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Packing a suitcase is an art, but it doesnt have to be difficult. Some airlines, especially international carriers like Air France, allow even Economy passengers to upgrade their meal for a fee. Whether or not this is your first trip on a specific airline or your fiftieth, sign up for the airlines frequent flyer program and make sure your frequent flyer number is attached to your reservation. While this should come easily to many people, it bears repeating. For more information on our advertisers, see here. If youre cheap and flexible, however, opting for a vegetarian, vegan, or allergy-friendly meal means youll often be served first ahead of all other passengers. In order of your best alternatives, the first is to splurge on a proper meal just before your flight. Dry airplane air can easily dehydrate your body. It might not get you a full red-eye night of sleep, but it may be better than attempting to sleep sitting up in the middle or aisle seat, where seatmates may wake you up for bathroom access. To download a Google Map for use offline, just type in your destination. Be sure to drink plenty of water during your flight to stay hydrated. Using points to book your flight is an easy way to save on the out-of-pocket expense of travel. One of the keys to really relaxing and enjoying a flight is the ability to block out airplane noise to enjoy your podcast, music, or movie. Use these tips to travel like a pro. Just visit Google Flights, enter your origin and destination cities, then click on the travel dates. Her educational background is in journalism, art history, gender studies, Spanish, and film. If you never plan on flying the airline again, you can credit the miles youll earn to a partner airline. We offer our unbiased opinions and do not accept compensation to review products. Your feet will stay warm and your seatmate will appreciate not being up close and personal with your bare feet. Push it, and youre free to position the armrest vertically, flush with your seatback. Lounges offer quieter places to get work done or to grab a snack and drink before your flight. Passengers seated in the rear are more likely to score little freebies like an extra bottle of wine or a few free. Well Walk You Through It. If sleeping upright in an airplane seat is your biggest travel conundrum, dont underestimate the age-old trick of choosing the window seatwhich SmarterTravels Patricia Magaa swears by. Her stories have also appeared online on USA Today, The Sun, Huffington Post, Business Insider, blog.TripAdvisor.com, Boston.com, and more. So, if you have to fly, you might as well make the experience as enjoyable as possible. However, the credit card information that we publish has been written by experts who know these products inside out, and what we recommend is what we would (or already) use ourselves. Editorial Disclosure:The content featured on UpgradedPoints.com has not been influenced, provided, or reviewed by the credit card companies mentioned. No responsibility will be taken by the bank advertiser for these comments. Things only escalate from there. This site does not include all credit card companies or all available credit card offers that are on the market. So, were fond of any tip, no matter how small, that makes flying easier. Youll be happy to know that the TSA surprisingly allows air passengers to pack alcohol in their carry-on bags. Check out some of our favorite carry-on luggage bags for any traveler. If youll be traveling somewhere where Wi-Fi might be spotty or unavailable, its a good idea to download offline maps of the areas youll be visiting so you can access them even when you cant access the internet. While it might be easy to just bring a carry-on bag for some trips, many of us will still need to check a bag from time to time. These seats disembark first, and theyre the first to see the drink cart. Well assume youre not the sort of hotshot that travels with $300 noise-canceling headphones (although you should), and that wired earbuds suit you just fine. If youre planning on watching movies or shows on your phone, bring a small stand or mount to set up on your tray table so you dont have to hold your phone for the whole flight. A packing tip that many can agree on is that packing cubes are a must. In 2015, Katie discovered the world of points and miles and hasnt looked back. Just remember you often need to request these at least 24 hours in advance. 10. Even before COVID-19, it was tedious, inconvenient, and, frankly, just not healthy. Having a Priority Pass membership allows you to access over 1,300 airport lounge locations in over 600 cities across the world. Our unofficial, made-up research has shown that a full 87% of air rage incidents start with an armrest battle. We hand-pick everything we recommend and select items through testing and reviews. Pack Vacation Essentials in Your Carry-on, 25. Try these tricks the next time you have to book a flight. Both problems be solved by choosing the window seat and using a handy spAIRTray, a window-attached shelf roomy enough for your phone, drinks, or other small items. You can avoid paying crazy baggage fees by choosing an airline that doesnt charge for bags, like Southwest, by having airline elite status, or by having an airline credit