Top 7 tips for having a great flight

Nothing beats jetting off to somewhere exotic for your summer holidays. Whether you’re lounging by the pool, swimming in the sea or backpacking around the countryside, going on vacation is a great way to unwind and take a break from the daily grind.

There is, however, one part of travelling that many people find quite stressful: flying. Slow-moving queues, airport security, cramped cabins and long flights can really take it out of you, so we’ve put together this list of handy flying tips to help you on your way.

1. Know the rules. Regulations regarding baggage and your carry-on often vary from airline to airline and are subject to change on a regular basis. Checking the website of the Transport Security Administration and of your carrier before arriving at the airport might save you a lot of hassle. If you’re travelling with a group, don’t forget to share any information you might have.

2. Keep your carry-on small. Checked luggage can be expensive but don’t fall into the trap of cramming excess clothing and belongings into your carry-on. Flight attendants are likely to spot bags that are too big/heavy and ask you to check them as well. Stick to the guidelines. You can also bring either a handbag or a laptop bag as long as it can comfortably fit under the seat in front of you.

3. Bring a sleep kit. Sleep kits can be purchased at the airport and provide an added level of comfort, especially on long-haul and overnight flights. A travel pillow and eye mask will help you catch some extra Zs, as will a comfy blanket and earplugs. Noise-cancelling headphones are also a great investment.

4. Pay for WiFi. We can be slow to dish out for on-flight extras because, let’s be honest, airlines have a long history of ripping customers off. But if you’re on a particularly long journey it might be worth checking out the WiFi. If internet access keeps your mind occupied and passes the time, it might actually be good value for money.

5. Bring hand sanitiser. Airplanes have a lot of surfaces that are constantly being touched by passengers and crew so if you’re a bit of a germaphobe, or simply want to make sure your hands are clean before eating, a small bottle of hand sanitiser will do the trick.

6. Bring snacks. I don’t mean to get all Jerry Seinfeld on you here but what is the deal with airline food? If you’d prefer something more nutritious, small portions of healthy snacks like nuts or dried fruit are a great way of keeping your energy levels up.

7. Stay hydrated. It’s easy to feel a bit dehydrated at 30,000 feet. Drinking plenty of water in the airport and on the plane will help prevent your skin, lips and nasal passages from drying out and keep you feeling fresh. Try to avoid coffee and booze – caffeine and alcohol actually have the opposite effect to water and may leave you dehydrated.

For more information on this and other topics, check out our blog or get in touch with one of our experts today.

Have a great trip,

The Team at GMIB.ie