15 Things You Must Do Every Time You Board a Plane

Flying is rarely a stress-free process. From waiting in the security line to anxiously hoping the flight isn’t delayed, it might seem like traveling by plane can just never be easy.

However, whether you’re a first-time flyer or hop on a plane every few weeks for work, everyone can take the same steps to make sure the process goes as smoothly as possible.

Here are 15 steps frequent flyers take when boarding a plane that makes the entire experience easier and more efficient. Step up your travel game by putting these tips into practice.

Traveling abroad? Pull out your passport right now to make sure it’s still valid.

You don’t want to be stuck in the stressful position of having to make an emergency call to your state representative’s office to try to get a passport ASAP.

If you don’t already have TSA PreCheck, sign up before your next flight. It makes the security process smoother and more efficient.

It also saves you from the stress of arriving at the airport only to realize that the standard security line is wrapped around the building. Having PreCheck allows you to avoid that hassle, as you get to use a shorter line that is almost always faster.

The process of getting TSA PreCheck can take time, so stop by the official website to learn more about how to enroll. If you already have TSA PreCheck, make sure it’s still valid. It must be renewed every five years.

If you’re traveling somewhere that is out of the ordinary for you, notify your credit card provider before you take off.

If you arrive in Europe but typically don’t travel there, your lender could flag the card and put it on hold temporarily out of an abundance of caution. 

Letting the lender know your plans in advance can help you avoid this inconvenience.

Before you leave home, make sure your pet sitter or house sitter has everything they need to do their job while you’re gone.

Remind them which days they need to be on duty. Also, do a last check to make sure they have a key to get into your house.

Packing your carry-on efficiently is one key to a comfortable travel experience.

Consider using smaller storage bags to help organize your belongings before you put them in the carry-on. Keep items that you will need during security and boarding toward the top of your bag.

No one likes leaving a favorite toiletry behind because they forgot that liquids must be in containers that are 3.4 ounces or less. Double-check your toiletry bag to make sure you are in compliance.

Make sure you have the airline’s app on your phone and that it is still working before you get to the airport. It can make everything easier, from checking a bag to monitoring delays and exploring the latest in-flight entertainment.

If you plan on tuning into a podcast or catching up on a favorite show, download those to your phone before leaving home.

With media already on the phone, you won’t have to worry about a strong Wi-Fi connection to listen or watch, and you won’t have to pay for internet access.

You don’t want to arrive at the airport only to find all the lots are full. So, look at your options ahead of time and see if you can reserve a spot, either at an airline lot or a less expensive lot nearby.

Some airlines will provide free texting, while others offer free internet. Some don’t offer connectivity at all.

So, find out your airline’s Wi-Fi situation. If service is available but isn’t free, decide whether you want to pay the additional fee.

If you didn’t pick your seat when you first booked the flight, you might have been assigned something you don’t like.

If so, open the airline app and see if you can change the seat. There may be an upgrade fee associated with the change, but it could be worth it if you feel strongly about switching.

No one wants to pay several dollars for a bottle of water at the airport, so don’t forget to bring your own reusable water bottle.

You will have to empty it before you go through security, but most airports have filling stations where you can fill the bottle with free filtered water.

Dry air is inescapable in an airplane. So, apply moisturizer to your skin before your board. This is especially important if you are going to be in the air for a long time.

Whether you print a boarding pass or keep it on your phone, have it out and ready to go once it’s time to board.

Doing so will help the entire process go smoothly and reduce the frustration of fellow travelers who are anxious to board.

Airline tray tables are notoriously dirty. To make sure you have a sanitary experience, take antibacterial wipes with you and give the entire tray table and the armrests a wipedown as soon as you board.

Traveling can be a complicated process, but using a few expert tips makes it easier.

Also, consider booking your next trip — and paying for other vacation expenses — with a great credit card that helps you earn travel rewards or other perks.