Flying domestic or international can be a pain - there’s simply no way around it. From the expensive and distressing online booking experience to the annoying pre and post-security dance to the loud, overcrowded, and turbulent flight… flying can be overwhelming. That’s where these common and some not-so-common flying tips come into play. Even only a handful of these tips (when used in conjunction with one another) can mean the difference between flying agony and bliss. 

Yes, yes, we know, cold beverages can be amazing refreshers during any flight, domestic or international. However, think twice about accepting or requesting drinks with ice. These questionable cubes were frozen using the plane’s onboard water tanks. Who knows how long that water has been sitting, and worse yet, the last time that tank was cleaned?

Some fliers seek to fall asleep, and stay asleep, throughout the entire flight, from takeoff to descent. Unfortunately, as the body is naturally poor at regulating inner-ear pressure from the extreme forces of flight, it might be best to stay awake…. Or rather wake up for the liftoff and landing. This way you can pop your ears, specifically to help open up your Eustachian tubes, by opening your mouth wide or chewing your favorite gum. 

This one goes without saying but dress for the part (of flying). Whether a casual flyer or business professional, comfortable, loose, and stretchy attire are keys to a happy, rather, more enjoyable flight. 

Flying is stressful. Packing and driving to the airport is probably even more stressful. Don’t let traffic delays, absent airport transportation systems (think parking and cross-terminal buses and trams), and crowded security lines stop you from taking that flight. The time one should leave for the airport is up for interpretation but we recommend three hours. Don’t stress yourself out as soon as you begin. Plan ahead.

Certain airliners and more specifically, airline-branded credit cards, offer flyers and the most “important” customers access to their flight lounges.  One can and should expect private and certainly more lavish pre and post-flight boarding areas, free (or discounted) elegant dining options, free amenities like wifi, services like massages, and some offering rooms for members to sleep and shower… all at the terminal.

Cookies from the supermarket a real treat. Cookies left in your internet browser can leave a rancid taste in your mouth. If you ever notice the cost of your flight continuously increasing after looking through several rounds of price comparisons, delete your internet cookies. The airlines know you’re searching for a flight and the more you keep visiting the booking and price pages, they know you’re willing to spend to get the seats you need. 

If you seek a pleasant and straightforward flying experience, consider booking an early morning flight. Sure, the experience might be “painful,” but most early flights arrive and depart on time. You risk a greater chance of flight delay when traveling later in the day.

Sometimes even stand-out packers can’t seem to find a good space for their fragile keepsakes and newly found mementos. Amazingly, it’s almost universally accepted that a sticker or piece of paper with the picture of a broken glass and the words “FRAGILE - HANDLE WITH CARE” can make the world of difference with transporting… well, fragile items. 

Clothing layers are multidimensional gifts on any flight. If you’re hot, take a few off. If you’re cold… well, you shouldn’t be cold… you’re wearing layers. And if you’re uncomfortable, reposition your extra pieces into a makeshift blanket and decent pillow. Wear extra and be amazed with what can be accomplished with a mere shirt or pair of pants.

Along the lines of picking the last seat in the back of the plane, sometimes being the last to check in your bags also has its benefits. Rather than be early with the deposit of your heavy suitcase, consider waiting a few… let the other flyers check their bags first (… we know this move can be tricky). Remember, what goes in last, comes out first. 

You’re not going out and we hope you’re not trying to impress… too hard  (unless you’re into that kind of thing). Just keep your airline shoe game in check. Don’t strap yourself into something too obnoxious or cumbersome before security… they’ll be coming off before you know it. Other flyers won’t really pay attention to your $1,000 heels or Oxfords, anyways. Lastly, mentioned previously, the name of the game is comfort. Slip-on, slip-off, breathable, stretchable… comfort. 

The days of physically checking in at the airport are long gone… although, if the need arises, check-in kiosks, with and without personal, are still available. But why waste your precious time before a flight spending time pre-security when you could be enjoying yourself (or charing your phone) post security? Unless you require special accommodations or need to drop off a checked bag, download the mobile app. Save your time and the environment by skipping over the paper tickets. 

If you’ve never considered it, tip your flight attendant(s)… or at least try it. Not kidding! No, we’re not talking cash per se, but something along the lines of a candy bar or a small gift shop trinket. Remember, first introductions are everything. What costs you $3 can arguably pay dividends for your comfort and hunger for the entirety of your flight. 

If you’re a Pepsi person, we’re sorry, Coke just seems to be the preferred beverage of airliners. That said, it might be best to skip the free (or paid) carbonated beverages the next time you’re up in the air. The reason being is that carbonated beverages always make you ingest more air than non-carbonated beverages. And we all know this air has to get back out eventually… either through the top or the bottom if you catch our drift. Further, with varying altitude changes, that air in your stomach may expand, causing digestive discomfort. 

