Top 10 Airline Travel Tips from a Pro

The kids will be out of school soon and summer will be in full swing as we approach the Memorial Day weekend so I asked my flight attendant friend, Michele, to give us her Top 10 Airline Travel Tips from a traveling pro. These are great suggestions whether you’re a seasoned or first-time airline traveler.

Michele’s Top 10 Airline Travel Tips

1. Join frequent flyer programs and sign up for airline affiliated credit cards. You can accumulate points toward upgrades and some offer benefits i.e. first checked bag free and priority boarding. The lower the boarding zone the better the chances there will be room for your carry-on luggage. 
2. A great travel Web site is www.seatguru.com because it lists all the airlines and their aircraft configurations so you can choose the best possible seat.
3. When booking your reservation, confirm your seat assignment at that time. If you’re a party of two traveling together consider booking the aisle seat for one and the window seat for the other because if the flight is not full the middle seat may be vacant leaving you room to spread out.
4. Consider paying extra for the emergency exit row if you need a break from the kids because you have to be at least 15 years of age to sit in the exit row.
5. If a couple checks two pieces of luggage pack his and her items in both suitcases. If one piece gets lost both people still have clothes for a few days. Of course, always pack valuables and medication in your carry-on luggage or handbag.
6. Noise canceling headsets can be a life saver on a long flight.
7. Cabin air is very dehydrating so purchase a large bottle of water after you pass security. Carry on a small size moisturizer, natural eye drops and lip balm to stay refreshed.
8. Purchase healthy meals to take on board. Most airlines sell meals in the main cabin but they aren’t always the healthiest choices and flight attendants do run out of meals from time to time.
9. If you happen to have a flight cancel get on the phone immediately and call reservations to secure the next available flight. Don’t wait to go to the airport counter. The airlines will send your call to special service desk where the airlines will reissue the new ticket.
10. Look at air travel as an adventure. Sometimes things don’t always go as planned, make the best of it.  Make sure you have items like your fully charged computer and iPod, and a good book for example to make your adventure more enjoyable. Then sit back, relax, and enjoy the flight.

And don’t forget… be nice to your flight attendants!