Great Flight Hacks That Will Make Your Journey More Comfortable

Travelling is one of the most thrilling and exciting things you can do. Whether you are embarking on a long adventure, a business trip or long weekend away, for many, there is nothing like the excitement of travel. However, the flying part of travel can be stressful especially if you are not prepared properly. From long waits in airports to cramped quarters on flights – these difficulties can take some of the pleasure out of your journey. That’s why we’ve put together this collection of great flight hacks that will make your journey more comfortable so when you arrive you will ready to go and do what it is you came to do.

Our flight hacks include everything from the security line, to finding some quiet space, helping you get organised and keeping you hydrated and rested. So when you arrive at your destination you will feel relaxed and fresh. All these flight hacks will guarantee an effortless trip from the airport to your destination.

So read on to discover our great flight hacks for making every step of your air travel more pleasant.

Flight Hacks – Before You Leave Home

Flight Hacks - Check The Weight Of Your Luggage

Check The Weight Of Your Bags

Weighing your bags before you arrive at the airport is an important step in ensuring that you do not incur any additional costs or delays. Airlines have become increasingly strict about baggage weight limits, and if your bag is even a few ounces over the limit, you may be charged extra fees or have to repack at the ticket counter. Additionally, overweight bags can slow down check-in lines and cause delays to you and other passengers. So, take a moment to weigh your luggage in advance and this will save time, money and reduce your stress.

Plan Your Airport Arrival Time

Arriving early at the airport is one of the best ways to ensure a smooth and stress-free travel experience.

Always start checking the airport website a fews days in advance of your departure to see if the airport is experiencing any issues. Closer to the time, 24 hours, start to check your flight on the online departures board.

Use the flight boarding time and not the flight departure time to determine what is the best time to arrive at the airport. Boarding time is generally 20-40 mins before the departure time, and this additional time built in reduces the risk of having to race to the boarding gate.

Arriving earlier gives you enough time gives you time to check-in, navigate winding security lines, use the airport facilities and arrive at your boarding gate as relaxed as possible. Arriving early also helps reduce anxiety levels as it means you have plenty of time to make sure everything is taken care of before takeoff. All in all, arriving early at an airport increases the chances of having a pleasant and successful travel experience.

Dress Comfortably – Loose Clothing & Warm Layers

When travelling on planes, dress in loose clothing and wear layers. Even during the summer months airports and airplanes are colder and you can add and remove your layers throughout your journey to suit your comfort.

Layering your clothes will also help you keep warm during the flight as temperatures in the cabin can drop significantly when flying at high altitudes. Also, wearing layers lets you easily adjust to changing temperatures as some parts of the plane are colder depending on where you are sitting and how close you are to the air vents.

Wearing comfortable clothing also ensures that you can move around without feeling constricted and helps when sitting in the same seat for many hours.

Wear clothes that can serve as a multi-purpose items. For example, scarves can be wraps, buff scarves can double up as eye masks and a fleece can be folded into a pillow for your neck or back. Also, try and wear darker clothes should you accidentally spill anything.

Always wear socks to keep your feet warm and protected; especially if you are asked to take off your footwear at security. But the best thing to wear on your feet is compression socks to prevent deep vein thrombosis (DVT).

The ideal footwear should be comfortable and easy to put on and slip off.

Flight Hacks – At The Airport

Prepare for The Security Line

Before you join the security line, safely store your items away in your bag, remove belts, watches and keep any electronics and toiletries (toiletries in a resealable transparent bag) ready to put into the security tray.

If possible, try not to put on your belt when you leave home and keep in your bag ready to put on after you get through security.

When joining the queue try and turn left (as this is considered the quicker line as most people automatically turn right), but of course use your judgement as you enter the queue. Try and join behind single travellers and avoid large groups travelling together.

Use The Airport Lounge

Booking into an airport lounge is a great way to relax and start your journey and pass some time before your flight.

Airport lounges offer a comfortable, spacious area away from the hustle and bustle of the airport terminal. It is a place where you can relax, enjoy some complimentary snacks, drinks, newspapers and wifi access.

Some airport lounges even provide showers, work spaces and quiet areas for business travellers who need to catch up on some work or check their emails.

Booking into an airport lounge allows you to travel in comfort knowing that you will have access to the amenities necessary for pre-flight relaxation and pampering. It is a perfect way to start your journey with a bit of luxury.

Check Out The Reflection Room

If an airport lounge is not possible then many airports have reflection rooms that can be used by anyone and can be a great way to escape from all the hustle and noise of a busy airport.

Using this quiet space for just 15 minutes allows you to literally pause and practise some deep breathing, a brief meditation or listen to some calming music. A bit of quiet time to calm the body and mind before you board your flight will make all the difference.

Watch What You Eat

Always try and be careful about what you are eating when you travel on a flight as the last thing you want is to feel sluggish or sickly when you are up 30,000 feet high.

Finding healthy food options is one of the biggest challenges at airports as there are so many easy fast food options available. However, there are healthier alternatives that can be found and making some smart decisions about what foods you eat will help you feel more comfortable throughout your journey.

Look for foods that are high in protein. Protein is a great source of energy, and it will help you stay full and satisfied when you’re on the go. Look for items like grilled chicken or turkey, nuts, yogurt and eggs. Avoid processed meats and opt for lean varieties instead.

Fruits and vegetables are also important for providing essential vitamins and minerals to keep your body functioning optimally on your journey. You can find things like pre-cut fruits and veggies at many airports. If you get hungry between flights, try snacking on cut up carrots or apples as a healthier option than other sugary or salty snacks.

