High-Flying Summer: Essential Tips for Smooth Air Travel
Stress-Free Flying Travel Tips
Pre-Flight Preparations
When researching booking flights, my biggest suggestion is to choose a route that would be easiest for you. If you can, I would highly suggest booking a direct non-stop flight. The thing about summer is that there is always weather, thunderstorms are very common, and if you have connections it may cause you to be delayed and miss your connection. Non-stop would always be your best option, however, sometimes it’s not economical or feasible. If that is the case, make sure you at least give yourself 2 hrs between connections. That way, if you are delayed on your first flight, it gives you more wiggle room to still make your connection.
When booking flights this summer is to check your options through the sky scanner. You can use it to see your best or cheapest option and decide from there. Skyscanner also allows you to book the flight through the airline so you aren’t dealing with any third parties.
You should definitely pay the extra money to be able to choose your seat on the aircraft. A lot of airlines, especially in the USA, have a basic economy where you aren’t able to choose your seat but rather are assigned one. In the summer, since every flight is pretty much full, there will be a good chance that if you don’t choose your seat you will be in the back of the aircraft and an uncomfortable middle seat.
Navigating Airports
This summer, you will definitely need to arrive early to the airport so that you can avoid rushing and stressing. With the increase in travelers, there is an increase in TSA lines to get through security. If you don’t give yourself enough time, you will run the risk of missing your flight due to the long security lines. TSA pre-check lines have been super long as well.
Another suggestion with navigating airports, is that you absolutely need to familiarize yourself with the airport layout. If you do have a connection, familiarizing yourself with your connecting airport for an ease in transitioning from one flight to the next. I am asked all the time where a gate is, and if you are in a rush and don’t know the airport’s layout, you may miss your flight. Knowing a bit of your way around with just help making traveling this summer in a packed airport a little bit easier.
Security and Screening Process
When traveling by air in general, you need to always be aware of TSA regulations and guidelines. Make sure your liquids are carry-on size (no larger than 3.4 ounces) if you aren’t checking a bag. When bringing your carry-on items make sure your suitcase isn’t oversized and you only have two items. A small crossbody bag is still considered an extra item and the gate agents will make you check your third item. If your suitcase also doesn’t fit in the sizer, the gate agents will make you check your suitcase. Therefore, if you don’t want your suitcase checked, you will need to be following your airlines guidelines. Especially with full flights, gate agents are always looking for a reason to check carry-on bags.
Comfort and entertainment
A main suggestion this summer is wearing travel-friendly clothing and footwear. Obviously in the summer it may be easier to wear sandals but when you are walking long distances through the airport you will be thankful you have comfortable sneakers on. With that being said, even though it is hot outside it is very likely that once in the air, the aircraft will be cold, very cold. My best advice and tip that I can give you for the summer is to wear layers for multiple weather conditions. You will be hot, cold, and everything in between when flying in the summertime.
If you are someone who gets extra cold on the aircraft, like me, I would suggest investing in a pillow/blanket. This two-in-one feature below is a pillow that also dubs as a blanket and is very easy to carry with you. A great feature especially for long flights.
Bring a lot of entertainment for yourself. Since the weather is bad in the summer and delays are highly probable, you will want to bring enough for yourself or your kids so you can stay entertained for long hours. I usually bring my iPad or laptop and my Kindle. It is also possible that the aircraft has either a slow or a broken wifi system so download a movie or show in advance incase this happens. Also, noise-canceling headphones are nice to cancel any extra noise that you don’t want to hear. Since the plane will be mostly full, if not every seat taken, you may need to cancel out someone else talking.
Health and Wellness
Since summer brings heat, it is important to stay hydrated especially when flying because of how dehydrating it is. I would suggest bringing a reusable water bottle that you can fill up when you are through security and in the terminal. There are also plenty of restaurants and new stores that offer water bottles for purchase. To stay hydrated, definitely avoid drinking alcohol and caffeine as much as you can.
I also suggest wearing sunscreen, at least on your face, because the sun is shining all day long. With longer days you can expect your face to be exposed most of the flight. Unless you are sitting at the window and like to keep the window shade closed.
Post-Flight Tips
My final travel tip for summer travel is after you get to your destination. This is when you land at the airport and are ready to go on your vacation. My first tip is to stay patient. The deplaning process is long and annoying but you WILL eventually get off the plane. Also, it may take a bit to get your checked bag but just relax and have patience because eventually, you will be able to retrieve it.
Lastly, when you are in the new airport at your final destination and are unsure how to get out, always follow the signs to baggage claim and ground transportation. There are signs for everything so just look up and you will find your way. Also if you are Ubering or using Lyft, once out of the terminal follow the signs for “ride share app”, or something along that text.
For stress-free air travel during the summer, these tips will help you have as much of a smooth ride as possible. It may not be a perfect travel experience but just try to remember to embrace the excitement of flying and to enjoy your summer adventures. Once you step out of the airport and are at your vacation destination, you will forget all the hassle you went through at the airport or on the plane.
I’ll see you in the friendly skies!
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