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30 Do’s And Don’ts When Traveling By Plane, As Pointed Out By Folks In This Online Group
Traveling is a thing everyone should experience at least once in their lifetime. It offers you heaps of great emotions and fills you up with memories that you're bound to cherish till the end of your sweet days.
You get to learn about different countries and people's cultures, meet great companions, and try all the mouth-watering foods of our world.
However, the actual travel process can be rather stress-inducing. The packing, a dreadfully long wait at the airport, and what seem like endless security checks – and don't forget the unforeseen circumstances – these things are not fun for most.
But worry no more – a couple of netizens turned to one of Reddit’s communities, wondering what handy tricks and etiquette rules there are to bear in mind before heading off on your next adventure. The questions were directed to frequent flyers; they received up to 29K upvotes and got showered with helpful comments discussing the ins and outs of air travel.
More info: Reddit 1 | Reddit 2 | Reddit 3
This post may include affiliate links.
#1
Keep your hair, feet, hands to your f*****g self.
Brian Early 3 years ago
Flying a few years ago, person in the seat in front of mine flips their hair over their head rest and blocks my video screen. Was told to « deal with it » when I protested. Many bits of chewing gum later I was done dealing with it.
SupernaturalPanda 3 years ago (edited)
No one wants to see, smell , or touch you...honest...we don’t so just keep that s**t to yourself
Remi (He/Him) 3 years ago
Just remember that the middle seater should get the hand rests as their space
RELATED:
#2
Make sure to pet the plane right before you get on and tell it that it is a good plane. I do that every time and the plane never crashes.
Peppy Piplup 3 years ago (edited)
I did this! I gave the plane a little pat right before my brother pointed at the "Do Not Touch" sign. Whoops.
General Anaesthesia 3 years ago
Yeah, touch it in one place often enough and metal fatigue sets in.
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z 3 years ago
I did when I was alive that but my plane crashed regardless. So don't believe this.
Verena Abt 3 years ago (edited)
Cabin Crew here. Don't do this to a plane until she's landed. Just like dogs: reward them after they've been good, not before.
Mama Penguin 3 years ago
I love to discreetly tap the plane when I'm boarding. Sort of like a little good luck pat.
Powerful Katrinka 3 years ago
Bringing a bunch of carrots, or better yet, some sugar cubes for the plane never goes amiss. Just be careful that the plane doesn't mistakenly bite you!
Sleeping Solipsist 3 years ago
I pet the seat next to me and lick my lips.. that way no-one wants to sit with you..
April Pickett 3 years ago
It's to ease your anxieties about flying. Hey, it couldn't hurt to reassure yourself you'll be fine.
Silvana Denker 3 years ago
I‘m extremely afraid of flying and have to take tranquilizers to even get in and I still cry. It‘s one part of my routine to touch the plane on the outside before I step in. I HAVE to do it. I don‘t know why and it’s stupid but then I feel a little safer
#3
1. Take a picture of your passport. Keep a copy on your phone and a hardcopy in your luggage.
2. Take a picture of your luggage. If it is lost, showing the picture to the lost luggage person helps a lot.
DuchessDegu 3 years ago
Very good advice, when my luggage was lost it was a new bag I bought when abroad, so it was really difficult to remember what it looked like "oh it's blue... and a red ribbon... and a front pocket... and wheels" 😅
Remi (He/Him) 3 years ago
Haven't thought to do the second one. Thanks for the tip! I'd be telling the lost luggage person basically just: "Erm... it's a black medium sized Samsonite" like that narrows it down any. 😅
Susan Widomski 3 years ago
You keep a hardcopy of your passport in your luggage? I would not do that, as I have had bags disappear over the years. I like the idea of a photo of the luggage though.
Tracy Wallick 3 years ago
I use a luggage set I got for Xmas-- as long as I have 1 of the pieces, I can point to it and say, "it has this exact pattern/color scheme/etc)
#4
This one is pretty general, but from experience I guess it still needs saying: If a person has headphones on, earbuds in, *whatever,* don't try to make small talk. It's nothing personal, but some people have really long days at airports (Can't tell you how many red-eyes I've caught after waiting standby all day) and just *don't want to talk*.
Follow-up, for the flip side of this instance: If you're listening to music, be reasonable about the volume. The people around you shouldn't be able to hear your tunes.
ArodTheHorrible 3 years ago
Don't assume that because people exist they must want to chat with you, headphones or not LOL
DannX68 3 years ago
Also not if they're reading a book. I have been left alone with headphones a lot of times, but been disturbed often while reading.
Elizabeth Truss 3 years ago
I made a book cover that I put over any book I'm reading that is titled "Stay the F**k Away". It's been very handy many times 😜
Load More Replies... Elizabeth Truss 3 years ago
The only way I'm able to travel (and really anything public like grocery shopping) I have to wear headphones 🎧 Otherwise, I can't handle the noise. I suffer greatly from ADHD as well as extreme social anxiety, so if I'm wearing headphones, and if you value your life, stay away!
Load More Replies... Kay Phillips 3 years ago
Also, wear your f*****g headphones! I don't want to hear your music through your shitty phone speaker. You're in a public space, behave accordingly
MoJo1979 3 years ago
Yes, yes, yes. I fly weekly for work and my headphones are on all the time, mainly because I want to focus for the long work day/week ahead or I'm exhausted and on my way home so want to just switch off. Do not think that because I am polite and smile at you when you sit next to me, that this is an invitation to start a chat, cause I will not respond.
