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Advantages and Disadvantages of Traveling by Plane

We take air transport for granted nowadays, but what are the advantages and disadvantages of traveling by plane? In this post, we take a look.

Pros and Cons of Air Travel

Whether you like flying or not, when it comes to the pros and cons of flying, there are plenty of both.

On the one hand, air travel is the quickest way to get from A to B. It’s also an ideal means of transport that is relatively safe and comfortable, thanks to advances in technology.

On the other hand, flying can be expensive, stressful and detrimental to the environment.

There's no denying it is one of the most popular forms of transport for both business and pleasure, and has brought the world closer together in many ways, but nothing is perfect!

In this guide, we'll list 10 advantages that traveling by plane offers, and balance those out with 10 disadvantages. By the end, you should have a good idea of whether or not flying is the right choice for your next trip.

Related: How to plan a travel budget

Air Transport Advantages:

Let's kick off in a positive way, and look at airplane advantages and the benefits of making a journey by plane.

– One of the best advantages of airplanes, is that when you need to get somewhere fast, flying is often the best option. It can get you across the country or around the world in a matter of hours. If you have a choice between flying and driving, flying will almost always get you there faster.

For example, as I write a lot about Greece, I'm often asked how to travel from one place to another. Many people who want to get from Athens to Santorini are surprised to find that to fly rather than take a ferry is quicker, and often cheaper!

– With wider seats, more legroom, and in-flight entertainment, flying can be a very comfortable experience. On international flights anyway! When you compare it to other forms of transportation like buses or trains, it’s often much more pleasant.

3. Efficiency

– One of the key advantages of air transport, is that planes are designed to get you from Point A to Point B as quickly and efficiently as possible. They can cover large distances in a relatively short amount of time. Even when you factor in the time it takes to get to and from the airport, flying is often just as quick but usually quicker as other forms of travel including high speed trains.

Related: Airport Instagram Captions

4. Relaxation

– For some people, flying is a chance to relax and escape the hustle and bustle of everyday life. When you're up in the air, it's easy to forget about your troubles down on the ground.

You can watch movies , listen to music , or sleep. Falling asleep on a flight is easy for many people, and there's never the concern you might miss your stop as with other modes of transport!

– I think it was Superman who said, “Statistically, it’s safer to fly than to drive.” Flying is one of the safest forms of transportation, making it one of the best advantages of planes. In 2015, there were over 35,000 commercial flights per day in the US, and only 21 accidents .

That means that your odds of being in a plane crash are about 1 in 8 million . With modern technology and safety protocols, the chances of an accident or plane crashes are very low.

Related: International Travel Safety Tips

6. Convenience

– One of the pros of planes, is that flying is often the most convenient option, especially when traveling long distances. It can save you time and hassle, and get you where you need to go with minimal fuss. When compared to driving or taking a train or bus, flying is often much more convenient.

Related: Long Haul Flight Essentials

7. Accessibility

– With more people flying than ever before, there are now more options for flights to unique and hard-to-reach destinations. You can fly almost anywhere in the world, and there are usually multiple flight options to choose from.

8. Networking

– Flying can be a great opportunity to network with other professionals either on long haul flights or shorter flights of just a few hours. If you're traveling for business, you'll often find yourself sitting next to someone who could be a valuable connection.

Related: Can you take a powerbank on a plane?

9. Adventure

– For some, flying is an adventure in and of itself. Travelling by plane is a chance to explore new places, meet new people, and experience the world in a whole new way.

Related: Adventure Couple Quotes

– Flying can be a lot of fun, especially if you're traveling to somewhere you've never been before. It's an opportunity to explore and have new experiences. Here's a look at the plane we took to Con Dao in Vietnam!

Related: Can you take spices on a plane?

Disadvantages of air travel:

Travelers who are making arrangements to travel long distances by plane might also want to keep some of the disadvantages of flights in mind:

– One of the biggest disadvantages of flying is the cost. It can be very expensive to purchase a plane ticket, especially if you're flying internationally. Sure, budget airlines might offer some cheap flights, but they often come with their own set of problems (more on that below).

2. Time Commitment

– Flying can take a lot of time, especially if you're flying to a far-flung destination. You have to factor in travel time to and from the airport, as well as time spent waiting at the airport itself.

– Even for hardened travelers, flying can be a hassle, especially if you're dealing with delays, cancellations, or lost baggage. It can be frustrating to deal with the logistics of air travel, and it's not always a smooth or easy process.

Related: Tips for stress free travel

4. Inconvenience

– Flying can be inconvenient, especially if you have to travel on short notice. It can be difficult to find a flight that fits your schedule, and you may have to deal with unforeseen delays or cancellations. You also need to make sure your plane tickets, passport, and other documents are in order. And did we mention the long lines at security?

Related: Why do flights get cancelled

5. Missed Connections

– One of the biggest headaches of flying is dealing with missed connections. If your flight is delayed or canceled, it can throw off your whole travel schedule. When buying tickets, you should leave plenty of time between connecting flights!

Related: Common Travel Mistakes

– Jet lag is a real problem for many people who fly frequently. It's a disruption of your body's natural sleep cycle, and it can be difficult to adjust to a new time zone. If your air travels involve a long journey, you're likely to experience some jet lag.

Related: How to minimize jet lag

7. Baggage Fees

– Many airlines now charge baggage fees, which can add up quickly if you're traveling with multiple bags. It's important to check the baggage policy before you travel to avoid any surprises, especially if using a budget airline.

8. Security Lines

– One of the biggest hassles of flying is dealing with security lines. They can be time-consuming and frustrating, especially if you're running late for your flight. One tip is to get to the airport early so you have plenty of time to clear security.

9. Crowded Flights

– One of the disadvantages of travelling by plane, is that flying can be cramped and uncomfortable, especially if you're on a crowded flight. It's important to book a seat in advance so you can avoid being stuck in the middle of the plane. What is the best seat on an aisle of a plane?

I prefer to sit near the window so that I can take advantage of the view during takeoff and landing, but some people prefer to sit on the aisle so they have easy access to the lavatories.

10. Environmental Impact

– Finally, it's important to consider the environmental impact of flying. Air travel is one of the biggest contributors to greenhouse gas emissions, so if you're looking to reduce your carbon footprint, flying is not the best option. If you want to be a responsible traveler , consider offsetting your emissions by planting trees or investing in renewable energy.

The bottom line is that there are both advantages and disadvantages to flying. It's important to weigh the pros and cons before you decide whether or not to take a flight. And if you do decide to fly, make sure you're prepared for the hassles that come with it!

Advantages and disadvantages of air transportation – Conclusion

Overall, the advantages of flying outweigh the disadvantages. While it can be expensive and inconvenient at times, flying is a very safe and efficient way to travel. It offers access to unique destinations around the world, and it's a great way to network with other professionals. For some people, flying is an adventure in and of itself, and it's a great way to explore new places and have new experiences.

10 Tips For Flying long distances

Now we've seen some of the advantages and disadvantages of air transport, how can you make the most of your journey by air? These tips for traveling by plane will help you get the best out of your flight:

1. Choose your seat wisely –

When booking your flight, be sure to choose a seat that is comfortable for you. If you're traveling with a partner or friend, book seats together so you can chat and pass the time more easily. If you're flying solo, consider an aisle seat so you can get up and stretch your legs when needed.

2. Bring a good book –

Flying can be a great opportunity to catch up on some reading. Be sure to bring a good book (or two!) to keep you entertained during the flight. If you get bored easily, consider bringing a Sudoku puzzle or other brainteaser to keep your mind sharp.

3. Stay hydrated –

It's important to stay hydrated when flying, as the dry air can be dehydrating. Be sure to drink plenty of water (and avoid alcohol) during your flight. If you're traveling with a reusable water bottle, fill it up before you board the plane.

Related: Best snacks to take on a plane

4. Get up and move around –

Sitting in a cramped seat for hours can be uncomfortable, so be sure to get up and move around when possible. Take a walk up and down the aisle, do some stretches in your seat, or take a trip to the lavatory.

5. Wear comfortable clothing –

You'll be more comfortable on your flight if you dress in comfortable clothing. Avoid constricting clothing, such as jeans or tight dresses, and opt for loose-fitting clothes that won't restrict your movement. It's also a good idea to wear layers so you can adjust to the changing temperature on the plane.

6. Bring snacks –

If you get hungry during your flight, be sure to bring along some snacks. It's often more expensive to buy food on the plane, and the selection is usually limited. Pack some snacks that you enjoy and that will tide you over until you can eat a proper meal.

7. Bring a travel pillow –

If you're flying long-distance, consider bringing a travel pillow to help you sleep. A good night's sleep on the plane can make a big difference in how you feel when you land.

8. Keep your valuables close –

Be sure to keep your valuables close to you at all times while on the plane. If possible, keep them in a carry-on bag so you can have easy access to them. If you need to put them in the overhead bin, be sure to keep an eye on them throughout the flight.

Related: Choosing the best digital nomad backpack

9. Plan ahead –

If you're flying long-distance, it's important to plan ahead so you can avoid jet lag. Consider what time zone you'll be landing in and try to adjust your sleep schedule accordingly. 

10. Sit comfortably –

If you're going to be sitting on the plane for a long time, it's important to be comfortable. You may want to consider upgrading to a premium seat with more leg room if you have the option.

Related: International Travel Packing Checklist

Do you have any thoughts on the advantages and disadvantages of air travel? Let us know in the comments below!

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25 Things You Should Do Before Boarding a Plane, According to a Frequent Flier

We've rounded up 25 things you should do before your next flight so you can relax and know that you're totally prepared.

Between making sure your suitcase isn't an ounce over the weight limit and rushing to your gate before the doors close, air travel can be a stressful experience — but it doesn't have to be. We've rounded up 25 things you should do before your next flight, so you can relax and know that you're totally prepared.

1. Download and Use Your Airline’s App

Unless you're checking a bag, there's no reason to queue up at the check-in desk or deal with a fingerprint-smudged kiosk at the airport. Download your airline's app ahead of time, make sure your reservation details are in, and then use it to check in. That way, you can head straight to security when you arrive at the airport. Delta's app, for example, will even check you in automatically 24 hours in advance of your flight.

2. Get the Airline Credit Card

Don't fly enough to earn elite status? Airline credit cards offer cardholders perks similar to elites, including free checked bags and priority boarding. Carrying one of these cards can save you money on luggage and ensure you'll find carry-on space in the overhead bins ahead of the crowd.

3. Have a Status Strategy

Speaking of airline status, if you are going for gold (or silver, or platinum) this year, make sure your frequent-flier number is attached to all your airline reservations. Even if you're not flying your usual carriers, chances are the airline you're on is partners with another you fly more frequently thanks to alliances. That way, you can earn airline miles toward status on every single flight you take.

4. Check Aircraft Alternatives

Seats and amenities can vary dramatically, even from plane to plane within a single family of jets in a particular airline's fleet. Once you settle on an airline, double-check the aircraft type and seat map on the carrier's site to make sure you're flying the plane you want.

5. Assess Your Seating Situation

Whether you like a window or an aisle , it's worth checking SeatGuru 's detailed seat maps to confirm your chosen place on the plane won't be too close to the galley or the lavatories, with their associated noises (and smells!).

6. Stay Organized

Keep all your information in one place by using App in the Air or TripIt , two apps that do things like consolidate your flight statuses, check-in times, gate numbers, and nearby lounge locations, and will update you on schedule and gate changes.

7. Check Real-time Reports

Stay informed about your flight's status by using your airline's proprietary app. But you can also take it a step further by using FlightStats to track flight statuses, on-time performances, weather conditions, and even the flight history of your specific aircraft, all in real-time so that if your plane is delayed, you can be the first to know and the first to get rebooked.

8. Remember the Liquid Lowdown

Remember, any liquids you're carrying through TSA checkpoints must be less than 3.4 ounces (100 milliliters) and placed in a see-through bag no larger than a quart.

9. Sign Up for PreCheck, Already

Keep those shoes and belts on, leave the liquids and laptops in your bag, and forgo the full-body scans by getting TSA PreCheck . You could pay $70 for PreCheck itself or $100 for Global Entry , which also confers PreCheck (usually) and expedited immigration and customs access. Several credit cards, including the Capital One Venture and the Bank of America Premium Rewards card, will even refund you the application fee for either program.

10. Investigate Security Speed

Bypass the worst security checkpoints at over 200 airports around the globe by tapping into the MiFlight app's crowd-sourced, real-time checkpoint waiting times.

11. Size Up Your Bag

Many airlines have instituted strict size limits for carry-on bags, which are stringently enforced by eagle-eyed gate agents. Check your bag's dimensions at home and make sure they adhere to your airline's limits. Keep in mind that European carriers' limits vary slightly from those in the U.S. Blame it on standard versus metric.

12. Gather Your Gadgets

Phone: check. Laptop: check. Tablet: check. Camera: check. Spare charger: check. Power cords: check. Travelers are carrying more electronics than ever. Luckily, there are organizer cases galore to keep all your devices and cables within reach and ready for security screening.

13. Remove Those Batteries

Airlines instituted smart luggage battery bans in January 2018. If your bag has a battery pack, be prepared to show that it is removable in case your bag has to be gate-checked. But don't leave that battery pack at home, necessarily. Just because your airplane seat is supposed to have power ports does not guarantee that they'll actually work when you're on the plane.

14. Grab and Go

Hate airplane food, but afraid you'll miss boarding while waiting in a line at an airport restaurant? Use the Grab app to pre-order and pay for items at participating restaurants and vendors at airports in the U.S., Mexico, and across Europe. Place your order on your ride to the airport and pick it up on your way to the gate without breaking stride.

15. Connect for Less

Many airports offer free Wi-Fi , but beware of hackers. Using a VPN offers a measure of protection.

16. Lounge Around

Why wait at the gate when you can enjoy free Wi-Fi and snacks in the comfort of a lounge? LoungeBuddy posts reviews on airport lounges around the world, including their entry requirements and how you can score day passes. Several premium credit cards, including the Chase Sapphire Reserve and the Platinum Card from American Express, confer access to hundreds of Priority Pass lounges worldwide. Frequent travelers can also consider airline-specific cards such as the Delta SkyMiles Reserve, which gets you into its clubs.

17. Wear Comfortable Clothing

Airplane cabin climate settings seem to vacillate between icebox and toaster oven, with no habitable happy medium in between. And no one wants to touch those germy air nozzles, which only provide a hissing draft of dry air anyway. Dress for any contingency by wearing multiple light layers , and look stylish to boot.

18. Stick Your Neck Out

As airlines squeeze more and more seats into coach, ergonomics seem to be flying out the window. Luckily, travel pillow technology has never been better, with options for every type of sitter and sleeper. It's time to invest in a quality travel pillow that will spare your neck and back the worst effects of a long flight .

19. Bring Your Own Bottle

Avoid single-use plastic (and a bottle of water that costs $8 post-security) by bringing an empty travel water bottle with you instead. Some are even collapsible to save you space, and more airports have installed water bottle filling stations next to drinking fountains to make carrying your own that much more convenient.

20. Disinfect Everything

Due to the number of people passing through and touching everything, airports and airplanes are some of the germiest places around (though in the post-pandemic world, many airlines are taking additional steps to ensure your safety). Protect yourself as much as possible by using disinfecting wipes on your hands and your airplane seat once you get settled. Because they're not liquid, like hand sanitizer, wipes will also not count toward your carry-on liquid limit.

21. Moisturize Like Your Life Depends on It

Even on next-generation jets like the Boeing 787 Dreamliner and the Airbus A350, cabin humidity levels rarely top 20 percent (and are only around 8-10 percent on conventional aircraft). To avoid looking like a prune after your flight, pack a light moisturizer and apply it frequently.

22. Get a Jump on Jet Lag

Flying across multiple time zones? Use an app like Entrain or Timeshifter before you fly. Both help you gradually shift your pre-travel schedule toward your destination time zone based on your specific plans and preferences so that by the time you fly, you're already ahead of jet lag.

23. Park Like a Pro

Airport parking lots can fill up quickly during the busiest travel times. Use SpotHero to reserve a place in advance at lots near more than 40 airports throughout the U.S.

24. Understand Your Credit Card Protection

Flight delays and cancellations happen. If you travel frequently, it pays to carry a credit card you know will protect you under certain circumstances. Many offer compensation for delays, cancellations, lost luggage, and more if you use them to pay for travel plans. So, if you have to spend money staying somewhere overnight or replacing certain items, it won't come out of your bottom line. Before traveling, read your card's benefits packet carefully to understand what you're entitled to and how to go about claiming it.

25. Investigate Intelligent Insurance

Beyond delays, cancellations, and lost luggage, which are covered by most major credit cards, you might want to insure an expensive trip with a policy that includes provisions for emergency medical evacuation and cancellation for any reason. InsureMyTrip.com is a convenient resource for comparing travel insurance plans from major providers.

Bonus: Don't Forget the Essentials

If you're flying during the pandemic, you'll want to check your airline's guidelines for travel as well as your destination's requirements for incoming visitors. Stash extra face masks , wipes, hand sanitizer, and any other essentials in both your carry-on and checked luggage so you're never without them.

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How to Travel when Flying on a Plane

Last Updated: October 11, 2023 Approved

This article was co-authored by Amy Tan . Amy Tan is a Travel Planner and the Founder of Planet Hoppers, a boutique travel design team founded in 2002. Planet Hoppers specializes in brainstorming and creating itineraries for dream vacations, honeymoons, exotic adventures, family reunions, and group trips. Planet Hoppers is a TRUE accredited travel agency and a member of the Signature Travel Network, the Cruise Lines International Association (CLIA), and Travel Leaders. Amy earned a BA in Communications and a BS in Physics from the University of California, Davis in 2000. There are 15 references cited in this article, which can be found at the bottom of the page. wikiHow marks an article as reader-approved once it receives enough positive feedback. This article received 13 testimonials and 94% of readers who voted found it helpful, earning it our reader-approved status. This article has been viewed 459,978 times.

Air travel is the fastest way to travel over long distances, but it can be stressful to pack and make sure that you have done everything correctly in order to get through airport security. There are many rules and regulations that travelers must follow. However, as long as you are familiar with the guidelines and get everything ready in advance, you should have no issues traveling by airplane.

When you are on a plane, you are traveling. So, essentially, how you would travel when flying on a plane is you would sit down and enjoy the ride.

Packing Your Bags

• The permitted size of carry-on bags varies from airline to airline. Check the requirements for the airline with which you will travel to learn how big your carry-on bag can be. [1] X Trustworthy Source U.S. Transportation Security Administration U.S. government agency responsible for ensuring safety by setting and enforcing travel protocols Go to source
• Remember that certain items are only permissible when packed in a checked bag.

• Liquids, such as bath products
• Sporting goods
• Self defense items
• Sharp objects
• Small lighters.

