, so people recommend avoiding foods or beverages that could cause illness. Although ice on a plane is safe enough to consume, it might not be as clean as you think. Airlines commonly get their ice from third-party companies, meaning it has to be stored somewhere before making it into your cup. There's a possibility that the storage area isn't the cleanest since it isn't disinfected often.
There are, unfortunately, many things on a plane that could be unsanitary, like the floors and the restrooms. Surprisingly ice could also be something that isn't clean enough to consume.
The Overhead Air Vent Keeps the Germs Away
If you cringe whenever someone nearby coughs on your flight, this is the perfect tip. Airborne germs like to hang around when there is a lack of airflow, so we recommend keeping the vent above you blowing. The air is fresh, and it can help blow away any germs that might be coming your way. This is particularly a helpful thing to do, so make sure you fly with a couple of extra layers to stay warm.
One thing is sure, airplanes aren't the cleanest places on earth, and millions of people have probably sat in the same seat as you, which is where this tip comes in handy.
Frozen Water Can Pass Through Security
The disappointing part about flying is that you're not permitted to bring any liquids through security, leaving you thirsty or spending much-needed cash. Typically, all drinks must be purchased within the airport, which can be very pricey. A clever hack to work around this rule is to freeze your drinks and bring them through the checkpoint while they're still frozen so you can drink them when they are fully melted.
The fluid restriction applies to liquids, and since this water is frozen, you'll have no issues getting it through security. That means you get to stay hydrated without spending money.
Wear Layers to Adjust to Changing Temperatures Quickly
Wearing lots of layers while traveling can help you stay both warm and cool whenever need be during an adventure abroad. Temperatures don't exactly stay consistent on an airplane, and some people wish they had an extra layer while others want less. By wearing a few different items of clothing, staying comfortable is guaranteed, which means you'll be able to pack fewer things in your suitcase since they'll be on your body.
If you fly often, then you know that airplanes are always super cold, while traveling itself can make you break a sweat.
Stop a Stiff Neck With This Clever Travel Pillow
Whether it's a blow-up table pillow or one that wraps around the neck, there are various options. They keep comfort in mind and aim to protect your neck while traveling. This is because stiff neck and back pains are typical when traveling, and flying without a pillow could bring these unwanted symptoms during your vacation abroad. This pillow lets you rest your head in the front instead of the back.
There truly are so many different types of travel pillows on the market, so feel free to choose one that best fits your needs and level of comfort while flying.
Go Left for a Shorter Security Line
Naturally, most people turn to the right when given the option between two lines, but there is a surprisingly yet logical reason as to why this happens. Some people are left-handed in the world, yet the chances of this are statistaclly smaller than right-handed. Due to hand dominance, most people will turn to the right when given the option of standing in line, so going left could save you lots of time.
There's actually hidden psychology that explains why some lines are shorter than others, and understanding this can save you lots of time. So, say goodbye to long security checkpoint lines.
Plan the Perfect Travel Kit Ahead to Have Everything You Need on the Plane
From socks to toilet paper, having a dedicated travel kit that joins you on all adventures could be a time-saver. Some items we recommend keeping in this kit would be deodorant, extra clothing, sunglasses, your passport, and anything else that needs to be accessible quickly and easily. Finding things without a hassle makes life easier, and you won't have to waste any energy wondering where your essential items may be.
Having the perfect travel essentials all in one place and close reach can make traveling much more comfortable, and you'll never have to go looking for something you can't find.
Keep a Charging Cable Nearby in the Airport
A charger is essential to pack before leaving for a big trip, but mistakes happen, which means they're also commonly forgotten. Thankfully, whether you have the cable on you or can purchase one, most airports are filled with places to plug in your devices. So, you'll be able to confidently board your plane, knowing that you won't have to worry about having a low battery on your phone when you land.
Forgot your charging brick? No worries, as long as you have the cable, you'll be able to quickly charge your phone or tablet in the airport- right at your gate.
Keep Your Seat Germ-Free With Disinfectant Wipes
There isn't a single person who actually enjoys getting sick; unfortunately, traveling puts you at risk of catching something. Thankfully, there are many ways to help prevent that, and traveling with disinfectant wipes is one of them. Before even sitting in your seat, wipe everything down so your area will be clean before having to touch anything. This won't guarantee you won't get sick, but it is a great preventative measure.
The air on a plane is dry, and that, combined with many germs, is the perfect recipe for a cold, but disinfectant wipes can kill those germs before you touch them.
