9 Tips for Hassle Free Air Travel

Let’s face it, traveling would be a lot more fun if you could find a way to avoid air travel. Delayed flights and crazy lines at the airport are just some of the issues that you may have to contend with. In fact, just thinking about this can make you want to put off your trip. 

Well, fortunately for you, things are about to get easier. Simply follow these useful tips below and you will find that air travel will become simpler than ever before. Here is what you need to know: 

Top tips for hassle free air travel

Book Your Flight Early 

If you are going on vacation, then you are probably aware of your travel plans several months in advance, at least. The moment that you are certain about your travel dates, make sure to book the ticket. For one thing, you will have a lot more options to choose from in terms of airlines. 

For another, the tickets will be a lot cheaper as well. Since most people wait until the last minute, airlines won’t hike up the price just yet. As such, you will be able to get an excellent discount, particularly if you are traveling during a slow period. 

Choose Your Seat Ahead of Time

Now, there are some airlines that will allow you to book your seat for free or for a negligible fee. If this is the case, then you should certainly jump on this chance. In case you are on a longer flight, it may be best to pay a higher cost as well to choose where you want to sit. 

If this is something that you are going to do, think about your habits as a traveller. For instance, are you someone who likes to get up and move around during the flight? If so, the aisle seat is the right option for you. On the other hand, if you can sleep throughout the flight, pick a window seat to remain undisturbed. 

Check-in Online if Possible

Almost all the airlines offer an option of web check-in, which will save you a lot of time and hassle at the airport. In some cases, you won’t even need a paper boarding card but you can just enter using the QR code on your phone after you check-in on the internet successfully. In many instances, the queues for web check-in are considerably shorter than the traditional check-in queues. 

I highly recommend you always check-in online before your flight to save some in the airport. 

Make Security Check Easier for Yourself (and the Staff)

There are certain things that you aren’t allowed to carry in your hand luggage and if you do, you will just make the security check process longer for yourself and the staff. Don’t carry a lighter, matches, scissors and fluids over 100 ml. Make an effort to make the security check process faster. Here are all the things you can do to go through the security faster:

• Pack all your toiletries in a small see through zip lock bag, 100 ml and less.
• Keep your laptop and other electronics in an easy to reach location. You will have to take them out and put them all in a separate tray. 
• No sharp objects, flammable things and prohibited items. Here’s a complete check list of things you can’t carry in your hand bag on an airplane.

Consider Going Private for a Group 

Are you traveling in a group? Then you may want to do some research into how much a business jet is going to cost you. Understand, private planes don’t charge per person. Instead, the overall charge is determined by the length of the journey and the type and size of the plane. So, if you are going with several people, the total cost for this kind of trip might be less. 

This is especially true if you are considering a jet charter to a popular destination. Not only will you be able to save on price, but you can also cut down on the distress. You will not have to go through traditional security checks or stand in line with thousands of other people. 

Renting a private jet makes a lot of sense for company organized official trips or destination weddings. A private jet sounds more expensive than it may end up being if you’re in a big group.

Travel Light

Travel light – hassle free air travel

Travel light and don’t carry a big backpack or a suitcase unless it is absolutely necessary. Try to fly with only a cabin bag, so that you don’t have to waste time and energy in checking in your baggage and then picking it up when you land.

Most airlines allow 7-9 KGs of hand bag but I don’t carry more than 5 KGs. I don’t like to lug around so much weight and move from point A to point B in the airports. Of course, if your hand bag is ending up being heavier than 5 KGs, you should divide the weight in two bags and check in the heavier bag to make it easier to move around in the airport.

Pay for a Lounge 

If you have special privileges as a traveller, then you may already have access to a lounge. If not, it will be worth it to you to pay a one-time fee to use them. This is a great idea if you have an extended layover. These lounges are incredibly comfortable and also have lots of food and drink. So, you can relax while you wait. 

These are the top tips that you can follow to cut down on the hassle that is traditionally involved with air travel. 

Add the New Time Zone to your Clock Before Flying

Add the new time zone on your clock app – hassle free air travel

I love and hate smart phones, but the ability of adding multiple time zones is awesome. Every single time I visit a new country, I make it a point to add the new time zone on my clock app to make things easier for me. Yes, the phone time gets updated on its own but it only happens when you have network. 

Layer Up and Be Comfortable

I wear almost the same thing on most of my flights – long tunic or a tank top that can also work as a dress, leggings, ankle socks, canvas shoes, a jacket and a scarf. Depending on the weather, I may just wear a pullover too. If I’m flying to a super hot country, then I carry flip flops in my hand bag.

You see, this attire is comfortable and can work in many different weather situations. I can just remove my jacket and leggings, then I’m all set for summer. Or, I can wear my jacket, scarf and pullover and I can tackle the cold. 

Now, I’m not saying you wear exactly what I wear at the airport, but try your best to be comfortable. Flights tend to get cold so be prepared to handle it. Wear something that you can easily sleep in, so that you can catch a quick snooze on the plane. You may have to walk a lot in the airport so let your feet be comfortable too.

Are you flying with a baby?

I have a post that has ALL of my tips for traveling with a baby, and it includes a section about flying. Be sure to check it out.