Ease Air Travel Headaches Tips

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Air travel is becoming more and more of a pain and stressful situation. We are often at the mercy of the airlines and the airport when it comes to travel.

If we begin every air journey doing what we can to prevent extra stress, the unexpected situations we encounter will be easier to deal with.

Here are 7 tips to ease your air travel headaches on your next journey:

No. 1 – Download and Use Your Airline’s App

Unless you’re checking a bag, there’s no reason to wait in line at your airline’s check-in desk. Download your airline’s app ahead of time. After downloading be sure your reservation details are in, and then use the app to check-in, as well as obtain your boarding pass.

Photo via Delta

You’ll be able to head straight to security when you arrive at the airport. Some airline app-s will even check you in automatically 24 hours prior to your flight. Several airlines also offer free in-flight entertainment via your personal devices through their apps.

No. 2 – Get The Airline Credit Card

If you don’t fly enough to earn elite status, the various airline credit cards offer cardholders perks similar to elites.

Photo via American Express

Some of these perks include free checked bags and priority boarding. Carrying one of these cards can save you money on luggage and ensure you’ll find carry-on space in the overhead bins ahead of the crowd.

No. 3 – Remember the Liquid Rules (Before Getting to the Airport)

Remember, any liquids you’re carrying through TSA checkpoints must be less than 3.4 ounces and placed in a see-through bag no larger than a quart.

The 3-1-1 liquids rule: You are allowed to bring a quart-sized bag of liquids, aerosols, gels, creams and pastes through the checkpoint. These are limited to 3.4 ounces or less per item.

No. 4 – Check Your Bag Size

Almost all airlines have now instituted strict size limits for carry-on bags. You are also limited to the number of items you are allowed to carry on to an aircraft – that number is 2. Check your bag’s dimensions BEFORE HEADING TO THE AIRPORT to be sure they adhere to your airline’s limits.

Photo via Travel and Leisure

No. 5 – Wear Comfortable Clothes

Airplanes are either too hot or too cold. There is rarely a happy temperature in-between. Dress in layers so that if you are too warm you can remove a layer. If cold you can keep the layers on.

Unless you are traveling in first class, there are no blankets to keep you warm when you’re cold.

No. 6 – Check Real-Time Reports

Unfortunately airline apps are not always the most up-to-date when it comes to delays. Use FlightStats to track flight statuses, on-time information, weather conditions, and the flight history of your specific plane.

This will be real-time information so if your plane is delayed, you can be the first to know and the first to get rebooked if necessary.

No. 7 – Sign up for TSA Pre-Check

You will be able to keep your shoes and belts on, leave the liquids and laptops in your bag, and by-pass the full-body scan by getting TSA PreCheck. Several credit cards, including the Capital One Venture and the Bank of America Premium Rewards card, will refund you the application fee so check out different credit card reward programs.