Book This Airline for Comfortable Economy Seating
There's an airline that allows its passengers to turn the economy seating into a bed for maximum comfort. If you book with Air New Zealand, you might haver to pay just a bit more money for this feature, but it would still be cheaper than booking a seat in a premium section. This is an incredible addition for parents traveling with kids, where they can snuggle up during the long journey, stress-free.
Economy seating isn't always the most comfortable compared to others, but Air New Zealand takes pride in accommodating families and people who would like to stretch out during a long flight.
Carry Perfumes With Mini Portable Bottles
It can be hard to narrow down which liquids you can bring without exceeding the airline limit, and they also tend to be heavy while taking up room in your bag. Portable perfume spray bottles found online or in most local stores are a fantastic way to save space while carrying your favorite scent. They are much smaller than standard-sized ones and can quickly be filled with the perfume of your choice.
The great thing about these miniature portable tubes is that you won't have to struggle with choosing which perfumes to take on board due to an airline's liquid weight limit.
It's Always Better to Pack More Than Less
Due to a pretty restrictive weight limit with airlines, most travelers turn to packing fewer clothing items in general. That's totally okay, but making sure that you have extra undergarments could actually be super beneficial in certain moments. Wherever you're going, laundry might not be an option, and showering could also happen less frequently since you'll be so busy traveling. Extra accessible underwear, especially in a bag, is great if either scenario occurs.
The truth is, undergarments tend to get dirtier faster than any other clothing, so you might want to change them more often, which is why it's better to have more than less.
Motion Sickness? Choose a Seat Closer to the Plane's Center
Turbulence happens much too often, and while some people can bravely handle a bumpy ride, others just can't sit through it. Unfortunately, this usually occurs due to weather changes, which are out of anyone's control, but one thing that can be managed is seat choice. If you're not interested in reaching for a barf bag, try choosing a seat closer to the plane's center and not one that is in the back.
Motion sickness is very common and can be extremely hard to deal with, especially in the moment. You can stop a sensitive stomach before it even starts by choosing the right seat.
Dryer Sheets Keep the Clothes in Your Suitcase Smelling Fresh
Lots of traveling means lots of sweating, and although you may not necessarily be exercising, it's just a natural bodily function. Sometimes things are exciting, and even if you're lying on the beach- your clothes could start to smell. Naturally, you would just put them in the washing machine to freshen them up, but it doesn't always work. Scented dryer sheets are a great addition to your suitcase, even if you don't end up using them.
If you are lucky enough to have a way to do laundry, dryer sheets are a much-needed item since a wash alone doesn't always keep things smelling as fresh as they should be.
Stretch to Increase General Blood Flow
Flying has all types of effects on the body, including poor circulation and a lack of good blood flow. Not moving around enough could actually cause some life-threatening conditions, and although it's recommended to stretch while on a long flight, stretching before stepping on the plane is even better. This will prepare your body for the long journey ahead and could prevent from getting any adverse side effects from the flight during your vacation.
To be honest, we've never thought about stretching before getting on an airplane- but we'll definitely consider trying it the next time the opportunity arises since it really is beneficial.
Bring Your Own Clean Blanket Onboard the Plane
There's nothing better than napping on a plane since it's good to rest while making time go by much faster. That means a blanket is a much-needed item, but you might want to stay away from the provided plane blankets. Although they often appear clean, they might not have been washed as thoroughly as you'd like. Thankfully, packing your blanket is easy enough, and you can use it as needed.
Since airlines focus on efficient travel, cleanliness isn't always at the top of their list, but bringing a clean blanket can ensure you stay warm and germ-free on your journey.
Save Money by Not Hiring a Tour Guide for Your Travels
Most first-time travelers feel the need to hire a tour guide since they might not have too much experience on their own. Thankfully, experience isn't strictly needed anymore in terms of exploring because we have the infinite power of the internet. That means you'll be able to research any potential destination by yourself, so you can keep more cash in your wallet by traveling on your terms and without a guide to lead the way.
The greatest thing about our modern internet is that anything and everything is sitting at your fingertips, which means you can travel the world without hiring anyone to help you.
Dress Down for Maximum Comfort
On short flights, you shouldn't have a problem wearing whatever you want, but keep comfort in mind when traveling long hours. Flying is generally stressful on the body, so wearing something that feels good can keep you at ease for the duration of the flight. Plus, you can always quickly change into something better once you land or as soon as you arrive at wherever you are staying during your adventure.
