Happy TRAVEL TUESDAY, friends!
It’s another edition of…
Today, I’m going to share my little “ways” for AIR TRAVEL WITH EASE.
In the history of all the funny quotes I’ve ever shared, this one here is without a doubt the one most representative of me.
Bahahahaha! Funny and true.
As you might imagine, I get asked A TON about traveling with ease. I get asked by my clients, by my friends, and by my sweet blog readers.
I love to travel. I love to travel often. I’m always ready to board a flight and head somewhere.
“Flying with ease” was a blog reader suggestion earlier in the spring that I jotted down. I know many of you would like to travel more but the hoopla that surrounds getting from your front door to your seat on the plane is enough of a pain to discourage you. I always, always want to encourage traveling, so I’m going to share a few tips and hopefully give you a confidence boost that you CAN travel with ease.
Let’s be real, these tips all very obvious/basic/not super unique, but the main point here is to encourage you. I would love to help minimize some of the “airport anxiety” and build your confidence instead.
I can’t stress this enough, just like most things in life, practice makes perfect. The more you go through “the airport steps”, the easier it will get.
Here are 10 WAYS TO MAKE AIR TRAVEL EASIER:
#1: SIGN UP FOR ALL THE THINGS
If you are going to fly once every decade, then no, you don’t need to sign up for all the things.
BUT if you’re going to fly once every year or so, then I say go for it.
What are “all the things”?
TSA PreCheck is the first one. The government often makes things a bit more complicated than it needs to…but I honestly don’t think they make it terrible to get your TSA Precheck (all things considered). I do think it makes traveling much easier if you know you can skip the longer line for the shorter Precheck one. It might be a pain upfront to get it…but it will simplify all of your airport arrivals for the next five years (and it’s easy to renew after that!).
If your airport has Clear (which is a privately run company that expedites airport security), and you travel enough, I would look into that as well. I have both and honestly, it depends on the airport which line I get in when I arrive. DFW has very, very few Clear stations, so I almost exclusively use TSA Precheck there, but I find it very efficient to use Clear at other airports (like in Orlando).
If you travel internationally often, I do think Global Entry is worth the time and money to get as well. If you travel internationally with your kids, it’s free to get it for them as long as you have it and/or applying for it at the same time.
These are all just little things that can give you a bit more “ease” when you’re arriving at the airport and/or trying to get through the long US border control line upon landing.
Speaking of signing up for all the things…
#2: SIGN UP FOR LOYALTY PROGRAMS
Yup. Whichever airline is the one you use most often, sign up for their loyalty program. We live in Dallas, so American Airlines is the program we use (and some of my Dallas friends use Southwest)…but if I lived in Atlanta, I’d sign up for Delta’s…if I lived in Chicago, I’d sign up for United’s…and so on. Sign up for the airline you tend to use the most.
Signing up for these programs is as easy as going to their website and signing up. No fees, just sign up.
Why?
Because airlines love their loyalty programs.
Even if you don’t travel a ton, I think you’ll find that it can benefit you. Depending on the airline, you could get baggage allowances, priority lanes at check-in, you could board earlier, get designated phone numbers to call should you have any issues and on and on. It just doesn’t hurt anything to sign up, so do it…and see if you don’t quickly find a bonus or two just from being a part of their program.
#3: ARRIVE EARLY
Hi, my name is Shay, and I don’t like to be rushed at the airport. Boarding a flight at the last minute, while sprinting, in a full sweat and slight panic is NOT how I want to do it.
If you have any unease whatsoever about the airport, arriving early can only help to diminish it.
Get there early so that the TSA lines don’t matter as much.
Get there early so that you have time to get through security and find your gate without sprinting.
Get there early and enjoy a meal or a drink or simply reading your book at the gate.
Arrive early and so many potential travel issues naturally just go away.
#4: WEAR THE RIGHT THINGS
This is a bit of trial and error, but if you want an easier visit to the airport, make sure you’re dressed for it.