card. Ridiculous? To find it, place your hand on the underside of the outermost armrest and run your fingers to the backside near the hinge. Positioning the armrest vertically also makes it easier to get in and out of your seat during bathroom breaks and upon touchdown. Hot Tip: Be prepared before your flight. That way you can see your bag from your seat and youll easily be able to grab it after the flight without having to wait for the people behind you to deplane before you can grab your bag. Shannon joined SmarterTravel in 2015. If youre having a bad flight or dont like a policy, dont take it out on them. See our Advertiser Disclosurefor more details. All Rights Reserved. - Mark Twain, Aisle, Window, or Middle Seat: "Window, of course.". These seats disembark first, and theyre the first to see the drink cart. The unsung hero of long flights for many travel experts is makeshift lumbar support. This site is protected by reCAPTCHA and the Google Privacy Policy and Terms of Service apply. Follow her on Twitter @shanmcmahon_ and on Instagram @shanmcmahon. If youre wearing sandals, bring socks to keep your feet warm, and consider compression socks for long flights to help reduce swelling. But, unless youre flying first class, it still leaves something to be desired. Make sure your toiletries are in travel-sized containers if youre planning on using carry-on luggage only. To make a claim, you need to visit the Alaska Airlines baggage desk at the airport within 2 hours of your flights arrival. Not sold on reclining your plane seat? All Rights Reserved. If you notice a row isnt filled just before boarding is set to begin, swap your seat using your airlines dedicated app or talk to the gate agent to secure the change. For example, you can put one behind your shoulder and lean back on it while youre sitting.. She started her own blog, Zen Life and Travel, in 2016 and began freelance writing in 2017. A former news reporter, she's lived in the south of Spain, spotted elephants in Sri Lanka, gone spelunking in the Caribbean, hiked Jordan's Petra Basin, interviewed Sao Paulo's Michelin-Star chefs, and explored China via bullet train. Then click on the 3 dots in the upper right-hand corner and select Download offline map. Weve compiled this list of 46 of our best airplane and travel hacks to elevate your flight experience, including everything from flight booking hacks and packing hacks to airport hacks and inflight hacks. My dad loves the spAirTray travel shelf for the window seat and gets lots of questions from flight attendants about it, SmarterTravels Ashley Rossi says. Just remember to thank the flight crew and not to make a show of it. That can all be achieved when you haveTSA PreCheck. Regardless of whether or not you have TSA PreCheck, be ready to get through the security line quickly. A description of black suitcase isnt going to cut it, so make sure you know exactly what your luggage looks like. But, whats more ridiculous is getting into a fistfight over a quarter-inch of armrest space at 30,000 feet. Buying water in an airport gift shop is expensive and isnt great for the environment. Absolutely. 2022 Smarter Travel Media LLC. As a last resort, once every passenger is on board, you can move to any open seat within your same class of travel. Our unofficial, made-up research has shown that a full 87% of air rage incidents start with an armrest battle. Frequent-flying travel experts, however, have just the airplane seat hacks for you. Choose a seat in front of the plane if youve got a short connecting time. This compensation may impact how and where products appear on this site (including, for example, the order in which they appear). As our name implies, we offer a suite of expert guides on a wide range of topics, including fashion, food, drink, travel, and grooming. The Essential Guide for MenThe Manual is simple we show men how to live a life that is more engaged. Click here to see a list of advertisers that we work with. But, whats more ridiculous is getting into a fistfight over a quarter-inch of armrest space at 30,000 feet. If you can hold out till the very end, you might also be able to score a dirt-cheap upgrade to Business or First Class. For, , you can save hours of in-flight discomfort, and maybe even make a new friend (or at least . The standard iPhone buds fit quite nicely, and its an easy way to keep them knot-free without stuffing them in the seat pocket in front of you. They tame my frizzy curls and come in handy in a surprising number of packing and hotel dilemmas. For less than $20, you can save hours of in-flight discomfort, and maybe even make a new friend (or at least not an enemy) in the process. Theres a definite art to sleeping on a plane, and unless youre one of those lucky people that can fall asleep anywhere, youll need all the help you can get. The other, more troubling catch is that youre not technically allowed to consume any alcohol that isnt served by a flight attendant. The reason being: They dont want other passengers seeing such preferential treatment and demanding the same. Keep all of your charging cords handy in your carry-on bag in case you need to charge up at the airport, or bring a portable charger if you think youll need more battery power during your flight. And Dr. Norman Eng, Olympic sports medicine