Gracie Gold 3 years ago
just don't try to make small talk at all please?! i don't need new friends i just want to sit there in peace, minding my own business. i hate when strangers start talking to me out of nowhere
#5
If you have a lot of time to kill, find the area in baggage claim where pets are reunited with their owners. It's a blast watching those dogs get out of their carriers, and they all behave differently.
Nightshade1972 3 years ago
My family moved from Chicago (ORD) to Houston (IAH) in the spring of 1984. We had a Siamese cat. When we got off the plane and received directions on where to go to collect her, we heard her long before we saw her--yowling at the top of her lungs! We had her for about another four years or so, before she passed at the ripe old age of 18.
Emil Iyog 3 years ago
Not likely you will see this in the US, unless you are in a tiny airport . Most cargo pets are picked up at another facility no where near the terminal
Bored_Panda 3 years ago
I like to use our credit cards and go to the lounge when I have time to kill…
#6
I’ve flown over a million miles so hopefully this helps. Make sure to check behind you before you throw your seat back when reclining, the overhead bins are shared spaces, if you have a backpack it’s best under the seat in front of you to save room in the overhead. The person in the window seat gets the wall and an arrest, the middle person gets two armrests, the aisle person gets a little extra leg room and an armrest. Treat your flight attendants with respect. Most of all flying is inherently miserable so don’t be a d**k.
Pterodactyl in Disguise 3 years ago
The window seat gets an arrest?!?!? I guess I should be in jail many times over then
Lawrencium 3 years ago
Hopefully don't bring the backpack pictured and try to fit it in the overhead bin (or under the seat)
Silvana Denker 3 years ago
I sometimes sleep with my head leaning on my a pillow in my lap (after taking tranquilizers against my fear). I got seats smashed against my head so often 🙄
Tim Fountain 3 years ago
The aisle is not extra legroom. It's a common area for getting from one part of the plane to another and for flight-attendants to roll carts. Literally just yesterday I got up to go to the restroom on a nighttime 11:30 transatlantic flight and one of the other passengers, in business with a lie-flat bed (i.e. loads of space), had decided that one whole leg needed to be extended into the aisle. It was dark, I didn't see his leg and tripped over it, scraping my shin and bruising my arm as I tried to stop myself going headfirst into a dividing section. His response was to berate me for not avoiding his dark pant leg, in a dark cabin, against a dark carpet. Just nope.
LongCoolWomanInABlackDress 3 years ago
Ah yes, nothing nicer than getting a seat smashed into my long legs that already touch the seat in front of me when it's upright..
#7
Late to the discussion, but... If you're a smaller person and a large person sits next to you, do not say "yes" if they ask to put up the arm rest between you. I feel a little bad for them because they are crammed into a small seat, but the most miserable flight I've ever had was having 1/3 of my seat taken by another person.
BadCat 3 years ago
I would request to change seats politely, or ask the flight attendant if another seat open. If someone does need more room than 1 seat offers they should book 2 seats ahead time to avoid uncomfortable, embarrassing situations with other people.
Elliot Fowler 3 years ago
A large person sitting in a small seat usually means that that person is flying economy class. I don't think someone flying economy has the financial ability or desire to pay for 2 seats. Switching seats maybe the best option.
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Nell46 3 years ago
This happened to me with a very obese sweaty man.... the plane was full and I couldn't be moved. It was horrendous particularly as he asked to have any food I didn't finish. I got to my destination with very smelly clothes, and no sleep having been literally squashed. Buy two seats please if you cannot fit comfortably into one.
Mama Penguin 3 years ago
I was on a full flight from NYC to Toronto for a very brief layover. A tall, bigger lady was sitting between me and a gentleman on the left. I felt bad for her because she was a little hunched over when eating her meal. However, a 1/3 of my torso was squished as she took part of my space. I was so relieved when she got off at Toronto. That would've been a miserable long flight to Hong Kong.
Zdenka Dsouza 3 years ago
I once sat next to this big man, observed the situation and with a giggle snuggled on his shoulder, asking if I may use him as a cushion. We ended up having good fun thorough the flight.
asexualotl (she/her) 3 years ago
i'm wondering how to do this so please don't downvote or attack me, but what would i say instead?
MagNat 3 years ago
Google phobias about body contact and say you have them. Or just say "sorry, no". It's your damn seat.
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Planetamy 3 years ago
Absolutely happened to me. I was in the middle seat, this rather muscular guy was in the aisle seat. He put up the armrest between us and proceeded to take up a third of my seat.
Poly Amorous 3 years ago
Oh, and if you're in the aisle seat? DON'T USE THE F*CKING ARMREST THAT IS NOT OUTSIDE!
#8
Once the plane lands and the seatbelt sign is switched off, just...chill. Stay comfortably in your seat until people start exiting the plane. There is no point standing with your head hitting the overhead locker for five minutes - it's not going to get you off any sooner.
Jerry Mathers 3 years ago
Some of need to stand. We know we are getting off quicker, but our backs need to stretch after sitting through the flight in a cramped chair where you have to contort your shoulders and legs to dodge aisle walkers and middle seat passengers.
Syd 3 years ago
@Jerry seriously!!! as someone who has had knee surgeries on both the bastards, I need to stand up (in my seat area) and start flexing them, otherwise I will be too slow as we leave the plane and annoy ppl even more. Not everyone is fully able-bodied even if they look it.
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Jon Underwood 3 years ago
It's not about getting off sooner; it's about getting off my aching tailbone and painful hip joints... streching my neck to one side is like yoga. I'm good with getting up asap.
