Whether it is for business or a vacation, most of us will need to fly on an airplane at certain points in our lives. While the miracle of flight is a pretty amazing thing, some of the flights we end up taking are, well, less than amazing.
It’s no secret, plane rides can often be a nightmare. While sometimes it is due to turbulence, noisy seatmates or delays, we are often to blame for our lousy experience due to lackluster planning and preparing. With that in mind, we will now take a look at a couple of tips to help you fly and travel like an absolute pro.
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Try to Sit Near the Wing
One of most people’s biggest gripes with flying is the turbulence. Some flights go by without a hitch, while others feel like you are riding on a roller coaster. Sadly, turbulence has only been on the rise over the past few decades, so you have to be prepared for it.
While it is impossible to ignore, there are some ways to minimize the effect of this turbulence. One of the best ways to do this is to sit near the wing on the plane. The reason for this is because by sitting near a wing, you are closer to the plane’s center of gravity and the structural support helps to reduce the turbulence.
Familiarize Yourself With What is Allowed and What Isn’t
Security is one of the biggest concerns when it comes to air flight, as it should be. As a result, there are a lot of restrictions when it comes to what you can bring onto a flight. Instead of getting stopped by the TSA and having to hold up the line, you should research what is ok to take on a plane.
Not only will this help you breeze through security, it also won’t cause you to throw anything away when you realize it is not allowed on the plane.
While we know all the rules like don’t bring large quantities of liquid or weapons on board, there are some rules around what electronics are allowed on, that you might not be aware of. While you obviously won’t get in trouble for bringing your iPhone 7 Plus on the plane to your seat, you must keep portable lithium battery chargers in your carry-on.
Book and Check-in Early
While there can often be last-minute deals, it is generally a better idea to book as early as you can for the best deals, and also potentially get first dibs at getting upgraded to business or first class (or getting a cheaper seat in either of those sections).
Also, come the day of your flight, you should try and check in as early as you can and print your boarding pass at home, or use your phone. Airports (especially during peak hours) are notorious for long lines that move at a snail’s pace, so avoid them by checking in and/or arriving early.
Basically, do everything early when it comes to flying or traveling. While being early might mean you sit a little longer in the airport, it sure beats being late.
Consider Ditching Your Checked Luggage
While sometimes checked luggage is necessary depending on the nature and/or length of your flight, it isn’t always needed. Checking luggage not only takes extra time before you leave and after you arrive at your destination, but you also run the risk of the airline losing your bags.
Instead, try and fit all of the things you are bringing into your carry-on. Of course, be sure to know the rules about the size of the carry-on and what you are allowed to bring on the plane. Most of us pack much more than we need for a trip, so a “carry-on only” strategy can likely work for you as long as you pack intelligently.