• Most liquids and some food items, like gravies and sauces or sometimes even ketchup, must be 3.4 fluid ounces (100.6 ml) or less in order to be allowed in a carry-on bag. The rules may be different for necessities such as medicine, but there still are restraints for that. [4] X Trustworthy Source U.S. Transportation Security Administration U.S. government agency responsible for ensuring safety by setting and enforcing travel protocols Go to source

• Additionally, overpacking your carry-on or checked bag might result in it not fitting into the airline-approved measurements, in which case you might have to remove items from your bag to put into another bag or leave it at the airport. [6] X Research source
• Checked bag fees start at $25 for one checked bag at the majority of airlines and go up from there, with increases for multiple checked bags and bags that are overweight. [7] X Research source

• All liquid items that are 3.4 fluid ounces (100.6 ml) or smaller can go in your carry-on, and they must be packed in one 1-quart bag. Each traveler is only permitted to have one of these bags. [8] X Trustworthy Source U.S. Transportation Security Administration U.S. government agency responsible for ensuring safety by setting and enforcing travel protocols Go to source
• Items that are larger that 3.4 fluid ounces (100.6 ml) can be packed in a checked bag. They do not have to be enclosed in a zip-top bag, but it is recommended in order to protect your other packed belongings.
• Medications and nourishment items for infants and children are exempt from these rules. [9] X Trustworthy Source U.S. Transportation Security Administration U.S. government agency responsible for ensuring safety by setting and enforcing travel protocols Go to source

• Rolling your clothing not only saves space but also reduces wrinkles in clothes.

• Packing your items in this way prevents your clothes from being further compressed and wrinkled by being buried under heavier items.
• Put toiletries and other light items on top so that they are easily accessible for removing at the security checkpoint.

• This way, you have at least one additional set of clothing to wear until you receive your checked bag.
• It would also be helpful to include some key toiletry items, like a toothbrush, toothpaste, and deodorant, as long as they meet the 3.4 fluid-ounce (100.6 ml) requirement.

• Put magazines, thin books, or other slim items in these pockets.

• Security does have approved locks that they can open with their own tools, including Safe Skies and Travel Sentry.

Did You Know? Airlines inspect your luggage to make sure you do not have forbidden items, like:

Getting to the Airport

• Checking in online ahead of time also saves you time in getting to the airport, because you can head straight to security and skip the check-in lines upon arrival.

• If you check in at the airport, then airline agents will provide you with your boarding pass at that time.

• U.S. driver's license that is Real ID Act compliant (see dhs.gov/real-id for more information). If you do not have a Real ID compliant ID, then you will need to obtain an alternate form of identification (such as a passport or passport card) to pass the security lines.
• U.S. passport
• U.S. passport card
• U.S. military ID
• Permanent resident card
• Government-issued passport
• Border crossing card.

• Airlines recommend that you arrive 30-45 minutes prior to departure for domestic flights, depending on whether you have to check any baggage. For international flights, it is recommended that you arrive at least two hours prior to departure to allow time for completing international requirements. [17] X Research source
• Accommodate for extra time if you have to drive yourself and park in long-term parking. You will have extra time for traveling from the parking lot to the terminal via the airport shuttle.
• If your airport is large and extremely busy, take that into consideration and arrive early, just to be sure. Also think about what day of the week you are traveling. Weekends are usually busy travel times, which means the airport and security checkpoint might be busier.

• Liquids and aerosols in the quart-sized bag
• Technology devices
• Medically necessary medications and liquids
• Nourishment items for infants and children.

• Coats, jackets, and sweaters
• Cell phones

• Let the officer or other representative know that you have medically necessary liquids or medications when you are going through the screening. If you also need items such as ice packs, syringes, pumps, and IV bags, notify the officer about those, as well. It is helpful to have them labeled for easy screening. Keep all of these items separate from other liquids, like bath and hygiene products. Any ice packs or frozen gel packs that are necessary for your medication must be frozen solid at the security checkpoint. You do have the option to not have your medication screened by X-ray or to not have it opened, but in that case, other screening measures will have to be taken. [19] X Trustworthy Source U.S. Transportation Security Administration U.S. government agency responsible for ensuring safety by setting and enforcing travel protocols Go to source
• If you have nourishment items for an infant or child, you are also allowed to bring them in excess of 3.4 fluid ounces (100.6 ml) in a carry-on item, and they can be in a zip-top bag larger than one quart. However, they must be separate from other liquids that you are checking through security. Alert the officer that you have these items so that they can be screened correctly. The officer may want to X-ray or open your breast milk, formula, or juice, but you can deny that if you would like to. In that case, other screening measures will have to be taken. Ice packs and frozen gel packs will need to be frozen solid at the time you go through security. Other items such as canned, jarred, and processed baby food are permitted, as well as liquid-filled teethers, but they will also have to be screened. [20] X Trustworthy Source U.S. Transportation Security Administration U.S. government agency responsible for ensuring safety by setting and enforcing travel protocols Go to source

• After you have found your gate, you can go to the restroom, get something to eat, or shop, if you have time.

Making the Most of the Travel Time

• Being prepared with snacks and drinks will help tide you over until you get to your destination, because although flights still do beverage service, many short haul flights no longer offer food or snacks. When they do offer meals, you normally have to pay for them.
• An alternative is to eat at one of the airport restaurants. These are usually overpriced, but if you have a long time to wait or will have a long time before you can get your next meal, it is a good idea to eat at a restaurant.

• Once you are on your plane, you will be asked to power off your electronic devices or put them in Airplane Mode. Be sure to do this to avoid interference with airline signals. Remember that you cannot access any apps that require cellular data or Wi-Fi when your smartphone or other device is in Airplane Mode.
• Many airlines now offer Wi-Fi on flights, but it is almost always for a fee. Determine whether it is worth the money to access Wi-Fi on the flight. For example, if you are taking a business trip and have work to do while you travel, it will likely be worthwhile. If your trip is for pleasure, though, and you have no real need for using Wi-Fi other than entertainment, it might not be worth the price.

• Some airplanes have small TV screens in the backs of the headrests, so you can watch what is on those TVs. Keep in mind that you usually have to pay extra to access more desirable channels, instead of watching their infomercial channels or a map of your travel.

Deplaning at Your Destination

• 1 Unfasten your seat belt. Wait until directed to do so and the fasten seat belt sign turns off.
• 2 Other passengers may race to get up. If you don't wish to squeeze through at the first instant you can kindly let others pass infront of you.
• 3 Take caution when opening overhead compartments. Suitcases may fall out unexpectedly.
• Proceed out and follow the signs to the customs booth. Self-service kiosks can also do the same thing.
• Present your passport and your customs form to the officer or scan them in the booth.
• Scan your fingerprints on the scanner if necessary. This can happen if your name is on a country's blacklist, where you may be denied entry and deported. Scanning your fingerprints prove to the country that it is really you.
• Be sure to gather your belongings from the plain before claiming your baggage. You cannot go back into a restricted area, without clearing security again.
• 6 Leave the airport. Go to your arranged mode of transportation. You can also take a taxi, Uber, Lyft, or public transport.

Expert Q&A

• Try taking some books if you are travelling on a plane for many hours as it will be entertaining. Thanks Helpful 3 Not Helpful 0
• Check in at the airport at least two to three hours before the boarding/departing time, because airports could be busy, and security could be overwhelmed by many travellers. Thanks Helpful 3 Not Helpful 0
• If you get airsick on planes, make sure to bring everything you need, including some wet wipes and something to snack on while in the plane. Thanks Helpful 3 Not Helpful 1

Tips from our Readers

• Bring a small container of antibacterial hand gel. Airplanes are often loaded with germs and it can be inconvenient to go all the way to your bathroom to wash your hands.
• After you go through security, you can buy food to take onto the plane. It'll usually be better than whatever they serve on the airplane (if they serve anything at all).
• If you are carrying a purse or other small bag, put it in your luggage or carry on so it doesn't count as your small bag.
• If you're in the United States and hate long security lines, sign up for TSA Precheck a few months before you travel.

• When you try to take non-approved items through the security checkpoint, security agents will throw them away. Save yourself frustration by being sure to only pack approved items. Thanks Helpful 22 Not Helpful 0
• Don't bother the people next to you unless you don't understand something or if it's an emergency. They may need rest and somewhere to be able to quiet themselves. Thanks Helpful 17 Not Helpful 0

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• ↑ http://www.tsa.gov/travel/frequently-asked-questions
• ↑ http://www.tsa.gov/travel/security-screening/prohibited-items
• ↑ Amy Tan. Travel Planner & Founder, Planet Hoppers. Expert Interview. 12 March 2020.
• ↑ http://www.tsa.gov/travel/security-screening/liquids-rule
• ↑ http://www.expertflyer.com/travel-packing-tips
• ↑ https://money.com/collection-post/best-travel-airline-baggage-fees/
• ↑ http://www.realsimple.com/beauty-fashion/clothing-care/packing-tips/rolling-clothes
• ↑ http://www.realsimple.com/beauty-fashion/clothing-care/packing-tips/fill-your-luggage
• ↑ http://www.smartertravel.com/blogs/today-in-travel/10-things-you-should-never-pack-in-your-checked-bag.html?id=10387331
• ↑ http://www.tsa.gov/travel/travel-tips
• ↑ http://www.tsa.gov/travel/security-screening/identification
• ↑ https://www.aa.com/i18n/travelInformation/checkingIn/arrivalTimes.jsp?anchorLocation=DirectURL&title=arrivaltimes#arrivaltimes
• ↑ http://www.tsa.gov/travel/special-procedures
• ↑ http://www.tsa.gov/travel/special-procedures/traveling-children
• ↑ http://www.independenttraveler.com/travel-tips/air-travel/airport-layovers-9-ways-to-make-the-most-of-your-layover

About This Article

Taking a flight can seem stressful, but if you know the regulations ahead of time and prepare for your journey, you’ll be fine! Before you pack your bags, make sure you check your airline’s regulations. Many airlines have restrictions on liquids, food, and sharp objects as well as the maximum weight and size of your bags. To save you time at the airport, check if you can print or download your boarding pass ahead of time. Make sure you bring your ID, or your passport if you’re flying internationally. Aim to arrive at least 30 minutes early for domestic flights and 2 hours for international flights. This gives you time to check in your bags get through security, and find the correct terminal. For more tips, including how to entertain yourself on a long flight, read on! Did this summary help you? Yes No

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7 Must-Know Tips for First-Time Flyers

Many or all of the products featured here are from our partners who compensate us. This influences which products we write about and where and how the product appears on a page. However, this does not influence our evaluations. Our opinions are our own. Here is a list of our partners and here's how we make money .

Flying on an airplane for the first time — or the first time in a long while — can be an exciting, life-changing adventure. But it can also be incredibly stressful.

You want to head for the gate with the swagger of a seasoned traveler, but that's hard to pull off when you don't know how much it costs to check a bag, or what to expect when you go through airport security.

So how can you deal? Reviewing these tips before takeoff can boost your confidence, making your trip easier and more worry-free.

Best advice for first-time flyers

1. check the airline's luggage requirements.

It’s easy to overpack — but if you do, it could cost you. Before your flight, visit your airline’s website to review luggage size and weight restrictions, as well as baggage fees. While these vary by airline and fare paid, here's what you can typically bring with a standard fare on a major airline:

Two carry-on items for free: one full-size carry-on the size of a small rolling suitcase or smaller, and one small personal item, such as a purse or backpack

One checked suitcase (often, one weighing under 50 pounds) for $25 to $30. Checking additional bags could cost more

If your carry-on bag is too bulky, you may have to pay to check it. Likewise, if your checked bag is over a certain size, you may have to pay a higher-than-usual fee to check it. It's best to avoid these surprises, if possible.

"If you’re a nervous flyer, little things can really set you off,” says Jackie Sills-Dellegrazie of New York City, founder of the travel blog The Globetrotting Teacher . “Even if it’s not a big deal, and you get to the check-in counter, and they say, ‘Oh, by the way, there’s a $30 bag fee,’ and you weren’t expecting that, that could just be something that rattles you."

Remember, if you pack light enough , you could avoid baggage fees altogether.

Having an airline credit card can mean waived checked baggage fees, as well. For example:

on American Express' website

on Chase's website

on Bank of America's website

First checked bag free for you and up to eight others on your reservation. Terms apply.

First checked bag free for you and a companion traveling on your reservation.

First checked bag free for you and up to four others traveling on your reservation.

First checked bag free for you and up to three others traveling on your reservation.

First checked bag free for you and up to six others traveling on your reservation.

2. Pack essentials in your carry-on

If you’re packing anything that’s hard to replace — say, prescription medicine, contacts or glasses, or important paperwork — put it in your carry-on bag. This way, you won’t be without that item in the rare event your checked bag goes missing. You'll also want to pack some in-flight entertainment, such as your laptop, headphones and a book or magazine.

Just make sure you’re following the Transportation Security Administration’s rules for what you can pack . You can’t, for example, bring a big bottle of contact lens solution in your carry-on, but you can bring a 3.4-ounce bottle. And keep in mind that if your carry-on bag is too big to fit under the seat in front of you, you may have to check it. More rules may apply if you're flying internationally.

» MORE: 10 ways to minimize mix-ups on your first trip abroad

“The overhead compartments fill up quickly,” says Jeff Klee, CEO of CheapAir.com, an online travel agency based in Calabasas, California. “If you’re in the back of the plane, you might find that there’s no more room, and you’ll have to do a gate check of your bag at the last minute, which isn’t particularly fun." Checking your bag at the gate means your full-sized carry-on bag will travel with the other checked bags during the flight, rather than in the overhead bin.

3. Arrive at the airport two hours early

Catching a plane isn’t like catching a bus; it’s a much longer process. In fact, the TSA recommends showing up at least two hours before takeoff for domestic travel, and three hours for international travel.

Ultimately, you need to give yourself enough time to get your boarding pass, check your bags and go through security before your plane starts boarding. Sometimes, that takes 10 minutes. Other times, especially during peak travel times, it can take much longer.

It’s worth keeping in mind that boarding the plane isn’t a free-for-all, either. Airlines typically start boarding passengers 30 minutes before takeoff in groups. Generally, a boarding time will be printed on your ticket.

4. Keep your ID handy

Decades ago, airport security was relatively lax. “There was one point where you could just walk up to a gate, whether you were flying or not, whether you had ID or not,” Klee says. Nowadays, TSA agents check IDs for passengers over 18.

Save time by having your ID card, driver’s license or passport handy as soon as you step foot into the airport. You’ll need it when checking bags and going through security, and you don’t want to hold up the line while rummaging through your wallet.

5. Wear easy-to-remove shoes

Going through airport security might be the most stressful part of flying — but if you know what to expect, the whole rigmarole can feel much less taxing. Typically, unless you have TSA PreCheck or Global Entry , you have to:

Remove your shoes (unless you’re 12 and under or 75 and older)

Empty the contents of your pockets and remove your hat, belt, jacket, wallet and bulky jewelry

Remove your laptop and liquids from your bag

Send these items — and your carry-on bag — through an X-ray machine

Walk through a metal detector or a body scanner (or opt for a pat-down)

Preparing for this — say, by wearing shoes you can easily slip on and off and making sure the items in your carry-on are TSA-compliant — can make the process faster.

WANT TSA PRECHECK FOR FREE?

A number of popular travel credit cards reimburse you for the application fee for trusted traveler programs like TSA PreCheck and Global Entry. Among them:

$0 intro for the first year, then $95

Statement credit of up to $100 as reimbursement when you charge the application fee for TSA PreCheck or Global Entry to the card. Available once every 4 years.

Statement credit of up to $100 as reimbursement when you charge the application fee for TSA PreCheck, Global Entry or NEXUS to the card. Available once every 4 years.

If your credit card offers reimbursement for the application fee for programs like TSA PreCheck or Global Entry, you must pay the fee with the card. You cannot submit a claim for reimbursement if you paid with some other method. Reimbursement will usually appear as a statement credit in your account within two months.

Cards typically offer reimbursement of only one fee once every four to five years. Check the terms and conditions of your card for the specific rules that apply. Note also that these cards only reimburse the application fee for a trusted traveler program. They don't automatically enroll you in the program or guarantee that you'll be accepted by the program. You still have to apply and go through the required screening, which in the case of TSA PreCheck and Global Entry includes an in-person appointment.

Aeroplan® Credit Card .

Bank of America® Premium Rewards® credit card

Capital One Venture X Rewards Credit Card .

Chase Sapphire Reserve® .

Citi® / AAdvantage® Executive World Elite Mastercard® .

Delta SkyMiles® Platinum American Express Card .

Delta SkyMiles® Reserve American Express Card .

IHG One Rewards Premier Business Credit Card .

IHG One Rewards Premier Credit Card .

Marriott Bonvoy Brilliant® American Express® Card .

The Platinum Card® from American Express .

Southwest® Rapid Rewards® Performance Business Credit Card .

United Club℠ Infinite Card .

United℠ Explorer Card .

United Quest℠ Card .

U.S. Bank Altitude™ Reserve Visa Infinite® Card .

Terms apply.

» SEE the best credit cards that pay for TSA PreCheck and Global Entry

6. Respect other passengers' space

These days, flights are generally fully booked, and most seats offer limited legroom. This might stress out your fellow flyers, so be sensitive.

“If any of your stuff or body parts are going into another space that’s not yours, you really have to be mindful of that,” Sills-Dellegrazie says. “It can be as simple as, you put your ponytail over the top of the seat and now it’s hanging … across someone’s TV screen, and you don’t even realize it."

Similarly, if you wear perfume or cologne, eat smelly foods or listen to loud music, you might unintentionally upset the person sitting next to you. Of course, you can't plan for everything — maybe you're traveling with an upset child, for example — but do what you can to avoid an in-flight faux pas.

7. Have a backup plan ready

Now for a game of “worst-case scenario,” first-time flyer edition: What happens if you miss your flight or your flight gets delayed or canceled ?

First, take a deep breath.

If you miss your plane because of unforeseen circumstances, such as a major traffic delay, the airline will often put you on standby for the next flight without charging extra. Just remember that you generally need to notify the airline within a couple of hours of missing your flight to get rebooked for free.

If it looks like you'll miss a connecting flight , check the smartphone app offered by your airline or the screen in the airport to find out which gate your flight departs from, and whether you've actually missed it. If the flight is delayed, you may still have a chance to board. If you miss the connection and the airline was responsible, you can generally also rebook that flight free of charge — and maybe even get some free meal or hotel vouchers for the hassle.

Smart travelers mitigate the risks of unexpected travel disruptions by booking their flights using a credit card with travel insurance or purchasing a separate standalone travel insurance policy .

In general, be proactive. Have the airline's customer service phone number handy in case you get stuck in traffic, so you can call as soon as possible. Or if you're already at the airport, go to the customer service desk and asking about rebooking. Missing a flight can be a setback, but it doesn’t have to derail your travel plans.

To view rates and fees of the Delta SkyMiles® Gold American Express Card , see this page .

