Flying Anytime Soon? How About Some Flying Hacks

Here are some flying hacks to make your travel experience smoother:

My wife and I travel quite a bit. If you’re new to flying, here are a few tips we’ve followed over the years.

1. Pack Light: Traveling with only a carry-on can save you time and money on checked baggage fees and having to wait for your luggage at the carousel. we waited ove an hour one time and we swore we wouldn’t do that again. If there’s a washer and dryer where you’re staying, you can pack pretty light and wash your clothes anytime you want. The only thing you’re paying for is the laundry soap.

2. Bring Snacks: Pack some snacks like nuts, granola bars, or fruit to avoid overpriced airport food. My wife ordered a box of individual bags of chips from Amazon. We’ll bring a few bags with us for the flight there. Then when we get to our destination, we always do all inclusive. So we’ll go to breakfast and grab a couple of the small boxes of cereal for the flight home.

3. Stay Hydrated: Bring an empty water bottle to refill after passing through security to stay hydrated during the flight. I’m not big on this but my wife travels quite a bit more than I do. A simple bottle of water can cost up to $8-$10 at the airport. Yikes.

4. Download Entertainment: Download movies, TV shows, or podcasts before your flight to avoid relying on spotty in-flight entertainment. I like to download a bunch of movies and shows from Netflix. Most of the content on Netflix is downloadable and many, if not all podcast platforms allow downloading episodes.

5. Dress Comfortably: Opt for comfortable clothing and shoes to make long flights more bearable. I learned this one the hard way. The very first time we flew into Mexico, we flew out of MSP. I had sweat pants and a sweatshirt on as we left Minneapolis because it was 5°. But when we got to Mexico, it was 85°. So here I am, walking through the Cabo airport sweating profusely. I had to shower immediately when we got to the resort. Now, I just wear shorts and a t-shirt, if I know we’re headed to a warmer climate.

6. Invest in Noise-Canceling Headphones: Block out engine noise and chatter with noise-canceling headphones for a more peaceful flight.

7. Choose the Right Seat: Use seat selection tools to choose the best seat for your needs, whether it’s extra legroom, a window seat, or a quiet spot away from the galley. We always opt for more leg room on a flight. With my fear of flying, I like to sit in an isle seat. It’s funny, I can look out the window across the isle from me and not feel anything but when I look out the window closest to me, it freaks me out.

8. Stay Active: Get up and stretch periodically during the flight to prevent stiffness and promote circulation. Even if it’s just a quick walk to the bathroom and back. It definitely helps.

9. Get the TSA Pre-check: If you fly enough, this is a must. It allows you to go through the pre-check line and get to your gate faster. Sometimes, the regular TSA line is backed up for quite a while. The pre-check cost about $85 and is good for (I believe) 5 years. Definitely worth it if you travel 1-2 times per year.

10. Join Frequent Flyer Programs: Earn miles and enjoy perks like priority boarding and lounge access by joining airline loyalty programs. With all the flying my wife does, we were able to go to Albuquerque, NM. for $26 apiece.  That includes the flights, a car rental and hotel stay.

I’m no travel expert. I’m just sharing my thoughts on flying and how to save yourself some hassle and maybe even some money.

Happy flying!