My first time flying without my parents was to Prague for my study abroad trip. I was determined to fly successfully, as the only thing between me and the adventure of a lifetime was three measly flights. I landed in Atlanta on time and good condition, but my flight from Atlanta to Paris was delayed. This caused me to miss my flight from Paris to Prague.
In Paris, language barriers made it difficult to reschedule a flight, but eventually I got a flight to Prague. I arrived in Prague, but regrettably my luggage did not. After traveling for 24 hours, missing one flight, and losing my luggage I realized how stressful flying can be. While there was nothing I could do about delayed flights or lost luggage, I concluded from then on I would prepare myself for all of the things I could control. After a few flights I began to pick up on easy ways to make flying hassle-free and comfortable.
First and foremost, be as organized as possible. Arrive at the airport with plenty of time to check your bag (if necessary), get through security and locate your terminal. Personally, I prefer to be at the airport one hour ahead of time for domestic flights and two hours ahead of time for international flights.
Always check your airline’s luggage requirements before arriving at the airport. Most airlines now charge you to check a bag, so if you can fit all of your belongings in a carry on that is preferable. Plus, the airlines can’t lose your luggage if you only have a carry on. However, make sure that your carry on meets the size and weight requirements so you don’t end up being forced to check it. From my experience, European airlines are much stricter when enforcing carry on size and weight requirements.
If you need to check a bag, look up the size and weight requirements for that too. Additionally, try to check in your bag before you arrive at the airport as there may be a discount. If you fly a lot, consider purchasing a luggage scale. These are convenient tools that allow you to easily weigh your luggage. Some of them have kilogram and pound settings, so you can feel confident your luggage meets weight requirements for domestic and international flights. Knowing that you won’t be charged extra luggage fees while traveling can take some stress out of the process.
When possible, I recommend checking in online. This method allows you to skip waiting in line and head straight to security. Occasionally when you check in online you can pick your seat, so you can snatch that window seat with a killer view. If you don’t want to print out your boarding pass, many airlines allow you to have a mobile version on your smart phone. Make sure that your cell phone is fully charged before your flight, as well as having a charger in your carry on.
Going through security can be a nerve-racking situation, but being organized is very beneficial. Look up exactly what you can and cannot take on your flight. All of your liquids need to be in a sealed plastic bag, and don’t bring more liquids than are allowed on the plane. Keeping your laptop and other electronic devices towards the top of your carry on makes it easy to slip them into a separate bin. Likewise, be aware of what you are wearing. Belts, watches, and jewelry will need to be taken off before walking through security. If taking off accessories seems like a hassle, avoid wearing them. You can also save time by wearing shoes that are easy to take on and off.
Once you have passed your security check, you’re on the home stretch. I would recommend finding your gate as soon as you are through security, and try not to stray too far. This way you can hear any important messages or changes that the flight attendants may announce. Before you board the plane make sure you know what items you want accessible during the flight and what items are better left in overhead storage. This method allows you to avoid standing up to get items out of your bag during the flight. I usually keep my phone, headphones, a book, a snack and my boarding pass with me. Understandably these items will vary for every person, but it is good to decide prior to take off.
When I first began extensively travelling, the majority of my stress was strictly related to flying. The hectic airport atmosphere concerned me and I wasn’t confident in my ability to quickly get from one connecting flight to another. Keeping these tips in mind will help you remain calm when flying. If you start to get stressed just remember that the destination is worth a little anxiety. I wish you all a hassle-free and comfortable flight, as well as great success on your upcoming assignment!
Tess Dugan is an Intern for Aureus Medical Group. She works with both the Physicians and Advanced Practice Divisions. She has greatly enjoyed and benefited from working with these dynamic teams.
She is a senior at the University of Nebraska at Kearney pursuing a Bachelor of Science Degree with a major in business administration and a minor in psychology. At UNK, Tess is involved in the Honors Program, Honors Student Activities Board, Honors Student Mentoring Program, and Beta Gamma Sigma.
Tess was bit by the travel bug while studying abroad. She daydreams about all of the remarkable places she will visit in the future. As the self-proclaimed #1 fan of The Daily Show, Tess is struggling with the news of Jon Stewart’s departure.
She has a passion for learning. Evolving from having no understanding of a subject to being educated is an unparalleled feeling for her. She is a visionary and hopes to make a positive impact on the world.