How to maximize your rewards

You want a travel credit card that prioritizes what’s important to you. Here are our picks for the best travel credit cards of 2024 , including those best for:

Flexibility, point transfers and a large bonus: Chase Sapphire Preferred® Card

No annual fee: Bank of America® Travel Rewards credit card

Flat-rate travel rewards: Capital One Venture Rewards Credit Card

Bonus travel rewards and high-end perks: Chase Sapphire Reserve®

Luxury perks: The Platinum Card® from American Express

Business travelers: Ink Business Preferred® Credit Card

1x-5x 5x on travel purchased through Chase Travel℠, 3x on dining, select streaming services and online groceries, 2x on all other travel purchases, 1x on all other purchases.

60,000 Earn 60,000 bonus points after you spend $4,000 on purchases in the first 3 months from account opening. That's $750 when you redeem through Chase Travel℠.

1.5%-6.5% Enjoy 6.5% cash back on travel purchased through Chase Travel; 4.5% cash back on drugstore purchases and dining at restaurants, including takeout and eligible delivery service, and 3% on all other purchases (on up to $20,000 spent in the first year). After your first year or $20,000 spent, enjoy 5% cash back on travel purchased through Chase Travel, 3% cash back on drugstore purchases and dining at restaurants, including takeout and eligible delivery service, and unlimited 1.5% cash back on all other purchases.

$300 Earn an additional 1.5% cash back on everything you buy (on up to $20,000 spent in the first year) - worth up to $300 cash back!

on Capital One's website

2x-5x Earn unlimited 2X miles on every purchase, every day. Earn 5X miles on hotels and rental cars booked through Capital One Travel, where you'll get Capital One's best prices on thousands of trip options.

75,000 Enjoy a one-time bonus of 75,000 miles once you spend $4,000 on purchases within 3 months from account opening, equal to $750 in travel.

• EXPLORE Random Article

How to Travel by Air

Last Updated: May 4, 2023 References

This article was co-authored by Greg Guiteras . Greg Guiteras is the CEO of Lorraine Travel, LLC, one of the largest privately-owned travel management companies in Florida founded in 1948. With over 34 years of experience, Greg's specialties are in corporate travel management, sales and marketing, contract negotiations, strategic partnerships, and luxury hotel sales. Greg holds a BS in Marketing from Florida State University. Greg has also created WhataHotel!, a website offering exclusive perks on hotel bookings, and CabinMate, an app that matches single cruise travelers with potential cabin matches "in the same boat" to avoid traveling solo on a cruise. There are 10 references cited in this article, which can be found at the bottom of the page. This article has been viewed 194,765 times.

Whether you're taking a long-awaited vacation or meeting with potential clients, traveling by air can sometimes be quite a hassle. This is especially true in the post-9/11 world. By making just a few sensible preparations before you board that plane, you can be less stressed and more comfortable. In fact, you can even make things easier on your fellow travelers!

Packing the Essentials

• Photocopy important documents. Keep one copy of your documents with you but separate from the original. Leave another copy to a trusted friend at home. These copies will help in replacing your documents if you lose your luggage.

Dressing for the Airplane

• Keep your footwear on at all times on the plane. You'll be able to evacuate more quickly in an emergency, and it's just polite.

Preparing Carry-on Items

Being Comfortable During Travel

• To make it easier when you get to your destination, on the plane, instead of tuning into the time of the place you left, tune into the time of your destination, so you can sleep and get your body clock ready for the destination before even landing. This means that when, in your destination, it is time to sleep, you should try to sleep, or at least close your eyes.

Community Q&A

• Bring an empty water bottle in your carry on luggage. After you get past security you can fill it up at a water fountain. This saves on buying expensive airport water. Thanks Helpful 0 Not Helpful 0
• Take a pen for completing forms on overseas trips. Thanks Helpful 0 Not Helpful 0
• Wear comfortable clothes. The stylish jogging suits available now are a good option, as long as they're natural fibers. Thanks Helpful 0 Not Helpful 0
• Remember that flight attendants aren't there just to serve drinks. Their main job is to keep every passenger safe. Federal law and international aviation laws require that all passengers follow flight crew verbal instructions. Respect their authority and follow their instructions. Thanks Helpful 91 Not Helpful 10
• Never make jokes about guns, hijacking, terrorism, etc. They're taken very seriously and you will be escorted off the plane by security, possibly fined and blacklisted from the airline. At the worst arrested. Thanks Helpful 7 Not Helpful 0
• The only way you can make a plane late is by delaying boarding, so don't stand in the aisle unless you have no choice, load up the overhead compartment quickly, and sit down as fast as you can. Keep the items you'll want at your seat in a small bag so you don't need to rummage around. Put your jacket under the seat in front, or take it off before entering the aircraft. Thanks Helpful 1 Not Helpful 0

Things You'll Need

• Copies of these (above)
• Other important documents

You Might Also Like

• ↑ https://www.nytimes.com/guides/travel/how-to-pack-a-suitcase
• ↑ https://www.smartertravel.com/heading-to-the-airport-use-this-checklist-before-you-go/
• ↑ https://www.insider.com/how-to-dress-on-a-plane-2018-4
• ↑ https://lifehacker.com/wear-loose-clothing-on-a-long-flight-1836319847
• ↑ https://www.mentalfloss.com/article/63899/10-smart-things-pack-your-carry-and-one-not
• ↑ https://lifehacker.com/stop-using-your-flights-blankets-and-pillows-1832391964
• ↑ https://www.webmd.com/drugs/2/drug-10007/dramamine-oral/details
• ↑ https://www.businessinsider.com/how-to-sleep-well-on-a-long-flight-2015-5
• ↑ https://lifehacker.com/how-to-keep-properly-hydrated-on-a-long-flight-1818728808

About this article

Reader Success Stories

Carina Montoya

Nov 30, 2017

Did this article help you?

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8 Things to Do Before You Travel by Air

Air travel has become more challenging in recent years, so preparing for a visit to the airport these days is critical. Getting ready will make the entire experience far more enjoyable -- if you've packed for airport security, have the right travel documents, and know what to expect, you'll experience less stress, get to your gate faster, and kick off your trip with a smile. 

Let's walk through our eight greatest tips for airport travel.

Find the Best Airfare

Trying to get the best airfare can be tension-inducing: how do you know if you really got the best airfare deal possible? Have you looked at every one of the nine million sources out there? Is now the best time to buy your ticket? Should you wait or lock down the current price?

It's recommended to start by browsing student airfare websites, comparing the price you get it to regular airfares using an airfare aggregator , such as Skyscanner and then going for it. It's also worth checking if you're entitled to student travel discounts , as that can often save you a serious chunk of change on your flights.

Research is key here, and the more you can dedicate to hunting down inexpensive fares, the better. On top of that, if you can be flexible with your dates and times, you're far more likely to score a cheaper deal. Keep your options open, look around, and you'll be more likely to snag a bargain. 

Get Your Ticket and Itinerary

This part is simple: after you buy your flight, you'll be emailed your booking confirmation and your ticket. This is one of the few travel documents you'll want to make sure you have to hand before heading to the airport.

Some budget airlines, usually in Europe, will require you print this out before you check in (charging a hefty fine if you forget), but this is thankfully rare. For most airlines, you'll be able to show your ticket on your phone or laptop to the check-in staff, if at all. You usually just hand over passport, and that's all that's needed to check my bags. 

If you're a carry-on traveler, you can load your boarding pass on your phone before you arrive at the airport, then head straight through security without having to visit the check-in desks first. This is one of the least stressful ways to travel through an airport, so I highly recommend trying to see if you can minimize your luggage to fit in a smaller bag. 

Make sure your phone or laptop is charged before you head to the airport, just in case you do need to show your ticket to check in. 

Ensure You Have All the Travel Documents You Need

You will always need identification at the airport, both when coming and going. You will almost always need a passport  unless you're flying domestically. You'll also probably need a travel visa (you may be given a blank form on the plane). You will seldom need but may want to carry, travel immunization records . You may want, but *may* not need if you are renting a car at an airport abroad, an international driver's license.

Get the Best Seat Assignment

Getting a good seat on a short flight isn't completely crucial, but can definitely make flying more comfortable. The right seat can make a long flight, like to New Zealand, much better, however. As soon as possible (while buying your ticket if you're likely to forget), choose a seat you want, like an aisle so you can stretch, or a window so you can sleep with your head against a wall.

SeatGuru is a useful website to check before booking, as it provides seat maps and diagrams for every plane you're likely to come up against, rating each seat so you can choose the best available. Did you know, for example, that there are often several seats on a flight that have power sockets for charging? That can make a huge difference to the quality of a long-haul flight if you can charge your laptop while you're up in the air. 

Understand Airport Rules

Airport rules have changed substantially since your parents were in your traveling shoes. Today, you'll have to remove your shoes off to get through airport security ; believe it or not, you used to be able to arrive at the airport with seconds to spare and sprint onto a flight with just a ticket in hand, which might not have even been checked. Before you leave, make sure to read up on airport rules before you go -- like way before you go -- so that you don't receive any nasty surprises when you arrive. 

Pack for Airport Security

If you've read up on airport rules, you know that the U.S., U.K. and Europe have implemented super-strict rules regarding what you may carry on to a plane and through airport security. It won't be painless, but it's possible to pack for airport security if you make sure you carry the right bags and attitude.

Remember: you won't be able to pass through security with liquids or gels in containers larger than 100 ml, and you'll need to remove your electronics to pass them through the scanner separately. Take as small a bag as possible, and putting any liquids or gels into a small plastic bag while you're packing. It's also worth putting all of your electronics into the same compartment of your bag, so they're within easy reach. Wear shoes that are easy to slip on and off, and make sure you're not carrying anything in your pockets. 

How to Not Lose Your Luggage

Want to bring tequila or local salsa home from Mexico? Bought a samurai sword somewhere? You'll have to transport it in a checked bag, which vastly increases the chance that you may lose said bag somewhere along the way. Lost luggage happens, especially now that TSA rules practically dictate having to check bags for some travelers, but you can learn how to avoid losing your bags in transit and what to do if it happens to you.

Thankfully, this occurrence is pretty rare, so it's not really something you need to worry about before you even head to the airport. Just make sure you read up about it so that you know what to do if it does happen.

Make Your Flight As Comfortable As Possible

The actual flying process is often cramped, uncomfortable, and stressful. Fortunately, there are a few things you can do to minimize the chances of all three. 

• Load your laptop or tablet up with movies and TV shows before you leave. Flying isn't known for being particularly exciting, so you'll want plenty to keep you entertained. If you're going to be flying on a budget airline, you likely won't have screens on the back of your seat, so this is something to prioritize if you hate feeling bored. 
• Bring a guidebook with you. If you're anything like me, you often turn up at a new destination without having done much research. Use your time on the plane to find out more about the must-see sites and get yourself excited to land. I recommend Lonely Planet guidebooks , as they're full of helpful information, focus mostly on budget travel, and look great stacked up on a bookshelf.
• Buy a travel eye-mask in preparation, especially if you'll be taking an overnight flight. This pair  receives great reviews on Amazon and work exceptionally well at blocking out the light. 
• Pack a small overnight kit for the flight that contains toiletries to help you freshen up. Maybe travel with my toothbrush and a small tube of toothpaste. Also, you can bring a facial mist, a small tube of moisturizer, and a hairbrush. You won't believe how much these small additions help wake me up after an overnight flight! 
• If you're going to be crossing several timezones, you absolutely need to purchase some No-Jetlag pills . They're worth the investment if you're prone to suffering from jet-lag in a bad way, as they'll help you adjust faster to your new timezone, so you can make the most of your trip without napping your afternoons away.

This article was edited by Lauren Juliff . 

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• COVID-19 travel advice

Considering travel during the pandemic? Take precautions to protect yourself from COVID-19.

A coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19) vaccine can prevent you from getting COVID-19 or from becoming seriously ill due to COVID-19 . But even if you're vaccinated, it's still a good idea to take precautions to protect yourself and others while traveling during the COVID-19 pandemic.

If you've had all recommended COVID-19 vaccine doses, including boosters, you're less likely to become seriously ill or spread COVID-19 . You can then travel more safely within the U.S. and internationally. But international travel can still increase your risk of getting new COVID-19 variants.

The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) recommends that you should avoid travel until you've had all recommended COVID-19 vaccine and booster doses.

Before you travel

As you think about making travel plans, consider these questions:

• Have you been vaccinated against COVID-19 ? If you haven't, get vaccinated. If the vaccine requires two doses, wait two weeks after getting your second vaccine dose to travel. If the vaccine requires one dose, wait two weeks after getting the vaccine to travel. It takes time for your body to build protection after any vaccination.
• Have you had any booster doses? Having all recommended COVID-19 vaccine doses, including boosters, increases your protection from serious illness.
• Are you at increased risk for severe illness? Anyone can get COVID-19 . But older adults and people of any age with certain medical conditions are at increased risk for severe illness from COVID-19 .
• Do you live with someone who's at increased risk for severe illness? If you get infected while traveling, you can spread the COVID-19 virus to the people you live with when you return, even if you don't have symptoms.
• Does your home or destination have requirements or restrictions for travelers? Even if you've had all recommended vaccine doses, you must follow local, state and federal testing and travel rules.

Check local requirements, restrictions and situations

Some state, local and territorial governments have requirements, such as requiring people to wear masks, get tested, be vaccinated or stay isolated for a period of time after arrival. Before you go, check for requirements at your destination and anywhere you might stop along the way.

Keep in mind these can change often and quickly depending on local conditions. It's also important to understand that the COVID-19 situation, such as the level of spread and presence of variants, varies in each country. Check back for updates as your trip gets closer.

Travel and testing

For vaccinated people.

If you have been fully vaccinated, the CDC states that you don't need to get tested before or after your trip within the U.S. or stay home (quarantine) after you return.

If you're planning to travel internationally outside the U.S., the CDC states you don't need to get tested before your trip unless it's required at your destination. Before arriving to the U.S., you need a negative test within the last day before your arrival or a record of recovery from COVID-19 in the last three months.

After you arrive in the U.S., the CDC recommends getting tested with a viral test 3 to 5 days after your trip. If you're traveling to the U.S. and you aren't a citizen, you need to be fully vaccinated and have proof of vaccination.

You don't need to quarantine when you arrive in the U.S. But check for any symptoms. Stay at home if you develop symptoms.

For unvaccinated people

Testing before and after travel can lower the risk of spreading the virus that causes COVID-19 . If you haven't been vaccinated, the CDC recommends getting a viral test within three days before your trip. Delay travel if you're waiting for test results. Keep a copy of your results with you when you travel.

Repeat the test 3 to 5 days after your trip. Stay home for five days after travel.

If at any point you test positive for the virus that causes COVID-19 , stay home. Stay at home and away from others if you develop symptoms. Follow public health recommendations.

Stay safe when you travel

In the U.S., you must wear a face mask on planes, buses, trains and other forms of public transportation. The mask must fit snugly and cover both your mouth and nose.

Follow these steps to protect yourself and others when you travel:

• Get vaccinated.
• Keep distance between yourself and others (within about 6 feet, or 2 meters) when you're in indoor public spaces if you're not fully vaccinated. This is especially important if you have a higher risk of serious illness.
• Avoid contact with anyone who is sick or has symptoms.
• Avoid crowds and indoor places that have poor air flow (ventilation).
• Don't touch frequently touched surfaces, such as handrails, elevator buttons and kiosks. If you must touch these surfaces, use hand sanitizer or wash your hands afterward.
• Wear a face mask in indoor public spaces. The CDC recommends wearing the most protective mask possible that you'll wear regularly and that fits. If you are in an area with a high number of new COVID-19 cases, wear a mask in indoor public places and outdoors in crowded areas or when you're in close contact with people who aren't vaccinated.
• Avoid touching your eyes, nose and mouth.
• Cover coughs and sneezes.
• Wash your hands often with soap and water for at least 20 seconds.
• If soap and water aren't available, use a hand sanitizer that contains at least 60% alcohol. Cover all surfaces of your hands and rub your hands together until they feel dry.
• Don't eat or drink on public transportation. That way you can keep your mask on the whole time.

Because of the high air flow and air filter efficiency on airplanes, most viruses such as the COVID-19 virus don't spread easily on flights. Wearing masks on planes has likely helped lower the risk of getting the COVID-19 virus on flights too.

However, air travel involves spending time in security lines and airport terminals, which can bring you in close contact with other people. Getting vaccinated and wearing a mask when traveling can help protect you from COVID-19 while traveling.

The Transportation Security Administration (TSA) has increased cleaning and disinfecting of surfaces and equipment, including bins, at screening checkpoints. TSA has also made changes to the screening process:

• Travelers must wear masks during screening. However, TSA employees may ask travelers to adjust masks for identification purposes.
• Travelers should keep a distance of 6 feet apart from other travelers when possible.
• Instead of handing boarding passes to TSA officers, travelers should place passes (paper or electronic) directly on the scanner and then hold them up for inspection.
• Each traveler may have one container of hand sanitizer up to 12 ounces (about 350 milliliters) in a carry-on bag. These containers will need to be taken out for screening.
• Personal items such as keys, wallets and phones should be placed in carry-on bags instead of bins. This reduces the handling of these items during screening.
• Food items should be carried in a plastic bag and placed in a bin for screening. Separating food from carry-on bags lessens the likelihood that screeners will need to open bags for inspection.

Be sure to wash your hands with soap and water for at least 20 seconds directly before and after going through screening.

Public transportation

If you travel by bus or train and you aren't vaccinated, be aware that sitting or standing within 6 feet (2 meters) of others for a long period can put you at higher risk of getting or spreading COVID-19 . Follow the precautions described above for protecting yourself during travel.

Even if you fly, you may need transportation once you arrive at your destination. You can search car rental options and their cleaning policies on the internet. If you plan to stay at a hotel, check into shuttle service availability.

If you'll be using public transportation and you aren't vaccinated, continue physical distancing and wearing a mask after reaching your destination.

Hotels and other lodging

The hotel industry knows that travelers are concerned about COVID-19 and safety. Check any major hotel's website for information about how it's protecting guests and staff. Some best practices include:

• Enhanced cleaning procedures
• Physical distancing recommendations indoors for people who aren't vaccinated
• Mask-wearing and regular hand-washing by staff
• Mask-wearing indoors for guests in public places in areas that have high cases of COVID-19
• Vaccine recommendations for staff
• Isolation and testing guidelines for staff who've been exposed to COVID-19
• Contactless payment
• Set of rules in case a guest becomes ill, such as closing the room for cleaning and disinfecting
• Indoor air quality measures, such as regular system and air filter maintenance, and suggestions to add air cleaners that can filter viruses and bacteria from the air

Vacation rentals, too, are enhancing their cleaning procedures. They're committed to following public health guidelines, such as using masks and gloves when cleaning, and building in a waiting period between guests.

Make a packing list

When it's time to pack for your trip, grab any medications you may need on your trip and these essential safe-travel supplies:

• Alcohol-based hand sanitizer (at least 60% alcohol)
• Disinfectant wipes (at least 70% alcohol)
• Thermometer

Considerations for people at increased risk

Anyone can get very ill from the virus that causes COVID-19 . But older adults and people of any age with certain medical conditions are at increased risk for severe illness. This may include people with cancer, serious heart problems and a weakened immune system. Getting the recommended COVID-19 vaccine and booster doses can help lower your risk of being severely ill from COVID-19 .

