20 Things You Shouldn’t Do Before Your Flight So It Doesn’t Become a Nightmare

The number of air passengers exceeded 4.3 billion people, according to 2018 data. When traveling by plane, everyone dreams of a check in fast, a convenient seat and quiet neighbors. Even on a clear, cloudless day, flying can be stressful. Flights can be delayed or cancelled, the queue at passport control seems endless, the jet lag it’s disorienting, the uncomfortable turbulence and the overpriced drinks on the plane spoil the mood. However, there are some tips to avoid or minimize pre-travel anxiety.

O awesome.club discovered what absolutely must not be done before the flight and on board the plane, in order to travel comfortably.

When traveling, consideration should be given to the cleanliness of surfaces, tight seats and changes in temperature. Do not wear shorts or short skirts, it is better to opt for light, loose trousers or a long dress. Due to limited time between flights, cleanliness is not very satisfactory: seats and tables may not be completely clean. Avoid complicated clothes to wear. Airplane bathrooms are quite small and trying to get a tight jumpsuit on and off can be very difficult.

If the flight is long, it is recommended to wear compression socks or tights. They improve blood circulation, help prevent leg swelling and protect against deep vein thrombosis. By compressing the leg muscles, knee length compression stockings increase blood flow. By the way, not all look like medical clothes: there are many sporty and stylish options available.

Dr. Marisa Garshik recommends always using sunscreen when flying during the day. Although aircraft windows partially block UVB and UVA rays, they can still cause skin damage as the radiation is more intense at higher altitudes.

New York-based esthetician Isabel Bellis recommends applying an oil to the skin before flying, followed by a moisturizer to prevent moisture loss. Some passengers spray thermal water on their face or use a hydrating fabric mask on the plane. However, these ways only dry out the skin even more, as they promote the evaporation of fluid from the superficial layers of the epidermis. In addition, thermal water usually contains salt, which added to the dry air of the plane, can draw water from the skin.

Download the application of the airline you plan to fly with in advance and fill in your reservation details. This will facilitate the check in, will provide information if the plane is delayed or if the boarding gate number changes. Most airlines make it easy to set up Wi-Fi via the app on passengers’ phones and offer free in-flight entertainment.

Consult the Internet usage conditions in advance (with your operator or at the airport). WiFi may be required in case of sudden changes and flight delays. Many airports have free Wi-Fi, but be careful to protect yourself from hackers🇧🇷 Using antivirus and VPN (Virtual Private Network) will help save important data. A VPN provides secure traffic: it encrypts it and routes it through a server that changes your location to protect your personal data stored on your phone.

Avoid choosing heels or stiff boots. It is better to wear comfortable shoes without laces. Airline officials advise avoiding high heels and open shoes, mainly for security reasons. In case of emergency evacuation, heels can pierce the inflatable ladder. Flip flops and sandals will not protect your feet from freezing, especially on long flights. Also, wearing open shoes in an aircraft bathroom is not hygienic, as liquid can come into contact with your feet.

A fizzy drink during the flight can increase the production of gases in the intestine, which is usually already increased by the decrease in atmospheric pressure, which can cause abdominal bloating and nausea. Another thing, at heights, non-alcoholic soft drinks foam more when served from a can, delaying service to other passengers.

Participation in the loyalty program is a great advantage if you are looking for a upgrade🇧🇷 Some airlines only allow it for the subsequent class: from Economy to Premium Economy, from Premium Economy to Business or from Business to First. Active travelers note that it has gotten more complicated to get a upgradesince all companies try to do the check in online, instead of queuing at the counter. However, if you arrive at the airport earlier, please do not hesitate to politely request a upgrade class of travel: “If you are doing upgrades on this flight, please take me into account.”

Insurance companies advise carrying copies of documents in your hand luggage and in all checked bags. This can help if you lose your passport or driver’s license, if the airline fails to deliver your luggage, or if you need to prove that the bag found is yours. It is also recommended to make digital copies and leave them with someone close to you who can send them quickly if needed.

At passport control, take a look at the line of passengers in front of you. Try not to lag behind people who might need additional verification. For example, if a child is traveling with only one parent, additional documents may be required. If you notice that someone is behaving anxiously or that their documents are not prepared, it is better to choose another queue.

If you don’t like long waits at the airport, and you don’t want to miss your flight, use security time tracking apps like MiFlight.

If you have a layover in another country, check the time on your watch and cell phone. Mobile devices don’t always update automatically, so it’s best to check the scoreboard at the airport.

Even if you don’t plan on listening to music or audiobooks for the entire flight, savvy travelers advise packing good headphones or earplugs for noise reduction in your carry-on. They will allow you not to be disturbed by a baby crying in the next seat or other very noisy passengers.

Getting to know the local food is one of the most fun parts of traveling. However, on the eve of the flight, it is better to pass by the kiosk with unfamiliar street food and skip the waiter’s recommendations to try a unique local dish, and thus not face a sudden intolerance to new products. We are more used to home cooking than what we experience abroad, and problems often arise because the stomach is not familiar with culinary novelties. You also need to be careful with spicy foods with lots of seasonings, they often cause stomach discomfort. Spices, for example chili pepper, contain capsaicin, a strong ingredient that irritates the digestive tract. Capsaicin can irritate the lining of the stomach or intestines and even cause diarrhea. It is better to refuse pre-flight type condiments.

Most airports have restrictions on the amount of liquid that can pass through security. Remember that, in addition to drinks, almost all cosmetics and many liquid products are often prohibited. It is best not to put toothpastes, aerosols, gels, fruit preserves, brine cheeses, fish and meat, frozen foods, butter, yogurt, etc. in your hand luggage.

You cannot pass security with a bottle of water, but you can carry an empty one and refill it when you pass through security. Water at the airport is usually much more expensive.

Hasty travelers might pick up someone else’s bag by mistake. To avoid problems with your luggage, tie a colorful ribbon or use a bright tag to make your bag stand out from other black or blue bags.

When purchasing a ticket, it is important to pay attention to weight restrictions and the amount of checked baggage allowed. Passengers who exceed the free baggage allowance indicated on the voucher may pay an overweight fee. If the bag is heavier than the rules allow, choose clothes with pockets where you can put heavy things when checking the bag at the airline counter.

In an attempt to save money, some travelers choose overnight flights. Sometimes this option, on the contrary, results in additional costs. Public transport usually doesn’t work at night, and you have to spend money on a taxi to get there. Many hotels will ask you to pay extra for the check in anticipated. At night at the airport you may find that the shops and cafes are closed, so there is nowhere to eat or buy a water.

What flight preparation secrets do you find useful? Share with us in the comments.