Just this year I got to experience my very first flight. Your first time flying can be scary, but after the initial anxiety wears off, it’s pretty fun! Not to mention the incredible views if you get a window seat!
There is a lot to know about flying, booking flights, and navigating airports. It can seem pretty overwhelming to some people, especially when it’s your first time flying. However, there are some tips that will make your first flight a lot more enjoyable.
Here’s everything you need to know to survive your first flight!
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1. Wear Something Comfortable
No one wants to be stuck on a plane for hours wearing clothes that aren’t comfy. Make sure you wear clothes that you are comfortable in, especially if you want to sleep on your flight.
Packing tip: Wear your bulkiest shoes on the plane to save room in your suitcase. For example, if you are taking hiking boots, it’s a good idea to wear those and put any smaller shoes inside your luggage.
2. Bring Headphones
I never travel without headphones, especially noise-canceling headphones. You never know if there will be someone with a loud video playing or a crying baby, so noise-canceling is the way to go.
I personally prefer Beats Studio 3 wireless headphones. They are great for blocking out noise, the sound quality is fantastic when listening to music, and the Bluetooth wireless feature is so convenient. Plus my rose gold pair is so cute. 😉
3. Sit by the Exit Door
Sometimes if an airplane is not full they will offer you the chance to sit by the emergency exit door of the airplane. On one of my flights, I sat on the row with the emergency exit, not because I volunteered, but just because that was my assigned seat. This was the most spacious seat I have had on any flight. There was way more leg room than any other economy seat. However, I will say that if you sit there you are in charge of opening the door if something happens, and the flight attendants give you a short briefing of the instructions.
4. Bring a Carry On Bag
Most flights will allow you to bring on a personal item and a carry on bag for free. Check with your airline for the maximum size. I always bring a rolling suitcase for my carry on and a backpack for my personal item. If I can fit everything in those 2 bags, I don’t have to pay for a checked bag.
Occasionally, when you are preparing to board, they will ask for volunteers to check in larger carry on bags. This is usually because smaller airplanes don’t have enough room for everyone to store their suitcase overhead. This is a great way to not have to worry about keeping up with your baggage, and if they ask you to check in your bag right before boarding, it’s free!
5. Pack Smart
Of course, whether you decide to check your carry on bag or not, always put everything you will need during the flight in your personal item. This includes medicines, snacks, headphones, and other entertainment for your flight. If your suitcase is in the overhead compartment, you can still access it during the flight most of the time, but most people don’t because of the hassle of dragging it down into the small aisle. Keeping everything in your personal item is much easier.
And one more thing: if you can manage to fit all your stuff into your personal item and carry on bag, you won’t have to wait at baggage claim!
So, there you have it! I hope you enjoyed reading my best tips for an easy flight. Whether it’s your first time flying or not, I hope you found some new ideas for the next time you fly!
Looking for tips on what to bring with you? Check out my travel must-haves that are essential for any vacation!
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