Travel increases your chance of getting and spreading COVID-19 . If you're unvaccinated, staying home is the best way to protect yourself and others from COVID-19 . If you must travel and aren't vaccinated, talk with your health care provider and ask about any additional precautions you may need to take.

Remember safety first

Even the most detailed and organized plans may need to be set aside when someone gets ill. Stay home if you or any of your travel companions:

• Have signs or symptoms, are sick or think you have COVID-19
• Are waiting for results of a COVID-19 test
• Have been diagnosed with COVID-19
• Have had close contact with someone with COVID-19 in the past five days and you're not up to date with your COVID-19 vaccines

If you've had close contact with someone with COVID-19 , get tested after at least five days. Wait to travel until you have a negative test. Wear a mask if you travel up to 10 days after you've had close contact with someone with COVID-19 .

• How to protect yourself and others. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention. https://www.cdc.gov/coronavirus/2019-ncov/prevent-getting-sick/prevention.html. Accessed Feb. 4, 2022.
• Domestic travel during COVID-19. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention. https://www.cdc.gov/coronavirus/2019-ncov/travelers/travel-during-covid19.html. Accessed Feb. 4, 2022.
• Requirement for face masks on public transportation conveyances and at transportation hubs. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention. https://www.cdc.gov/coronavirus/2019-ncov/travelers/face-masks-public-transportation.html. Accessed Feb. 4, 2022.
• International travel. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention. https://www.cdc.gov/coronavirus/2019-ncov/travelers/international-travel/index.html. Accessed Feb. 4, 2022.
• U.S citizens, U.S. nationals, U.S. lawful permanent residents, and immigrants: Travel to and from the United States. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention. https://www.cdc.gov/coronavirus/2019-ncov/travelers/international-travel-during-covid19.html. Accessed Feb. 4, 2022.
• Non-US. citizen, non-U.S. immigrants: Air travel to the United States. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention. https://www.cdc.gov/coronavirus/2019-ncov/travelers/noncitizens-US-air-travel.html. Accessed Feb. 4, 2022.
• People with certain medical conditions. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention. https://www.cdc.gov/coronavirus/2019-ncov/need-extra-precautions/people-with-medical-conditions.html. Accessed Feb. 4, 2022.
• Stay up to date with your vaccines. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention. https://www.cdc.gov/coronavirus/2019-ncov/vaccines/stay-up-to-date.html. Accessed Feb. 4, 2022.
• Pack smart. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention. https://wwwnc.cdc.gov/travel/page/pack-smart. Accessed Feb. 4, 2022.
• Travel: Frequently asked questions. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention. https://www.cdc.gov/coronavirus/2019-ncov/travelers/faqs.html. Accessed Feb. 7, 2022.
• Coronavirus (COVID-19) information. Transportation Security Administration. https://www.tsa.gov/coronavirus. Accessed Feb. 7, 2022.
• WHO advice for international traffic in relation to the SARS-CoV-2 Omicron variant (B.1.1.529). World Health Organization. https://www.who.int/news-room/articles-detail/who-advice-for-international-traffic-in-relation-to-the-sars-cov-2-omicron-variant. Accessed Feb. 7, 2022.
• VRHP/VRMA Cleaning guidelines for COVID-19. Vacation Rental Management Association. https://www.vrma.org/page/vrhp/vrma-cleaning-guidelines-for-covid-19. Accessed Feb. 7, 2022.
• Safe stay. American Hotel & Lodging Association. https://www.ahla.com/safestay. Accessed Feb. 7, 2022.
• Khatib AN, et al. COVID-19 transmission and the safety of air travel during the pandemic: A scoping review. Current Opinion in Infectious Diseases. 2021; doi:10.1097/QCO.0000000000000771.

Products and Services

• A Book: Endemic - A Post-Pandemic Playbook
• Begin Exploring Women's Health Solutions at Mayo Clinic Store
• A Book: Future Care
• Antibiotics: Are you misusing them?
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• Coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19)
• COVID-19: How can I protect myself?
• Herd immunity and coronavirus
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• COVID-19 vaccine: Should I reschedule my mammogram?
• COVID-19 vaccines for kids: What you need to know
• COVID-19 vaccines
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• COVID-19 vs. flu: Similarities and differences
• COVID-19: Who's at higher risk of serious symptoms?
• Debunking coronavirus myths
• Different COVID-19 vaccines
• Extracorporeal membrane oxygenation (ECMO)
• Fever: First aid
• Fever treatment: Quick guide to treating a fever
• Fight coronavirus (COVID-19) transmission at home
• Honey: An effective cough remedy?
• How do COVID-19 antibody tests differ from diagnostic tests?
• How to take your pulse
• How to measure your respiratory rate
• How to take your temperature
• How well do face masks protect against COVID-19?
• Is hydroxychloroquine a treatment for COVID-19?
• Loss of smell
• Mayo Clinic Minute: You're washing your hands all wrong
• Mayo Clinic Minute: How dirty are common surfaces?
• Multisystem inflammatory syndrome in children (MIS-C)
• Nausea and vomiting
• Pregnancy and COVID-19
• Safe outdoor activities during the COVID-19 pandemic
• Safety tips for attending school during COVID-19
• Sex and COVID-19
• Shortness of breath
• Thermometers: Understand the options
• Treating COVID-19 at home
• Unusual symptoms of coronavirus
• Vaccine guidance from Mayo Clinic
• Watery eyes

U.S. travel resources

• Check CDC recommendations for travel within the U.S.
• Review testing requirements for travel to the U.S.
• Look up restrictions at your destination .
• Review airport security measures .

Related resources

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Last Updated: January 23, 2024

The Must-Know Advantages and Disadvantages of Air Transport for Travellers

Want to know the primary advantages and disadvantages of air transport for travellers to keep in mind? Ther’re all here! Check out this piece to find out more.

Danny Newman

Keep reading for all of the advantages and disadvantages of air transport to think about before booking you flights!

Air travel’s the go-to form of transportation for most travellers.

If you want to travel the world, then you hop on a plane, right?

Watch a few films, fall asleep for a few hours, eat some questionable food, and, before you know it, you’ve travelled half way around the world.

Clearly, there’s a host of advantages of air transport to enjoy. Alas, there’s a fair number of disadvantages of air transport for travellers to consider too.

In this post I’d like to detail them all!

Keep reading to learn about the advantages and disadvantages of air transport to keep in mind before booking your flights.

Heads up, this post contains affiliate links.

The Advantages of Air Transport- Airplane Advantages!

Let’s start with the good stuff.

Like I said in the intro, travelling by plane offers a host of pros to travellers. Here is a selection of the primary advantages of airplanes that you’ll enjoy.

(Travelling by car instead?! Here are the pros and cons of car transport to think about too!)

1. The Ease (Top Advantages of Airplanes)

It’s hard to deny the ease and simplicity that comes from travelling by air.

Okay, so the experience at the airport can be a little stressful sometimes.

But, all things considered, stepping onto a plane allows you to travel around the world in a matter of hours.

“To put things into perspective, it takes around 12 hours to drive the length of the UK. In that same length of time I could fly from London to Thailand! ”

It’s so straight-forward that you can take it for granted.

I try and pinch myself whenever I’m on a plane these days in an attempt to remind myself how incredible the process actually is.

2. The Experience (Another of the Main Advantages of Planes)

The experience of air travel is one of the greatest airplane advantages.

Travelling by plane suspends you thousands of feet above the earth in a glorified metal tube with wings.

That’s noteworthy in and of itself!

Then there’s the actual beauty of looking out at the world from 30,000 feet. Seeing everything from above is always special- the clouds, the colors, the sunsets, and stars…it’s hard not to be blown away by it.

And, at the end of it all, you walk off the plane and get to enjoy a brand new culture and country.

Travelling by aeroplane offers an unparalleled experience.

You might like this post about how to entertain a toddler on a plane too! Check it out!

The experience of air travel, and the beauty on offer are primary advantages of air transport to enjoy.

3. The Novelty of Air Transportation

Everything about the experience is novel in nature.

Even if you fly regularly, the vast majority of life is spent looking up at the sky, rather than down at the ground. Flight provides a new perspective that can feel like a break from time itself.

Most travellers are on the hunt for adventure, of which novelty is a key component.

Nothing ordinary feels adventurous! Of course, travelling by plane has become so common these days that it’s sort of been normalized.

Even so, for me, the novelty involved with air transport always contains elements of adventure in it. I can’t help but feel giddy with excitement as we line up on the runway.

4. The People (Primary Pros of Airplanes- On Occasion!)

Solo travellers are unable to choose their seat-neighbours on planes.

Obviously, that’s not always a good thing…

However, sometimes it works out amazingly well. I’ve met some awesome people on planes, all with cool stories and friendly faces.

These chance encounters can have unexpected effects. You might find a travel companion, a night’s accommodation, a free ride from the airport…or just someone to pass the time with.

5. The Price (Primary Importance of Air Transport for Budget Travellers!)

Flights aren’t always cheap.

But they definitely can be. In fact, I’m often blown away by the discount tickets on offer from budget airlines. I remember flying from the south of France back to England for 10 bucks once!

How some of the companies make any money I have no idea.

It’s the price of air travel that compels most of us to use it. For some reason it’s cheaper than more environmentally friendly forms of transport, like trains.

Bound by a backpackers’ budget, how could you not go for the discount flight? Combine that with the ease involved and adhering to ethical values can be a challenge!

Even longer flights with standard airlines seem inexpensive when you consider how far you’re travelling.

In the grand scheme of things, a few hundred dollars spend on crossing the planet seems like a fair deal.

The ability to travel across the world without lifting a finger is another immense advantage of travelling by aeroplane,

6. The Rush

This won’t apply for everyone…

But there’s a definite rush that comes from flying as well.

I mean, you might die. There’s nothing like the prospect of a hot and fiery demise from height to get the adrenaline pumping.

It’s hard not to feel a rush when the engines roar and the plane hurtles down the runway for take-off. It’s like being on a rollercoaster that’s taking you to foreign lands.

Equally, there’s something primal about the desire to fly. I reckon people have looked up at the sky and wished they could fly like a bird since the dawn of time, Nowadays, we’re lucky enough to actually experience it.

7. The Adventure

I see air transport as a form of gatekeeper to adventure.

“It opens the door to new cultures and countries; to new experiences in distant lands. Beyond the airport terminal lays the adventure you’ve been dreaming of and planning for months.”

For that, I find the prospect of going to airports and travelling by plane endlessly appealing. I don’t mind queueing up for security, being manhandled in the body search, or waiting for hours for a delayed flight.

There’s just something exciting about being there. I know that it’s taking me where I want to go.

8. The Time

A final advantage of air transport is the time involved.

I’ve already noted the relative brevity involved with covering long distances.

Here, I’m talking about the chance to have some time to yourself. Life is so often lived in a frenetic way. How regularly do you get 12 hours (or however long) to just sit, watch movies, drink free booze, and read your book?

For most people it’s rare.

Yet on a plane you’re forced into it! Embrace the opportunity to get a chance to rest up and chill out.

Heads up, you might also like this post about the pros and cons of water transport!

Onto the disadvantages! Here are a selection of cons of travelling by aeroplane to think about.

The Disadvantages of Air Transport- Airplane Disadvantages!

Onto the cons of travelling by plane. Here are all the disadvantages of air transport to think about before booking your flights.

1. The Risk of Delays, Cancellations, and Lost Baggage

All sorts of things can go wrong when you book yourself a flight.

For instance, not so long ago, I booked myself a domestic flight from Da Nang to Ho Chi Minh (both in Vietnam), from where I had a second flight booked to Dubai. Those two flights were on separate tickets, which meant I had to get to Ho Chi Minh on time.

As Sod’s Law had it, I turned up at Da Nang airport to find that my plane to Ho Chi Minh was delayed for hours. If I waited for it, I’d be late to HCM.

Great. With no other option, I went to the counter to book a seat on an earlier flight instead. There was solitary one seat on one final flight available that’d get me to HCM in time for my ongoing trip to Dubai.

Have a guess where it was…

Business-class .

As a budget traveller, forking out ten-times more cash than I’d have paid for economy class wasn’t fun. Thankfully it was only a short flight! I paid the money, got on the flight, enjoyed my fancy seat, and arrived in HCM with time to spare.

Only to find that my plane to Dubai was delayed anyway and I could’ve waited for my first flight out of Da Nang after all!

Luck was against me that day. However, this is just one example of the issues you can face with flying.

Flights get delayed and cancelled all the time ! Bags get sent to the wrong place, damaged in transit, or lost altogether. And travellers are forced to wave goodbye to their carefully laid plans (not to mention hundreds/thousands of dollars spent on tickets) in the process.

My top tip for avoiding these kinds of airplane issues, accidents, and inconveniences?

Get yourself some high-quality travel insurance.

I never go away without it for these exact reasons. You just never know when something’s going to upset your plans and stretch your bank balance.

Sure, insurance can’t prevent the bad stuff from happening. But it will relieve the practical and financial implications if it does.

As much as anything else, though, travel insurance gives you peace of mind. Even if you never need it, you know it’s there- just in case you get unlucky.

It makes the whole process of handling flight-related frustrations a little less stressful.

I use and highly recommend World Nomads . They’re a popular choice among travellers (myself included) and provide all the cover you could ever need.

Check them out below to get an instant quote.

2. The Ease

So, yes, the ease involved with air transport is a great thing.

But I think it’s a bit of a double-edged sword.

I find that the ease involved can make it harder to appreciate the final destination. It’s like being given a reward for something you didn’t suffer for, or winning a race against no competitors.

“We always value things for which we’ve worked and suffered. ”

Think about reaching the summit of a mountain, or getting top grades in school. It’s hard work, but the result justifies it and feels even more gratifying in the process.

Stepping off a plane into a brand new environment after 10 hours of sitting, eating and watching films lacks that elements of hardship. It’s like you haven’t earned the reward.

3. The Speed

Another issue I have with air transport is the speed with which you arrive at your destination.

Now, the speed you travel at is obviously tied up with the ease of air transport. However, as nice as it is, crossing the globe in a matter of hours can be discombobulating too.

A wise older friend of mine told me a proverb once, which (to paraphrase), says that when your body travels large distances, it always takes your soul a while to catch up.

For me, this sums up the feeling of discombobulation I have after a long journey by aeroplane. It was just too easy! How can I be in this brand new beautiful place having done and suffered nothing?

Sometimes, upon arrival in a new place, I can feel a bit flat and disinterested for the first few days, which is the exact opposite of how I expect to feel.

The lack of space on a flight can be both a real and figurative pain in the arse. For anyone in cattle class, it’s definitely one of the main disadvantages of travelling by plane.

4. The Environmental Impact

It goes without saying that planes are rubbish for the environment.

They dump enormous amounts of carbon dioxide into the air, which is the exact opposite of what we should be doing to avert global warming.

Greeny or not, try not to take air travel lightly, and try to do carbon offsetting where you can.

5. The Noisy Neighbours

Like I said above, the people you meet on a plane can make the journey far more enjoyable.

Alas, that isn’t always the case.

• We’ve all been sat next to enormous neighbours who seem to spread their girth onto our seat too.
• We’ve all had thickset people unfairly take up our arm-rest.
• We’ve all had the annoying child sat behind us, incessantly kicking our seat.
• We’ve all had the baby who won’t stop crying, and the drunk who won’t stop talking.

And so on. Bad seat-neighbours can make for a tough time of things on long flights.

6. The (Lack of) Space

I get fidgety on flights.

It feels like Christmas come early whenever I chance upon empty flights with spare seats to stretch out upon. By contrast, a lack of leg room, middle seats, and/or large seat-neighbours do more than cramp my style.

It’s actively uncomfortable, and makes sleeping a challenge.

I get cranky.

Fear factor is often top of the list of all disadvantages of air transport.

7. The Fear

I used to hate flying.

I was terrified of it!

Thankfully, the fear has eased up the more I’ve done it. Nonetheless, there are times when my heart still lurches into my mouth.

For people afraid of flying, the prospect of hours on a plane can be enough to dissuade them from even taking the journey. Air transport’s never fun when fear’s a factor.

8. The Food

Finally, the food!

Aeroplane food has a reputation for gnarly in-flight meals. However, I actually think it’s got a lot better in recent years. Long haul flights on decent airlines offer tasty meals as standard.

That said, there’s almost always something to put you off. Whether it’s the dodgy sausage at breakfast, or the gristly steak at dinner, plane food isn’t always appetizing.

Remember the Advantages and Disadvantages of Air Transport

There you have it: the advantages and disadvantages of air transport for travellers to keep in mind.

The advantages of air transport make travelling by aeroplane a mighty privilege. However, it isn’t all positive, and the disadvantages of air transport involved shouldn’t be forgotten.

Wondering about travelling by plane to your next destination? Hopefully, this post has helped you figure out if it’s the right form of transport for you.

Now I’d love to hear from you!

Do you have any aeroplane horror stories? Let me know in the comments! And be sure to subscribe to the blog for more posts like this too.

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Simple Flying

Airline travel 101: a beginner's guide to flying.

Flying for the first time? Here’s what you need to know

Airline travel has become an essential part of modern life, connecting people across the globe and making the world more accessible than ever before. If you're new to flying or simply want to brush up on your knowledge, this beginner's guide to airline travel will provide you with everything you need to navigate the skies with confidence.

First things first

The first step in airline travel is booking your flight . Start by choosing your destination and preferred travel dates. Visit airline websites or online travel agencies to compare prices and flight options. Consider factors such as layovers, airline reputation, and baggage allowances when making your decision. Once you've selected your flight, follow the booking process, provide passenger information, and complete the payment to secure your ticket.

Next, consider what and how you’ll be packing for the trip. Check the airline's baggage policy to determine the allowed size, weight, and number of bags. Make a checklist of essential items, including travel documents (passport, ID, and visa), tickets, electronic devices, chargers, medications, and necessary clothing.

Remember to pack liquids in accordance with aviation security rules. Oftentimes, you’ll need to follow the 100ml rule and place liquids, aerosols, and gels in a clear, resealable bag.

Want answers to more key questions in aviation? Check out the rest of our guides here .

All packed? You’re ready to go!

Before your flight, it's essential to check-in. Most airlines offer online check-in, allowing you to select seats, print boarding passes, and avoid long queues at the airport. Online check-in typically opens 24 hours before departure.

If you prefer doing this in person, head to the check-in counter at the airport. Note that some low-cost airlines might charge you for an in-person check-in, so definitely log in before your flight to confirm. Whether you check in online or at the airport, if you have luggage to check , arrive at the airport (wear comfortable clothes for the flight!) with sufficient time to complete the check-in process and drop off your bags.

Get the latest aviation news straight to your inbox: Sign up for our newsletters today.