With or without medication, turbulence can cause discomfort as well as anxiety. If you’re especially prone to the sudden jerks, drops, and “rough patches” of an airplane ride, consider booking all future flights for the morning. As the air surrounding the plane, near and far, begins to heat with the sun, the variety of different air temperatures causes wind and storms… AKA turbulence. Therefore, skip most of the sun during the early morning hours. 

Long and tall? Take the aisle seat. Need to R&R with a little nap? Take the window seat. Like the chance with an aisle to yourself? Take the last seat on the plane. But you probably knew this already.

Domestically, cash is hardly used. If anything, the paper stuff is advised against as everything has moved to the credit card. That said, you may want to invest in a few smaller bills for those international journeys. What is covered in credit here may not be available outside the US. Therefore, don’t be rude and skip tipping your valets and assistants along the way. Some flights are even nice enough to provide you with the opportunity to exchange for your destination’s currency.

Unable to comfortably coexist with the vastly changing flying conditions, anxious babies will surely let out a cry. Just hopefully not too long. Still, you can protect yourself from the tyranny of tears by avoiding partitions between sections. Why? Parents will surely consider the closest seats to the exit and bathrooms. Further, the seats near the partitions are the only places available large enough to position a baby bassinet. 

Believe it or not, computers can lie. Well, actually, the airline seating programs are the likely suspects to lie. Behind the trillions of ones and zeroes being exchanged, errors can sometimes occur. If you seek another seat (we’re guessing exit row), take a second to ask the flight attendant at your flight gate. They will be the ultimate power to decide if and how you might be able to change your seating… not necessarily the program during booking. 

Love it or hate, plane A/C is here to stay. Planes can be naturally chilly, especially in colder climates, but accepting the flow or air from that little nozzle above your head might help keep you healthy. When allowed, that tiny gust of wind is able to push away air particles, as well as questionable or unhealthy particles, away from your body. Consider it to be your own little safety net when flying. Plus, you won’t have to worry as much about dry skin! Win-win!

Most of us only worry about the utter necessities of a flight: cell phone, laptop or tablet, chargers, cash, wallet, keys, snacks, and maybe a few pieces of clothing. But why stop there? You’re taking a flight, a trip, and you should stay as comfortable as possible throughout the experience. Pack more into your bag, we dare you - make it more worthwhile. Pack some deodorant, a travel toothbrush and toothpaste, some wet wipes, headphones or earplugs, and some perfume/cologne - just to name a few. Enjoy yourself (while making yourself pleasing to others at the same time.)

Sometimes the easiest and most simple tips are the most rewarding. Extra socks. Pack them. Good? Got It? One more time. Extra socks - pack them. When you feel that cold, anxiety-ridden feet sweat start to bother your sense of peace, it’s time to break out that extra pair of socks. Play it safe, play it smart, and in this case, play it dry and comfortable.

Even with the best entertainment, eating out of boredom is still a real concern. If you’re going to snack, and even if you say you won’t, you will. Eating on a plane is basically a typical ritual - an expectation if you will. Rather than shell out for the expensive flight items, load up on fruits, veggies, and health(ier) snack foods at your local supermarket. Save money and your waistline.  

Planes are noisy. From unaware seat-mates to the whine of plane engines to the obnoxious whirl of dozens of air nozzles to the cries and shrieks of children… there’s no escaping these overbearing sound-creating cabins. Or is there? Two thoughts - noise-canceling headphones (preferably the ones that cover your ears) and quality silicone-made earplugs. One is cheap, the other can be vastly expensive. Take your pick and good luck!

Unless you carry quality juices, more than likely, everything other than water on any flight is going to dehydrate you. At the same time, unless you’re desperate, avoid the water provided by the airline. Purchase a bottle in one of the many gift shops, or better yet, bring your own refillable bottle. Airports have several refilling stations these days. 

Say what you want, sitting in the back can be a blessing in disguise. There’s often more space available, attendants may give you more items for free (or rather more personal service), and you won’t have to deal with dozens of patrons crowding/walking/ or waiting to leave the plane in the front. 

Now this tip is a keeper. Whether you’re flying with your own family or not, stay clear of famous layover locations, airports near kid-friendly destinations. We’re looking squarely at your Orlando, Florida. Layovers near tourist attractions, especially those catering to children, are sure to have a severely skewed flying demographic… probably not for the better. 

Reusable water bottles are the way to go in this eco-friendly time. Fill up in the airport or kindly ask your flight attendant to top you off. Unless there’s a rush, you shouldn’t have a problem finding a constant supply of water.

Netflix, Hulu, Disney+, HBO Max, Sling TV, Fubo TV, Crackle, Amazon Prime Video, CBS All Access, YouTube TB, Acorn, Apple TV, and probably others - the number of media consumption platforms are proliferating. As many, if not all of these streaming platforms allow you to download offline content for travel, bring your own customized content… wherever you go. Don’t rely on the questionable and often out-of-date choices provided by the free but not-free wifi provided on planes. 

Dress to impress, need we say more? A finely finished suit or accessorized dress might make the statement that deserves some sort of flight upgrade. Care to disagree with that logic?