If you have on too many layers while going through security, they can ask you to start taking them off. If your shoes and/or belt have too much metal on them (or your jewelry!), it will complicate your walk through the security line. If your shoes don’t slip on or off easily, that can make things harder. I love jewelry, and I love a layer…but when I’m standing in the TSA line, I take all of it off and stick it in my tote. This way, I go through the line with minimal issues and then just add them back after my tote is scanned.
I noticed years ago that often my Apple Watch would trigger something, so I started just putting it in my tote right before I went through and bam, problem solved. After it’s scanned in my tote, I put it right back on. Taking the watch on and off is way easier than causing the machine to go off.
You can certainly bring all the layers, all the jewelry, all the things to the airport, just don’t walk through security with it all on you. Let that stuff ride through on the conveyer belt and you go through as “simply dressed” as possible. It makes that portion of the security line way easier.
#5: TSA IS ON YOUR SIDE
I think a big part of traveling with ease right now is keeping in mind that the TSA agents are on our side. They are looking out for people who are trying to hurt us (the innocent travelers). They are not working against us. They are working FOR us.
I travel through a lot of airports and honestly, they all kind of do it differently. Some agents/some airports/some lines are way more particular about things while others are not. Instead of fighting that particular agent’s system (“I didn’t have to take my MacBook out the last time I traveled.”), just comply. I see way too many people make airport travel “less easy” by smarting off to the TSA agents who are just doing their job to protect all of us.
If you’re unsure of what to do, simply ask them. These are really nice people who are just trying to keep us all safe. Be kind and keep in mind that we’re all on the same team.
#6: CHECK, DON’T CHECK…DO WHAT WORKS FOR YOU
People ask me all the time if I check bags or carry on. My answer is almost always “I check a bag”.
For me, handing my bags over and not having to mess with them again until I reach my final destination makes traveling easier for me. I don’t have to worry about overhead space filling up. I don’t have to worry about forgetting my bag/losing my bag/etc. My walk through security is simpler…I personally think it’s just easier to check a bag. BUT if that stresses you out, then you should “do you” and carry on.
There is no wrong answer here. There is just the answer that will give YOU the most peace and ease at the airport.
#7: BOARD EARLY
If overhead space is something you need, then boarding early will make your airport trip easier. Accruing loyalty points is one great way to get “higher” on the boarding list. It’s stressful to board late and need overhead bin space only to get on the aircraft and not find it (or find it somewhere way away from your seat). I always think that boarding the earliest you can board based on your ticket is always an advantage.
#8: DON’T BOOK TIGHT CONNECTIONS
Perhaps the best tip…do not book tight connections.
At my travel agency, we have parameters around tight connections because nothing is more stressful on travel day than a tight connection. Give yourself plenty of time between those connections. You will never regret a longer connection…but you’ll often regret a really tight one.
#9: PACK A SNACK (AND A BLANKET!)
As simple as it sounds, traveling is easier when you have a snack.
Whether your flight is delayed and you’re stuck on board without food or the lines are too long at Chick-fil-a and you can’t grab lunch or you are sprinting to that tight connection and don’t have time to get something between flights…just always have snacks because no one wants to travel hungry.
I also always pack an oversized scarf in my bag too which I pull out as a blanket. I don’t want to be hungry or cold in an airport or on a flight. I bring both and have never regretted it.
And finally…
#10: PACK THE RIGHT ATTITUDE
Andrew and I made a pact many many years ago that we would not complain about travel issues. Traveling brings us joy and is a blessing, and we just decided that no matter what happens, we won’t complain.
Honestly, for the most part, we rarely ever have travel issues…but occasionally when we do, we put on our happy faces and just deal with it. We might talk about it (like with you!), but we don’t complain/let it ruin our day/upset us. That never fixes the problem.
I think if you show up to the airport with a great attitude, you’ll have a much much much better experience than if you show up with a bad attitude. Right?
Just show up positive and hope for the best 🙂 .
And those are 10 of MY WAYS TO FLY WITH EASE.
Since we’re talking about traveling with ease, I thought I’d share a few really cute and practical “airplane outfits” too.