Airport security procedures are designed to ensure the safety of all passengers. Familiarize yourself with the regulations to make the security screening process smoother. Prepare by removing any metal objects, electronics, and liquids from your carry-on bag for separate screening. Nearly all airports need you to pass through a metal detector and/or a full body scan to check for any dangerous substances. Ensure you don't have anything in your pockets and remove any heavy layers to avoid further scrutiny.

Some airports may require you to remove your shoes too. Simply follow the instructions of security personnel, place your belongings in the provided bins, proceed through the metal detectors or body scanners, and you’re good to go.

Once through security, keep an eye on the information screens for your flight's gate number and boarding time. Airlines usually begin boarding with specific zones or groups, so pay attention to the announcements and follow the instructions. Have your boarding pass and identification ready for inspection, and proceed to the aircraft when your zone is called.

Taking to the skies

Once onboard, find your assigned seat and stow your carry-on luggage in the overhead compartment or under the seat in front of you. Fasten your seatbelt and listen to the safety instructions provided by the flight attendants.

During the flight, don’t forget to make use of the provided amenities, such as the in-flight entertainment system (or bring along a flight-friendly game ), reading materials, or refreshments. Follow any specific guidelines given by the cabin crew – and remember to look out the window to enjoy a bird’s eye view of the world!

When the aircraft has touched down, remain seated until the aircraft has come to a complete stop and the seatbelt sign is turned off. Then, gather your personal belongings and proceed through the arrival procedures at the airport.

Lastly, locate your assigned carousel, and wait for your luggage to arrive (handy tip: use luggage tags so you can easily identify your bags). If any items are missing or damaged, be sure to inform staff at the baggage service counter before leaving the airport.

Discover more aviation news about the passenger experience here.

Now you're all equipped with the knowledge needed for a successful and memorable journey. Embrace the adventure, enjoy the experience, and most importantly, have fun!

Protect Your Trip »

27 things you should always pack in your carry-on bag.

Create your packing list of essentials and new in-flight finds.

What to Pack in a Carry-on Bag

Packing your carry-on bag for a flight is exciting – but it can also be overwhelming. With a little planning and a concise list of airport and in-flight essentials, you can maximize space and be prepared for your journey.

To help you decide what to pack in your carry-on bag, our team compiled this list of must-have items. Download the packing list here to use while you prep for your next trip, then read on to learn more about what to pack.

Carry-on packing list

Travel wallet, passport holder, toiletry bag, tsa-approved liquids bag and compliant containers, prescription medications, glasses case, travel pillow, packing cubes, tech organizer, luggage tracker, zippered pouches and reusable silicone bags, mini clip bag, hand sanitizer, bluetooth wireless adapter, wired earbuds or headphones, e-reader or a great book, travel adapter/converter, travel first-aid kit, reusable water bottle, activities or games, light jacket, change of clothing.

Protect your credit cards and cash with an RFID wallet like the Travelon RFID Blocking Single Zip Wallet , which prevents scammers from wirelessly stealing your personal information. This travel wallet is especially useful since it can also hold most smartphones.

If you're traveling internationally, an option like the TIGARI Passport Holder can protect your travel document and make it easy to locate in your carry-on bag. You'll need access to your passport at airport security, when you board the plane and when you're filling out entry forms, so keep the passport holder as well as a pen within reach. Once you arrive at your destination, put the passport wallet somewhere safe at your lodging or – if you feel inclined to keep it with you – stow it in your travel purse, belt bag or backpack to ensure it's safe while you explore.

Getty Images

Pack your toiletry bag in your carry-on so you can easily freshen up and so that you'll have essentials like toothpaste and deodorant in the event your checked luggage is lost in transit. Also consider packing toiletries that are useful for travel (particularly the dry air on planes), even if they're not part of your daily routine at home.

U.S. News senior travel editor Marisa Méndez recommends including a facial moisturizer and a body lotion in your toiletry bag. "My skin always dries out on flights and it's nice to have something to soothe my skin," she says.

"I always love having facial spray to freshen up after the flight," says Elizabeth Von Tersch , also a senior travel editor at U.S. News. She always keeps one in her purse. " Mario Badescu and Evian are great." These facial sprays help to moisturize your skin after the drying environment on a plane or give you a little midday pick-me-up.

When packing your carry-on bag for a flight, you'll want to have a clear quart-sized bag that meets Transportation Security Administration guidelines for liquids and gels. Some Dopp kits or toiletry bags include a removable bag for travel-size liquids, or you can buy this reusable TSA-approved clear bag on Amazon . Put any liquids or gels you're traveling with in this bag, including shampoo, lotion, liquid makeup items and hand sanitizer.

Keep in mind that all liquids and gels must be in travel-size bottles or containers measuring 3.4 ounces or less. Remember: You'll need to remove this clear quart-sized bag from your carry-on bag at security, so consider packing it in an external pocket or an easy-to-find spot in your carry-on suitcase. To learn more about TSA regulations, consult our article about what is allowed in a carry-on .

Never stow prescription medications in checked baggage : If luggage is lost or delayed, replacing these medications while traveling can be extremely challenging or even impossible. If you take multiple medications, consider a travel pill sorter like the EZY Dose Pill Organizer , available for about $5 on Amazon.

Whether you wear glasses for vision correction or you're packing your favorite pair of sunglasses, keeping them protected while stowed in your carry-on is essential. If you're bringing multiple pairs, a case like the foldable Dagne Dover Remi Glasses Case can hold up to three pairs, or the Lug Eyeglass Holder & Mini Pill Case works well for eyeglasses and contacts.

Courtesy of Cabeau

Resting throughout your journey can help you feel refreshed when you reach your destination and make the time pass a little quicker. But nothing can (literally) cramp your style like a stiff neck from sleeping wrong. Choose a comfortable neck pillow for travel like the top-rated Cabeau Evolution S3 or the MLVOC Travel Pillow (less than $30 on Amazon). For a travel pillow that doubles as a packing cube, consider the Tube pillow , which holds up to three days' worth of clothing.

Packing cubes aren't just for organizing clothing and shoes. Maximize space in your carry-on bag with these handy travel compartments . While Eagle Creek's PACK-IT line features the top-rated compression packing cubes on the market, many travelers also swear by the Veken Packing Cubes , which are usually available for $20 or less on Amazon. To maximize space even more, consider Lug's compression packing cubes .

If you're planning to travel with jewelry, watches or items that would be difficult to replace, be sure to put these in your carry-on bag, as checked items run the risk of being misplaced. For jewelry, a compact case that is easy to spot like the Lug Mini Swizzle is ideal for rings, cufflinks or earrings.

It's easy to let your charging cords get lost at the bottom of your bag or get your headphones tangled somewhere in your tote. A handy tech organizer such as the CALPAK Tech Organizer or the BAGSMART Tech Organizer , with zippered compartments and sections for specific cords, can help reduce tangled messes (and the need for you to search for your essentials in a tight airplane cabin).

Even though you'll have your carry-on bag with you, it's still a good idea to have a luggage tracker like an Apple AirTag or a Tile Pro securely attached to your bag. In the event you and your bag get separated, you'll be able to track down where you parted ways (because when you're jet-lagged it's easy to be a bit absent-minded).

Smaller than packing cubes, zippered pouches and silicone bags like the Stasher Silicone Reusable Storage Bags are perfect for storing everything from snacks to scrunchies. If traveling with family, consider different colored pouches for each traveler's items so you can easily tell them apart without removing everything from the bag.

Get a handy little bag with a carabiner clip, such as the CALPAK Luka Key Pouch , to securely attach to the outside of your bag for quick-grab items like gum, hand sanitizer or individual travel wipes . Once you're at your destination, you can clip it on a belt loop or use the elastic band to slide it on your wrist for your room key, lip gloss and other small essentials.

Tips on Trips and Expert Picks

Travel tips, vacation ideas and more to make your next vacation stellar.

Let's face it – traveling can introduce your body to a host of unwanted germs. Carrying a bottle of travel hand sanitizer will keep your hands clean on the go, even if there's not a bathroom nearby. To disinfect surfaces like airplane tray tables, arm rests or tables, consider having a pack of disinfecting wipes at your disposal as well.

During a flight, the low humidity and high altitude can have a drying effect on your skin and lips. To combat the dry air, consider packing a hydrating lip balm like this new stick option by Aquaphor . What's more, if you choose a balm over a liquid moisturizer, you won't need to store this product in your clear TSA-approved liquids bag.

In-flight entertainment can help your travel day go faster, but being tethered to the seatback with wired headphones can feel a bit constricting. Plus, you may have to unplug to let your seat mates in or out. Avoid those troubles and connect your wireless headphones to the in-flight system with Twelve South's AirFly ($35 or less on Amazon), which wirelessly transmits audio via Bluetooth.

If you'd prefer to connect directly to the in-flight entertainment to watch a movie (or maybe just tune out your seatmates), buy some inexpensive wired earbuds like this well-rated set by Jogteg . You can keep them in your carry-on so you're always ready, even on flights where they don't pass out complimentary headsets.

Having a book or magazine in your carry-on bag is always a good idea. Whether you encounter a delayed flight, a long layover or a plane with less than stellar in-flight entertainment, a good book will help pass the time.

On everything from red-eye flights to international jaunts, a good eye mask can block out light from overhead, the seatback screens and plane windows. The Nodpod Sleep Mask is especially relaxing since it's weighted.

"Even if you plan to grab a bite at the airport or on the plane (if that's an option), pack some snacks," says Amanda Norcross , content and SEO strategist for travel at U.S. News. "Flying is unpredictable and stressful for many travelers, and 'hanger' only makes things worse." Trail mix, granola bars, crackers, pretzels, dried fruit and popcorn are some good snack options you may want to throw in your carry-on. Also put chewing gum in your carry-on to freshen breath and help with ear popping.

It's not always easy to find a charging station at the airport, and there are restrictions when it comes to packing batteries in your carry-on baggage for any flight. One option that meets Federal Aviation Administration guidelines is the Anker 537 Power Bank (PowerCore 26K for Laptop) . This device can charge a laptop, smartphone or tablet quickly, to keep your devices running even on a long flight.

For international travel – since different countries use different plug shapes – packing a universal adapter or converter will enable you to charge your devices and other electronics. Before purchasing, consider what your needs will be, especially regarding the shape of the wall outlet plugs and the voltage of the countries you'll be visiting.

A travel adapter such as the EPICKA Universal Travel Adapter on Amazon makes plugs from the U.S. fit into electrical outlets around the world, whereas a travel converter like the ALLWEI International Travel Adapter converts the electricity voltage. If you're traveling overseas from the U.S., you'll need both of these devices to use electronics like laptops, curling irons and hair straighteners (unless your device is dual voltage, like the BaBylissPRO Nano Mini Straightening Iron ).

For minor injuries like blisters from new shoes or unexpected cuts and scrapes, pack a first-aid kit with Band-Aids and triple antibiotic ointment like Neosporin in your bag.

Staying hydrated while traveling is a must. Pack a reusable water bottle like the Corkcicle Canteen Triple Insulated Stainless Steel Water Bottle to fill up at the airport before your flight and refill throughout your travels. Even better – an insulated bottle will stay cold for hours.

Whether it's a long flight or layover (or maybe you just need a good distraction), having some activities like a miniature coloring book and mini colored pencils or small packable games can be really useful.

"I took a small coloring book and a small set of pencils on a flight once and it was life-changing," Méndez says. U.S. News senior digital producer for travel Leilani Osmundson says she and her husband love to bring a deck of cards and portable two-player games to pass the time.

"I typically wear a lightweight jacket on the plane to free up space in my carry-on," says Norcross. "If the plane is too warm, I can easily stuff it under the seat in front of me with my backpack." If you're in need of a simple yet effective packable jacket , check out the Amazon Essentials Puffer Jacket .

Whether your coffee spills off your tray table or you lose your checked baggage, an extra outfit is handy to have. Pack a versatile outfit (including socks and underwear) into your carry-on bag so you have a backup option, or perhaps have your swimwear and flip-flops ready to head directly to the beach the moment you arrive. For tired or swollen feet, having a pair of compression socks and a change of walking shoes can make your travel day much more comfortable.

What not to pack in a carry-on bag

When packing a carry-on bag or suitcase, it's important to note that some items are prohibited on all flights, due to Federal Aviation Administration regulations. The prohibited list includes aerosol products (such as anti-static spray or pepper spray), lithium or lithium-ion batteries, firearms and ammunition, flammables, and explosives. For more details on what you can and can't pack in your carry-on, visit the TSA's What Can I Bring? and the FAA's Pack Safe websites.

Why Trust U.S. News Travel

Rachael Hood loves to see how much she can fit in her carry-on bag. She always brings a few snacks, a good read and little luxuries to make the journey comfortable. Hood used her personal travel experience, along with her retail background and research expertise, to curate this list.

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11 Easy Air Travel Tips to Make for a Happier Flight

Written By: The Planet D

Travel Planning

Updated On: June 7, 2023

Dave spoke on CBC Radio this morning about making Spring Break Travels easier. We realized that a lot of people have anxiety over air travel and we wanted to give some easy air travel tips to ease that stress.

How to make flying more relaxing, speedier, and less stressful. 

Table of Contents

Air Travel Tips

Travel can be stressful, but if you are prepared to follow our air travel tips, you can not only make your travels easier, you can have fun at the airport and relax the minute you leave home.

Let’s face it. In today’s world, air travel is not fun. Remember the days when you used to love being at the airport or on the plane just as much as the trip itself?

Well, they are long gone my friend, with confusing security checks that seem to change rules from airport to airport to seats getting smaller with each trip, flying can sometimes be a downright miserable experience.

But we’re here to help!

1. Arrive Early

This may sound routine, but we hear of so many travellers arriving at the last minute at the airport.

One time, Dave and I waited 45 minutes for our parking lot shuttle to bring us to the airport.

There wasn’t another way out. No taxis swing by the ParknFly, so we had no other choice but to stand and wait.

As seasoned travellers who rack up nearly 100,000 air miles each year, we still arrive early to our flights.

I’ve talked to other full-time travellers who feel the same way. They (and we) say, why take the risk? Arrive early and relax.

2. Use Valet Parking Service

We usually book our parking online through ParknFly and did you know that for only $20 more (online only) you can upgrade to valet parking?

Valet parking gets priority and there are more shuttles for this. You never have to wait more than eight minutes. It doesn’t matter anyway because you are waiting indoors!

If it’s the middle of winter and you are flying somewhere warm, you don’t have to bring your heavy winter coats, leave them in the car, hop on the heated shuttle and be taken door-to-door.

When you fly home, give them a call from the airport and they’ll have your car warmed up, scraped off and waiting for you when you get back. We even get our car detailed at ParknFly.

Plus when you book online there are deep discounts for long-term parking!

3. Check In Online

We always check in online. That saves you tons of time of having to stand in line to check in at the teller.

Most airlines now have a luggage drop off only section for those who have already checked in online. You have done all the paperwork and all you have to do is drop off your bags.

4. Pack Carry On Only

Or better yet, travel with carry-on only bags.

If you are flying south, you don’t need a lot of clothing. Pack a few sarongs, shorts, non-wrinkle pants, and for a ladies, a cute strappy dress or two and you are good to go.

Most hotels supply shampoo, conditioner and soap and the small tubes of toothpaste are all you need for a week. Besides, you can always buy what you need at the gift shop.

5. Packing Tips – Pack Smart

Think about what you can and can’t bring on the plane with you. If you aren’t sure, don’t bring it!

We’ve left behind some a nice mini screwdriver (I’m talking an inch long tops!) because we forgot it was in Dave’s camera bag.

If you have a pointy object, liquids larger than 100ml or aerosol cans, they are taken away at security and thrown away. Start packing in advance and then go through your luggage once or twice before you leave and scale down.

We have a lot of mix and match clothing that we can turn into several outfits with only 3 to 5 pieces.

6. Be Prepared for Security

Don’t be that guy in front of George Clooney in Up in the Air, be George Clooney!

When you get to security, have everything you need to show in a plastic bag.

We also carry our computers a separate canvas shopping bag when checking in and when going through security, it’s easy access and takes the weight out of your carryon. We wear slip on shoes with clean and nice socks.

There’s nothing more embarrassing than holy socks at security! And men, don’t wear a belt.

We always have everything put away before we get to security except our passport and boarding pass. We never carry anything in our pockets. Think of the word KISS…Keep it simple stupid.

Note : Make sure your electronics are charged, with new security measures, you may be asked to turn on your computer, iPad or cell phone. If you can’t turn it on, it’s not coming with you!

7. Load Videos, Books or Music onto your Phone or iPad

We always have TV series, movies and books loaded on our iPads. You can never count on the entertainment system working on the flight.

Trust me it’s happened to us several times a year. We’ve sat in our seats, turn on our entertainment system and nothing happens.

The airline always offers us a coupon to redeem miles for the inconvenience but that never works either. Luckily we have our must see flick on the iPad and we enjoy our flight either way.

It passes the time in the airport too.

8. Pack Snacks

Flights are cutting down on giving passengers food and drink, so we always have a stash of food. Our go-to flying snack is a bagel with cream cheese and some crackers.

It fills you up quickly and does the trick.  It saves you having to buy food on the plane if they don’t offer it, and it helps out with the pitiful quantity of food they do give you if you get a meal.

This is also a good tip for kids, trust me I know. Dave’s a big kid and he gets grumpy when he’s hungry, if I give him a treat, he’s instantly happy.

9. Get Lounge Access

We use American Express Platinum to get into lounges all over the world regardless of what airline we’re flying.

In Toronto they have American Express lounges that cardmembers can enter for free, but get this!

Non-cardmembers can enter too for a fee. $40 gets you lounge access with food and drinks covered including alcoholic beverages. Just look for the Plaza Premium Lounge.

We see this at all airports. It’s different credit cards at each airport around the world, but there’s usually always one lounge that offers people entry for a fee. We say, if you travel a lot, get that card that offers the Priority Pass , we have access to 600 lounges across the globe. You can also purchase a yearly membership to Priority Pass to have access to lounges.

10. Stay Hydrated

Water is a tricky one. You know you can’t bring any water bottles with you through security but what about empty bottles?

We’ve seen people have to leave behind their Nalgenes and thermoses, so we never bother. If you want to bring something to fill your own water bottle, use a collapsible water bottle or we bite the bullet and buy water at the airport.

Flight attendants are supposed to bring you all the water you need, but believe me it never happens.

I’m always parched on the plane and they never come around enough. You can go back and ask for some though, so don’t be afraid to get what you want.

11. Carry Cash

We always carry small bills of US Dollars and Euros with us. It’s great for tolls if we are driving across the border, but we also have it to tip our valet or porters when we arrive at the hotel.

When we arrive at our we go to the ATM in the airport and get out a couple hundred dollars in the local currency. We don’t buy currency in Canada, we just get it when we arrive. With chip cards, we can use our credit cards all over the world.

There are plenty of ways to make your travels easier, just remember, this a vacation so have fun.

Give yourself the time you need so you don’t feel pressure at the airport. Terminals are getting better each day with free wifi, lounge access, and even massages. So start vacation early and make your time at the airport a part of your trip!

