Travel Secrets You Need
If you’re a frequent flier or want advice from some, this is the article for you. These insider tips will help you have a smooth experience from the front door to the exit ramp. If you have any tips we missed, be sure to share them!
1. Value Customer Service
The most important thing to remember if you have a flight problem is to treat the people at the counter with respect. They are not the cause of your problem, and they are trying to help. Losing your temper will only make things worse. These people see stressed, unhappy passengers all day long, and it must get to them too, so a little kindness goes a long way.
2. Airline Credit Cards
Frequent travelers should consider signing up for a rewards credit card with their favorite airline. Elite status can be earned after a while, which results in free checked bags, priority boarding, lounge access, and sometimes upgrades. Simply charge your work travel to the card and keep the points for yourself to earn free flights.
3. Long Layovers
If you have a long layover and especially if you're flying alone, you could book lounge access at the airport. You get to eat and drink, use WiFi, and sit back as the hours blur by. Lounges generally charge a few hours access for about $20 to $30.
4. Buy Direct
Buy flights through the airline directly, not a discount site. Look up your desired flight and then go to the airline's website to book at a similar price but with full control of your ticket. This way you don’t run into an issue where you have to follow silly policies on the discounter’s website.
5. Follow the Business Travelers
While waiting in line at the airport, align yourself with the business travelers. They will walk quickly, and you'll follow their pace. It will help you get through security in a shorter time.
6. Fly Separate
Solo travel offers more flexibility and more opportunities for perks. If you book well in advance and leave an extra day at the end of your trip, you can volunteer for bumps if they are needed. Being a single traveler makes you more likely to receive vouchers, upgrades, and other perks.
7. Aluminum-Frame Luggage
For checked bags, pick a heavy-duty bag that will survive abuse from the cargo bin treatment. Aluminum-frame bags like the Luggage Works Stealth or Travel Pro are favorites of airline crew for their durability. Spend some money on a good one to keep your belongings safe.
8. Take the Vouchers
Never turn down a voucher when they ask if you want to give up your seat. They are often worth more than some flights. Plan carefully, and you can use a $300 voucher to book a round-trip flight that is actually cheaper than your original cost and save money in the process.
9. Hydrate
Stay hydrated when you're on a layover: bring an empty water bottle and fill up at the airport water fountain. This will help you avoid dehydration, headaches, bloating, and general body pain on long flights. It might suck to have to use the bathroom all the time, but it’s better than the alternative.
10. Keep Everything Ready
Speed up security by having a screenshot of your boarding pass and your ID readily available in your front pocket. Put your wallet, keys, belt, and shoes in your bag and out of your pockets before getting in line. Everything will be ready to go when it's your turn, so you'll breeze through security.
11. Accept Delays
Air travel is a complex system with many moving parts and experts chugging along to make things work. Sometimes causes of delays are reduced to “your flight is late” without much elaboration. Realizing that timing estimates are fuzzy and uncontrollable can make the experience less frustrating.
12. Bring Treats
If you are seeking an upgrade or better treatment, the secret is to be sincerely courteous and nice to the flight attendants. Bring along a small gift for the crew, like chocolates, as a token of your appreciation. If you happen to be upgraded, be discreet. You don't want to put the crew in an awkward situation by boasting about it.
13. Turn Up the Phone Brightness
Turn your phone to maximum brightness when displaying your boarding pass at security or boarding. It helps the scanners and staff quickly see your pass on the phone screen, speeding things up and preventing delays. Nothing is more annoying than having to put everything down to figure out your phone.
14. Prioritize Things You’ll Need
Clip your neck pillow to your carry-on luggage when it's not in use. Keep the pillow bag itself attached and store the items you need for your flight inside. You can keep a tablet, headphones, cables, and even a pen in it.
15. Bring Earplugs
If you are sleeping or staying at the airport, pack earplugs. Airport public announcements are frequent and can be very loud, particularly late at night. Earplugs will help you sleep and will make the space a lot more comfortable.
16. Free Internet
A good investment if you travel is a small portable WiFi router. A lot of hotel TVs have an Ethernet input, so you can plug your router in and then connect your TV to that. This isn’t always the case though, but keep an eye out.
Glenn Carstens-Peters on Unsplash
17. Wash Your Hands Frequently
Wash your hands more often when you're in airports. They have so many people in them, there are germs all over. You have to stay vigilant about washing your hands to not get sick.
18. 4-Wheeled Bags
Buy decent luggage if you travel often. Avoid the cheap, flimsy options and buy luggage with four wheels if possible. You can push them flat when they're rolling in front of you, giving you a break when your arms get tired.
19. Confirm Your Flight
Always find your gate early, then double-check that it is the correct one, even if you have lots of time. After you know it's correct, set a timer on your phone for when you need to be back. This makes it so you won't miss your flight and have less anxiety right before.
20. Watch the Pets
If you find yourself with some free time at the airport, check out the pet and owner reunions. It's great fun to see the dogs race out of their carriers. Besides, it’s more entertaining than sitting around watching the clock.
