Travel Tips

Mastering Air Travel: Essential Tips for Effortless Flying

Unlock the secrets of seasoned travelers for seamless journeys — from expert seat selection to managing layovers.

Tyler Lubben BBA
3 min readApr 26, 2024

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Photo by Philip Myrtorp on Unsplash

Embarking on frequent travels by plane for the last five years can equip someone with an array of tips and tricks that can turn any flying experience into a breeze. When spending long hours on a plane, having a strategically selected seat can make all the difference. One of the most beneficial and often overlooked features in seat selection is the presence of plugs. Selecting a seat at the front of the plane not only increases the chances of having a plug but also enables quick exit, especially necessary when running for the next connecting flight.

In the case of overbooked flights, which is a common scenario with North American carriers, checking in online provides an opportunity to secure a seat that has been already paid for. For food lovers, ordering a special meal would mean getting served first, possibly saving 15–30 minutes of waiting time.

Photo by S'well on Unsplash

When it comes to packing snacks, customs restrictions on specific food groups in various countries need to be kept in mind. It might be wise to munch on packed fruits or nuts before boarding the plane. Luggage selection also plays a crucial role- instead of a common black bag, choosing a distinctive one can avoid any confusion or loss during baggage claim.

Suitcases with four wheels are always recommended over their two-wheeled counterparts for easy maneuverability. Bringing an empty water bottle can save one from the overpriced bottled water at the airports. And dressing in layers can help cope with fluctuating temperatures during the journey.

Photo by Phil Mosley on Unsplash

In the event of flight cancellations or mishaps, the key is to remain calm and sympathetic. Yelling at airport staff is not a solution, but making them sympathize with the situation may help in getting free flight reroutes, excess baggage fee waivers, or additional meal vouchers.

Photo by Max Harlynking on Unsplash

Lounge access can turn long layovers into a comfortable experience, offering free Wi-Fi, comfortable seating, and snacks. If the airport doesn’t offer free Wi-Fi, one can take advantage of the Wi-Fi outside lounges.

In terms of airport timing, unless it’s a super busy holiday, two hours before the flight is usually sufficient. If running late, inform the airline staff or ask fellow travelers to let you go ahead in the security lines. Travelers should never hesitate to ask for directions from the airline staff or ask about the best places to eat or quick ways to reach specific terminals.

Traveling can be a joyful experience if one knows the tips and tricks to make it smoother. Fellow travelers can also contribute to the wealth of knowledge by sharing their experiences and hacks in the comments section.

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Tyler Lubben BBA

Personal Development, Travel and Self Improvement Author. Published Author.