Must Have Travel Gear For Your Flight

GoToob Bottles : 

I am surprised at the amount of people that still carry liquids larger than 100 ml, but it happens nearly every time we fly.

I have to admit, I haven’t found 100ml bottles that work well or are reusable until we found the GoToob Bottles. The multipack contains three bottles perfect for shampoo, conditioner and sunscreen. I like the no-drip, leak proof valves and large opening making it easy to fill.

I didn’t bother to use the integrated label feature as it’s very small to read, I just go by the colour of the bottle instead. Keep these bottles separate in a plastic bag and you’ll whiz through security.

Trackable Luggage Tags : 

Have you ever lost your luggage never to be found again? I’m not going to lie, most airlines are not that helpful these days when it comes to helping you locate your valuables.

I’ve watched many a friend get nowhere fast as they have online discussions with airlines asking them for help finding their bags.

To make sure we have an extra leg up in case we lose our bags, we registered our trackable luggage tag’s serial number online giving us extra security when it comes to our travels.

Luggage Hugger :

Okay, how many of you have a black generic suitcase? Be honest. We’re guilty of it too, but with the luggage hugger, we can now locate our bag easily.

We thought we were safe with a duffel bag, but sure enough, when flying to Maui a couple of months ago, somebody grabbed our duffel bag thinking it was theirs.

Luckily we were there to correct the mistake. Now, that we have the luggage holder, our bags stand out when they fall onto the conveyor belt.

Read: 7 tips to Stress-Free Travel

Luggage Handle Wraps :

We’ve been using luggage handle wraps for years and this is the next best thing to the luggage hugger.

As a matter a fact, we use both the hugger and the handle wraps because you can never be too safe. We even put the handle wraps on our carryon bags because sometimes we have to stow them when boarding a small plane.

Do you know how many small black carry on rollers there are out there? Our handle wraps set them apart.

40 Blinks Eye Mask :

When flying, I always wear an eye mask. I can sleep anywhere and there’s something about air travel that knocks me right out. A good eye mask is a must.

I’ve been woken up by someone opening up their blind and unexpectedly blasting me with sunlight. I only made that mistake once. The minute I’m tired, I put on my mask.

The difference between 40 Blinks and other eye masks is that it is contoured out of molded foam so it doesn’t put pressure on your eyelids. It blocks the same light with twice the comfort.

EarPlanes :

As much as we hate to travel with a cold it is bound to happen.

We find that our allergies are acting up more and more as we get older as well. Have you ever flown with an earache? It is completely unbearable.

I keep a pair handy to relieve pressure in the ears for take off and landings. You may not always be affected by pressure, but when you are, you’ll be glad you have your EarPlanes.

Fun Read: Air Travel is so Annoying

No Jet Lag Pills :

The more we travel, the more we seem to suffer from jet lag . We do everything right.

We usually avoid alcohol, we drink plenty of water and we avoid caffeine, but we still suffer.

No Jet Lag pills have natural remedies such as Arnica Montana and Chamomilla to help ease the symptoms. We used them on our flight to Austin Texas and while it was only a two-hour time change, I felt great.

Normally I even suffer through daylight savings and it’s only an hour’s difference. So this must have done something. Plus it tastes good too.

Compression Socks  : 

I never took Deep Vein Thrombosis seriously until a friends sister got it after a flight.

Compression socks help with circulation and leg exhaustion. Compression socks have come a long way.

I tried them once a few years ago and they felt like they were squeezing my legs, my latest pair are so cushiony and cozy.

The merino wool keeps odour away and they feel comfortable on a flight.

Acorn Via Cap-Toe Ballet Flats :

Speaking of feet. I know that nobody likes to look at people’s bare feet when travelling. I was guilty of this in my backpacking days. I used to always travel in flipflops.

Now, I care about the people around me and slip into my ballet flats on the flight. They are comfortable and stylish and I’ve even worn them out of the airport too.

Why didn’t I start wearing ballet flats in my travels earlier?

And that’s our tips to make air travel easier. Did we miss anything? Have you got a tip to share? Leave it in the comments below!

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Travel Planning Resources

Looking to book your next trip? Why not use these resources that are tried and tested by yours truly.

Flights: Start planning your trip by finding the best flight deals on Skyscanner

Book your Hotel: Find the best prices on hotels with these two providers. If you are located in Europe use Booking.com and if you are anywhere else use TripAdvisor

Find Apartment Rentals: You will find the cheapest prices on apartment rentals with VRBO . 

Travel Insurance: Don't leave home without it. Here is what we recommend:

• Allianz - Occasional Travelers.
• Medjet - Global air medical transport and travel security.

Need more help planning your trip? Make sure to check out our Resources Page where we highlight all the great companies that we trust when we are traveling.

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About The Planet D

Dave Bouskill and Debra Corbeil are the owners and founders of The Planet D. After traveling to 115 countries, on all 7 continents over the past 13 years they have become one of the foremost experts in travel. Being recognized as top travel bloggers and influencers by the likes of Forbes Magazine , the Society of American Travel Writers and USA Today has allowed them to become leaders in their field.

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21 thoughts on “11 Easy Air Travel Tips to Make for a Happier Flight”

Great read and useful tips i always arrive early cuts the stress out thinking will i get there on time. If im super early i just go find a coffee shop or somewhere to eat and just grab myself a snack. Only once was i really late 10 min before checking closed (one advantage no que at check in heheh) but so stressful. I always find bringing a proper pillow with me not one of these blow up ones is a god send yes can be a bit bulky but a small compression bag makes it easy to carry and also good tip about security again i have two bags one for liquids and one shoulder bag for electronics makes my life so much easier. Also i always set alarm on phone hour 10 min before take of time so i can start to make way to gate planes bored 40 min before flight and have had it in some airports were it takes like 30 min to get to gate i find doing that takes the stress out of oh no im running late getting to my gate.

It made sense when you said that we should arrive early so we’ll still be on-time even if something unexpected happens. I want to book an airport transportation service so I can continue doing work in the car when I depart on a business trip this May. I’m glad I read your article and learned why it’d be a good idea to book the transportation service for an early time!

Well-written article. Great summery of tips, thanks for sharing.

Your blog is filled with great tips. I just have a close call from Madrid to Malaga. I am sending this link to my family who are traveling by a themselves in April and May.

The earplanes you mention from Amazon will not ship to Canada.

Perhaps you can try Amazon.ca. Sorry about that.

Great advice, with so much to pack and organise you can easily forget stuff. Thanks guys will remember these for next time I fly.

Thanks Aaron, glad we could help!

Some good tips here guys! I myself am awful when it comes to prepping for anything, preferring to pretty much just wing everything, but I guess that’s just my style of travel.. When I am heading somewhere a little more out there, Venezuela, Palestine, Myanmar; hell yes, it makes sense to be prepared 🙂

Yes, water is tricky and depends which airport and airline we are using. Sometimes i managed to bring empty bottles, sometimes no. I ll just gulped down the whole mineral water, and bring the empty plastic bottle along. If i have to throw them away, well, i lose nothing. Just have to bear with the weird taste of in-flight water.

I could never get my hubby to not wear his belt 🙁

Arriving early to the airport is the best tip ever! Those are great tips! I always make it a point to leave early and arrive at the airport early – that’s really one of the simplest things that we can and should do!

“Arrive Early” This is the fact my friends always forget to do. Ha Ha. Effective Article.

I know eh! It sounds simple, but so many people don’t heed that rule and then get themselves into trouble

I really like your tip about loading music and books. It’s sounds obvious but I’ve forgotten before. On my longest ever flight – to New Zealand from the UK – my Kindle only had books I’d already read, and my phone battery died so I had no access to music. The 9-hour stop over in China was mind-numbingly dull!

I know how you feel. I have been caught off guard in the past. a ridiculously long flight to China with no entertainment system. Not fun at all.

I do a lot of these. My big one is arrive early. The day I’m traveling is a travel day. I’m not doing anything else, so I arrive at the airport early and I enjoy the lounge via my Priority Pass Card (a life saver). Interesting that you’ve received compensation when your in-flight entertainment system hasn’t worked. I’ve had this happen numerous times on Thai Air. Definitely no compensation of any sort, and flight attendants can get down right snarky when they have to reboot the system. Like you, I always carry my own entertainment! 🙂

That’s exactly how we feel. If we are travelling that day, we’re not doing else. That priority pass is amazing isn’t it? we’ve flashed it everywhere and are amazed with the lounge access we get. Love it! The only compensation they’ve given us is a voucher to redeem points for Air Canada (Star Alliance, same as Thai Air) Both times that I tried to redeem it didn’t work, so I almost think it is a ploy just to make us all feel better on the flight so we don’t complain.

Arriving early to the airport is the best tip ever! Recently, I needed to catch my Berlin-Paris flight and halfway to the airport I noticed I’d left my passport at the accommodation. It ended with me running like a mad woman, a 32,5€ taxi, a huge security line and more running. And even like that I didn’t make it on time, luckily the plane was delayed by 30 minutes!

Lucky your plane was delayed. We had that happen to us once years ago. We left our briefcase (it was the 90s) on the sidewalk outside my friends apartment. The passports and tickets were inside. We were almost at the airport and realized we left it all behind. Luckily a good samaritan saw what we did and grabbed our briefcase waiting for us to come back. We barely made our flight but we made it. Lucky too! Because we were moving to Vancouver at the time. That would have mess up our plans for sure!

Those are great tips! I always make it a point to leave early and arrive at the airport early – that’s really one of the simplest things that we can and should do!

I agree, it is simple and yet I see so many people arriving late! We’ve been in the ParknFly parking lot and witnessed people panicking because their flight is about to take off. We’re like “why are you just arriving now?”

Advantages And Disadvantages Of Traveling By Plane

By Elayna Skye

Updated on November 13, 2023

Air travel is among the fastest and most convenient means of transportation, with airports located in most major cities making it easy to find flights that fit into your busy schedule.

But what are the advantages and disadvantages of traveling by plane? In this article, we'll take a look at some key points.

One of the great advantages of traveling by plane is how quickly it gets you there compared to other modes of transportation, be it across country or around world travel. You arrive much sooner in this way.

Traveling by plane is ideal for business travelers who must arrive on time at meetings. Domestic flights tend to have higher punctuality than trains, ensuring you arrive promptly at your destination without delays. Plus, flying offers an ideal way to unplug and relax during stressful workdays - you can watch movies, read, or even sleep during your flight!

2. Convenience

Air travel is the quickest and most efficient way to quickly get from one point to another, saving valuable time for travelers exploring various corners of the globe.

With plenty of leg room, entertainment features and snacks onboard the plane, travel by plane is often an enjoyable and relaxing experience - ideal for people seeking to unwind and unwind before or during their journey.

Flight travel can also be the ideal solution for business travelers who must reach meetings quickly. Flying can eliminate car travel - which may take hours when traffic delays arise - as well as rest stops that make long distance driving challenging for some people, or train travel which takes days to cover shorter distances.

Although we often hear horror stories about plane crashes, flying remains one of the safest forms of transport - in fact, it may even be safer than driving!

Airplanes provide the ideal way to explore parts of the world that would otherwise be difficult or impossible to visit, making aviation the ultimate means of satisfying wanderlust!

But flying comes with its own set of drawbacks. Fuel consumption for an airplane to stay aloft and production of pollution are both significant considerations when flying frequently; as is cancer risk due to exposure from radiation; particularly long distance domestic flights should be given consideration when planning their itinerary.

Flying provides one of the fastest ways to travel between distant places quickly. Additionally, planes are specifically designed to ensure their passengers remain safe with frequent inspections conducted by trained professionals.

Domestic flights can also save time when traveling within a country, making trips like those between New York and Los Angeles in only hours via plane compared with days spent traveling via train or car.

Air travel does have some drawbacks. Security measures can be inconvenient and time consuming; moreover, many people suffer from aerophobia (fear of flying due to turbulence or other reasons). This may prompt them to opt for alternative transport methods whenever necessary instead.

Air travel is one of the greatest inventions ever developed, enabling us to travel almost instantly around the globe in just hours. However, air travel can also be expensive and inconvenient for travellers.

Airplanes require large amounts of fuel and water, which can be costly for travelers and a source of greenhouse gases and pollution.

Flight delays or cancellations can be frustrating for travelers in a rush. To save money on airfare, it's wiser to book your flight during off-season or on weekdays to avoid high ticket costs and save time - particularly important when booking domestic flights. Bombardier planes will also typically come with a lower cost.

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TSA's Top Travel Tips

Kids rule the airport!

Traveling with children. Those words can strike fear in the hearts of even seasoned travelers. How does one prepare for the ‘excitement’ of bringing young travelers to the airport? We have the answer to three of the most common issues.

Strollers, car seats, breastmilk, oh my!

It can be stressful traveling with baby gear any time of year. Check out this video for tips on navigating through the security screening process with these items. And don’t forget, if you need assistance – just ask – we’re happy to help!

Refresh your memory on the liquid rules

We all know by now that a turkey sandwich is not a liquid, but it can still be confusing when you’re figuring out how to pack your liquids. Watch this video and it will all be crystal clear.

TSA PreCheck® = game changer

Who doesn’t want to get through security faster? TSA PreCheck® allows you to do just that. It’s quick and easy security screening for travelers we know more about – and have earned the esteemed title of “Trusted Traveler.” Applying is easy and once you’re a member- you’ll never want to go back.

How not to be “That Guy” at the airport checkpoint

If you’re like most travelers, you likely don’t like to hear the sound of tapping feet and heavy sighs as your fellow travelers wait for you to prepare your items for security. Want to get through security as fast as possible, while still being safe? Check out these tips for domestic travel from your friends at TSA.

Can you pack your meds in a pill case and more questions answered

One of the more popular questions we get from travelers is: “Can I travel with my medication?” The answer is yes, with some qualifiers. Here are a few tips that you might find helpful.

How to know you’ve forgotten something at the checkpoint

Ever gotten on a plane and felt like you were missing something? Here’s a list of the most common items left behind at the security checkpoint. Take note, so it doesn’t happen to you!

Taking your human on a plane: what every pet needs to know

Hey, down here! Are we going to the airport again? No big deal… we’re in this together, and that means we both have to go through security screening.

Get Ready for Game Day

Ah, fall! A time for falling leaves, cooling temperatures, and pumpkin spice flavored everything. But for sports fans, fall means the return of football. Players at all levels, from pee wee to the pros, will be taking the field once again. And if you’re traveling to see the Tide roll or the Eagles soar, we have some tips to help you avoid a penalty flag during your airport screening experience.

Travel Tips that Your Mama Will Love

Everyone knows that there’s no sweeter gift for mom than a visit from you! But if you must bring along a gift, we have a few dos and don’ts to make sure your screening experience is a smooth one.

Fashion dos and don’ts while going through the checkpoint!

Avoid a fashion faux pas by forgetting to do this on your next airport visit.

Keep the Change

Pennies, nickels and dimes don’t seem like much… just a jiggling in your pockets, right? Every day, thousands of people leave their loose change at TSA security checkpoints across America. You may think that a few pennies don’t add up to very much. Just wait until you find out how much passengers leave in those checkpoint bins!

You’ll kick yourself if you forget these travel tips!

Millions of people from all over the world are tuning in to this year’s World Cup. Summer travel season is in full swing so be sure to be ahead of the game when traveling. Shoot and score with these helpful tips that will help you dribble through security with ease.

Going GREEN while traveling through airport security!

Earth Day is every day for TSA. You can do your part to help our planet with these green-friendly travel tips.

Feel like a Superhero with these ASTONISHING travel tips!

Dust off your comic books and cosplay outfits and make room on your shelves for even more cool collectibles! The Granddaddy of annual comic conventions is HERE! Here are 4 helpful tips for all the fanboys and fangirls out there!

5 stressors every pregnant woman has at the airport

Traveling at any time can be stressful, but it can be even more challenging when you’re pregnant.

Too cool for school

The time has come for students to head back to class. If you’ll be flying off to school, we have some tips to make your back-to-school travels as stress-free as possible. After all, nothing should cause you stress other than your first exams and textbook costs!

Two Carry-on Bags in Paradise: A Love Story

If loving a safe flight is wrong, then we don’t want to be right! Valentine’s Day is almost here and many of us will be traveling with gifts for the one we love. Check out some of the most common items screened at security checkpoints nationwide during this romantic time of year.

When flying on a broom just won’t do

Hello all you ghouls and ghosts! It’s almost that bewitching time which means you’re probably itching to hop onto your brooms and fly to a Halloween adventure from your local airports. Here are the tips to make sure your trick-or-treating in the airports is just as sweet as your bucket of candy (without all of the cavities).

Summer Blockbuster -- Automated Screening Lanes coming to an airport near you

Automated Screening Lanes are a state-of-the-art checkpoint technology that enhances security efficiency while decreasing the amount of time travelers spend during the security screening process. These lanes are currently in airports in New York, Los Angeles, Las Vegas, Dallas, Chicago, Minneapolis, Miami, Houston, Newark, Seattle and Atlanta.

Turkey trot on your way through the airport

Thanksgiving is a time for joy, a time for family, and of course a time for glorious, sumptuous, food! Traveling with these mouth-watering dishes, can sometimes be tricky, so find out what you can pack and what you should leave behind at home.

The Spirit of the Season

Hanukkah, Christmas and Kwanzaa all begin in December. No matter the religious holiday, TSA has tips for items that you may be traveling with in celebration of the season.

Fly Like Rudolph for the Holiday Season

Deck the moving walkways with your jolly selves as you venture off to your cozy destinations this holiday season! Since traveling with festive fare can sometimes be tricky, check out our tips below to make sure you and your fellow elves make it through the security checkpoint in a mistletoe minute.

Mistakes To Avoid If You're New To Traveling By Plane

We've all made mistakes when flying on an airplane. Despite your best-laid plans, something goes wrong, whether it's your fault or beyond your control. While you can't always change the outcome of an unpleasant travel situation, you can manage the hurdle better by being prepared for it — by being aware that the hurdle might trip you up in the first place, and therefore equipping yourself with the tools and/or mindset to avoid it.

Whether you seldom fly on an airplane or you're a frequent flyer, we're here to hype you up for your flight and help your journey go as smoothly as possible. By avoiding these mistakes, you'll be ready to pack your luggage correctly, navigate the airport stress-free, and enjoy yourself onboard the plane like a pro. From this point forward, that "fasten seatbelt" light is on because we're going skyward. If you can avoid the following common mistakes, you can help ensure a less turbulent flight experience.  

Waiting until the last minute to book a flight

There's nothing like that crummy feeling of knowing you could have saved a significant amount of money if you had been a little more on top of your planning. If you have the foresight to know you'll be taking a trip a few months ahead of time, flight prices are likely to be cheaper the earlier you purchase. Sometimes trips are spontaneous by necessity (such as with a family emergency, etc.), but when you can, book your flight at least a few weeks in advance. Week-of and day-of ticket prices typically skyrocket.

