TRAVEL

Air Travel Tips From a Frequent Flier

Published

6 years ago

February 22, 2019

Source: Getty Images

As we gear up for the busy Spring Break travel season it’s worth listening to the advice of frequent fliers who can offer tips and tricks we probably haven’t thought of.

Not surprisingly, a recent series of tweets from frequent flier and creative producer, Taha Khan, has gone viral thanks to his common sense tips to help ease the discomfort of plane travel.

I fly a lot. A thread of what I learned:

• Never check bags. Pack for max 10 days & do laundry.

• Jetlag hits you on the second night. Use melatonin.

• When you get off the plane, speed walk to passport control. You save a minute of queuing for every person you pass.
— taha (@KhanStopMe) February 20, 2019

“I fly a lot,” Khan tweeted before sharing numerous tips he called “a thread of what I’ve learned.”

• Cabin pressure & lack of movement is bad for blood circulation. Regular stretches & movement prevents aching.

• Cabin air is dry. Moisturise skin & lips often.

• Watching films dries your eyes quickly, you’ll feel rough afterwards. Podcasts, music & audiobooks are better.
— taha (@KhanStopMe) February 20, 2019

• Ask for upgrades at the gate everytime. Sometimes they’re really cheap.

• Noise cancelling headphones are essential.

• Neck pillows aren’t worth the hassle. Eye masks are worth it.

• Always have a powerbank. Don’t count on inflight power or entertainment.
— taha (@KhanStopMe) February 20, 2019

• Snacks. M&Ms or Skittles are good.

• Orange Juice is magic. It makes you feel alive again. Bring your own, theirs is sugar water.

• Bring anti-bacterial wipes for the table.

• During school term time, arriving 1.5 hrs before an international flight is fine. Trust me.
— taha (@KhanStopMe) February 20, 2019

• Passports are pocket sized. Keep it on you from start to finish.

• Always take off belt, shoes & jackets at security, even if they don’t ask, it saves you any trouble.

• All electronics should be in your backpack. Repacking your suitcase after an inspection is a nightmare.
— taha (@KhanStopMe) February 20, 2019

• Have good bags. I use an Away Suitcase & a Peak Design Backpack.

• Always have a shortcut set up to alert someone if there is any trouble upon landing. This is especially important for non-white people.

• Being patient, smiley & friendly go a long way.

What are your tips?
— taha (@KhanStopMe) February 20, 2019

Here’s the full list of Khan’s top tips:

Never check bags. Pack for max 10 days & do laundry.

Jetlag hits you on the second night. Use melatonin.

When you get off the plane speed walk to passport control to beat everyone else.

Stretch and move regularly to help your blood circulate.

Moisturize lips and skin often to combat the dry air inside a plane.

Stick to podcasts, audiobooks, and music for entertainment. Khan says watching movies can dry out the eyes and leave you feeling rough.

Don’t be afraid to ask for an upgrade at the gate. Sometimes they are cheap.

Invest in noise canceling headphones.

Neck pillows aren’t worth it, but a good eye mask is.

Always pack a power bank.

Pack snacks. Khan likes Skittles and M&M’s and also recommends picking up a bottle of orange juice once you’re through security to bring on the plane.

Wipe down the tray table with antibacterial wipes.

When kids are in school, Khan says it’s fine to arrive just 1.5 hours before an international flight is set to depart.

Keep your passport in your pocket, or within easy access so you don’t have to go digging for it.

Always remove belts, shoes, and jacket at security.

Keep electronics in your backpack.

Make sure you use good luggage. Khan recommends an Away Suitcase and a Peak Design Backpack.

Khan recommends always having a shortcut set up to alert someone if you have any trouble after landing.

And lastly, Khan suggests “being patient, smiley & friendly go a long way.”

Bon Voyaged

Air Travel Tips From a Frequent Flier

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