Here are seven example outfits of things I personally like to wear to the airport for my travel days…
DRESS// DENIM JACKET// SCARF// DIAMOND STUDS// BEIS TOTE// SNEAKERS
TANK// SWEATER// JOGGERS// DIAMOND STUDS// SNEAKERS// BEIS TOTE
HALF ZIP// PANTS// DIAMOND STUDS// SUNGLASSES// SNEAKERS// BEIS TOTE
JUMPSUIT// DENIM JACKET// DIAMOND STUDS// SNEAKERS// BEIS TOTE
DIAMOND STUDS// SWEATER// JEANS// BEIS TOTE// FLATS
ROMPER// SWEATER// DIAMOND STUDS// SNEAKERS// BEIS TOTE
DIAMOND STUDS// SLEEVELESS SET// DENIM JACKET// SNEAKERS// BEIS TOTE
Alrighty, of course, I would love to know how YOU travel with ease. Please comment and share!
Don’t forget, I have other SHAY’S WAYS you might want to check out today too…
Just look:
25 Keys to a Peaceful Morning
22 Keys to making Fall Cozy
19 Key Fall Kitchen Essentials
18 Keys to Prepping for a Trip
14 Keys to Simplify BACK TO SCHOOL
21 Keys to Savoring Summer
21 Keys for Working at Home {Summer Edition}
25 Keys to Outdoor Summer Entertaining
25 Keys to Maintaining our Yard
17 Keys to my Holiday Prep
11 Keys to a Cozy Winter
9 Keys to Returning from a Trip
12 Keys to Leaving Your Kiddos When You Travel
13 Keys to Meal Planning
8 Keys to Creating Daily Routines You Love
21 Keys to Elevating the Everyday
13 Keys to Managing Jet Lag
9 Keys to a Cozy Halloween Night
19 Keys to Hosting Festive & Easy Holiday Parties
12 Keys to Adding Activity into the Everyday
17 Keys to Working From Home
9 Easy Afternoon Energizers
14 Simple Luxuries
8 Keys to Finding a Gym
21 Ways I Hygge
12 Ways for a Happier Day
7 Keys to Reducing/Avoiding Motion Sickness
8 Ways to Add “Vacation” to the Everyday
10 Keys to Getting Ready to Workout
8 Ways I Stay Healthy When I Travel
7 Ways to Make the Holidays Fun for Teens
9 Things NOT to do at the Gym
7 Ways to Find Community
11 Travel Finds in my Home
18 Ways to be Summer Chic
10 Ways it’s Good to be Neighborly
Happy Tuesday, friends! Mix and Match Travel Agency would love, love, love to help you travel with ease too. Contact us today for more information on our fee-free, custom travel planning.
I’ll see you all back here tomorrow. xx
Elspeth Mizner says
As someone who just traveled internationally! These are all great pieces of advice! Especially tsa pre check
http://www.elspethsdaybyday.com
Kelly Sites says
Hi,
Great post. I travel A TON (internationally and domestic) for my job and for fun, so I 100% agree with all of these tips. My best tip to add is to GET nice earphones to wear on long flights (but I wear them on every flight) to drown out noise and loud talkers, etc. I paid the price by not having them on a very long international flight where an older child LITERALLY banged on his seat tray the ENTIRE flight. I’m patient with that stuff, but I don’t love it. So now I wear my noise canceling earphones on every single flight and listen to classical music, spa cello music, podcasts, an audiobook, my Spotify play lists, or NOTHING (because they cancel out sound). They are a life-savor, and I highly suggest them. 🙂
Dana P says
Yes! My husband was traveling a ton a few years back and this was his biggest tip, too. I got some Bose headphones for Prime day and they were wonderful! I also got the eye mask that attaches to the headrest and it’s the only thing that has really helped me sleep. I saw recently that you can drape a scarf over the headrest too and that holds up your head as well.. Also a foot sling is supposed to help…can you tell I’ve tried allll the things to help flights be less miserable?!
