Air travel can be chaotic, hectic, and just plain stressful. In these difficult pandemic times, we must take every precaution to protect our well-being, bank accounts, and time.
The five laws of air travel below will last the ages and are applicable more than ever. Follow these recommendations to increase the likelihood of a pleasant air travel experience.
Here they are:
1. Use credit card protections
Some credit cards protect you if you encounter mishaps along your journey. Life happens. Flight delays and cancellations can occur. Use a credit card with the protections you want to pay for your travel plans. Therefore, know your card’s benefits before you travel and how to claim them.
If you don’t have credit card protection or enough for your purposes, then do this:
2. Get travel insurance
Consider getting an insurance policy if you embark on a lengthy or expensive flight. Ensure your policy covers trip cancellations, travel delays, trip interruptions, and baggage loss. Most of all, choose a third-party insurance carrier, not direct with an airline or travel agency you chose to use for your trip. Most of those plans are not great and primarily benefit the insurer (i.e., the booking website) and not you. Choose you. Choose a separate insurer.
3. Book nonstop flights
Get a nonstop stop to the place you want to go. Flights with stops look attractive with their lower prices. But due to the excessive messiness of air travel for the foreseeable future, you will eliminate any potential stress later due to messed-up flight schedules. View a guide how to get cheap flights.
4. Bring carry-on luggage only
Regardless of how long your trip lasts, make every effort to use only one piece of luggage. Overpacking can lead to unnecessary headaches. These are head pains like waiting days, weeks, or even months to get your luggage if it is lost. If you do want to take luggage, pack light, view my review of the Amazon basic suitcase which is recommended.
5. Let other people wait in line
Finally, if you go on at least a couple of trips a year, you may want to invest in ways to skip the long lines at the airport.
If you live in the United States check out TSA PreCheck which lets you pass through security without the stressful chore of removing your personal items. TSA PreCheck costs $85 for a five-year membership.
CLEAR is a biometric identification verification program that lets you skip general security lines at airports and a host of other venues like sports stadiums. That means you skip the TSA PreCheck line. The cost is $189 for a one-year membership.
Global Entry is for people who travel internationally or often. You will be able to move quickly through U.S. Customs and has the benefits of PreCheck. Global Entry costs $100, and membership lasts five years.
More recommendations
• Make sure your passport and documents are all valid and in date
• Check-in online in-advance
• Choose a seat you are happy with and avoid sitting near a toilet which can be crowded and noisy
• Dress in comfortable clothing
• Arrive to the airport early
• Consider airport lounges for extra relaxation and comfort – check out a review of JFK Centurion lounge
• Bring drinks and snacks
• Pack essentials like an eye mask, reusable water bottle, entertainment and noise reduction headphones
• Plan an airport pick up on arrival or research transport before departing
If you follow these simple tips you really could make air travel a much better experience. The chances of experiencing a more relaxed and hassle-free trip will also improve.
Do you have any recommendations you would like to share? Let me know in the comments section below.