Kate Jones 3 years ago (edited)
I have to say --and this is going to make me sound privileged I know-- I'm a big gal and so when I travel, I always save a part of my budget to do first or business class. These prices are drastically different than standard ticket prices and it's not like there's a whole lot different with certain airlines. *Sometimes* there is on longer flights/bigger airlines but, honestly the seat is bigger and that's the only real benefit. And it drives me crazy that one of the few benefits you're SUPPOSED to get is to board early/get off first and they honestly rarely enforce it. They'll call first class and before you even get to the line they're calling everyone else so you go on the same time. And when you land, people start coming up the aisle before the door even opens so I'm stuck waiting. People complain about being stuck near a fat person all the time but even when we try to do the right thing we can't. Part of the fee is being able to de-board first but...it never happens.
Susan Widomski 3 years ago
I have knee and back issues, so it is important for me to get in a good stretch before trying to walk. I don't mind being last to get off the plane, but after sitting for so long, I have to stretch.
Leo Domitrix 3 years ago
yeah, no, flights are so cramped and if you have to stretch, you *have* to stretch. I'm not saying do yoga in the aisle, but if you're not blockin gthe aisle, it's fine.
#9
You can't bring a bottle of water through security, but you can bring an empty bottle through security and fill it up once you are inside the terminal.
Griffin McKinley 3 years ago
??? Why if you can't have water on your flight
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General Anaesthesia 3 years ago
For a second there, I thought you were an Amazon fulfillment center employee.
Alicia GriffonLady 3 years ago
:( I have well water. City water tastes like used public pool water to me.
Suzie Robinson 3 years ago
If you freeze it, it can make it through. Liquid booms can’t be frozen.
Load More Replies... Tracy Wallick 3 years ago
Also, you can bring snacks through as long as they are solid, sealed, etc. Especially if you have dietary restrictions.
Patricia Ewald 3 years ago
Better yet take a yeti tumbler with you, get ice and water from one of the food places and enjoy nice cool water your entire flight.
Desirae Sum 3 years ago
You can bring a frozen water bottle through. Just pour out any melted liquid before security and bring the remaining solid ice. Then when you fill the water after security, it’s cold
#10
Quit crowding the f**king gate when it's not your turn. Your seat will be there.. Unless you're on southwest then stand where you belong.
Edit: in order to answer the question-- to improve your gate experience, and the experience of those around you, wait for your turn instead of crowding the gate. Really bumps up your experience from s***ty to almost s***ty
Jennifer Brown 3 years ago
So many people try and jump the queue and board before their section is called. I had recently paid for Comfort Plus on an international Flight which gave me priority boarding, right after first and business. I could see the boarding passes of people standing in line and they were no where near close to being called. I was very pleased when the gate agent made people get out and go to the back of the line when it wasn't their section.
Kate Jones 3 years ago
Going to what I posted above... a part of this issue is the gate reps. You're supposed to allow certain letters/classes to board first. But they're trying to work faster so they're like, 'Calling first class,' and before you even get into the line they already start calling other rows so it ends up being a cluster. But we all expect it so that why everyone gets up and gets ready to go. Start boarding earlier and people wouldn't be crowding the gate.
Bruce Horton 3 years ago (edited)
I wait for until most of the group ahead clears, then stand to be first when my group is called. Why? I always use carry on and want the space for my bag. This leads me to the corollary: don't bring a carry on bag, a giant backpack and a purse big enough to smuggle a golden retriever and expect to find room for everything 8 rows from your seat
Dippin Dot 3 years ago
I find it’s the people that end up with their oversized carryon, gigantic “personal item”, purse, laptop bag and godonlyknows what else that rush the gate all so they can take up all the overhead space. Then they are the ones that sit there until we are about ready to taxi off, then have to use the bathroom because they boarded too soon… and when you’re mid-flight they go to and from the bathroom about 12 times between eating from their Tupperware, and are already making calls the second the wheels touch the ground.
Mayrene Chester 3 years ago
Yes, I mean seats are already assigned so I don't get this first come first serve attitude, especially when you have no carry on that needs overhead space.
#11
Not a frequent flyer but in my experience frequent flyers say try not check bags if you can help it. If you have to, try to have medicines and a change of clothes in your carry on if they lose your checked bag
Remi (He/Him) 3 years ago
Your medicines should always be in the carry on anyway with copies of your recipes. Especially if any of them are the "red triangle" type meaning that they affect the central nervous system
Purple3262 3 years ago
Think you meant receipts, not recipes? Unless you're a famous chef?
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Deborah Allen 3 years ago
Always. We once got stuck in an airport for 24 hours because of bad weather - eww...
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Nightshade1972 3 years ago
I've been on many different maintenance medications (stuff I have to take forever) for years. I always pack my meds in my carry-on--if my luggage gets lost, no big deal if I need to buy more underwear/clothes, but medication's a lot harder to replace.
Tracy Wallick 3 years ago
I always carry my meds on; both in case my checked bag(s) get lost, and because I don't want them stolen by airport workers (after reading about people who had belongings stolen)
Leo Domitrix 3 years ago
Mine are in my personal bag that never leaves my grip. You also can, if carrying a laptop case or purse as a "personal bag", work in spare socks and undies, toothbrush, and wet wipes. (Yes. I have been stuck at airports. I'm still waiting for a lost suitcase from 1990, so yeah, there is *only* carry-on luggage in my travels.)
Jan Moore 1 year ago
On our last cruise, we flew from St Louis to Minneapolis, due to plane problems and other stuff we spent over 24 hrs; and just about to give up and fly home. They had booked us and canceled us on so many flights that by the time we got to Amsterdam I didn't have a suitcase. Luckily my husband had a change of clothes for me because it was 6 days before they found it and got it to an airport that they could fly it to. It had so many flight tags on it that it looked like a bouquet.