One last thing- I think each person has to decide if they want to rip the bandaid off or not in terms of getting to the other side of a long flight. I discovered that I prefer a shorter long flight (like 8 hours) and then a second connecting flight whereas my husband prefers just one really long flight and be done (like 10-11 hours). It’s really helped me not dread trips when I know I just have to do 8 hours instead of 11! Welcome to marriage though…:)
Amy Grace Duncan says
Our biggest way to make traveling easy is to take flights that we can get to without waking up outside of our normal sleep cycles…..we try so hard to just have a good nights sleep and not wake up at 3 or 4 am. Occasionally we will wake up an hour earlier than normal for a flight, but not more than that. It helps us all feel our best for the travel ahead!
Also, we recently started using airport lounges (thank you, Amex!) and that has made our travel days so pleasant and fun!! Do you guys ever use airport lounges?
Janette says
I have been to 96 countries, and your number 10 is the most important. To travel with ease, you have to be flexible and have the right attitude. And yes to a snack and a book. If there’s a delay or set-back, treat it like an adventure.
Julianna says
I’ll add flying in/out of a smaller airport when possible. I live near DC, but try to use the Baltimore airport when I can. Parking, security, and just getting around is so much easier in the smaller airport.
Dana P says
Yes! For real, maybe this is a niche topic, but this is so true, too. At the smaller airports, everyone is so nice, security is really chill, you don’t need to get there super super early…I have found that we prefer this, too.
Also yes to the airport lounges. For our family of 5, it actually saves us money vs. buying meals for all of us with a longer layover. My husband had accrued points when we was traveling internationally every other month so we mainly use them for that. Kids are free with paid adults. And it’s nice and quiet!
SS says
Shay,
I just had to say that quote made me laugh….because it would be so me, too!
Bonnie Butler says
I seriously love the park and ride option! You can also preschedule your spot in high travel times. My kids love hopping on that bus for our trips!!!
Debbie Alsip says
Love the attitude idea! I need to work on that!🤣
A few years ago, I started packing some small things ( chargers, snacks, medications, etc.)in zip pouches inside my carry on tote. It makes finding things easier once I’ve boarded.
Bren says
Yes!! Great tip, Debbie! I have learned to pack my bag with things in small pouches/totes so when I’m reaching into my bag, maybe already tucked partially under the seat in front of me, I can grab what I want by “feel” vs. sight!
Ashley says
These are so helpful, Shay! I have only flown maybe 5-6 times ever, but it always stresses me out when I do. Last year we flew to Monterey (to Pebble Beach, CA) and we didn’t realize we had to do the pre-check in before arriving at the airport that morning. We kind of thought it was optional. Well, we got to the airport and we couldn’t get our tickets through the machine, so we had to wait in line to speak to someone. It all worked out even though we were truly the people sprinting to board the plane after having to deal with all of that. So now we know to do the pre-check email thing and to always leave even extra extra early!
Hope you have a wonderful rest of your week! 🙂
Kristy says
My husband and I have different travel ideas. He travels a lot for work and likes to time it so he walks through security to the gate and into the plane. I like to get through security, use the restroom, fill my water bottle or buy one, maybe buy a snack and latte. We laugh at each other and usually he compromises a little and I compromise a little. Maybe I don’t need 2 hours at the airport and maybe 1 hour or 45 minutes before is just fine. However, we only carry on. Rarely will we check a bag because that stresses him out to wait for it and wonder if it made it. I don’t remember a bag not making it but I do remember standing around the carousel waiting and waiting, he wants to go! A little travel luxury we’ve started to use is the valet for parking. It’s so nice to pull up and then walk out and the car is right there.
Dana P says
Okay, I need to print this one out and laminate it! Maybe your most helpful post ever?! As someone who flies a ton internationally and doesn’t love it (sorry!), this was seriously a game changer. I’m signing up for global entry asap and why have I never thought to just take off my watch and things beforehand instead of waiting to ask if I need to?! You’re a genius, Shay!