If you can, prepare your own snacks to bring along with you. Protein bars, nuts, dried fruit, popcorn and filled wraps are all great food options to have in your carry-on. But make sure you use plastic bags for food and not foil wrap.

Stay Hydrated

Drink plenty of water and try and avoid alcohol and caffeine. Both can cause gastric distress, interrupt your sleep and could worsen your jet lag. Try and bring a reusable water bottle which you can fill up on airside (after security) as many airports have free drinking fountains. If you are eating at an airport restaurant, ask for water (with ice) and use this to top up your water bottle before you leave the restaurant.

Indulge In An Express Treatments

For an extra bit of indulgence, many airports offer facials, manicures and massage treatments.

Getting a quick pampering treatment here can have numerous benefits, especially for anyone who is in need of relaxation and self-care before a long flight. Even though most treatments last only around 15 minutes, a quick massage or a facial can help to reduce stress and tension in the body, increase blood flow and circulation, and boost overall well-being.

Furthermore, it can be a time-efficient solution for you as you will be spending time at the airport anyway, so why not use the time for a quick treatment.

Overall, getting a quick pampering treatment at an airport can be a convenient and effective way of prioritising self-care and promoting physical and emotional wellness whilst travelling.

At The Departure Gate

Use the waiting time at your departure gate to organise your things that you will need during your flight before you step on-board the plane. Have these items in a separate smaller bag means that you can store your bigger bags in the overhead bin out the way and have more room at your seat.

Small bag items will include reading glasses, headphones, phone, phone charging lead (if the plane has a usb socket), toiletries, a pen etc.

Keeping your items together in this one smaller bag means that you have less chance of leaving anything behind when you leave the plane and you don’t have to keep accessing your main bag from the overhead bin.

Flight Hacks – On The Flight

Food & Drink

It is very tempting to drink alcohol on flights however try and keep alcohol to a minimum and if possible try and avoid it altogether. Alcohol consumption during a flight can cause dehydration, which in turn may lead to headaches and other unpleasant symptoms such as nausea and dizziness. Make sure you continue to drink plenty of water to stay hydrated.

If there is an in-flight food service then again choose your meal carefully. There is often a Southeast Asian/Indian meal option available; these dishes are generally lighter and taste good.

If you get the chance order your meal in advance as there will be a high chance that your meal will be served first and will help you prepare for sleep before everyone else if it a long flight.

If you have any dietary restrictions and need a special meal, let the airline know in advance.

Furthermore, instead of taking the tea/coffee option, ask for hot water and if possible add a slice of lemon. Another option is to bring along your favourite herbal/fruit teabag and ask for hot water to help you settle and relax.

At Seat Pampering

Use facial wipes to keep you skin clean and then moisturise and use lip balm throughout your flight as the air will be dryer.

A great hack keeping your skin moisturised during long flights is to apply a sheet mask or if you are more self-conscious a mask cream and when you need to wipe it off using a facial wipe so don’t need to go to the bathroom.

Another great hack for flights is to collect a few beauty samples/miniatures and take these with you when you fly.

Coconut oil or olive oil are great to take with you (decanted into a small container) and have multiple uses including the face, lips and even nails. Be careful with any leakages by double wrapping them in plastic bags.

Entertainment

if you are planning to use your devices to catch up on movies and shows, your own noise reduction headphones are a great investment to use on flights.

These headphones help to eliminate unwanted external noise, such as the buzzing of engines and general cabin noise. As a result, it can make the whole flying experience much more enjoyable when you are watching your shows.

If you are planning to use your devices during the flight, have them loaded up in advance with your shows and books etc. and don’t forget to fully charge your devices before you leave home.

Eye Drops, Sleep Masks & Ear Plugs

Air travel can often lead to dry and irritated eyes due to the low humidity levels in the cabin air. This is because the recycled air on planes has less moisture than what our eyes are used to, leading to a condition known as “airplane dry eye”. Using eye drops during a flight can help alleviate these symptoms by lubricating the eye surface and maintaining the right moisture balance. They can also help flush out any irritants that may have entered your eyes. Therefore, carrying a bottle of eye drops becomes essential when traveling by plane to ensure your eyes remain comfortable and well-hydrated throughout your journey.

Getting good sleep on long flights is essential for your health and well-being. Not only will it help you with reduce fatigue but also improve your overall mood and energy levels when you land.

Therefore, making sure you get enough good sleep, carry-on board with you a good eye mask and ear plugs. Both are a great simple solution to getting better sleep on flights where you can’t necessary control the light and noise situation. By blocking out the noise and light, sleep will come faster.

Stretch & Move A Little

When you are on a long flight, it is important to stretch and move your body regularly. Stretching can help relieve muscle tension and stiffness, improve circulation, and prevent back pain from sitting for too long in one position. Also, getting up and moving around for a few minutes will help break up the monotony of sitting.

Flight Hacks – Just Before Landing

As you get nearer to arrival, use this time to freshen up and get invigorated. Splash some water on your face, use face wipes, essential oils or your favourite scent to wake up. Dry shampoo is a great hack to freshen up your hair which you can pick up a small can in the duty free.

If you can, change into some fresh clothes, like a top or a shirt, this will make you feel better; especially if you are meeting people on arrival.

So To Wrap Up on Great Flight Hacks…

Air travel doesn’t have to be a dreaded event. There are plenty of ways to make your journey better and take the stress out of air travel. So if you want to have a more comfortable journey, use these simple yet impactful flight hacks every time you fly.

For more great hacks on flying, read our 9 Best Tips To Beat Jet Lag and How To Sleep On Flights blog posts.

Great Flight Hacks That Will Make Your Journey More Comfortable