Stress Free Air Travel

Air travel can be stressful, but there are ways to reduce your stress. With the many, varied, and often changing airport rules and restrictions, traveling on an airplane can be a hassle. If you plan ahead, you can enjoy a relaxing, stress-free flight.



Plan your flight and buy the tickets well in advance of your travel dates. Not only does this often save you money on your tickets, it also allows you to know that you have a seat on the flight that you want. When you plan in advance, you may be able to choose a non-stop flight.



Check the airline's carry-on bag policies. Get the largest carry-on bag that you are allowed. Also check what types of extra bags are permitted. You can often take a very large purse and pack your smaller every-day purse to bring more items on board the plane with you. Now that many airlines charge for checked baggage, the fewer bags you have to check, the more money you can save.



Visit the Transportation Security Administration's (TSA) website. There you can find a list of items that are restricted. Make sure that you pack your carry-on luggage and checked baggage accordingly. These restrictions change often, so even if you have traveled recently, check again before your next flight.



Wear comfortable, light, loose-fitting clothing. You may be required to submit to a pat-down when going through airport security, and you want that to go as quickly and smoothly as possible. Do not carry any metal objects in your pockets. If you have loose change, put it in your carry-on bag before going through security. If you can, only carry your identification in your pockets.



All of your important documents should stay with you at all times. Keep them on your person, except when you are going through security. As soon as you clear security, retrieve your documents and carry them in your pockets again.



Get to the airport in plenty of time to deal with long lines and wait times. It is usually good to arrive at the airport two hours before your flight is scheduled to depart. Bring a book to read while you wait.



During your flight, follow all instructions issued by the flight staff. If your seatmates are annoying you, feel free to make a polite request. If your request is met with hostility or ignored, just sit back, take a breath, and remember that the flight will soon be over. Getting into any kind of altercation with flight staff or a fellow passenger, even if it involves only a few heated words, can cause the flight to return to the airport or be delayed. You could be evicted from your flight, and even arrested. Just remember- after the flight is over and you disembark, you will probably never see any of these people again.



Flying is a breeze when you use the tips you have just learned. Your next trip to the airport can go smoothly and you can avoid airport stress. Stay calm, be prepared, and enjoy your flight!