1. Actually get to the airport at least an hour before your boarding time.
It's lame, but security always takes five years because someone has something metal on but doesn’t realize it. Also, let’s be honest, you don’t want to deal with the wrath of a flight attendant scorned. Also, they’re serious when they say they’re closing the doors.
2. Bring lots of snacks.
Especially if your flight is so early that you jump out of bed and forget to eat breakfast. Airport food is not a thing, and they rarely give anything more than peanuts anymore.
3. Try to get the window seat.
If you get airsick, just don’t look out the window (or close it). It’s so much better than having to deal with people climbing over you and having a cart run over your foot if it’s even an inch into the aisle.
4. Pack a carry-on you can actually lift into the storage bins.
If you’re five feet tall, this is especially applicable. There are going to be businessmen staring at you and pointing to their watches while you stand on your tiptoes and try to pull what is basically a suitcase out of the compartment. Yes, bag fees are B.S., but so is the situation when you hold up the entire plane.
5. If you must have a layover, find the shortest one possible or at an airport that’s large and fascinating.
Really research the airport first, because it can be giant, but your specific terminal can be completely cut off from the rest of the world. No, the healthy sandwich store is not going to do it for my sugar, coffee-needing self.
6. Make sure there’s WiFi if you have a layover.
This is important. Take it as a lesson from me: don’t spend all your data watching CBS shows off of your phone. Entertaining? Yes. Economical? No.
7. Load your phone with music before your flight(s).
It really helps the time go by, even if you’re on a two-hour flight. It doesn’t matter if the person next to you can tell you’re jammin' to Fetty Wap. Just go for it.
8. Locate at least one of the nearby restrooms, and try not to drink too many fluids on your flight.
We’ve all been that person practically running to the bathroom signs because we wanted to be “hydrated” on the flight. No. Drink a lot of water, but once you get off of the plane will suffice.
9. Plan on spending money.
Airports basically use you as a pawn to buy their products. Let’s be real, if you get to the airport and you have a water in your hands and they’re like “No, you can’t do that,” you aren’t going to turn around and leave. You spent hundreds of dollars on your ticket. Just swallow your pride and fall in to commercial society.
10. Last but certainly NOT least: Be really, really nice to everyone that works in the airport.
This should be a given for most people, but if it’s not, be nice. Airport workers have to deal with literally thousands of stressed out people every single day, and if you freak out on them for something small, you’re making a fool out of yourself. Sit down and channel Dr. Phil or something. You are not that important.
Hopefully with these little nuggets of wisdom you all have a better flying experience. Keep these things in mind on your next trip, and you can’t go wrong.