Some people wear their most fashionable clothing while flying on an airplane, while others make comfort a main priority- which is definitely the better option when it comes to travel.
Create a Seat Alert Online for Guaranteed Comfort
Did you know there's a website where you can create a seat alert if the one you want isn't available? Well, now you do. This hack will certainly save you from stress in the future if you are automatically assigned that uncomfortable middle seat. If someone cancels their flight and the seat you want is vacant, sites like expertflyer will send you a direct alert so that you can reserve it before anyone else does.
Most people avoid the middle seat, but there isn't always an option for a seat choice when booking a flight; thankfully, expertflyer.com can help you pick or switch your seat.
Bring Rechargeable Batteries on a Long Vacation
Almost everything requires batteries to work at this point, but the downside is that they don't last too long and end up dying at moments when you need them the most. On long vacations, you may use your items more than usual, so bringing rechargeable batteries would be a great idea. This will also guarantee that you can keep everything running seamlessly without having to spend your cash on disposable ones.
If you're traveling for quite some time, your first instinct might be to bring disposable batteries for your items, but rechargeable ones are actually much more convenient and affordable in the long run.
Get Offline Maps for Wifi-Free Zones
Access to your maps in any wifi-free or service-free location just got much easier with this simple tip. Before heading out to wherever you're going, download your map on your phone so that it can be used anytime. This will ensure that you'll never get lost, regardless of what kind of connection your phone may or may not have. Finding your way in unknown territory can be more accessible than ever.
Are you worried about potentially getting lost and having no phone service? Just download your maps before your trip so you can make it to and from your destination without any issues.
How to Pack Smart Instead of Light
For some people, packing is a dreadful task, while others have mastered the art. That's because figuring out how to efficiently stuff part of your life into a suitcase isn't always easy. Finding ways to make different items fit inside a single bag really does feel like a puzzle sometimes, but rolling your clothes instead of folding them has a ton of benefits. This allows your clothes to be more organized while also saving space.
We definitely recommend leaving the cat at home, but rolling up the clothes in your suitcase can be a great way to save space. This method can also help prevent wrinkles.
Make a Copy of Important Documentation
Losing something as important as a passport while overseas can be highly problematic, which might even make returning home difficult. To avoid this, make a copy of your essential documentation before leaving for your trip. This would keep you safe and secure so that you can prove your identity even if you lose something like your identification card. Also, it's generally good to have a backup of important items in case they get damaged.
When traveling, the most common thing to lose is the most important, like plane tickets or even passports. That's why it's best to have an extra copy, just in case.
Download Fun Entertainment Before the Flight
Commercial flights have a lot of entertainment, and there is often a large selection of movies and games to choose from- but they might not offer your favorites. You can download your favorite films and games on your devices before the flight to keep yourself busy during those long hours. This doesn't require wifi or phone service, so you will have many more things to do before arriving at your final location.
Not all airlines offer free wifi, and if they do, the connection typically isn't strong enough to play games or stream your favorite movies, so downloading them ahead of time is helpful.
Use a Binder Clip as a Razor Cover
One of the hardest things to keep track of is those little plastic covers that protect you from cutting yourself on a razor, which means they're actually super important. Binder clips are much easier to find and work just as well as those generic razor caps. Simply clip them onto your razor, and you'll be able to reach for it safely without risking the chance of getting cut or hurt by it.
Razors come with plastic covers, but they aren't very sturdy, and once they are lost, they're also impossible to find- but there is no need to worry with binder clips.
Prepare for Airport Security to Make Things Easier
Most of the things that could come with traveling are exciting and fun, but airport security could be a bit stressful for people who don't know the rules and regulations. Thankfully, they are only strict for safety reasons, and making a mistake once or twice is normal. Checking the restrictions beforehand can guarantee that you'll pass through security quickly without having to spend more time than you want at the airport's security checkpoint.
Airport security is strict, and if you accidentally travel with forbidden items, there's a chance that you'll miss your flight due to the extra screening that will have to be done.
Avoid the Wait by Calling Customer Service
Airline tickets can be booked online or by phone, but depending on your preference, you might prefer talking to a human being. In that case, you could have encountered wait times that seem like they take hours, but there's a way to get past that. Customer service queues are much shorter than any other department, so calling them means that you won't have to wait as long as you've waited in the past.
Whether you're suitcase is already packed, or your passport is in hand, you'll still have to book your flight before anything else, but this time- you can avoid the wait.