chiropractor to Team USA during the 2016 Olympic Games, tells me its his airplane seat hack. While many airlines offer inflight entertainment, theres nothing better than knowing youve got plenty of your favorites ready to go. If youll be traveling internationally, bring a pen. Eng tells me hes squarely on Team Recline, since reclining can help prevent airplane seat-induced neck issues. She's been quoted as an expert travel source by CNBC, People.com, MarketWatch, The Washington Post, USA Today, and more. Use asleeping mask and earplugs to block out light and sound, and bring along a comfortable travel pillow to give your head and neck some support. This site does not include all credit card companies or all available credit card offers that are on the market. Did you know that some airlines offer bonus points if your bags are late? If you want to sleep on your next flight, here are a few hacks that can help you out: If youre traveling with a toddler, be sure to bring plenty of snacks and things to keep them entertained. Is the World Ready for These Stand-up Airline Seats? If your airport doesnt have a play area, take kids on a walk and let them ride the people movers (making sure they dont get in the way of others trying to quickly make it to their gate, of course). While its not inevitable, sometimes your luggage doesnt make it onto the same flight as you. If youre on a long-haul flight that will be serving a meal and youve got dietary restrictions, be sure to order a special meal before your flight. Choosing a window seat can also make sleeping easier since you can lean up against the side of the plane. A new toy is a great way to keep them occupied as are gel window clings if theyre sitting in the window seat. Love it or hate it, flying on an airplane is a common part of travel. But, flight attendants weve spoken with confirm theyre less likely to treat passengers in these seats with comps on the sly. Kid-friendly foot rests like the Plane Pal, recommended for flying with kids by SmarterTravels Christine Sarkis, inflates with a handy pump. If youre flying with a baby, book early and call the airline to reserve one of these seats. Know what you can and cant bring through TSA security and check these TSA security FAQs for the answers to some common questions. Have your ID and boarding pass ready to go do not wait until youre at the front of the line to get these things out. If youve got additional travel hacks ideas, share them in the comments below. nips. Terms apply to offers below. Youll see the prices for your flight every day on the calendar. If you want to sleep during your flight, go with a window seat. If youre working with a travel agent, they can direct you toward less-crowded alternative flights. We hope youll be able to use some of these flight tricks to make your next travel experience as awesome as possible. Its great for business travelers who need to get work done on the plane., Need a packable airplane seat hack for those airplane seat-induced muscle knots? Download ExpertFlyer the free version of the travel app provides near-real-time updates on your flights seating chart. There are many quality headphones out there and weve rounded up the best travel headphones but we recommend the Bose QuieComfort 35 II because of its features, style, and price point. CLEAR is a program that allows you to do just that because it uses biometrics to verify your identity. We dont boss you around; were simply here to bring authenticity and understanding to all that enriches our lives as men on a daily basis. It folds flat when not in use. If youre more comfortable having easy access to the bathroom, an aisle seat toward the back of the plane will be your best bet. Kids have a ton of energy, and its a great idea to get rid of as much of it as possible before you board the plane. Instead of waiting in the long customs lines, Global Entry members scan their passports and enter customs information at a kiosk before heading to baggage claim. For more information on our advertisers, see here. When you pack one in your carry-on bag, you can use it as a blanket to stay warm or for lumbar support to stay comfortable on the plane. If youre checking suitcases for vacation, always pack what youll need for the first day in your carry-on so you can start your vacation right away, even if your bags are late. Be the first to discover secret destinations, travel hacks, and more. If you buy something through our links, we may earn a commission. To help your memory out, take a picture of your parking space with any recognizable features and the parking row number so you can find your car easily when you return. These websites can help you find award seat availability without spending all day searching. By proceeding, you agree to our Privacy Policy and Terms of Use. So, next time you fly, plan to wait in style in an airport lounge. They are there to ensure your safety and to help you have a comfortable flight and they deserve your respect. Advertiser Disclosure: Many of the credit card offers that appear on this site are from credit card companies from which we receive compensation. Sign up for our free newsletter. Use a tool like SeatGuru to find seat maps for your flight, along with notes about the pros and cons of every seat. According to Forbes, airplane seatback