Flying is the biggest pain here. While it used to be exciting and fun to fly, it often feels more like a hassle. Unless you know a few secrets. Okay, they aren't really 'secrets', but I don't understand why more people aren't taking advantage of them. These are especially helpful for people who haven't flown in a while and got out of the routine. Enjoy!
- Get TSA Precheck already!: If you haven't applied for this yet, what's stopping you? It's $85 for 5 years. That means, for 5 years, you get to skip the long line, you don't have to take off your shoes/disrobe and you get through security a hell of a lot faster. Apply now at https://universalenroll.dhs.gov/programs/precheck
- Take a Lyft or Uber vs. self-parking, parking far away, or taxi: It's cheaper, you can go right to security and it saves you a ton of time. Also cheaper than self-parking and taxis.
- Carry on vs. checking your bags: Make a travel list and remove anything you only 'think' you'll need. Get a carry on size friendly bag (for the overhead) and pack only 3 days' worth of clothes and toiletries. If I can do it, you can. Carrying on helps you avoid the line when you arrive and waiting eons for your bag after your flight. Pack lightly and also bring Tide packets and a sink plug to wash things in the bathroom sink if needed. For more ideas on how to pack light, check out this page on Rick Steves' website https://www.ricksteves.com/travel-tips/packing-light
- Sit as far forward on the plane as you can. For some airlines, this means you have to buy your ticket as far in advance as possible. For others, which don't have assigned seating, this means checking into your flight as early as possible. Whatever you need to do, sit as far forward as possible. Why? So you can get the frick off the plane as fast as possible once you land. This is especially critical if you have a connecting flight with a narrow layover window. I get so pissed off at people who take their sweet time getting off the plane. MOVE YOUR ASS!
- Wear comfy shoes and bring a sweater: Airports = walking, plus, and not to be morbid, but if sh*t goes down on a flight, you can more easily get around/run vs. those in flip flops or heels. On the note of flip flops, plane temperatures fluctuate (usually cold), so flip flops are no bueno. Also bring a sweater, because planes don't offer blankets, and even if they did, would you really want to use it? (think about what others have done with those blankets. Ew.)
- BYOF and BYOW: I have a ritual I do right after I get through security--I buy a bottle of water, plus 1-2 snacks for the flight. And not junk food, I typically buy raw veggies and/or nuts. Sure, some flights sell you food, but if you don't like what they serve (always check ahead of time for menus!), this enables you to have what you want/like and gives you more flexibility.
- Treat yourself to a drink on the plane. Sounds obvious and basic, but why not give yourself a little indulgence? Full transparency: I fly to Chicago a lot and have been known to also pick up Garrett's Chicago mix popcorn (small tin) or donut holes at Dunkin Donuts, which some in a convenient drink cup with a lid. We work hard all week and are sacrificing a lot by being away from our families and pets, why not make it enjoyable?