#12
It doesn't matter how much time you think you have before your flight, find your gate first, and confirm it is the right one for your flight. Then, set an an alarm on your phone to give you plenty of time to get back in time to board.
Missing your flight because you don't realize how far away your gate is will be a mistake you only make once, but better to not make at all.
Kate 3 years ago
And keep double checking, especially if you're getting on a small plane. Last time I was laid over at Denver, the gate changed at least five times before we finally boarded.
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DuchessDegu 3 years ago
I've almost missed a connection because I was just leisurely walking around thinking I had plenty of time to kill, and then got really lost. I was VERY lucky I ended up just a few feet from the boarding gate after many wrong turns!
Verena Abt 3 years ago
Double check, though. Gate changes happen all the time with no warning.
Talon 3 years ago
Whenever my family flies we find our gate, then leave our carry ons and like 1 or 2 people (depending on how many of us there are) then the others go and get food/go to the bathroom. Then once the first people come back if the ones that were waiting need to they go to the bathroom
Sapna Sarfare 3 years ago
Always do that.. Once i know where it is, i relax and roam a bit. But i am always nearby so that i dont miss the flight
Susan Widomski 3 years ago
I would also add that gates are known to be changed ahead of any particular flight - so check it once in a while.
Hetal Vyas 3 years ago
Very good advice specially if you've never been there before. Check where the loos are and importantly duty free!!
Thomas Ewing 3 years ago
Once I went to the wrong AIRPORT and had to pay full price for a ticket. Costly. (big city with numerous airports)
Bored_Panda 3 years ago
I always check to see how long I have till I need to go and I check the gate number. Also, when we start to land I stop whatever I’m doing to just sit there and enjoy the landing. I also check the the information on ICE and I’m always the first one to know which carousel we have to go to 😎
#13
Early morning flights FTW — a lot less can go wrong with the first flight of the day, that plane is typically there overnight so you aren’t waiting on crew or equipment. Security lines are shorter. Traffic to the airport sucks less.
Reclining, especially in steerage, is a moral failing and should be avoided at all costs.
Remi (He/Him) 3 years ago
Least turbulence imho is on the overnights. The early morning flights come as a good second tho.
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Dennis Michael 3 years ago
If the seat I paid for reclines, I will use that ability if I so desire.
Cyd Charisse 3 years ago
I have a terrible back, and if I have to sit bolt upright for 4 hours, then I'm going to need a wheelchair to get off. It's just a tiny bit that it reclines, but it makes a LOT of difference to me! I too will be reclining :-)
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Poly Amorous 3 years ago
I'd say sleep on the plane, but I cannot sleep on any sort of vehicle so yeah
Load More Replies... #14
When they start the boarding process, you don't have to stand up and queue. It usually takes a long time and you have a seat assigned to you anyway, so relax a bit more before your flight.
JMil 3 years ago
Thank you!!! I do not understand this behavior, especially since there are boarding zones. You are in boarding zone 7? Well, I suppose you need to stand up when they call boarding zone 1.... Also, can we talk about the bag claim carousel? Is your bag going to come out sooner if you stand inches away from the carousel, blocking every other reasonable person?
Vanessa Panerosa 3 years ago
I agree it’s obnoxious, I hate it more than anyone. However it’s not about the seat, but the overhead space of which there is never enough room. And no one wants to be that guy waiting at baggage claim for an hour because there was no space left overhead for his carry-on.
Lion's Stare 3 years ago
I have had it where I had to check in my baggage because bins were full, which meant extra time at the baggage carousel. so I will rush now
Joan Bohlmann 3 years ago
but..........people put their carry-on bags in the bins not above their assigned seats. don't get me started.
elsieairhead 3 years ago
It's the overhead space which drives people to this, 100% agree on this comment.
Jennifer Smith 3 years ago
One of the few perks of being in a wheelchair, I get to board first. BUT, I'm usually the last one off
#15
For the love of god, if everyone could learn that people should get out of their seat by alternating rows, de-boarding would be so much easier.
Hill Branda 3 years ago
Wait....you mean a sudden rush of tired passengers, slamming their overstuffed carry-on bags into everyone, who are then forced to stand in very tight quarters for 20 minutes while waiting for the door to open ISN'T how it's supposed to be done?
Remi (He/Him) 3 years ago
Exception are people with short layovers especially if your flight was delayed
Lorraine 3 years ago
If the flight is delayed the airline knows and they will seat everyone again so those with connection could disembark first. I just have this happen in my last flight and the crew had to make people sit again to allow people pass and we lost way more time because some people refused to sit.
Load More Replies... Big Chungus 3 years ago
One time I had basically like a 10 minute layover (luckily in the same area of the gate drop off) and I still had the decency to wait for my rows turn and now run up the aisle lol
Anna Repp 3 years ago
In a case like that you should speak to one of the cabin crew - they will help you get in the front so you are the first to get off.
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Reviewer UK01 3 years ago
Once, just ONCE I'd like them to make an the other passengers wait on the plane while they get the wheelchair passengers off. Usually takes at least 25 minutes before I can de-plane and I'm usually in pain and desperate for the loo watching everyone else get off.
#16
If you get stuck in a middle seat, you can put a coat or blanket over your legs and tuck it under you to hold your legs relatively close together. This will allow you to fully relax your leg muscles without bumping into your neighbors.
WordWeaver 3 years ago
Get one of those neck support half moon cushions - you'll be glad you did.
Firefly 3 years ago
I can't use those as they push my head forward in an uncomfortable position. I finally found one that is flat in the back and only has the cushion on the sides.
