When traveling, it’s best to be over prepared, especially if it’s your first big trip. And even more so if you’re flying solo (literally). Getting through security, finding your terminal, and checking if your flight is on time; can all become overwhelming fast.
Creating a checklist of sorts will help you immensely as your prepare for your trip.
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This post is all about the best travel tips for first-time travelers.
Save yourself some time and a headache by checking out these top tips for first-time travelers.
Airport Top Travel Tips 2022
Plan Ahead
The worst thing you can do is wait until the last minute to book your flight and that’s because the prices for flights have been skyrocketing. Avoid insane fees, and have some peace of mind by booking your flight and hotel early. Booking your flight with plenty of lead time also gives you access to the best seats and potentially early boarding.
Set Flight Alerts
This goes hand in hand with booking your flight early. Set up Google flight alerts or use Flight Scanner to track your top destination and receive alerts when there are sales. This is also helpful if you’re able to be flexible with your traveling dates.
Carry-on Only
I know this is difficult, trust me, but try to only pack a carry-on bag for your trip. With increased flights, flight cancellations and a lack of resources and staffing at airports, luggage delays, and loss have become a huge issue.
If you do need to check bags, use an AirTag to track your luggage. These can be placed in any bag, labeled for the specific bag, and can easily pair to your phone to track them in real time. We have these and they have been a huge help for luggage, and everyday items easily misplaced at home.
Book Directly Through the Airline
Try to avoid booking your flight through a third-party website. If something happens to your flight, the airline will be able to help you directly. If you book through a third party you won’t be able to solve any issues at the airport, everything will have to go directly through that third-party website which can be difficult and cause further delays.
Check-in For Your Flight On Time
If the seat you purchase doesn’t come with priority boarding, check in for your flight as early as possible. The longer you wait to check in for your flight, the later you will board the plane. This can sometimes lead to losing your seat if they oversell tickets, but will most likely lead to having your bag checked and not being able to keep it with you on the flight. It’s also a hassle to board last and try to find a small spot to store your luggage. Save yourself time and a headache by checking in early.
Apply for TSA Pre-Check
This one is huge and so helpful, especially if you’re traveling during the holidays. TSA Pre-check saves you time and peace of mind. You can apply online and once you’re approved, you can easily move through security once you arrive at the airport. If you have TSA-Precheck you have a shorter security line, you don’t have to remove your shoes and you can keep your electronics in your bag while going through security. It’s helpful, easier and gets you to your gate a lot faster. There is a fee to apply for pre-check but it’s worth every cent.
Arrive Early
Even though you will have TSA Pre-Check it’s always best to arrive early. Gate changes can happen in an instant, so it’s best to give yourself time to move around, use the restroom, grab food, etc. before heading to your gate. This is especially important at larger airports that have monorails to take you between terminals.
Download the Airline App
The airline app other times has up-to-date flight information even before the airline front desk because it’s sent directly from the airline to the app. By downloading the airline’s app, you can easily check in for your flight, check flight and gate information and even track your flight. The app can also help keep your flights organized if you have multiple trips booked.
Sign Up with the Airline to Collect Points
Create an account with each airline your fly with. After your first few trips with these airlines, you will find one that you prefer and you can begin to build loyalty points and rewards with them. These points can accumulate fast if you’re traveling often or taking longer trips. These programs are usually free to sign up for, so they are great for the wallet.
If Flying International, Apply for Global Entry
Another huge time saver is Global Entry. You can apply directly through the government website. It requires a few more steps than the TSA pre-check but once again, is very much worth it. Global Entry saved us a ton of time on our way back from London and India. You don’t have to wait in the long customs line when your return and it makes getting back home a breeze.
Priority Pass
This one is to help you enjoy your trip by giving you a nice place to relax, recharge and grab a snack or a drink before your flight. Priority Pass is available through some credit cards and is also available for purchase. Priority Pass gives you access to a large list of airport lounges worldwide. With over 1300 airport lounges available, guests can enjoy a little luxury before their flights. The lounges vary by airport and level but some offer complimentary drinks, food, and the really nice ones have full showers. Traveling with a Priority Pass is definitely the way to go.
Travel Insurance – Do Your Research
Insuring your trip is always important but do your research to see which travel insurance is best for you. There are a ton of places to get a quote for travel insurance, see which one best fits your budget and matches the level of your expenses for your trip so you don’t end up at a loss.
Use a Credit Card to Book Travel and Earn Points
It’s always best to book your travel using a credit card. With cancellations and crazy fees, it’s better to keep that off your debit card but it also helps you to earn points. There are a ton of great credit cards to help you earn travel points to get your upgrades, discounts and early access to the best deals.
Check Passport and Vaccination Criteria
Even though most places have fully opened up, there are still travel restrictions and requirements due to Covid protocols. Check with the airline, the city and state regulations, and even the country protocols before you book your flight.
Fly Non-stop to Avoid Delays
If at all possible, book a non-stop flight. Having multiple layovers can cause big delays in your travel plans. Sometimes it can cost you a full day of your trip and that means you lose out on your hotel booking too. Avoid extra delays by booking direct with a non-stop flight.
Necessary Items for In-flight Comfort
Having the right items with you can make a world of difference during your flight. Below are some of the top items to keep with you during your flight.
- Snacks
- Empty Water bottle to refill after security
- Headphones
- Phone Holder
- iPad
- Neck Pillow
- Lotion/ Chapstick
- Mini First-Aid kit
- Phone Charger
For a full list of essential in-flight items check out this post.
I hope these travel tips have helped you to feel more prepared fo your upcoming trip. Planning ahead and doing your research for any type of trip, big or small, makes a huge difference. Let me know what tips helped you the most and if you have any more that would be great to add to the list.
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