Are you planning to fly for work or pleasure? The idea alone may be enough to invoke seemingly unsurmountable stress. Is there anything that can be done to manage the stress of flying? Or, better yet, what can be done to create a stress-free flying experience?
Flying: It All Starts With Your State of Mind
The first tip for stress-free flying is a well-balanced attitude about flight expectations. Yes, that is correct. Your mindset is often the make-or-break difference between stressful or stress-free.
Expect delays. Expect that parking will take time. Expect that you will wait in long lines at security. Expect that someone in the airport crowd will have a personality that you would normally not choose to engage with.
Managing your expectations is key. Know what you can and cannot control. You may encounter a crying baby, a long line, a loud or rude passenger, an airport employee, or a flight attendant. Be understanding, and if you cannot help the situation, please don’t escalate it.
Planning to Fly? Do This Just In Case
Arrive early whether you are arriving at the airport by drop off, rental car, or driving your car, I cannot stress enough (pun intended) to allow yourself extra time. Plan to arrive at your destination early, especially if you are flying to catch a cruise ship. Allow at least one extra day.
Things happen so be prepared for that traffic jam on the way to the airport. Road construction and closures, or perhaps a full airport parking lot. Arrange your parking ahead of time. Understand the airport shuttle will take time. And have a backup plan should your flight be canceled or delayed.
Be prepared for the security check. Know the carry-on restrictions and respect them. Don’t try to sneak something past security that is not allowed. Just don’t. Even if someone you know or heard about did a thing, not doing the thing you know is prohibited. Read about this from the official government TSA website. By clicking here.
Packing for Stress-Free Flying
There are countless gadgets in the marketplace that scream buy-me if you are flying. But in my experience, less is more. Most destinations have retail stores. So, wait to buy your personal care products when you arrive. It usually saves money because those tiny travel sizes are expensive. Even if you are traveling to another country, chances are great that you will find a local retailer with fantastic products.
Recently, I traveled to Europe from the USA and I decided to take one small carry-on for 14 days. It was a fantastic decision. I opted not to bring my, OTC medications, vitamin supplements, shampoo, or bath wash. But, rather planned to purchase them upon arrival. This saved space and weight in my carry-on luggage.
By the way, in Europe personal care items are found in a pharmacy and not typically at the grocery store. In Rome, I purchased allergy medication, aspirin, vitamin D, vitamin C, and Zinc. The total cost was less than 10 Euros, and I didn’t have to stress about inadvertently bringing something illegal to the countries I visited. For example, some countries have lower strength requirements for OTC pain medications.
In Flight Recommendation
Most airlines offer earbuds and eye masks for a minimal price but I recommend bringing your own. Noise-canceling headphones or at least earplugs can really help lower your stress level when you are surrounded by loud passengers. Dap a dot of Vick’s Vapor Rub under your nose to help disguise unpleasant odors.
After you pass through security stop at one of the airport shops and pick up a bottle of water and your favorite snack. Prepare for comfort by wearing layers. The air temperature in the plane may be very warm before take-off and very cold in flight, so make sure you can take off or put on a layer of clothing as needed. I do not bring a neck pillow with me on most domestic flights because I just don’t want to lug around anything extra. However, for long and overnight flights I find them a must.
Here is what I keep in my personal item bag when flying: a few individually wrapped makeup remover towelettes small container of less than 3oz of Vicks Vapor Rub, note pad, pen, pencil, headphone, a small makeup bag with TSA approved products, my prescription medication in the original container with a recent fill date. (Please check to see if your medication is restricted or illegal\’s in your chosen destination), a bottle of water, and snacks.
I keep my phone, passport, driver\’s license, credit cards, money in the currency of my destination in a cross over body sling that is not removed during flight. Medical records can easily be stored on your cell phone. Make your life easy by download apps well before your trip and know how to use them.
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