Flying

Essential Preparation & Packing Tips

Flying can be the most stressful part of an adventure, but experienced travelers know that the secret to a smooth journey starts 48 hours before takeoff. Here are the top 15 tips for preparation and packing.

The Logistics

• 1. The 24-Hour Check-In Rule: Set an alarm for exactly 24 hours before your flight to check in online. This secures your seat preference and alerts you early to any scheduling changes.
• 2. Digitise Your Documents: Take photos of your passport, visas, and vaccination records. Upload them to a secure cloud drive (like Google Drive or Dropbox) and keep an offline copy on your phone.
• 3. Join Every Loyalty Program: Even if you don't fly a specific airline often, join their frequent flyer program. Members are often prioritized for rebooking during mass cancellations.
• 4. Check Terminal Info Twice: Large hubs (like Heathrow or JFK) have multiple terminals far apart. Confirm your terminal on the morning of the flight, as it can change.

Master the Carry-On

• 5. The "Survival Kit" in Your Cabin Bag: Always pack one change of clothes, essential medications, and basic toiletries in your carry-on. If your checked bag is lost, your first 24 hours aren't ruined.
• 6. Power Up: Carry a portable power bank. While many planes have USB ports, they are notoriously unreliable or slow.
• 7. Wear Your Heaviest Gear: If you're traveling with hiking boots or a heavy jacket, wear them onto the plane. This saves significant weight and space in your luggage.
• 8. Use Packing Cubes: These are a game-changer for organization. They allow you to compress clothes and find items quickly without exploding your bag at security.
• 9. The Universal Sink Stopper: For long-term adventurers, carry a flat rubber sink stopper. It allows you to wash your clothes in any hotel sink.

Comfort & Health

• 10. Hydrate Before You Feel Thirsty: Airplane cabin air is extremely dry (often <20% humidity). Drink a full liter of water before boarding.
• 11. Bring a Reusable Water Bottle: Take an empty bottle through security and fill it at a water station. It saves money and reduces plastic waste.
• 12. Noise-Cancelling Headphones: These are worth the investment. Even if you aren't listening to music, the "silence" setting helps reduce engine-drone fatigue.
• 13. Pack an Eye Mask and Earplugs: Don't rely on the airline to provide them. Quality sleep is the best way to beat jet lag.
• 14. Compression Socks: For flights over 4 hours, these help prevent Deep Vein Thrombosis (DVT) and reduce leg swelling.
• 15. Sanitize Your Space: Use antibacterial wipes to clean your tray table, armrests, and entertainment screen. These are the germiest spots on the aircraft.

Navigating the Airport and the Flight

Once you arrive at the airport, the "adventurer mindset" shifts from planning to execution. Use these 15 tips to navigate terminals and long-haul flights like a pro.

Moving Through the Terminal

• 16. Turn Left at Security: Studies suggest that because most people are right-handed, they instinctively veer right. Security lines on the left are often shorter.
• 17. The "Empty Your Pockets" Strategy: While waiting in the security line, put your phone, wallet, and keys inside your carry-on or jacket pocket. You’ll breeze through the metal detector without fumbling.
• 18. Lounge Access is Reachable: You don't always need First Class tickets. Apps like LoungeBuddy allow you to buy one-time passes, which can be cheaper than buying a meal and drinks in the terminal.
• 19. Find the "Secret" Charging Spots: If gate outlets are full, look for empty gates or pillars near the windows; these often have maintenance outlets that travelers overlook.

In-Flight Strategy

• 20. The Best Seat for Sleep: Always choose a window seat if you want to sleep. It gives you a place to lean your head and prevents neighbors from waking you up to use the restroom.
• 21. The Best Seat for Turbulence: If you get motion sickness, book a seat directly over the wings. This is the plane's center of gravity and experiences the least movement.
• 22. Order the Special Meal: If you want to be served first, request a "special meal" (Vegetarian, Kosher, etc.) when booking. These are brought out before the standard cart service.
• 23. Avoid Alcohol and Caffeine: Both dehydrate you and disrupt your sleep cycle. Stick to water, herbal tea, or tomato juice (which actually tastes better at altitude due to pressure changes!).
• 24. The 2nd-Hour Movement: Every two hours, do some "seated yoga." Flex your calves, rotate your ankles, and if the "fasten seatbelt" sign is off, walk the length of the aisle.

Beating Jet Lag & Arrival

• 25. Set Your Watch Immediately: As soon as you board, set your watch/phone to your destination's time zone. This helps you mentally adjust your eating and sleeping patterns.
• 26. Use "AirTag" Technology: Place an Apple AirTag or Tile inside your checked luggage. If the airline loses your bag, you can tell them exactly where it is before they even track it.
• 27. Download Offline Maps: Before landing, download the Google Map of your destination city. If your SIM card doesn't work immediately, you can still find your hotel.
• 28. The "Local Currency" ATM Hack: Avoid airport currency exchange kiosks (they have the worst rates). Use an airport ATM to withdraw a small amount of local cash for taxis.
• 29. Keep a Pen Handy: Many countries still require paper arrival forms. Having your own pen saves you from waiting in line for the communal one at immigration.
• 30. Stay Awake Until 9 PM: No matter how tired you are upon arrival, do not nap. Stay outdoors in the sunlight until at least 9:00 PM local time to reset your internal clock.