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Joshua Seaman 3 years ago
unless you're flying on a budget airline and they don't have blankets 😖
#17
If you are taking a bus to the airport, and there is one that gets there 3 hours before your flight, and one that gets there half an hour before your flight. Take the one that's there 3 hours before and just have time to relax, and you don't have to worry about your bus being late/stuck in traffic.
Bored_Panda 3 years ago
These days we have to arrive 3 hours earlier so when I have a flight at 10, I have to wake up at 5 so I can get ready and drive for 1 hour to the airport….now I’m only 15 minutes away from the airport 😎
#18
I learned the hard way my first time flying overseas: drink a s**t ton of water while you're waiting on your layover. Just bring an empty canteen or aluminum water bottle to fill up at fountains.
I know you don't want to get up to pee all the time, but on a long haul flight you'll get sick, bloated, headachey, and dried out if you don't hydrate. Drink up. You'll thank me later.
JMil 3 years ago
Oy. I understand the sentiment. But I have been on delayed flights, sitting on the tarmac for a very long time, desperate to use the lav... Once the seatbelt light turns off, then I'll hydrate like crazy.
Leo Domitrix 3 years ago
Same thing I was thinking. So many tales of people stuck on planes in hot locations, temps 120*F/50*C, and they don't let you use the lavatory.!
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Hill Branda 3 years ago
This is good advice. No one realizes how the dry the air is on the plane. If you don't drink a good amount of water, you'll dry out like a piece of old jerky.
Lyone Fein 3 years ago
You are also much less likely to get sick from the crappy recirculating air if you are well hydrated.
Mama Penguin 3 years ago
Yes. Bring a bottle of water with you and keep it in your seat pocket.
Thomas Ewing 3 years ago
Don't bloat yourself, just make sure you aren't thirsty/need to use the lav just as you board.
Eat Dirt Crow 3 years ago
Some airports, especially in Europe, have a severe lack of water stations. I saw one in Belgium and one in Frankfurt. Good advice to bring a bottle but be prepared to take a walk.
WordWeaver 3 years ago
And walk during the flight though that IS a bit annoying to those who want to sleep. But you have to move around some.
Remi (He/Him) 3 years ago
Don't walk around more than necessary. It's for your and everyone's safety. But do some stretches while getting up for the bathroom. Also try to move your legs around a bit when sitting to keep them from bloating and to prevent health issues - even lifting them just above ground and scrunching your toes in your shoes helps with the circulation.
Load More Replies... #19
The most important tip: NEVER fly Spirit!
Joel Hopkins 3 years ago
I don't know what happened here, but I have had many better flights on Spirit than I ever had on American or Southworst.
D Stone 3 years ago
I had a roundtrip that had two layovers each. That is 6 planes. EVERY SINGLE Flight had multiple gate changes. So we were at the correct gate waiting for the connection and a message would come on that there was a gate change. We would get to the next gate and then another message would come on to send us back to the previous gate or another one. Not a huge deal but it happened every time. Annoying. Plus, the seats were always really uncomfortable. Yes, more so than any other plane I have ever been on.
Joan Bohlmann 3 years ago
our local carriers have lost the spirit (no pun intended) of trying to make our flights pleasant, comfortable and peaceful. but then, likewise, we have been behaving badly on flights like entitled brats. i think, though, that since the airline industry was deregulated many years ago, things have progressively gone down the slippery slope of mediocrity and cost-saving. when this happens, you get a bunch of unhappy employees and customers. only the top brass are happy because they earn exorbitant salaries and smile all the way to the bank.
#20
Screenshot your boarding pass and keep your ID in your front pocket makes security as simple as possible. EVERYTHING goes in your bag before you even get in line (wallet, keys, belt, shoes).
Edit: Turn the brightness on your phone ALL THE WAY UP when presenting your boarding pass in security lines or when you board the plane.
Lock the orientation on your phone, with the QR code open, and place your phone about a foot above the scanner. Push the phone down onto the glass scanner, and then raise it back up. This is the best way to scan that QR code... those scanners can be finicky.
Leo Domitrix 3 years ago
Printed-out copies of everything, for every person going on the trip in your "group". Itineraries, flight info, hotel info, all of it. Keep it in a tidy folder, yes, like school, and just having that level of organization has saved so much hassle.
Lazy Panda (she/her/hers) 3 years ago
On the iPhone, you can usually use the airline app to add your boarding pass to your “wallet” to make it easy to pull up.
#21
Pack half the clothes and twice the money.
If you have to check a bag, keep changes of underwear with you in your carry-on.
Over-the-ear headphones are much more comfortable for long haul flights than on-ear or buds.
Start doing stretches to limber up your hips and back a few weeks before a long flight.
Don't use public wifi. If you have to, use a VPN.
Jerry Mathers 3 years ago
I'll throw in after security, take a fast walk to the terminal gate. The exercise will help before you are stuck sitting for a few hours.
Mama Penguin 3 years ago (edited)
Over the ear headphones with noise canceling feature is a lifesaver for long haul flights.
Mark Scott 3 years ago
A VPN is used to connect to your office, Anonymous Web Proxies are insecure. don't bother.
Nightshade1972 3 years ago
I prefer earbuds, actually. If I put them in while we're still on the ground, before we've taken off, they create enough of a seal once we're airborne that flying's a lot less uncomfortable for me (I have neuro issues, and when I was younger flying was very painful for me). If I keep the earbuds in until after we land, it's also less uncomfortable to take them off and break the seal.
