Let’s cut down on the stress on the next time you fly. Here are 10 smart way to make it easier on yourself:

1. Book the flight, not just the fare. A cheaper ticket can become expensive after seat selection, checked bags, carry-on restrictions, and change fees. Compare the final trip price before buying. It’s so easy to do on your phone or computer.
   
2. Check one-way tickets separately. Two one-way fares—even on different airlines—can sometimes beat a round-trip ticket and give you better departure times. The airlines don’t always like this, but it makes life easier, and cheaper.
   
3. Choose your seat strategically. For a quicker exit, sit toward the front. For fewer interruptions, choose a window. If turbulence bothers you, seats near the wings generally experience less noticeable movement. If you get up often, then choose an aisle seat.
   
4. Pack a “survival kit” in your carry-on. Keep medications, chargers, a change of clothes, basic toiletries, important documents, and anything you can’t easily replace with you—not in checked luggage. If possible pack everything on a carry on and avoid checking luggage altogether.
   
5. Download everything before leaving home. Save your airline app, boarding pass, hotel information, maps, entertainment, and important confirmations so you’re not dependent on airport Wi-Fi. Kindle can be on your phone now too, you don’t need to have an actual kindle to read, try that for convenience.
   
6. Use the 24-hour check-in window. Check in as soon as your airline allows. It gives you time to confirm your seat, notice schedule changes, and deal with problems before arriving at the airport.
   
7. Bring an empty reusable water bottle. Take it through security empty and fill it afterward. You’ll avoid repeatedly paying airport prices for bottled water. I’m not a big drinker, I know I need to be, so i do this. It saves me $7.00 for a bottle of water, which I’m going to only take a couple of sips out of anyway.
   
8. Make your luggage easy to identify. A distinctive luggage strap, tag, or other identifier can save time at baggage claim—and reduce the chance that another traveler grabs your suitcase by mistake.
   
9. Photograph your checked bag. Before handing it over, take a quick picture of the suitcase and its contents. Keep your baggage receipt, too. If the airline loses or damages the bag, you’ll have useful documentation.
   
10. Have a backup plan before something goes wrong. Know alternative flights to your destination, keep the airline app installed, and know your hotel and transportation options. If your flight is canceled, being prepared can put you several steps ahead of everyone else trying to rebook.

Bonus tip: The “first and last flight” strategy

The first flight of the morning can be attractive because the aircraft is often already at the airport and the day’s delays haven’t had as much time to accumulate. Conversely, be cautious about booking the last flight of the night when you absolutely need to arrive that day—if it’s canceled, there may be no later flight to move you onto.

Till next time . . .


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