Having been to almost 30 countries, I have picked up a few things along the way to make long haul flights comfortable. So, I’m sharing with you 14 international flight tips to make the process easier and much more fun!
I’ll be sharing things to do, travel items to bring, and what to look out for to make the entire process from parking your car at the airport to landing in a foreign country an enjoyable experience.
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1. Wear the right shoes
There are a few reasons that the shoes you decide to wear to the airport are very important. First, you want to be comfortable.
Leave the heels at home, and opt for sneakers or boots that you’ll be comfortable in all day long. Second, you’ll likely have to remove your shoes when going through security, so pick something that is easy to get on and off quickly.
These are my go to travel boots and sneakers that are perfect for flying.
2. Don’t forget the compression socks
Your feet will swell while flying, it’s just the way it is. And no one wants cankles when stepping off a plane and into Italy, or something.
It’s also not totally unheard of on long flights for deep vein thrombosis, or a blood clot, to form (I’m not trying to scare you, this is rare, although possible.)
Be sure to wear compression socks and get up and move around at some point during the flight!
So, to avoid any discomfort, bring a pair of compression socks like these to keep the swelling contained and make your feet feel better!
3. Bring a water bottle
While you are not allowed to pass through security with any liquids, including a full water bottle, you are certainly allowed to bring an empty one!
I always bring a water bottle with me that I can then refill after security to save me a little money.
I get very thirsty when I fly, and I like to have water on me so I don’t have to keep asking the flight attendants for a teeny tiny cup of water every five minutes.
4. Have a ‘go’ bag in your carry on
I always carry a small bag like this one inside my personal item when I travel.
Inside I keep tampons, body wipes, my medicine pill box, chapstick, hair ties, hand sanitizer, and any other small personal items that would be helpful to have close by on a flight.
This way I don’t have to go rifling around in my backpack to find one of those small items. It helps me feel prepared for anything!
READ ALSO:
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5. Be strategic about flight times
Personally, I think that catching a late flight when flying east, let’s say to Europe, is the best way to avoid jet lag.
I usually opt for a 9pm or 10pm flight, fall asleep after a few hours, and wake up in the morning or early afternoon at my destination having just lost a few hours.
Then, be sure to stay up until the very end of the night before going to bed so you are training yourself to the new time zone.
6. Consolidate your liquids into one bag
When venturing through security, you never quite know what rules they will or won’t be sticklers about…
Sometimes they will be picky about your liquids being in one clear bag, sometimes they will ask you to remove it from your carry on or personal item, or sometimes they won’t mention it at all.
So, I recommend that you just be ready for them to ask you to pull them out of the bag.
I keep my liquids in this hanging toiletry bag so they are all in one place. If you want something smaller, these clear TSA approved bags are the perfect solution.
7. Bring your own entertainment
There may be a screen on the seatback in front of you for you to watch movies, but in the event that there is not, be sure to bring your own entertainment!
I always travel with a Kindle and a Kindle Unlimited Membership so I will always have something to read. I also keep games and streaming apps on my phone for flights.
Be sure to download any content you want to watch ahead of time at home!
8. Find some kind of travel pillow
For years I didn’t travel with a pillow of any kind, and my neck was paying for it big time.
Now, I always travel with some sort of pillow to make sure that if I want to sleep, I can.
The Trtl travel pillow is a super compact but effective option that I’ve brought with me all over the world. Colton appreciates this because if I forget it, it’s his shoulder I’m using 🙂
9. Tsa Precheck & Global Entry
Possibly my best international flight tip is to sign up for TSA Precheck and Global Entry.
TSA Precheck is essentially a fast pass through airport security where you enter through a different line than the general security, and you don’t have to remove your shoes, liquids, laptops, etc.
Global Entry is a similar concept, except that it is a ‘fast pass’ through passport control when you are re-entering the United States after traveling abroad.
The program is only accessible by application, where your personal information is reviewed and you receive a Trusted Traveler number if approved. The best part is that it only costs $85 for 5 years!
If you have a travel credit card, a TSA Pre/Global Entry credit may be one of your card benefits, so be sure to check that out.
If you don’t already have a travel credit card and you want to take advantage of the benefits like purchasing flights with points/miles, lounge access, and a TSA Pre/Global Entry credit, take a look at my favorite travel credit cards.
10. Travel with a crossbody bag
I always travel with a small crossbody bag that holds my passport, phone, boarding pass, ID, and more.
This way, when it’s your turn to walk up to the TSA agent and show your ID and boarding pass, it’s all close by and easy to grab. Nothing is worse than feeling flustered through airport security because you’re unorganized!
11. Take advantage of the libations
Every time I fly internationally, I take advantage of the complimentary drinks.
Why? To help me sleep and relax! If you get nervous while flying, sometimes a drink can calm your nerves and help you nod off.
If you have severe flying anxiety, talk to a doctor before your flight to see what options may be available to make flying more comfortable. This is in no way medical advice as I am not a medical professional, so please refer to your doctor.
READ ALSO:
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12. Noise canceling headphones are a necessity
Crying babies, loud talkers, airplane noises, and so much more. What if you didn’t have to hear them while you were trying to enjoy your silly little movie on the screen in front of you? My secret is noise canceling headphones.
Gone are the days of those Apple earbuds that didn’t block out one single minuscule sound.
Noise canceling headphones are an absolute must when flying, and I love this affordable pair from Soundcore that I have taken with me to almost 20 countries.
If you’re into earbuds rather than over ear headphones, check out this pair.
13. Download maps ahead of time
Google maps is always my recommendation when traveling abroad to help me get around. But what if you get to a new country and don’t have WiFi or data?
I like to download offline maps of the city I’m visiting so that no matter what, I have access to directions. This is especially helpful when you first step off the plane and need information on transportation.
To do this in the Google Maps App, tap your profile image in the top right. Then, choose offline maps. Next, click ‘select your own map, adjust the area, and download.
14. Have screenshots or copies of documents
Don’t get stuck abroad without important documents AND copies of those documents! This may just be the most important international flight tip I can give you.
Make a copy of your passport, be sure to print any travel medical insurance, travel insurance, hotel or airbnb addresses, important phone numbers, etc.
Run through all the scenarios in your head to know exactly what you may need on hand.
Do you have any international flight tips to share for first time or nervous travelers? Let us know in the comments!
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Exactly!