#22
Don’t be a douchebag and assume everyone who’s the same race as the majority in that country is from that country. (My mother tried talking to a guy in Japanese, and he was like “dafaq? I’m from Canada “)
Victor Trejo 3 years ago
I'm Hispanic living in an Asian country. By the features in my face, locals always assume I am a local as well (until I start speaking). Why would I get offended by that? I don't see how someone in their sound mind would get offended by something logical.
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Pizzagirl 91 3 years ago
So, in this scenario, what would OP's mother have had to do? Talk to the guy In English, ASSUMING he'd understand it because "English is spoken everywhere, and he MIGHT be Canadian)"? If I'm on a flight somewhere or from somewhere, I usually assume that whoever's going there or coming from there would know the LANGUAGE at least a bit, until they prove differently. Better to insult one weirdo than not try to do a whole country the courtesy of trying to use their language, IMO.
Lee Kerr 3 years ago
And not that many Japanese speak English; I found people were delighted by my attempts at Japanese (most people appreciate it when you’ve at least learned a few words). Those who do speak English are keen to practice though and we’re very helpful but in the period between digital cameras and google maps, I used to photograph the guide book pages so I could show them to people if I needed help.
Load More Replies... Kay Phillips 3 years ago
Uhm, it's ALWAYS ok to speak the language of the country you're in in that country.
Bored_Panda 3 years ago
Well, I personally don’t like talking to the other passengers and when I do I just speak in English
#23
My personal favorite is taking a sturdy, empty, reusable water bottle and a bottle of Koolaid/Mio/etc concentrate. That way you have something yummy to drink, the concentrate is small enough to get through TSA, and you're not paying for expensive drinks past security.
#24
There's a clip in the film Up In The Air where George Clooney basically profiles the respective people in the security line. Watch it; everything he touches on is correct. Then choose your line accordingly - tl;dr = line up with business travellers.
Carolyn Scott 3 years ago
Global Entry helps enter countries 'easier' but it also helps you use TSA Precheck.
Mac 🇺🇦 3 years ago
TSA precheck is worth it...just look at the line of people who didn't precheck, you'll be glad you did!
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Deborah Allen 3 years ago
My husband I don't look like business travellers though - I always have multicoloured hair!
#25
The white zone is for loading and unloading only.. Do NOT stop in the red zone
Kitsune Nocturne 3 years ago
For anyone confused, this is a reference to the comedy film "Airplane!". If you haven't seen it and you enjoy comedies, definitely give it a shot!
Philly Bob Squires 3 years ago
Upvote for the movie "Airplane!" quote, which I'm sure few will get! LOL
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Patrick Harrington 3 years ago
Looks like I picked the wrong time to quit amphetamines.
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JitkaBlitka 3 years ago
No, the red zone has always been for loading and unloading of passengers. There's never stopping in a white zone.
#26
1. You will lose luggage eventually.
Be ready for that by having cash and essentials for overnight on your person.
2. If the overhead bins are completely full, they'll usually check your bag free.
So no need to worry about rushing the door before your group is called. Chill out. Wait for your group. You'll be fine.
3. Netflix episodes can be downloaded to watch offline. Great for when there's no in flight wifi.
JMil 3 years ago
I have mixed feelings about number 2. I'm the sucker that pays to check the bag because I don't want to fight for overhead space like a bloodsport, then a whole bunch of people end up getting theirs carted away without spending the $30+ like I did.
Lorraine 3 years ago
The crew will help you with that. I have seen them take luggage out from the overhead space to give it to people so they put it down the seats. Trust the crew more.
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Paul Beebe 3 years ago
Counting myself lucky here....Traveled over 5 million miles in the 80's and 90's. Have never had a piece of luggage lost. Destroyed? Yes, Lost ? nope. Have never gotten a wrong order at a drive thru either...
Adi A. 3 years ago
On number two, if you fly with a laptop (or two as I usually do) I do not care if it's free or not, I want it back in one piece.
Hetal Vyas 3 years ago
I lost my luggage in a long haul flight, I didn't pack extra clothes, had to wash what I was wearing every night untill I was reunited with my bag!
Denise Roche 3 years ago
Yeah. They tell you to keep your medications in your carry on and then they force you to check it. No, I am NOT going to carry (literally) 8 prescription bottles on the plane with nothing to put them in. If you make me check my bag, then you just took my meds out of my possession.
#27
Take all that stuff out of your pockets before you get to the security checkpoint and put it in a small compartment on your carry-on. Now you have one less thing to juggle while trying to keep your belts-less pants up after going through the x-ray machine.
ArodTheHorrible 3 years ago
Plus, you won't look like an idiot for having stuff in your pockets still
Catalin Chiriac 3 years ago
use belt-less pants (maybe with string or elastic band), wear a hunter-type vest with many pockets in which you place all the content from your pants pockets, make sure your shoes doesn't have metallic inserts!
Micah 3 years ago
Alternatively, wear a belt with no metal, such as a tactical belt.
Load More Replies... #28
Study the terminal maps before you get to a connecting airport. Knowing where you're going - especially with limited time to make a connecting flight - is a godsend.
Eat Dirt Crow 3 years ago
We had a 1 1/2 hr layover in Newark from Europe. Didn't realize that you had to leave the secure area and go back through security for the domestic flight. We barely made it.
Nikki Angulo 3 years ago
I had my school boy my flights from Canada to Korea, and they booked me to fly to New York, and they New York to Korea. Except I landed at JKF and my next flight was out of LaGuardia! And I didn’t realize it until the airport staff told me. That was not a fun cab ride, I made it, but it was close!
