Tips to make pre flying less stressful

Male Airport, Maldives
Male Airport, Maldives

How exciting, the day of your trip has arrived and you are ready to board that plane and fly to your next destination. Is everything arranged? Did you finish packing your hand luggage? Do you have your passport? Did you do your online check-in? Are you sure your luggage isn’t overweight?

Details and more details, I know. Before boarding that plane, there are many things you need to think about and make sure you aren’t forgetting anything. When you don’t travel often, some things are not obvious, and many of them can make your pre flying experience stressful.

On the other hand, when you start flying often, you begin to realize that small things make all the difference on your pre flying experience; simple tricks that you have picked up from your previous travels. That is why I thought about sharing some tips to make pre flying less stressful for you (in no particular order), just to make sure you won’t start your so awaited trip with the left foot:

Your hand luggage

Tips to make flying less stressful, by Packing my Suitcase.

Make sure you aren’t forgetting anything that must be on board with you, and that your hand luggage isn’t oversized or over the allowed weight of your airline. If there is something annoying, that is to have to take things out of your hand luggage to put into your suitcase in front of everyone.

Avoid the stress and check how much you can bring on your hand luggage, as well as, the permitted dimensions of the airline you are travelling with. A nice place to find this information is on the Hand Luggage Size & Weight Guide by Expedia. This list is very handy, and in case you don’t find your airline there, you can leave a comment telling them that it is missing, and later on they will add it.

You can also see here a few tips for packing your hand luggage.

Wear comfortable clothes and shoes

I know that you are dying to wear those new jeans and high heels that you bought especially for your trip. You will look gorgeous on them, but wouldn’t it be better to wear something more comfortable? Something that will let your body move around, maybe?

Especially if you are about to embark on a long haul flight, try to wear comfortable clothes, like leggings or loose jeans, sneakers. You can still look beautiful in them, I am sure. This way you will feel more comfortable during the flight, and still gets to save your awesome new outfit for when you get there!

Avoid wearing accessories

I know that that belt matches perfectly your shoes (this goes especially for the men) but remember how annoying it is to take it off at the security check, and then having to wear it back? Yeah, not cool. So avoid wearing belts when you are catching a plane, it saves you and other people’s time.

The same goes for too many pieces of jewelry, like long or big necklaces, bracelets, hats, etc. Of course, keep your watch, but remember to take it before heading to the security check… just saying! Security check is already annoying on its own.

Munich International Airport
Munich International Airport

Online Check-in

If there is something about technology I love is to be able to check in online. You guarantee your seat, and most of the time you even get to avoid long lines. Not to mention you save at least 40 min to 1 hour of your time, which means, you can arrive at the airport a bit later.

Yes, online check-in is a must! And even when you have to pay extra for this service, just do it. Trust me, it is worth every cent. After all, your patience and nerves are very valuable to you, I believe.

Check the luggage allowance

Please, do not forget this very important detail. Check how many suitcases you can bring with you and their maximum weight. In some flights you are allowed to bring even 2 suitcases with 32 Kg, but in some, even if it is a long haul flight, only 1 with 23 Kg!

So do make sure to check this with your airline to avoid any last minute surprises. Some of them you can also find on Expedia’s guide.

Arrive early at the airport

Munich International Airport
Munich International Airport

Even if you hate airports, arriving early is something everyone should do for many reasons:

  • You avoid unexpected problems on your way, like traffic;
  • You will finish your check-in earlier;
  • You won’t have to hassle your way through security check;
  • You don’t have to run to your gate;
  • In case you have fear/anxiety of flying, you will give yourself some time to calm down/focus;
  • You still will have time to take a look at the duty free, grab something to drink/eat, or read your book;
  • And of course, will not miss your plane!

Pay attention to the signs

Before you feel lost or in need to ask an obvious question to someone, stop, breath and look around. I am sure you will find what you are looking for in the signs or panels around the airport. And if you don’t, go to the information desk, every airport has one.

Be early at the gate

Arriving early at the airport doesn’t mean you will be early at your gate. Do make sure to make your way to your gate even if it’s a bit early, this way you can see where it is, have some extra time to visit the bathroom, and of course, confirm that the boarding will actually happen there – we all know that sometimes the boarding gate changes even at the last minute.

Tips to make flying less stressful, by Packing my Suitcase.

Last but not least: sit back, relax and enjoy your flight!

 

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Tips to make pre flying less stressful, by Packing my Suitcase.

Disclosure: this post was an editorial collaboration with Expedia.co.uk.

About Allane

A Brazilian living in Germany. Married to Wolfi, mommy to Madu and Fitz, our Golden Retriever. Traveler, writer, photographer, diver, wine appreciator, dog Formula 1 fan. City girl, nature lover, believer of a better world one little change at a time.