Updated: October 2022
We all know that flights are not the highlight of any trip. While some like to take the time on a plane to relax and prepare for their adventure, most dread the time they have to spend on an airplane in order to get to their destination! And some, like myself, have fears about flying.
Regardless of whether you welcome a flight or the one who can’t wait until it’s over, there are a number of things you can do to make the journey more pleasant and comfortable.
Here are the top things to do before a flight so you’re prepared and ready for takeoff!
Packing Your Carry-On Bag
A key component to prepping for a trip is properly packing, and for me, that means allowing ample time to do so. There’s nothing worse than scrambling to pack as you rush out the door and then forgetting a key item like your swimsuit!
Sure, you can pick up a bikini or a toothbrush in most places, but do yourself a favor and plan ahead so you aren’t rushing!
Make sure that as you pack your carry-on bag with your travel essentials, that everything is within the TSA guidelines and will make it through security (i.e. bottles under 3.2 oz and in a sealed baggie, no sharp objects, that sort of thing).
This is especially necessary for long-haul flights, where you want to be as comfortable as possible. Consider if you need to pack things like a hairbrush, eye mask, sleeping aid, and that sort of thing, so you’ll be well-rested when you land.
Hygiene products make a world of difference!
There’s something magical about toothpaste and a wet facial wipe—they can truly brighten your day. Pack a small zipper storage bag with the essentials: toothbrush, toothpaste, mouthwash, hairbrush, and facial wipes. I love to wear a hydrating face sheet mask during the flight to land with a fresh face!
Here are some of my favorite travel-friendly products available on Amazon.
Before You Leave
Hydrate
Before a flight, I have a routine that I start the day before. My first tip: drink a ton of water throughout the day before and ensure that you’re properly hydrated.
Clean
If you’ve planned ahead, you might even have time to clean!
If I have time, this means cleaning the house and getting it organized before going so that when I return I’m coming home to a sanctuary, rather than chaos.
While cleaning the house before I go is an added bonus, another major factor here is…well, myself! I like to shower, exfoliate, shave and apply an extra thick layer of moisturizer from head to toe! This just makes me feel better for the long travel day ahead and ready to dip into the hotel pool the minute I arrive.
Dress Well
Choose your travel clothes based on comfort and destination. Airplane temperatures can be a bit chilly, so dress in loose layers and keep a simple jacket or chunky scarf in your carry-on bag.
Opt-out of belts or excessive jewelry—these can slow you down when you’re passing through security.
Choose comfy clothing so you can relax easily on your flight. Imagine being crammed in a cabin for six hours in tight jeans…
If you’re landing in a destination with a different climate, have a change of clothes ready in your carry-on. If you’re headed to a tropical destination, carry sandals and shorts so you can change on arrival. If you’re landing in a destination with snow, be sure to make room for a heavy sweater.
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Avoid the Bar
Yes, alcohol during the flight can be tempting—especially if you’re traveling with your mates—but on an airplane, it’s better to minimize your consumption. Alcohol dehydrates you and makes you more susceptible to illness.
Try herbal tea instead—it helps you stay hydrated and soothes nerves.
Pack Snacks
No matter how short your flight is, chances are you’ll get hungry. Pack some easy snacks—granola bars, trail mix, raisins, or jerky. I personally always try to avoid bringing any items with nuts, in case someone on board has an airborne nut allergy!
Avoid smelly cheeses, fish, and other strong-smelling foods—these can disrupt your neighbors. And don’t bring fresh fruits and vegetables—many airlines don’t permit them onboard.
Drink Liquids
Drink lots of water before and during your flight. Recycled airplane air can mess up your skin and fluid levels, and knock your body out of its natural equilibrium.
Pack a refillable water bottle or an empty container, and fill it at the fountain after you’ve passed security.
Helpful Tip
As travelers around the globe are dealing with way more lost and delayed luggage than ever before, I highly recommend investing in Apple Air Tags to be able to track the location of your items at all times. You can attach them to your keys, backpack, or camera bags, and even slip one into your checked luggage for flights!
Do you have rituals you do before a flight? Let me know in the comments!
Hey Kiersten, thank you for sharing these tips. For occasional travelers like myself, the hours before a flight is so nerve wrecking that I have a checklist that I follow strictly to make sure I don’t miss anything.
For one, I definitely need to fill up and drink more on my next flight. I’ve also read somewhere that on most airlines, the flight attendants will be more than happy to refill your bottle for you.
On dressing well, I always make sure I wear a hoodie with pockets before arriving at the airport. The hoodie has helped me zipped through security countless times. All I needed to do is to place all my valuables inside the pockets and place the hoodie onto the tray provided. Once it went through the scanner, I just need to pick the hoodie up and walk off. 🙂
Posting this on Twitter so my followers can benefit from these tips. Thanks for sharing again, Kiersten!
Thanks so much Wayne! Definitely on the refillable water bottle and drinking lost of water 🙂
Great tips!! Especially for smelly chips and other snacks! I will add good mood and positive thinking 😀 And if you do not want to take of shoes wear simple snickers 🙂
I agree with the positive attitude 😉