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Bored_Panda 3 years ago
I once arrived in Qatar at 5 am for a connecting flight. We had 3 hours to kill so we decided to sleep (at least my parents did 😏) They told me to get in the bed (yes they do have bedrooms in Hamad International Airport) but I refused. 5 minutes later I gave in and I already dozed off 😴
#29
After traveling to the same cities multiple times, I make sure to know what each airport has to offer in case I have extra time there. For instance, Portland has a great little free theater with local short films. Many airports have massage places. Midway has a free use yoga studio. Sitting around being bored is for suckers.
Mama Penguin 3 years ago (edited)
Changi airport is one of the best airports to have layover in. A lot of things to see and it's a beautiful airport.
Sapna Sarfare 3 years ago
Agreed. And has a good food offering plus a great bookstore
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Lorraine 3 years ago
I second it, I love Schipol. Not to mention all the Miffy souvenirs that are adorable 🐰, and the cheese in the duty free.
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Lisa Watson 3 years ago
Look, if they have an Auntie Anne's and/or a Cinnabon, it's good enough for me.
Bored_Panda 3 years ago
I like the DXB international airport (Dubai, UAE) and Hamad International Airport (Doha, Qatar). In Hamad, they even have bedrooms!
Cobalt.spike 3 years ago (edited)
Many airports have massage parlors.... and the cost added onto an already expensive experience? Hey, I remember having to catch a flight to a family funeral that all but wiped out my bank account, forgot my charger as I was a mess, paid $50 for a slow-a*s usb charger in the airport (even the check out person was "are you sure?") and remember on the return trip, grimy as hell after lots of traveling, just staring at the cost of a 10 minute shower in the paid suite £30 in Heathrow. Traveling isn't cheap. Finding food that isn't an arm and a leg (ie. Take-away) and a relatively quite, low foot traffic, dark area to sleep in are my properties when styting in an airport for longer periods. I must be far lower on Marlowe's airport hierarchy than the OP.
Jill Hojnacki 3 years ago
If you are in DTW and have time, check out the tunnel that connects the main terminal with the commuter airlines. I’ve never seen it crowded (occasionally we found ourselves close to only people in it.) The combination of light show and soundscape music provides a moment of Zen. It looks like a set they should shoot a Sci-fi or action film in.
Bee she/her 3 years ago
I learned that Denver has food that is allergy safe and easy so when we end up there for mealtimes we have access to chain restaurants we feel comfortable eating at.
#30
There's a little latch underneath the outside arm rests. When pulled, you can adjust your arm rest up or down. For larger people it can give you a few more inches of a** and hip space.
LongCoolWomanInABlackDress 3 years ago
They are talking about the outside armrest, facing the aisle
Load More Replies... Cyd Charisse 3 years ago
First of all, NOT all armrests raise (I'm a 20-year flight attendant with one of the largest airlines in the world). It's a feature for helping disabled persons in and out of their seat from a wheelchair. Plus, different planes operate differently. Airbus' little button is different than Boeing's little button. Probably about 20 percent raise. Also, it will not be fun when your hip gets slammed by the cart coming through the aisle. The cart is as wide as the aisle. If you're hanging over the edge, we're not going to see it and it is going to HURT.
Cari Freymuth 3 years ago
They are talking about the aisle arm rest. I routinely put it up once we land.
WordWeaver 3 years ago
Although you don't want to be squashing a smaller person next to you because you're huge!
Maripat Webber 3 years ago
If you’re on the aisle, using the lever to raise the outside armrest completely makes getting up and back much easier.
#31
If you fly a lot, get a rewards credit card with that airline. After flying frequently for work for a couple years, I now have platinum memberships with different airlines. Which means I get free checked bags, priority boarding, access to the lounge in airports that has free food and booze, and best of all free upgrades to first class if there are open seats. Not to mention all the free flights I've gotten from racking up points on the card. My company reimburses my flights, so I charge them to the card but get to keep all the points for personal use
JMil 3 years ago
Unfortunately I can't use personal credit cards for business trips, just corporate cards that don't have such perks.
Adi A. 3 years ago
It's about having the loyalty cards, not a credit card. You can still have those even if paid by the company. I did that for several years, was upgraded to business a lot.
Load More Replies... Remi (He/Him) 3 years ago
You can get a frequent flier account without getting a credit card (at least with Finnair) and you can use those flight points as a discount on your next trip
#32
You wanna know the secret to surviving air travel? After you get where you're going, take off your shoes and your socks then walk around on the rug bare foot and make fists with your toes.
elsieairhead 3 years ago
Hahaha! Seriously though, I used to see a chiropractor who swore by taking his shoes off when he got outside of the airport and "grounded" himself by standing bare foot on grass or pavement for a little while. Said it cured jet lag. Never tried it, can't testify to any truth in this.
BadCat 3 years ago
Why??? No don't. Just keep your shoes on. Wear sandals if your feet need to breath.
WordWeaver 3 years ago
If you have jet lag, try to adjust to your new time zone before you get off the plane.
#33
I carry one of those neck pillows in it's neck pillow bag clipped on to my carryon. I put everything in there I want to have quick access to in the flight. My tablet, headphones, cables, and a pen if flying international. That way I don't have to get up and try digging through my carryon after I'm already seated.
Plus I leave that stuff in there and it doesn't have to touch the inside of the seat back pocket.
#34
If there are no good ($0) seats left during seat selection proceed without selecting a seat. There's a good chance all the crap middle seats will get selected by others and you'll end up getting a seat they were trying to charge $30 for.
BadCat 3 years ago
For Air Canada, you can assign a seat for free 24 hours before you board. You've already bought your ticket, so you're still entitled to be on the flight. You may not get the exact perfect seat you want, but you save money.