This really does help me so much. We have 3 international trips planned this year (2 already down) and I’ve been seriously pondering if continuing to live overseas is worth it. This literally just breathed some life into me that I can do this! Thanks so much, Shay. 🙂
Kelly says
Global Entry makes me want to take as many international trips as I possibly can. I love it so much! We had to make a 5 hour drive to get to an airport that offered an interview (this was before they gave you the option to do the interview coming back into the country) and it was absolutely worth the time and hassle. To me there is nothing worse than being exhausted from an overnight flight and having to stand in line for two hours to get back into the country.
Dana P says
Oh, and a few tips I have had:
-we sometimes drive to the airport and prepay the parking to keep the car there. It’s more expensive, but it really helps to be able to just leave and drive home after a long flight. Either that or we take an uber there and back. So much easier than taking the train home (we live in Europe though).
-make sure you bring dual voltage hair tools if traveling internationally. We’ve seen many people burn these out with a 220v when they’re used to 110 in the US.
-electrolytes seem to help a ton with traveling
One last question for you, Shay. Kind of embarrassing, but what is the deal with the bubbly tummy that sometimes happens? It doesn’t happen every time, but it’s so uncomfortable when it does! I bring chewable tums or alka-seltzer, but it doesn’t really knock it out. I think I’m gonna try Gas-Z next time, but I’m not really sure it can be prevented? If you don’t know what I’m talking about, it’s almost like our stomachs can fill with air as the air pressure rises. It’s super uncomfortable!
Mix and Match Mama says
So many good travel tips! I don’t have any answers to your last question, but I feel positive that others will!
Cat says
Just like air inside a bag of chips (purchased on the ground) expands and gets puffy in a flight…. so does air in your stomach. As much as I love carbonated beverages of all types – I tend not to drink them before boarding.
Marti says
One travel advice tidbit I have comes from a missed flight experience. My husband and I missed a connecting flight to Mexico because of weather. The airline did pay for us to get a hotel room for the night, but we had no important belongings with us–no toiletries, extra clothes, etc., because we always check our baggage. Now we always put an extra set of clothing, swimsuit, medications, needed toiletries, etc. in a backpack which we carry on board. That way if we get in the same situation, we have necessities that will get us through until we are reunited with our luggage.
Julia says
I love a great airport lounge, especially the Centurion Lounge! I’d encourage everyone to check their loyalty status and credit card plans to see if they can get lounge access somewhere because it makes the airport experience so much more enjoyable to have a relaxing place to wait before your flight and enjoy some free food and drinks.
Debra says
This is a great list and how I travel. I learned all of this as a person who traveled weekly for work for decades – my airplane ride commute was like everyone else’s drive to work and Igot really great at it. Now I travel an average of 10 or 12 times a year. One thing I would add is for travelers with status and/or an airline club membership – call your dedicated status line or go to the club for help when things go bad with your flight. They will take excellent care of getting you re-booked on the best available substitute flight much quicker than standing in a long line or holding for the next available agent.
Andie Ruppert says
For super early flights, which we try to avoid, I leave my makeup on and wear my airplane clothes to bed. Then, I get up, fluff my hair, brush my teeth and am out the door! (I don’t move when I sleep and sleep on my back)
Lane says
These are so helpful! I love these types of posts. Thank you for sharing! My husband is also an enneagram 8 and feels the exact same way you do about arriving early to the airport and checking bags!
Elisabeth Hogue says
I just recently got TSA precheck for my kids and it was so much easier because we made our appointments with a representative at our local Office Depot – instead of having to go to some office at the airport! And appointments were available same or next day. Not sure if this is available in all areas, but you fill out the form and make your appointment on the Office Depot website. So much easier!
Carol says
Great suggestions! What is your personal guideline for a connection? If I’m returning to the U.S. from another country, I want to allow a couple of hours. I’m okay with somewhere around an hour and a half for domestic flights. I’m interested in what you recommend as a professional!
Mix and Match Mama says
It depends on the airport, but if you’re going through customs, no less than three hours. For some airports (Heathrow!), I like closer to four if possible.