While we're on the topic of mistakes to avoid when booking your flight , don't settle for the first price you see. Always consult multiple vendors before purchasing your tickets. Sometimes even the same seat on the same flight costs different amounts of money, depending on the website selling the ticket. It never hurts to shop around Expedia, Priceline, and the like — as well as airlines' official websites themselves — before finally booking your flight.

Checking in for your flight at the airport

If you're checking a bag, visiting your airline's support desk at the airport is an unavoidable task. If you only have a carry-on bag and/or a personal item, though, there's no need to stand in a long line to check in for your flight and pick up your tickets. You can do that before you leave home to save yourself some time.

To do so, download your airline's app and check in electronically the day before your flight. The app will ask a series of simple questions about your travel plans to make sure you've got everything ready to go, and ... that's it! Your ticket will appear within the app and will be accessible at any time, so you won't need to print anything or handle a paper ticket of any kind. One less step at the airport, score! In general, these apps are also handy for other purposes, such as checking your flight's status or managing your ticket.

Forgetting where you parked

As much as you tell yourself "C4," your parking row, is easy to remember, write it down when you arrive at the airport. Trust us, the last thing you want to do when arriving back at your hometown airport at the end of a trip is wander aimlessly in a sea of vehicles desperately hoping to locate your car. Jot your parking lot name and parking row number on a piece of paper, type it in your Notes app, or drop a pin at your car's location before leaving it behind. Do whatever it takes to make sure you can make it back to your car without any trouble, no matter how sharp you think your memory is.

While on the subject, also pay attention to the airport's internal transportation between the terminal and parking lots. We're guilty of getting on the wrong bus, arriving at an incorrect parking lot, and having to ride back to the terminal to find the right shuttle. It's a mistake nearly as frustrating — and easy to make — as forgetting where you parked.

Not having valid identification

Even if you think you have it on your person, double-check that your I.D. is with you before heading out the door for the airport. While bringing your I.D. for security purposes is one of the basic and most obvious requirements for flying, additional nuances about your I.D. might be easy to overlook. For example, ensure that your I.D. isn't expired. If possible, check on this several weeks prior to your flight to give yourself enough time to renew the I.D. (either online or by visiting your local DMV).

Whether you're using a driver's license or a passport as your form of identification at the airport, make sure TSA accepts it as a  valid means of I.D. Come 2025, travelers in the U.S. will need a new type of identification called a Real I.D. to fly domestically. You can now register for a Real I.D. with any renewal of your driver's license. (Depending on the state, though, you may need to visit a DMV in person. Some states do not allow online Real I.D. registrations.) Though the pandemic and other various situations have delayed the roll-out of TSA's Real I.D. requirements, all flight passengers will need a Real I.D. by May 7, 2025.

Bringing liquids, creams, and unapproved items

Any sort of liquid — including drinks, lotion, shaving cream, you name it — must be  no more than 3.4 ounces  per container when traveling on an airplane. Before your trip, visit the grocery store to pick up travel-sized toiletries like toothpaste, hairspray, deodorant, and the like. Alternatively, you could forgo the travel-sized items and plan on making a pit stop once you arrive at your destination to retrieve full-size versions. (Just keep in mind you'll need to dispose of or give away anything left over before flying back.)

Since TSA prohibits travelers from bringing any liquids over 3.4 ounces, you'll be asked to throw away any full or even partially filled water bottles prior to going through security. A hack to avoid spending $7 on a Dasani in the terminal? Bring a refillable water bottle to fill up on the other side after you've gone through security. Just make sure it's completely empty when you arrive.

Not packing your luggage strategically

Certain items — like laptops, electronics, and anything containing liquids — might need to be removed from your luggage at the security checkpoint, depending on the type of detectors in use. Be prepared to follow TSA's instructions, as listed on its website. These include packing all liquid (and liquid-adjacent) items in a clear bag no larger than a quart  and removing that bag from your luggage at security. TSA also officially requires travelers to remove from their luggage any electronics the size of a laptop or larger when passing through security.

Travel tip time! If you know for certain you'll need to remove specific items from your luggage at TSA, pack those items smartly within your bag for easy access. It's no fun unpacking all of the contents of your bags just to retrieve the camera at the bottom of your carry-on. Instead, pack that item on top. You can always re-pack everything in your preferred way after you go through security.

Measuring the size of your carry-on and personal item incorrectly

Airlines are strict about the size of your luggage. Which types of bags qualify as personal items, carry-ons, or checked baggage can get confusing. Making matters worse, not all airlines adhere to the same measurements. For example, just because American Airlines deemed your backpack small enough to be considered a personal item doesn't mean Frontier will. The latter might consider the backpack's size as a carry-on item, in which case you may need to pay a fee. 

Make sure you're in the clear before traveling. Visit your airline's website to learn about its luggage specifications. If you know you'll need to purchase passage for a carry-on or a checked bag, go ahead and arrange that prior to traveling. The cost will be more expensive at the airport. If you're unsure about your bag once you arrive at the airport, visit your flight gate and ask an employee for help. They'll often have a mock storage compartment in which you can verify if your bag fits the airline's various-sized categories. If you need to check on this, do so as soon as you arrive at the terminal to avoid slowing things down for everyone during the boarding process.

Wasting money on expensive airport food

That measly, skimpy sandwich is how much money?! The in-flight Coca-Cola isn't free this time?! Sometimes eating at the airport — or on a plane, for that matter — is unavoidable. On long travel days, you'll simply need to factor the cost of airport food into your travel budget. Some travelers might be okay with this, and simply consider the time spent at the airport as part of the trip in and of itself, budgeting appropriately. Others may prefer to be more mindful of excess costs and allocate that money for other line items on the trip.

On shorter journeys, simply thinking through your travel day can help avoid spending a fortune on airport food. Consider adjusting your usual meal times if you'll be traveling during a time of day when you generally eat. Either eat before you leave home or have a dining location in mind for after you land. If you have room in your carry-on, you're also welcome to bring your own snacks with you.

Hovering near your gate

We're all going to the same place, on the same vehicle, and for the most part, we all already know where we'll be sitting on the plane. There's no need to hover near the gate to your plane before your boarding group is called. If you arrive at the airport super early, find a less congested area to relax instead. High-ceiling terminals are a stress-relieving dream if you can find one. The height helps the space feel less cramped, even if the same amount of people are under a low-ceiling terminal.

If there are complications or delays with your flight, that's another story. You might want to be near the gate to hear about any updates or alerts. If everything is going smoothly, though, and you haven't received any change-of-plans notifications on your phone through the airline's app, there's no need to crowd around the gate until shortly before boarding.

Not thinking ahead for bathroom breaks

Sometimes nature calls, and that's perfectly, well, natural. As much as you can manage it, though, be mindful of your liquid intake before your flight and avoid eating foods that typically don't sit well with your stomach. While you should drink plenty of water while flying , as traveling through the stratosphere is dehydrating, you'll need to manage your bathroom breaks.

Admittedly, this is easier said than done. Of all the pointers on our list, this one is probably one of the most difficult to control. That being said, you can still be smart about what you eat or drink in the hours leading up to your flight (as tempting as that milkshake is from the terminal's Panera). There's nothing wrong with needing a bathroom break on the plane and using the onboard restroom, but obviously, no one wants to spend the whole flight in there if they can help it. It's also a good idea to make one last trip to the bathroom just before you board the plane, even if you don't think you need to go ... just in case.

Not anticipating flight delays or cancellations

No one wants to have their flight delayed or canceled, but those changes are often beyond your control. If possible, plan some buffer time in anticipation of travel complications. This is an especially good practice when your reason for traveling is time-sensitive. For example, if you're flying en route to a wedding, the ceremony will go on with or without you (unless, y'know, you're the bride or groom). If your flight is scheduled for just a few hours before the wedding, and the flight is delayed, you might miss the entire reason for your trip. Whereas, if you're just taking a casual vacay to the beach, sure, it's a bummer if your flight gets delayed, but the trip itself isn't inherently reliant on a ticking clock.

In cases when time is of the essence, do yourself a favor and allot more time for traveling than you think you'll need. Travel at least one day before the most important item on your travel itinerary (like a wedding, concert, etc.). Even if you end up not needing the buffer, you'll have peace of mind knowing you have time to spare.

Missing your flight

Getting the whole family out the door to even go to school in the mornings can be a challenge, so making it to the airport on time can seem like nothing short of an Olympic sport. If arriving places on time isn't exactly your strong suit, work backward. Think of your flight's take-off time and consider every step of the arrival process and how long it could take, all the way from leaving your home to boarding the plane.

If you're scheduling a connecting flight, allow enough time to disembark your first plane and locate the gate for your next flight. Your seating on the first plane can significantly affect how long that process will take. For example, if you sit in the second-to-last row on a flight, you may wait 40 minutes between the time the plane touches down on the tarmac to the time you walk off the plane. If you have a short layover, you'll need to plan accordingly.

Not anticipating flight nausea

Real talk: As our bodies get older, we can't handle some experiences with the ease we formerly could. The books we always counted on reading while traveling from place to place? Even reading a paragraph or two while in motion now makes us dizzy. That scary roller coaster we loved riding at least three times when we visited our favorite amusement park? We can barely handle one trip around the track these days. Going an entire flight without getting nauseous? Uh, well ...

Even if you don't think you'll get sick from flying, consider packing some anti-nausea over-the-counter medication. Your body might not have as high a tolerance as it used to for instantaneously being thousands of feet in the sky. Feeling faint and/or needing to vomit on a plane is obviously one of the last things you hope will happen during your flight. That being said, it's better to have that Dramamine in your backpack. It's better to have it and not need it versus needing it and not having it.

Not bringing entertainment on the plane

While many planes now provide personal screens for passengers to select and watch movies, some planes still don't offer such luxuries. Even if you've prepared everything else thus far, arriving at your seat for a six-hour flight only to realize you forgot to plan for any onboard entertainment is ... not ideal. Unless you're paying for onboard Wi-Fi, you should consider downloading podcasts or movies to your phone or computer prior to flying. This will allow you to access them in airplane mode without an internet connection. (And yes, putting your phone into airplane mode really is important.)

Whether it's podcasts, movies, television shows, or music, think about what you'd like to keep you occupied while flying and plan accordingly. Locating your preferred entertainment and downloading it directly to your device is a relatively easy and quick process, but it's easy to forget to do.

Being inconsiderate of other passengers

We've all been there. You're settled in for a pleasant flight, and the passenger next to you disregards any and all notions of courtesy to their fellow travelers. Maybe their headphones are turned up to maximum volume, and you can hear their music just as easily as they can. Perhaps they're chatting with a buddy seated nearby, but speaking way louder than necessary. Or, maybe there's a  passenger kicking the back of your seat .

Don't be the obnoxious travel companion, especially when sitting next to strangers. Certainly, you have a right to be comfortable and spend the flight according to your preferences, whether that pertains to noise, light, or other elements. However, be mindful of your fellow passengers' flight experience, too — and for the sake of everyone's gag reflex, leave those egg salad sandwiches at home, Oscar. A little mindfulness for your fellow passengers creates friendlier skies. 

Wasting unused miles or points

Travelers had $10 billion worth of unused airline credit sitting in limbo at the end of 2020, according to Good Morning America . Especially following the canceled trips inflicted by the pandemic, you might have a "free" flight just waiting for you. Or, at least, a flight you've already paid for a while ago. In other cases, an airline may have given you flight credit as an apology for a previous flight delay or complication. When your flight is delayed long enough, airlines are typically required to provide you with flight credit or some other form of compensation. Also, if you use a credit card that accumulates air miles with purchases, you might have a hefty amount stocked up without realizing it.

All this to say, before you reach for your wallet, you may want to double-check to see if you have any credits accrued. Furthermore, keep tabs on the expiration date. You'd hate to let flight credits or airline miles go to waste just because you didn't use them in the allotted time window — especially if it's for a flight that you previously paid for. Make the most of your points!

Being impolite to flight attendants

You'd be surprised how thankless some passengers can be to the people whose literal job it is to serve them. It might seem like common sense to be polite to flight attendants, but some folks could use a refresher in Manners 101. We know we may be preaching to the choir here. Anyone frequenting an advice column concerning airplane etiquette and avoiding flying mistakes is likely going to be a polite passenger, and for that, we applaud you. Your kindness makes up for the lack of it displayed by others, even though it shouldn't have to.

We recently spoke with a flight attendant who shared some of the common mistakes travelers make while boarding a plane . Some passengers are just plain rude, like those who hand their trash to flight attendants when boarding, while other passengers might not realize the delays they cause by unpacking their luggage in the aisle. Although you may not be guilty of these mistakes, there's nothing wrong with a refresher to ensure everyone's flights go as smoothly as possible, including the flight attendants.

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‘The Plane Is Fine’: An Airline Course Looks to Overcome Fear in the Skies

Anxiety when flying might not seem so unreasonable these days, but a British Airways program seeks to reassure the lightly nervous and the abjectly terrified alike.

By Sarah Lyall

No sooner had British Airways Flight 9240 roared into the air over Heathrow Airport than the cabin air was pierced by a sharp, scary noise, like an alarm or a siren. The power surged and then seemed to falter, and the plane became worryingly quiet. (Too quiet?)

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What was it? Images of catastrophic scenarios — birds, engine failure, parts falling off, total systemic breakdown — pinballed through the passengers’ imaginations as the plane seemed to struggle to find its equilibrium. Unease gripped the cabin. But then a disembodied voice wafted soothingly over the public-address system. “Everything’s normal,” the voice said. “The plane is fine.”

This emotional roller coaster of a flight, a 35-minute loop in the air that started and finished at Heathrow, was the culmination of the airline’s “Flying With Confidence” course , aimed at people who are afraid to fly — the lightly nervous as well as the abjectly terrified.

The course includes a deep dive into the mechanics and operation of an airplane. There’s also a section on how pilots are trained to deal with various scenarios — including cabin depressurization, malfunctioning landing gear, holes in the fuselage and sudden gusts of wind on the runway that force what is called a “go-around” — when a pilot suddenly aborts the landing and sends the plane barreling straight back into the sky. The day ends when the attendees — or at least those who didn’t leave early — board an actual plane for a real-life flight.

As many as 40 percent of all airline passengers have at least mild apprehension about flying, experts say, and people with serious aviophobia fall roughly into two groups. About 20 percent have “an underlying anxiety that manifests as fear of flying,” said Douglas Boyd, an aviation researcher who runs a fear-of-flying course in Houston . Another 70 to 75 percent, he said, “think that something bad will happen to the plane — there will be a fire, the engine will fall off, the pilot is drunk, it’s going to crash.” (The rest have a hybrid of worries.)

Flying is objectively low-risk, and 2023 was the safest year for jet travel ever, according to the International Air Transport Association . But fear of flying hardly seems irrational, what with reports of aircraft malfunctions, overworked air traffic controllers and the sense that climate change is making turbulence worse .

For instance: On Jan. 5, a door plug — a door-sized panel on the side of an aircraft — blew off the fuselage of an Alaska Airlines jet as it made its ascent, depressurizing the cabin and exposing passengers to open air thousands of feet above ground. Also in January, five members of the Japanese Coast Guard were killed when their plane collided with a Japanese Airlines jet on a Tokyo runway and both planes burst into flames. (Everyone — 367 passengers and 12 crew members — on the Japanese Airlines flight survived.) Boeing, the manufacturer of the Alaska Airlines plane and other planes that have experienced various mishaps, has faced particular criticism for neglecting safety .

Such incidents loom large in the heads of passengers, but Mr. Boyd said that people tend to ignore how rare they are. “You have to look at objective measurements,” he said. “In the last 15 years we’ve had only two fatal accidents with a U.S. carrier, and that speaks volumes.” (Those were when a Continental Airlines flight crashed into a house in Buffalo in 2009 , killing 50 people, and when a window blew out after an engine exploded on a Southwest Airlines flight in 2018, killing a passenger who was partly sucked out of the plane.)

Nobody wants to go through a flight racked with fear or beset by emotional upheaval, and airlines have an obvious interest in calm, unterrified passengers. A number of airlines, including Air France, Lufthansa and Virgin, offer fear-of-flying programs, but B.A.’s has been operating for more than 35 years and is considered the most well-established.

I — an occasionally nervous-in-turbulence but not prohibitively terrified flyer — joined an October session, paying the fee of 395 British pounds, or about $508.

My fellow attendees represented a spectrum of ages and professions and suffered from a range of anxieties.

Duncan Phillips, a high school science teacher, said that he had not set foot on a plane since his honeymoon, two decades earlier. Imogen Corrigan, a medieval history lecturer, said that she had a “generalized dread of the whole airport experience,” exacerbated by a traumatic flight some years earlier in which her seatmate, incorrectly interpreting the plane’s post-takeoff noises as systemic engine failure, rose to her feet and yelled, “We’re not going up!”

And a 28-year-old man who asked that his name not be used because he works at Buckingham Palace said that his problem was claustrophobia — he once got trapped in an elevator — but that he was committed to overcoming it. “I just don’t want to be afraid anymore,” he said.

Listening to the captain

Standing onstage in a conference room at a hotel at Heathrow and using props like slides, a plastic plane and a replica of a human ear to explain how airplanes work, Capt. Steve Allright, the B.A. pilot who led the program, provided his go-to anti-anxiety tip.

“I want you to breathe out for four seconds and then breathe in, while squeezing your largest muscles — your buttocks,” he said. “What you’re doing is taking control of your mind and your racing thoughts. Don’t sit and suffer. Breathe and squeeze.”

(Yes, Captain Allright has seen the film “Airplane!” in which Kareem Abdul-Jabbar and Peter Graves play two pilots whose names — Roger Murdock and Clarence Oveur — lead to “Who’s on First”-style amusement when their colleagues bark “Roger, Roger!” and “Over, Oveur!” at them. Captain Allright knows that his name, too, sounds fictional. It is not.)

He invited the group to identify its specific worries. “How many of you have not flown for more than 20 years, or never flown?” he asked. “How many are regular business travelers, and it’s getting worse? Mums and dads who had children and it suddenly made them aware of their own mortality?”

He peered into the crowd. “Who doesn’t like the takeoff?” he added. “Who doesn’t like the landing and — everyone’s favorite — who doesn’t like the turbulence?”

One person raised her hand for all the categories.

Among the points made by Captain Allright and his team:

The wings of planes can’t just snap off.

The plane has sufficient stores of fuel and will not suddenly run out of gas. “Those Hollywood scenes where they’re circling around yelling that they’re going to run out of fuel and the plane is going to ‘land on fumes,’” Captain Allright said, “that’s not going to happen.”

The thing that sounds like the engines have suddenly ceased functioning after takeoff? It’s an auditory illusion created by the reduction in power after the plane becomes airborne; the plane needs more power to take off and less power when it gets into the air.

Those movies in which pilots are “wrestling with the controls and sweating profusely during turbulence” are totally fake, Captain Allright said. “Turbulence is uncomfortable but not dangerous.”