Bring Snack From Home to Save Money
Snacks might not be the first thing in mind when packing for a trip, but bringing your own could really help save a few bucks here and there. Vending machines and kiosk stores in the airport raise their prices, knowing that almost everyone will purchase some kind of snack for their flight. Stay ahead of the game by bringing your own; all of that extra money in your pocket will make it worth it.
As time passes by, airplane snacks seem to be getting smaller and smaller. So, bringing normal-sized bags from home is an option that will keep you feeling much more satisfied.
Make Some Friends by Exploring Solo
It takes courage and determination to travel the world independently, but you shouldn't have to wait for anyone to start crossing things off your bucket list. It's natural to feel lonely at the beginning of the vacation, but there's an app for that. It's called Party With the Locals, and it connects you to many local people interested in making friends from abroad. You only have to download it onto your phone to start making friends for life.
Traveling solo, in general, can be nerve-wracking, but you really might mean some extraordinary people by exploring the local cities and nightlife within the places that you end up visiting.
Find a Travel Buddy for a Great Adventure
A vacation alone certainly has its perfect; for example, you won't have to wait around for anyone to start exploring, and there isn't anything better than a bit of alone time. Also, you can pretty much do everything and anything in your on time and your terms. Since not everyone is ready to travel solo, apps such as Backpackr can help you safely and securely connect with other vacationers in the same location as you.
You can bring friends or family on your trip, but they might not always be reliable. If so, it's actually possible to use the internet to find a travel partner.
Bring an Empty Cup to Stay Hydrated
While you're packing, you might want to throw a travel mug in your suitcase. It's pretty effortless and can keep you hydrated in your thirstiest moments. Whether relaxing on the beach or hiking a mountain, there may not be a place where you can buy a drink. Instead, keep that portable bottle filled so that you'll never find yourself searching for a place where you'll need to spend money for a sip of water.
Whether it's a trip or a tour, you'll find yourself thirsty at some point. Having a travel mug or cup can be handy since it can quickly be filled up.
Keep a Portable Battery at Arm's Reach
There are different kinds of portable chargers, and some hold a more substantial charge than others which means you'll have more accessible power for your phone. Buying one that can save a lot of energy will ensure you won't struggle to find a charging station on your trip. Although this might be another thing to carry, they aren't very heavy, and you'll find yourself thankful for choosing to bring it.
The very last thing anyone wants to worry about on vacation is finding a place to charge your cell phone or any other devices you might carry on your journey.
Drink Water Mid-Flight to Avoid a Cold
Since the air pressure on a plane differs from that on the ground, fresh air must be continuously pumped into the cabin. Although the air is clean, it's very dry and can leave you with a scratchy throat if you don't drink enough. Doctors themselves even recommend staying hydrated while on a flight to help your body both adjust and recover from the long and stressful journey of air travel.
Lots of people end up catching a cold after a flight, and that's because of the general air quality. Water is a great preventative measure; hydration can stop a sore throat.
Make Extra Money by Giving up Your Seat
Sometimes, airlines overbook, which means they've added more people to the flight than there are seats. Most people don't even consider giving up their seat for someone else, but doing so certainly comes with benefits. Most airlines offer significant cash compensation and will even help you book a new flight for free. If you have to be somewhere at a particular time, this might not be something you'd want to do.
If your travel plans are flexible, there aren't really any downsides to giving up your seat for some extra cash or travel credits that can be used towards another epic trip.
This App Can Find the Best Flight Deals
Feeling adventurous and are interested in booking a last-minute flight to somewhere incredible? Just download the Skyscanner app. They'll show you the cheaper flight options first so you won't have to spend the maximum amount of money to get somewhere. Searching for affordable flights has gotten so much easier since many different services work to provide their customers with inexpensive travel options. There truly is nothing better than saving money.
So many different phone applications out there claim to find you the best flight deal for your dollar, so we recommend searching on a few of them and comparing prices.
Keep Track of Flight Status to Stay Updated
Sometimes, life gets in the way, and things don't always run as smoothly as we'd like them to. Flights get delayed or canceled, and there isn't much control over traveling at that point. Keeping track of flight information and status can help save you the stress of a last-minute update. You can even sign up for text updates on your airline's website so that you don't have to search for your flight on the endless board of departures.
We've all done it; accidentally left for the airport a little too late and ended up sprinting to the gate like it's a race, only to still miss the flight.