tray tables are the dirtiest part of the airplane, so be sure to pack some disinfecting wipes and clean your tray table before using it. For shorter travelers, thats as easy as using your carry-on bag to kick your feet up. Flying with kids can be an adventure, but with these pro tips, it will be as stress-free as possible. Opinions and recommendations are ours alone. To balance out sitting on an airplane for hours at a time, take the time before your flight to walk. Plus, sitting here also means youre more likely to score your first choice of meal. If Im on a long-haul flight, I prefer to recline the seat and use neck pillows to minimize the flopping around of the head during flights.. They will help reduce fluid retention and swelling, and may even reduce the risk of deep vein thrombosis (DVT). Getting comfortable on long plane rides is easier said than doneand its different for everyone. Upgraded Points, LLC uses reasonable efforts to maintain accurate information on the site and p. rior to applying for any credit card offers found on UpgradedPoints.com, all visitors should review other features of such credit cards including but not limited to interest rates, annual fees and transaction fees, and should determine the suitability of such credit cards considering their own individual financial position. That one is obvious, but there are pros and cons to other seats as well. Breeze through the security lines without having to even take your ID out of your wallet. While other passengers will often offer to help lift heavy bags into the overhead bins, savvy travelers can manage their bags on their own. According to the TSA, the majority of TSA PreCheck passengers wait less than 5 minutes in security lines. If all else fails, bring a tablet and kid-friendly headphones to keep them entertained and quiet for the trip. Download, slop of the last century. Enter Soarigami. Depending on your height, medical history, seat preference, and other factors, youll need particular adjustments to maximize comfort. You can make the time you spend in the airport before your flight as comfortable and stress-free as possible with these airport hacks. Wear comfortable clothes in layers so you can adjust based on the temperature of the plane. ", Travel Motto: "Travel is fatal to prejudice, bigotry, and narrow-mindedness." Rubberized wings secure to either side of any standard airplane armrest (up to 2.75 inches wide) to keep it firmly in place. Click here to see a list of advertisers that we work with. If it seems airplane seats are getting smaller and smaller and smaller, its not your imagination. Hot Tip: Need a new bag? No, we arent suggesting you need to brush your teeth on that quick flight from Chicago to New York City, but brushing your teeth on long-haul flights or flights where youll be sleeping can really make a difference in how refreshed you feel. If you want flexibility, you might need to pay a little more upfront. The information provided is for informational purposes only and should not be considered financial, tax or legal advice. SmarterTravels Jamie Ditaranto says she like to bring along massage balls that you can use to release any muscles that tensed up during the flight. Find Out What They Think, How Many Shots Are in a Handle of Liquor? If you get motion sickness, choose a seat over the wing so youll feel less turbulence. This program essentially gives you access to shorter security lines and the ability to pass through without taking your shoes and jacket off and without having to remove your laptop and toiletries from your bag. Many bags can look the same, so its smart to use a unique luggage tag or tie a brightly colored ribbon around your checked bags to make them easily identifiable in the baggage carousel. CLEAR costs $189 annually and is available in select airports across the country. Plus, sitting here also means youre more likely to score your first choice of meal. While you think youll remember where you parked, its not quite so easy to remember after a week-long vacation. He also advises travelers to try to get a massage and adjusted before a flight, as it can lessen the potential for neck and low back pain.. Lets be honest, modern air travel sucks, especially long-haul flights. The Manual may earn a commission when you buy through links on our site. Download podcasts, music, audiobooks, or Netflix shows before you take off to ensure you have plenty to keep you occupied during your flight. Some hoods are big enough to pull down to cover your eyes, too. know that its all about last-minute timing. However, the credit card information that we publish has been written by experts who know these products inside out, and what we recommend is what we would (or already) use ourselves. Typo alert: PreCheck costs $85 for 5 years, not per year. Beyond that, veteran travelersknow that its all about last-minute timing. Simply placing a rolled up jacket or blanket across the lower seatback can support the natural curve of the spine in a way that C-shaped airplane seats dont. In addition, as an Amazon Associate we earn from qualifying purchases. Picture this: your flight arrives at your vacation destination and youre so excited to hit the pool at your resort but your luggage didnt make it yet! If you wait until youre on the plane, youll be stuck with