When you hear a strange beeping noise in the cabin, it is not a secret pilots’ signal meaning that “we have an emergency, but don’t tell the passengers.” In fact, “all airplanes make different noises,” Captain Allright said, and what you’re hearing could well be something like the “barking dog noise” that people say they hear on some Airbus jets, attributable to the planes’ hydraulics.

No pilot would ever unlock the cockpit door and let in a bunch of hijackers, even if the hijackers were threatening to kill the flight attendant with whom the pilot was having an affair, as in the TV series “Hijack,” starring Idris Elba.

The presentation seemed to allay some of the passengers’ fears. Charlotte Wheeler, an agricultural company executive still spooked by a childhood in which her acutely phobic mother would drink to excess and become obstreperous and hysterical on flights, said she appreciated Captain Allright’s willingness to journey through the weeds of her apprehension.

“That whole ‘wings not snapping off’ thing was amazing,” she said. “And I appreciated what he said about the fuel not running out.”

Ms. Corrigan, the lecturer, said she was particularly soothed by Captain Allright’s discussion of “the bit where they’ve just taken off and you don’t think it’s going to make it.”

B.A. 9240 is boarding

The hard-news presentation was followed by a segment on fear, anxiety reduction and relaxation led by a psychologist, Dr. Jan Smith. But, eventually, it was time to get on the plane, minus several unnerved people who left during the lunch break and never came back. Divided into small groups, each led by a B.A. employee in a high-visibility orange vest, the remaining passengers moved tentatively through the airport terminal. The boarding passes listed the destination as “Fictitious Point,” because the plane was both departing from and returning to Heathrow.

There was a brief setback. The first passengers boarded, only to find that they had to get off because an unspecified glitch had failed to register their existence when they scanned their boarding passes.

“This is not good,” one passenger said.

“Is this part of the course?” said another. “I have a fear of stampedes.”

Several people fretted by the door and failed to board the plane. One woman successfully got on but quickly got off, sobbing. “I’m sorry,” she said.

Everyone else took their seats: 120 customers intermingled with about 20 B.A. personnel, pilots and psychologists whose job was to provide emotional and occasionally physical support at this most delicate part of the day. People were hyperventilating, reciting inspirational mantras, folding into themselves and, in several cases, openly crying. A woman in the front row cranked up her headphones and tried to distract herself with the Lee Child thriller “No Plan B.”

“I really, really don’t like being up in the air,” she said.

The plane took off and the power surged on and then ratcheted down, as Captain Allright had explained. The collective anxiety level rose to 11. “Everything’s normal,” he said. “The speed is stable. The pilots are happy and relaxed. This would be a good time to do your breathing and squeezing.”

The plane flew around for a bit as he talked through the sights and sounds — the Millennium Dome, Gatwick Airport, the London Eye, the wing flaps, a little chirping noise signifying that autopilot had been switched off.

“That means that Nigel’s now controlling the aircraft manually,” Captain Allright said, referring to the pilot, Capt. Nigel Willing, who was at the controls and who, yes, has another name that sounds like he’s a character in a movie. “It’s perfectly normal. Let’s all make a conscious decision to squeeze our buttocks.”

As the plane began its descent, some of the passengers, genuinely amazed that they had made it this far, took proof-of-flight photos out the window.

“I’m just glad I didn’t throw up,” the “No Plan B” reader said. “I could really use a cigarette.”

The plane came to a stop and Idris Guest, an IT worker who had not been in the air since a horrific 2016 experience involving turbulence and a flight attendant with a bleeding head wound, pronounced himself if not cured, then at least not in a fetal position.

He vowed to fly again. “I’m on a massive high,” he said.

“Everything’s normal,” Captain Allright said. “Give yourself a round of applause, people.”

Follow New York Times Travel on Instagram and sign up for our weekly Travel Dispatch newsletter to get expert tips on traveling smarter and inspiration for your next vacation. Dreaming up a future getaway or just armchair traveling? Check out our 52 Places to Go in 2024 .

Read by Sarah Lyall

Audio produced by Sarah Diamond .

Sarah Lyall is a writer at large for The Times, writing news, features and analysis across a wide range of sections. More about Sarah Lyall

Open Up Your World

Considering a trip, or just some armchair traveling here are some ideas..

52 Places:  Why do we travel? For food, culture, adventure, natural beauty? Our 2024 list has all those elements, and more .

Mumbai:  Spend 36 hours in this fast-changing Indian city  by exploring ancient caves, catching a concert in a former textile mill and feasting on mangoes.

Kyoto:  The Japanese city’s dry gardens offer spots for quiet contemplation  in an increasingly overtouristed destination.

Iceland:  The country markets itself as a destination to see the northern lights. But they can be elusive, as one writer recently found .

Texas:  Canoeing the Rio Grande near Big Bend National Park can be magical. But as the river dries, it’s getting harder to find where a boat will actually float .

BREAKING: 7.4-magnitude earthquake hits eastern Taiwan, triggering a tsunami warning for Japan

Some nervous travelers are changing their flights to avoid Boeing airplanes

One nervous traveler touches the outside of the airplane while boarding and prays before takeoff. Another brings anti-anxiety medication. A third has been watching YouTube videos narrated by pilots to understand what happens during flights. 

Such rituals have helped anxious passengers overcome their fear of flying. But in recent months, several travelers said, news of issues on Boeing planes has made these strategies insufficient and has threatened their ability to walk down the jetway. So they have come up with a plan: avoid flying on Boeing aircraft, even if it means re-booking flights. 

“I just can’t step on that plane,” said Leila Amineddoleh, an art lawyer who lives in Hoboken, New Jersey. “Even if the chance of getting hurt on a Boeing flight, even with all these incidents, is slim.”

The chance is indeed slim: Aviation is the safest form of transportation by far, with significantly fewer fatalities than motor vehicles and trains, and aviation-related deaths and injuries are at nearly all-time lows .

But after a series of quality control incidents, starting with the dramatic door panel blowout on a Boeing 737 Max midair during an Alaska Airlines flight in January, Amineddoleh prefers to fly on non-Boeing planes. She recently asked for a refund for upcoming flights she had booked to Miami and Europe, and bought replacement tickets on Airbus flights, despite a layover in her new Europe itinerary.

“It’s an inconvenience,” she said, especially because she and her husband are traveling with their young daughter. “But I’m not going to feel guilty, because I think her safety is more important than fatigue.” 

Amineddoleh and three others told NBC News that the headlines about Boeing have made them uneasy, even though it’s not clear whether the problems were the result of manufacturing, maintenance or other issues. Earlier this month, flames came out of the engine of a Boeing 737-900 operated by United Airlines; dozens of injuries were reported aboard a Boeing 787 Dreamliner operated by Latam Airlines that experienced a sudden drop; and a tire fell off a Boeing 777 operated by United. 

This week, NBC News reported on previously undisclosed issues related to a wiring flaw with the Boeing Max , which has been plagued with troubles since two deadly crashes in 2018 and 2019. Adding to the negative sentiment has been federal scrutiny of the safety culture at Boeing , along with the apparent suicide of a Boeing whistleblower . 

When asked for a response to the hesitancy among some consumers to fly on its aircraft, Boeing declined to comment. The company has previously said that it is “squarely focused on taking significant, demonstrated action with transparency at every turn.” 

Airlines have also said they are committed to safety: Alaska Airlines’ CEO “sincerely apologized” after the January blowout, and United’s CEO said in a letter to customers earlier this week that the recent incidents, while unrelated, “have our attention and have sharpened our focus.”

Still, aviation industry watchdog groups say air travelers are concerned enough that they are inquiring how they can select non-Boeing flights. 

“The good side is consumers are becoming more informed,” said Ed Pierson, a former senior manager at Boeing’s 737 factory who is now executive director of the nonprofit advocacy group The Foundation for Aviation Safety. “But here’s the sad part: You shouldn’t have to be dealing with this.”

Travel search engine Kayak, which offers the option to include or exclude certain plane models from flight searches, said there has been a spike in people seeking information about types of aircraft since the door-plug blowout. 

“While the overall fraction of users filtering the 737 remains small, usage increased following the Alaska Airlines incident in January,” Kayak CEO Steve Hafner said in a statement, adding that use of the filter was 15 times higher in January than in December but has since dipped to 10 times higher.

Both Kayak and aviation experts cautioned that airlines often substitute planes at the last minute, so customers who book non-Boeing aircraft may end up getting a Boeing anyway. There aren’t many other options: Planes made by Airbus, and sometimes Embraer, are the other common ones for major carriers.

Some airlines don’t fly Boeing planes at all — including Spirit and JetBlue . Others, such as Southwest, operate an all-Boeing 737 fleet.

Stephanie Walls, an IT project manager who lives in Houston and describes herself as an anxious flyer, said she recently changed an upcoming flight to Philadelphia to be on an Airbus. Despite the routines she has created to make flying less nerve-wracking — including praying, choosing a window seat and watching the flight tracker — she is not confident that Boeing has taken enough action to improve the safety of its planes.

“We really need to see that change being put in place pretty urgently,” Walls said.

Adrian Rojas, a Chicago-based communications consultant for a labor union, has done therapy to ease his fear of flying and takes anti-anxiety medication on flights. Unlike the other passengers who said they are avoiding all Boeing planes, Rojas specifically doesn’t want to fly Boeing’s Max series — and changed a return flight from Austin, Texas, for next month so he could be on an Airbus instead of a 737 Max.

“I just know that it’s something I would be thinking about a lot right as I get on the plane, so I’m just trying to limit that for my mental health,” he said.

Even some passengers who feel relaxed in the sky are changing their flights. Leonyce Moses, a consultant who lives in Richmond, Virginia, loves to travel and said she flew one to two times a month last year. She had to pay about $70 extra to change an upcoming Phoenix trip to be on an Airbus instead of a Boeing plane, but “it was worth it for my safety,” she said. 

She acknowledged that aviation is very safe but said she is spooked nonetheless.

“I am not willing to take that risk,” Moses said.

A clinically diagnosed extreme fear of flying, known as aerophobia or aviophobia, is rare: Some estimates put it as low as 2.5% of the population. But as much as 40% of people say they have anxiety about flying.

The condition is treatable, according to Elizabeth Austin, an assistant professor of psychiatry at UMass Chan Medical School. She recommended cognitive behavioral therapy and exposure therapy, which she said can be done using virtual reality programs that simulate getting on a plane.

She said she supported people with a phobia of flying switching their tickets to be on different aircraft — as long as they are realistic about how few dangers they face on any plane.

“It’s still an extraordinarily low-risk situation,” she said.

That is not enough for flyers like Amineddoleh to get on a Boeing plane. But she thinks she will be open to it again — someday.

“I really do hope that things change at Boeing, in part because it really makes my life easier,” she said. “When I fly to Europe, I always take direct flights. It’s the first time in years that I haven’t.”

Elizabeth Chuck is a reporter for NBC News who focuses on health and mental health, particularly issues that affect women and children.

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“I’m Not Going Out Like That”

You don’t really need to avoid boeing’s 737 max when you travel. here’s how to do it anyway..

The chances of dying in a cataclysmic air accident—you and your fellow passengers consumed by a molten fireball, cascading down toward the Earth’s surface—remain astoundingly low. Roughly 115,000 commercial airplanes take off and land every day, and a significant number of them are made by Boeing, which holds a 42 percent market share in the industry. So, despite those two criminal, reputation-altering 737 Max disasters in 2018 and 2019, and a slew of nonfatal but viscerally horrifying mechanical failures that have recently beset the company ( door plugs detaching over the Pacific Northwest, tires flinging off hulls , cockpit issues causing passengers to ricochet off the ceiling, and so on), the odds are good that when you step onto a Boeing aircraft, you will safely arrive at your destination.

And yet, despite those logical assurances, when I booked a trip down to Miami earlier this week, I did everything I could to guarantee my spot on an Airbus—Boeing’s eternal French nemesis, and a company that is not currently mired in spiraling controversy. (If you’re curious, JetBlue maintains a fleet made up entirely of Airbus planes, and they fly to South Florida from New York multiple times a day.) I have been afflicted by a fear of flying my whole life—on long-haul trips, I tend to spend most of the duration staring at the live map glowing on the back of the seat in front of me, constantly calculating just how far I am from the nearest airport in case of an emergency diversion. But over the past few months, my phobia has become a mainstream malady. It seems as if everyone, even those freaks who claim to enjoy the quaking of turbulence, is doing what they can to avoid suspect Boeing engineering.

“I’m flying down to Houston in late April, and most of the flights that went there were on United, and a lot of them that matched up with the times were all on Boeing,” Andy Hirschfeld, a reporter based in New York, told me. “I knew it was incredibly unlikely for anything to happen, but you’re not hearing any stories about Airbus right now, so I booked a ticket on JetBlue. That’s a risk in its own right. There’s only one or two flights to Houston from New York a day on that carrier. If it gets delayed or canceled, I’m screwed.”

Hirschfeld is lucky that his circumvention of Boeing required him only to find another flight. Others are going to far more drastic measures to allay their fears. Ellory Smith, a comedian in Los Angeles, told me that for an upcoming trip to Phoenix, she is considering making the brutal six-hour drive on Interstate 10, rather than boarding a Boeing jet. “It’s probably more dangerous to drive,” she said. “[But] vehicular death is so baked into our lives, whereas a plane crash is still shocking.” I’m with her. An 18-wheeler decimating my Toyota Corolla into a pile of glass and chrome sounds, frankly, so much more appealing than getting sucked out of a porthole at 30,000 feet.

Similarly, Derek Robertson, another journalist and a friend, told me that he added almost $1,000 worth of airfare for a work trip to this year’s SXSW to ensure that he would be sitting on an Airbus safe and sound. (“I’m not going out like that,” he said.) And last week, NBC tracked down a number of passengers who went so far as to switch their Boeing flights, after they were booked, to aircraft they found more reassuring. Leonyce Moses, a consultant in Virginia, ate a $70 fee for the trouble. “It was worth it for my safety,” she told NBC. In other words, Americans are in the midst of a Boeing reckoning. We may not fear death, but we certainly fear death like that .

Whether or not you find this to be rational behavior or a ridiculous overreaction likely hinges on your own assessment of the drama. As stated, midflight catastrophes—even during this concerning swoon in aviation history—are incredibly unlikely. By the time you have finished reading this article, several Boeing jets will have completed their journeys, with no incidents to report. Still, the outrage—and subsequent soft boycott—of Boeing’s product is fairly understandable. This many botches in such a short time frame is unconscionable, and there are real questions about the increased financialization of the company’s culture, which some have claimed has diminished its aerospace roots. Public pressure has mounted to the point that the company’s CEO, Dave Calhoun, resigned on Monday , so clearly Boeing is feeling the burn. (Should I mention the whistleblower who turned up dead from a gunshot wound? I’m trying to avoid New World Order ideation here, but, well, you know .)

However, if you’re the sort of person who wants to avoid Boeing aircraft regardless of the likelihood of a safety debacle, I asked Blaise Waguespack, a professor at Embry-Riddle Aeronautical University who specializes in the air travel industry, about the best ways to secure ourselves a seat on an Airbus when we purchase airfare. The solution is pretty simple: Just research the nitty-gritty logistical specifics of your flight, which are easy to find if you know where to look. When you book travel on Kayak or Google Flights—perhaps the two biggest third-party airfare retailers in North America—the specific model you’ll be boarding, Waguespack notes, is typically listed in the minor transactional details, a quarter of a scroll down the page. For instance: I just pulled up another New York–to–Miami flight in early May on Kayak, and in faint gray lettering on the itinerary, I can read that Spirit would be booking me on an Airbus 321 on the trip down and a 320neo on the way back up. You’ll be able to find similar clarity on most airline homepages as well. I put the same query into United and read about the many, many Maxes that would happily ferry me down to South Florida. (Yikes!)

“All that information is there,” said Waguespack. “If you’re a loyal flyer and you know your airline has a mixed fleet—where sometimes you’re on an Airbus and sometimes you’re on a Boeing, like United and Delta—if you expand the search parameters, you’ll be able to see the plane type.”

However, if you don’t want to go through that rigmarole—and if you want to avoid extreme edge cases, like your Airbus getting swapped out for a Boeing at the last minute due to a cancellation or a delay—Waguespack recommends simply looking up the fleet makeup of whatever airline you’re set to travel on. (As mentioned, JetBlue is a Boeing-free airline; same with Spirit, Frontier, and Allegiant.) Yes, booking on Spirit to avoid boarding a Max is quite the devil’s bargain, but it’s nice to have the option.

For what it’s worth, Waguespack has a slightly more measured take on the recent rash of Boeing-related dysfunction. He notes that many of the incidents that have made headlines occurred on United flights that were using Boeing engineering. Does blame lie with the manufacturer or the airline? The chicken or the egg? Waguespack doesn’t have the answer. Right now nobody does. So, until they do, and the abyssal depths of Boeing’s protocol degradation are revealed for all to see, I won’t be taking my chances. Send me home ensconced in the dulcet rumble of an Airbus jet. Nobody wants to spend the entirety of a flight side-eyeing the emergency exit.

Use Apple Vision Pro on an airplane with Travel Mode

With Travel Mode, Apple Vision Pro adapts to give you the best experience while traveling on an airplane.

Apple Vision Pro uses an array of sensors to see the environment around you and keep the items in your view stable. If Apple Vision Pro senses that you're on an airplane, it asks if you want to turn on Travel Mode to adapt to the unique motion and environment of commercial air travel.

You can turn on Travel Mode when Apple Vision Pro suggests it, or any time in Control Center.

In some situations, Apple Vision Pro may think you're on an airplane when you're not, and prompt you to turn on Travel Mode. Remember to never use Travel Mode if you're not on an airplane.

How to turn Travel Mode on or off from Control Center

Tap Turn On Travel Mode to confirm.

To exit Travel Mode, go back to Control Center, then tap Turn Off.

Travel Mode is for use only when you're a passenger on an airplane. Never use Apple Vision Pro while operating a moving vehicle, bicycle, heavy machinery, or in any other situations requiring attention to safety. Get more tips for using your Vision Pro safely .

Keep these things in mind when using Travel Mode

Stay seated while using Travel Mode, and take off your Apple Vision Pro before you stand up.

Take off your Apple Vision Pro during taxiing, takeoff, and landing, and if the flight has turbulence.

Avoid looking out the airplane's windows, since this can affect your device's ability to track your surroundings.

Be aware of your surroundings. When you use Travel Mode, features that help you see and stay aware of your surroundings are turned off.

If content in Apple Vision Pro appears tilted or off-center, long-press the Digital Crown to re-center your view.

Restarting Apple Vision Pro turns off Travel Mode.

Availability of some Apple Vision Pro features in Travel Mode

If you have Pointer Control turned on and set to use your head as the pointer, you might not be able to turn on Travel Mode after the airplane begins moving. To use Travel Mode when your head is set as the pointer, turn on Travel Mode before you board the plane, or when you find your seat. Remove Apple Vision Pro for takeoff, then put it back on when it's safe to do so. Travel Mode will still be on and ready to use.

Persona isn't available when you're using Travel Mode.

You can’t set up your Apple Vision Pro while traveling on an airplane.

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