I’ve logged a lot of miles over the decades and learned a lot about flying commercial, sometimes the hard way.  Airline travel is more difficult today than in years past, and it also gets tougher as we get older.  But here are some important tips to remember when you next plan airline travel:

• When heading to the airport, give yourself an extra 20 minutes more than your most realistic time estimate.  Extra sleep is over-rated and the hassle of missing a flight is under-rated.
• Take the first flight out in the morning.  In most every case, the plane is already on the ground and ready to go.  You won’t have to wait (or hope) for your plane to arrive.
• Don’t take the last flight out unless you have to.  That flight is often delayed and if there’s a “mechanical” problem, you’ll be over-nighting in that city.
• Always take a direct flight, if possible.  This will obviously save you time and you have much less chance of losing your luggage, if you had to check it.
• But don’t check your bag if you don’t have to.  If I have to explain why, you probably shouldn’t be flying.
• If you’re flying coach, always ask for a seat in an exit row.  The extra space will make for a much more comfortable flight.
• A bulkhead seat is also a great choice for extra leg room.  Just know that you won’t have any storage in front of you because there is no seat in front of you!
• Always carry head phones.  These will allow you to “escape” from “talkative Terry,” who may be sitting right next to you.  Blame it on work that you really must get done!
• If your flight is cancelled, don’t stand in a long line waiting to be re-routed.  Instead, call the airline immediately and have them book you on the next flight out or re-route you with other options.  Be nice, but be persistent.
• Avoid large international airports if you can.  A smaller, regional airport is easier to navigate, and there is less chance of baggage loss.
• For international flights, one flight is better than two, and two flights are always better than three.  And keep a photocopy of your passport with you, just in case.
• On long flights, drink plenty of clear fluids to avoid dehydration.  When you get up (and you’ll have to!), take time to stretch your muscles and move freely around the cabin.
• Leave your shoes on.  Your feet will definitely swell if you take your shoes off.  I’m reminded of the guy in business class who took the flight attendant to task for his shoes “shrinking.”  It took her a while to convince him otherwise.  Keeping your shoes on will also make the people sitting around you much happier.
• When flying to a new time zone, especially internationally, change the time of your watch to the time zone you’re flying into. If you’re changing planes domestically or internationally, you don’t want to be confused about the time of departure of your next plane.
• When flying, especially internationally, you should try to sleep in the evening of the time zone you’re flying into. This will lessen your jet lag and allow you to adapt much quicker to the new time zone.

So there you have it.  Travel tips for flying.  Travel safely, but travel smart!

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