12 Easy Air Travel Tips to Make for a Happier Flight
The Bean family spent most of the month of April traveling up and down the west coast. We hit Six-Flags Magic Mountain, Disneyland, Legoland, and family visits from Vista, CA to Tacoma, WA. It was exhausting but so much fun! With all this travel, we had a ton of flights and driving.
Since we’re finally home, I wanted to share my 12 Easy Air Travel Tips to Make for a Happier Flight:
1. Apply For TSA Pre-Check
This was our first time flying with TSA Pre-Check and it made security so much faster! In order to get TSA Pre-Check, you need to fill out an application online and schedule an interview appointment at an office near you. It may seem intimidating, but it’s super easy.
Currently, TSA Pre-Check costs about $78 and is good for 5 years. Check your credit cards as many have benefits that will actually reimburse you the cost. You will be given a Known Traveler Number (KTN) to enter with your airline. You’ll need to do it well before you fly so that the airline can process it on your ticket. Each adult will need their own number. But if you’ve got kids under 12, they can go through TSA Pre-Check for free with a parent.
And if you are a government or military worker with a CAC Card, you can simply opt to join TSA Pre-Check through a government computer and start using your CAC card number.
2. Pack Sanitizing Wipes to Wipe Down Your Chair
We used to get sick every time we flew. A few years ago, (even pre-Covid) I started bringing sanitizing wipes in my carry-on. As soon as we get to our seats, the kids and I wipe every surface of our seats from armrests and tray tables to headrests and even the window if we have one. It has saved us from getting sick!
If you don’t want to purchase the small travel packs, I just fold a bunch from my Costco bulk packs and put them into a ziplock bag.
3. Carry an Empty Water Bottle
Everyone knows you can’t bring liquid through security, but you can bring an empty water bottle.
I always make sure to carry at least 1 empty water bottle per person on plane trips. You can even get a carabiner to make it more convenient to access without having to go through your bag.
Once you get through security, fill it up at a water fountain/refill station before getting on the plane. Stay hydrated and avoid that overpriced $5+ bottle of water in the air or at airport stores.
4. Bring Headphones
Whether playing on your own phone or watching inflight movies, you need a pair of wired headphones. My kids both like their own over-ear pairs but on long flights, it can be nice to mix it up as your ears can get sore.
I ordered a multi-pack of cheap earbuds and just bring them with us. They’re lightweight and don’t take up much room. Perfect for when kids break them or husbands lose them.
5. Download the Airline App BEFORE Going to the Airport
Almost every airline has an app nowadays. Be sure to download your airline’s app before you go to the airport so you don’t have to deal with data or sketchy airport wifi. The app often makes checking in easier and allows you to connect to the in-air entertainment and/or wifi.
6. Pack Lots of Snacks
When I travel with my kids, I literally have a huge carry-on dedicated solely to snacks. If you’ve got kids, you know how critical a good snack supply is to keep little (and big) tummies full and happy.
I always make sure to have a good variety of things that are healthy and fun that can be nibbled on for a bit and then put away for later:
- Dried fruits, nuts, graham crackers
- Sandwiches cut into pieces
- Candy to suck on or gum for chewing to help with sore ears
- Even applesauce pouches can go through if sealed
- If you have to go through an agriculture check, like we do leaving Hawaii, they won’t let you go through with whole fruits like apples or grapes. But I found that if you slice and core them, then pack them in an old takeout container with food to make it look like it’s from a restaurant, you can bring them to snack on the plane.
7. Bring Lidded Cups for Kids
My kids love getting the FREE JUICE on the airplane. But tiny cups on tiny trays in a very small area with wiggling kids is a recipe for disaster, even when they get older.
My kids are now much too big to carry around sippy cups but we always try to stop at a Starbucks in the airport and get a water cup with a lid. Once on the plane, we can transfer the juice into the lidded cups to help prevent any “oopses.” I even get one for myself because I always bump into that silly tray too!
8. Don’t Waste Money On a New Check-In, Go to The Grocery Store
It’s inevitable, you on a trip and purchase way more to bring back than can fit in your current luggage. But new bags to check-in are expensive, mailing it home is even more expensive, and you know it’s just going to happen again on your next trip.
My favorite travel hack: go to a grocery store and ask them for an empty box (produce boxes are usually the strongest). Then tape it up (packaging tape is actually way better than duct tape on cardboard), write your name all over it, and check it in at the airport.
All your stuff gets home safely and you didn’t spend any extra money other than for a roll of packaging tape and maybe an extra $30 for an extra check-in if you don’t already get it free on your credit card.
9. Don’t Forget Your Charger
Many Airlines have USB ports on the seat backs now. Charge your phone and other devices at home, but make sure to pack your charger to stay entertained on the plane and connected when you land. We would have been lost if my phone had died in-flight and I couldn’t access Google Maps when we landed.
10. Wear Comfortable Layers
I’m always roasting as we wait on the tarmac to take off but then I freeze in the air. Wear comfortable clothes that you can move in and make sure to bring a jacket and socks to stay warm.
11. Get Up And Move Every Hour
Sitting for hours on end can cause cramps and even blood clots. Make sure to get up and move every hour on the plane. Go to the bathroom, ask for extra juice in the back, or just walk around the cabin. Keep your blood flowing and prevent leg cramps.
12. If You Have A Disability, Request a Wheelchair at the Airport
If you have a physical limitation that makes walking difficult, simply request a wheelchair from your airline when you check in (or even better, when you book your flight).
Airports require a lot of walking, and if walking through the airport will cause you to be sore or in pain for the next few days, simply request a wheelchair. It’s Free.
With my RA, I used to be completely useless the next day or two after flying because of all the airport walking. It really put a damper on our trips. But when I found out I could simply request a wheelchair, it was life-changing. I could function the next day! If you need extra assistance, don’t feel bad about it, just ask!
Easy Air Travel Tips to Make for a Happier Flight Wrap-Up
Overall, we had an amazing family trip this April. From rollercoasters to family dinners, all the stress, planning, and money was totally worth it!!
If you’re going on a trip in the near future, I hope some of my flying tips can make your trip that much more enjoyable!
Do you have any favorite tips for flying? Make sure to leave a comment below and share it with the rest of us.
#1 & #3 are hands down a time and money saver. The little tiny cups of water on the plane are a punishment for those who don’t plan.
Ha, right?!? Traveling with kids, those cups are just a giant mess waiting to happen.