Bren says
We live rural and have a bit of a drive to any of the airports we use. Because I always worry about something happening on the way we tend to leave fairly early which thrilled no one…until one time in the middle of winter with below zero temps, we had a tire blow out. So there we were on the side of the road, freezing and changing a tire (that we had to pull all our luggage out to get to). Since then, no one complains about leaving early because if we hadn’t that trip? There’s a really good chance we’d have missed our flight! I’d much rather sit in the airport for a bit vs. flying down the interstate feeling panicked! (And no one enjoys hearing me remind them of this story every time we travel if they give me any grief over what time we leave.) 😂
Sheaffer says
I thought this post was about as helpful to me as one of your book reviews ;)…..
BUT THEN I SAW THE OUTFITS!
Soooooooooooooo cute!
Mix and Match Mama says
Bahahahaha! Your #1 tip is have Shay pick you up at home and go with you the entire way there. I did get you to do your TSA Precheck though. Aren’t you happy? 😉
Angie R says
TSA pre-check tip….I did my appointment at Office Depot!! They did my fingerprints and all the things. In and out in < 5 min! This of course doesn’t include Global Entry, which I didn’t need.
Karen in VA says
Shay,
I managed a volunteer program at Dulles airport for 10 years called travelers aid. And I have flown all over the place. But no matter what, I stress myself out to the point of not wanting to get on the plane. I’m constantly terrified of the turbulence. I had a couple of very bad experiences. It’s so bad that I am looking at my phone every 5 minutes to see how much longer we’re going to be on the plane! Then I decided to listen to channel 9 and hear what the air traffic controllers are saying. That did help a little bit. There is no way I can get on a flight to go overseas now. Are you ever afraid of the turbulence? Have you ever been in severe turbulence? Just curious.
Mix and Match Mama says
I don’t think you’re alone, Karen. I think many people get flight anxiety similar to yours. I personally love to fly and the turbulence doesn’t bother me (and I’ve been in some severe turbulance). I don’t want to discount your feelings at all when I say this (because I know this anxiety is very very real!), but for me, I just remind myself that planes don’t crash. They just don’t. Thousands and thousands of planes fly each day and all safely land. I get on board with loads of things to do that excite me (new movies or series to watch, books to read, work to do, Sudoku to play, etc) and savor the time unplugged indulging in my favorite things. I am sure you’ve tried many things, but if you haven’t tried saving a TV series or movie that you’re really excited about for the flight, start with that. I’m sorry you struggle with this. I wish I had an “easy” fix.
Dana P says
I’m going to embarrass myself and reply for the 50th time on this post. 🙂 I get a little claustrophobic, but I don’t have turbulence anxiety. I weirdly like it a little bit?! I know, so bizarre. But Sharon Says So on IG has talked a lot about this. She used to avoid flying, too. She talks about how the pilots are completely unfazed during turbulence and that it’s like the plane is in a bowl of jello. I’m guessing she has a highlight on it, but you’re definitely not alone on that one!
Also, that bag of chips analogy was helpful! I just wish I could figure out the pattern. On my last trip, I drank a carbonated drink on the way there and had nothing. On the way back, I had eaten a couple of meals beforehand and was miserable. Maybe it has something to do with how much we’ve eaten before the flight? I’m going to do some more research!
Jenny N says
We got TSA Precheck this year and it could not have been easier. We filled out some forms online and then visited a Staples store about 10 minutes from our house to show our paperwork and take a photo. We were honestly in and out in less than 10 minutes. Got a text a few days later saying we had been approved. It was so EASY!! I put it off because I didn’t want to have to go to the airport and little did I know you longer have to if you don’t want to.
Angela Sharbono says
Hi Shay! Great post! I am thinking of purchasing the Beis mini weekender and wondered if it actually fit under the seat on the plane and was an approved personal item size. Thank you for your thoughts! 🙂
Mix and Match Mama says
Yes and Yes! We have flown many many times now with them!
Amber W says
Can you do a post about what you pack in your personal item bag 🙂
Mix and Match Mama says
YES!!