the standard options. But, unless youre flying first class, it still leaves something to be desired. Much to the consternation of your fellow passengers, the entire aisle is now your own personal leg space. These airplane hacks will help make your flight as comfortable and as fun as possible. If your bags take more than 20 minutes to reach the baggage carousel after any domestic flight, youre eligible for 2,500 bonus miles by completing this form. Armrests arent getting any wider, and the airlines seem content to do zero to remedy the problem. document.getElementById( "ak_js_1" ).setAttribute( "value", ( new Date() ).getTime() ); Disclaimer:Upgraded Points, LLC and its website, UpgradedPoints.com, provides information on credit cards, reward programs, travel information and ancillary information concerning travel and credit cards. Using miles to book a flight is a great way to fly, but finding award availability can sometimes prove to be difficult. We love traveling here at Upgraded Points and have picked up lots of tricks along the way. If your child is sitting in the window seat, give them a package of gel window clings to play with, or try an airplane toy for a childs first flight. When in doubt, take a photo of it before you fly, for reference. A+++. Weve found that these meals can be even better than, for example, standard Business Class eats. Airports are places we all spend a lot of time just waiting. But, once deployed, it converts one armrest into two. Be sure to add your credit card to your account and activate any bonus offers, if needed. Email Shannon at smcmahon@smartertravel.com. Thankfully, air travelers with an aisle seat can find a bit of reprieve via a secret button. Enter, . You can invest in a good travel toiletry bag to keep everything organized, or opt for the budget route and put travel-sized containers in a Ziploc bag to keep them from leaking on your clothes. Absolutely. Since they are liquids, the bottles must follow the 3-3-1 rule. Most adults use screens for the whole flight, so why not let your kids do the same? If you definitely need a small bag with you during the flight, dont choose a bulkhead seat because they dont have anywhere to store a carry-on other than the overhead bins. Many of the credit card offers that appear on this site are from credit card companies from which we receive financial compensation. What could be a wasted vacation day for others is no big deal for you because youre prepared. Ridiculous? In order of your best alternatives, the first is to splurge on a proper meal just before your flight. Putting up the hood will help keep you warm but will also cover your ears and part of your face, giving you more of a sense of comfort and privacy. If youre packing more than 1 person in a single suitcase, get a different color of packing cube for each person to keep everything separated. Taller travelers tend to knock knees with their tray tables, and passengers using laptops run out of tray-table surface area quickly. We think flying is fun and we hope that by using some of these amazing plane and flight hacks, you will, too! It isnt exactly groundbreaking, but it could save you from an impossibly tangled mess of headphone wires. Because of that, having noise-canceling headphones is a great way to make your flight more enjoyable. It will NOT be published. The toy itself doesnt matter as much as the novelty of having a new toy. Another useful airplane seat hack for those with lower back problems, Magellans self-inflating airplane seat cushion is SmarterTravels Sarah Schlichters best friend. Heres How to Help Alleviate Back Pain on Flights. When all else fails, try to find an empty area (the far end of the terminal is probably your best bet) and let them run wild. All items are in stock and prices are accurate at the time of publication. Bottom Line: Global Entry is a great program that will help you speed through the airport after international flights. While you might not like it, its best to avoid alcohol on planes, since it can speed up dehydration and could lead to a fuzzy start to your vacation. Delta Air Lines offers the Bags On Time guarantee. To help your little one pop their ears, give them a lollipop. Slip off your shoes before your feet begin to swell from the cabin pressure and slip on some soft, fresh socks to make this simple solution feel even cozier. Travel Smarter! Book a window seat so you can lean on the side of the plane, Bring earplugs and a sleeping mask to block out light and sound, To stay warm, bring a jacket or large scarf that can be used as a blanket; wearing a hooded sweatshirt or jacket can also help cover your ears and eyes and keep you warm so you can catch some shut-eye, Wear comfortable clothes that you can sleep in, Dress in layers so you never get too cold or too hot, Wear compression socks to help reduce swelling, Brush your teeth before you go to sleep and once you wake up (but be sure to use bottled water), Download plenty of entertainment before the flight and bring a portable charger so your devices dont run out of batteries, Use airline miles to book a business or first class flight. The content featured on UpgradedPoints.com has not been influenced, provided, or reviewed by the credit card companies mentioned.

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