Traveling by plane can be somewhat overwhelming for many. Paperwork, airlines, tickets, stress from airports, suitcases, among many other things, can be a real anguish for some travellers. But, if you have no other options than traveling by plane, there are some tips and tricks that can make those trips, especially long ones, a real challenge and become an experience, perhaps not more enjoyable, but more bearable.
Tips for traveling by plane
Well, if you usually travel by plane regularly, you probably have a clearer idea and know how to handle yourself in all this movement. But, if this is not the case and it is your first time traveling by plane or you have not done it in a long time, these tips will help you. Read to the end!
Arrive at the airport in advance
This is a basic rule when traveling by plane. As many know, a number of checks must be passed at airports before boarding. All of these take their time. Queues are generated that can be very long. And, that, if you do not take the foresight to arrive in advance, you can even miss the flight. So it is very important to arrive early.
To avoid the rush and setbacks, the ideal is to arrive an hour early if it is a domestic flight and at least three hours before if it is an international flight.
In addition to avoiding missing the flight and having a bad time. Arriving early will help you not be one of the last to board the plane. In this way you can comfortably settle and put all your things at hand during the entire journey.
On the other hand, although this does not happen frequently, sometimes there is no space in the plane cabin for carry-on bags and some must be checked in. So arrive early and a bad time will be avoided.
Check in early
Check – in is the process that must be carried out upon arrival at the airport, where each passenger passes through the ticket office of their airline and confirms their presence on the flight. There they register your arrival, document your luggage and give you boarding passes.
For international flights, airlines request check-in three hours in advance to avoid missing the flight. Currently, many airlines allow this process to be carried out online. It can be done from home or even from the mobile phone. This saves time and stress from having to make long queues.
Online check-in can be done up to 48 hours before your flight, and the best thing is that some airlines allow you to choose your seats. Awesome!
Carry a single suitcase
There are those who use to travel by plane to carry many suitcases. If the trip is long-stay, even more. But, the truth is that sometimes it is not so necessary to take the entire wardrobe in the suitcase. Rather, it is about knowing how to fit everything we need to carry in a single suitcase and analyse very well what it will take with you.
The more bags you carry, the more complicated the process will be when removing them. The loss and even theft of luggage at airports is one of the most frequent situations. For this reason, some recommend carrying only a small suitcase or backpack that fits in the allowed measurements.
Find out what can be carried in carry-on luggage
Carry-on bags can be your best friend when traveling by plane. If you only carry these small suitcases, the whole process at the time of reaching your destination is faster and easier. The standard measurement for this luggage is 55 x 40 x 20 cm. To be sure of this measure, it is best to check with your airline.
Thanks to its practicality and advantages, many tend to carry items and substances in hand luggage that cannot be brought on the plane for security reasons.
Therefore, it is advisable to find out with the airline what those prohibited items are. Generally, among the things not allowed are explosives and flammable, chemical and toxic substances, both in the carry-on bag and in the checked bag. Similarly, sharp pointed elements such as scissors, nail clippers, tweezers, scalpels cannot be carried. That is, utensils or tools that can be used to cause serious injuries.
Well-dressed trip
It is true that traveling by plane comfort is the most important thing. The problem is that many people misinterpret this and mistake it carelessly. They are even capable of traveling in pyjamas and flip flops (yes, many do). You can travel comfortably, but well dressed. If your flight is not very long, it is best to wear clothes that make you look groomed. This is not just for vanity. In fact, it is one of the tricks when traveling by plane that you must apply.
As there are so many passengers, due to the incorporation of the economy class. Cabin crew or flight attendants sometimes get crowded with people they need to attend to and focus on their regular customers to give them better care. If you travel well-dressed you can differentiate yourself from other passengers and you will look like a regular business traveller.
On the other hand, if you are going to take a longer trip, yes or yes, you should opt for comfort. But, you must also take into account the destination you will visit. In this way you can include in your hand luggage a garment that suits the place where you will arrive, so that your arrival is as comfortable as possible.
Choose your seat well
When purchasing your ticket, many airlines offer the possibility of choosing your seat on the plane. Although this may represent an additional cost. If money is not a problem for you, it is an excellent option. But make sure you arrive early so that you can be one of the first to board, and be able to select a good position from those that are available.
Well, to get a better idea on how to choose the best seat, you should consider whether it is a long trip or not. If your flight is not very long, you can choose the window seats. No one will disturb you as you pass and you will be delighted by the views.
Whereas, if it is a long flight, it is best to choose a seat that is next to the aisle. This will make it easier for you when you have to get up to go to the bathroom. Also, the emergency row seats are much more spacious. So they are ideal to be able to stretch your legs freely. Although its main disadvantage is that they are not reclining and it is long trips that can be very negative.
Tips for traveling by plane that you will appreciate
- Chew gum, both on take-off and on landing. This will prevent your ears from becoming blocked and dizziness.
- Avoid reading during take-off or landing. Reading, plus the change in pressure and the feeling of emptiness can make you dizzy and nauseous.
- Wear headphones and appear to be very focused to avoid that seatmate who does not stop talking.
- Wear ear plugs, they will be a blessing that will allow you to sleep on noisy planes
- Check your seat before getting off the plane, most passengers leave objects in the seats and compartments.
- Bring a pad and a good mask to avoid discomfort from light flashes.
ALFA