Whether you're flying back to school at the end of the month or taking a last-minute vacation, you'll be encountering the hell that is the airport. Some people like the airport because of the food court or the duty-free shops or maybe because they like going through security? But most of us dread air travel because of the pat-downs, strict liquid laws, lack of leg room and almost everything else that has to do with flying. Having had the pleasure, or misfortune (however you look at it), of flying a fair amount, I've compiled a list of advice that's frequently saved me from having a nervous breakdown at my gate.
Check airport food before you go.
For some stupid reason, some of the best restaurants in airports are located before the security checkpoint, and of course, you don't realize this until you get through, so make sure to look up your terminal and its food options before you go through or alternatively ...
Eat at home.
Before leaving for the airport, carb it up at home and bring some snacks for the airport, airplane and any other time in between. The food at the airport is usually a million dollars and a million calories, and you'll thank yourself when you don't feel bloated an hour after Panda Express. Whether you bring food from home or buy it outside of security, remember not to buy drinks. Speaking of liquids ...
Pack your liquids wisely.
If you're only going away for a few days, do you really need two perfumes, your entire shampoo bottle and shaving cream? Probably not. The easiest way to avoid the extra weight in your bag and extra wait at security when you have to throw it all away is to buy a prepackaged travel kit from CVS.
Hydrate.
Bring a water bottle from home that you can refill once you get through security. Staying hydrated keeps your mind sharp and your skin smooth and happy. You also won't have to drop $100 on a bottle of water at Hudson News.
Lotion is life.
Everyone knows the way your skin turns gray and corpse-like after a long flight, and that's the last thing anyone wants. To avoid this, wear as little makeup as possible and slather on lotion as much as you can before and during your flight. You'll be surprised how much more alive your cheeks look.
Establish your territory.
If you like to arrive eight hours early to the airport like my psycho parents do, then you'll need a hub. This is what my family calls the area of seats and the wall plug that we guard with our lives once we get to our gate. This lets you charge your phone early on so you're not stressing about how long your music will last during the flight. Another tip: Find an empty gate close to your actual gate so you can avoid people (which is always the goal).
Bring meds.
For a lot of people, flying can mess with your body in a variety of ways — headaches, bloating, sleep deprivation, et cetera. Stock up on meds like Advil, Tylenol PM (to knock you out) and a probiotic (to regulate digestion). Especially if you're traveling to a different time zone, your body might need a little help adjusting. And remember, important medication always goes in your carry-on; never check a prescription in a bag that could get lost.
Never wear heels
Unless you're stepping right off the plane and into a meeting. There's no one to impress at the airport, and you'll want to die when you're feet swell up in the air and you have to cram them back into your stilettos. Sneakers or flip flops are the way to go.
Don't check a bag.
If you can avoid it, don't check a bag. Avoid those extra fees and make a quick escape once you're off the plane. Google some ways to pack strategically so you can fit all your things and also remember you can shove the overflow items into your purse or pockets (they don't weigh the passengers).
Invest in a portable charger.
More often than not, everyone else will have beaten you to every charging station and every outlet in the place, so be prepared and buy a portable charger or extra battery. Don't forget to charge it up at home and bring the right cords so you'll have the power at all times.
Just accept it.
You'll probably have to wait an hour in the security, your flight will probably be delayed, and you'll probably be sitting next to an upset baby, so just accept it. Bring some reading material, some earplugs and pray that they have free Wi-Fi. Traveling is rough, but we all have to endure it to get to the places we love. You might as well get comfy and enjoy the ride.