RJ 3 years ago
Air Canada offering anything for free is genetically impossible. If Air Canada offered anything for free, its corporate DNA would unravel like some kind of mad scientist lab experiment.
Load More Replies... Mama Penguin 3 years ago
I'm not taking this chance for a 14 - 15 hour long flight. I'll fork over the extra $25.
#35
ONLY people in the bulkhead should put both of their bags in the overhead bins.
BadCat 3 years ago
You don't have much choice. You're only allowed to place smaller bags under the seat. Those carry on luggages have to be placed in the overhead bin. If you don't do it the flight attendant will.
Vanessa Panerosa 3 years ago
What they mean is be respectful and limit your overhead luggage to your carry on, and place your personal item under the seat. Don’t be a d**k and bogard the overhead space so you can stretch your legs out more. Of your two items, both shouldn’t be too large to fit beneath the seat.
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Cyndielouwhoo 3 years ago
It's interesting that travel advice often suggests both not checking luggage and not having much to carry on, where exactly are we supposed to pack our clothes then?
What do you think ?
Memere 3 years ago (edited)
One thing that really angers me is the a$$holes who will put their carry-on in an overhead bin close to the front, then go sit in the back of the plane. Then the person who is sitting towards the front has to find an overhead bin in another row from where they're sitting. Put your carry-on in the bin above where you sit, you jerk!
Gilbert Slater 3 years ago
Absolutely. Flight crew should police this behavior too.
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Mama Penguin 3 years ago
When you're on a long haul flight, do little leg stretches while you're sitting down. What I do is put my legs together and move my heels up and down for 15 - 20 times. Your legs will feel less stiff when you get off the plane.
Al Christensen 3 years ago
I was headed out on an international flight at a time of high terrorist paranoia. The security checkpoints were s-l-o-w. Up ahead of me, filling up the zig-zagging queue, was some sort of youth group—about 20 teens and two adult leaders. One of the leaders thought it was a great idea to collect all the teen passports and boarding passes, because... responsible adult or something. But then he got to the first TSA person and learned each person needed to have their own documents in hand. What a mess trying to redistribute things, clogging the line, angering the other passengers. I'm a peaceful guy, but I wanted to do sever physical harm to the leader.
Susan Henning 3 years ago
24 yr airline pilot instructor here. Been through dozens of emergency training schools. 1. Know where your exits are. Count seat backs from the entrance/exits. In a smoke filled cabin, you won't see the exit signs. 2. Wear cotton/rayon/natural fibers. In a fire, synthetics and polys WILL melt into your skin. 3. Leave your damn purse, carry on, coat, whatever. If fuel tanks rupture, you have less than 90 seconds to get out. 4. There is no 'women and children first'. If fire is burning at your heels, men will walk over a covey of nuns and toddlers to get out. 5. Escape ramps are wicked steep. Doesn't matter. Close your eyes and jump. Might break an arm, but you'll live. 6. Never ever have a lap child. In even a short field, hard stop, the g-forces will turn that 30 pound toddler into a 90 pound missile you cannot hold. 7. Illness/injury? Tell your FA. We can land at any or all suitable airports. Including military bases. We can declare an emergency, CFR will meet us on the runway. Y
Nate Jones 3 years ago
How about not crowding around the luggage carousel. Stand a few feet back so I don't have to fight through a crowd to grab my luggage. You look like cattle.
Memere 3 years ago (edited)
One thing that really angers me is the a$$holes who will put their carry-on in an overhead bin close to the front, then go sit in the back of the plane. Then the person who is sitting towards the front has to find an overhead bin in another row from where they're sitting. Put your carry-on in the bin above where you sit, you jerk!
Gilbert Slater 3 years ago
Absolutely. Flight crew should police this behavior too.
Load More Replies... Mama Penguin 3 years ago
When you're on a long haul flight, do little leg stretches while you're sitting down. What I do is put my legs together and move my heels up and down for 15 - 20 times. Your legs will feel less stiff when you get off the plane.
Al Christensen 3 years ago
I was headed out on an international flight at a time of high terrorist paranoia. The security checkpoints were s-l-o-w. Up ahead of me, filling up the zig-zagging queue, was some sort of youth group—about 20 teens and two adult leaders. One of the leaders thought it was a great idea to collect all the teen passports and boarding passes, because... responsible adult or something. But then he got to the first TSA person and learned each person needed to have their own documents in hand. What a mess trying to redistribute things, clogging the line, angering the other passengers. I'm a peaceful guy, but I wanted to do sever physical harm to the leader.
Susan Henning 3 years ago
24 yr airline pilot instructor here. Been through dozens of emergency training schools. 1. Know where your exits are. Count seat backs from the entrance/exits. In a smoke filled cabin, you won't see the exit signs. 2. Wear cotton/rayon/natural fibers. In a fire, synthetics and polys WILL melt into your skin. 3. Leave your damn purse, carry on, coat, whatever. If fuel tanks rupture, you have less than 90 seconds to get out. 4. There is no 'women and children first'. If fire is burning at your heels, men will walk over a covey of nuns and toddlers to get out. 5. Escape ramps are wicked steep. Doesn't matter. Close your eyes and jump. Might break an arm, but you'll live. 6. Never ever have a lap child. In even a short field, hard stop, the g-forces will turn that 30 pound toddler into a 90 pound missile you cannot hold. 7. Illness/injury? Tell your FA. We can land at any or all suitable airports. Including military bases. We can declare an emergency, CFR will meet us on the runway. Y
Nate Jones 3 years ago
How about not crowding around the luggage carousel. Stand a few feet back so I don't have to fight through a crowd to grab my luggage. You look like cattle.
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