Plane Travel is Brutal this Summer! Be Sure to Follow These Best Practices for Flying to Make Your Experience as Smooth as It Can Be

This summer, plane travel has not only come back to life, the demand for air travel is booming. This is due in part because of the time of the year and also in part to the fact that people were grounded for so long. The pendulum swing brought on by the lack of travel during the pandemic has created a form of airport chaos. As such, you need to prepare for the occasional madness a lot of travelers have experienced. The good news is that we can help you experience smooth travel with these best practices for flying this summer.

Masks are Still Required

Keep in mind that all travelers over two years old are still required to wear masks regardless of their vaccination status in certain countries. This federal mandate is applied inside the airport, at the TSA checkpoints, and inside the aircraft. While traveling throughout different countries, the mask mandates change depending on where you are flying from and to. For instance, my flight this past month to England didn’t require masks while my flight from England into South Africa did. To be safe, you should always have a mask with you just in case, and be sure to reference the mask laws of the country you are entering into. Although many airlines provide complimentary hand sanitizers and masks, it is recommended to bring your own stock. Remember, these items can also be required at your destination and should be part of your travel essentials.

Changes in Flight Schedules

One of the best practices for flying in summer is to be prepared for changes in flight schedules. Most of you may have already made some travel plans. Unfortunately, you may have to make a few changes to your itinerary.

As you know, the demand for air travel increases during summer. As such, some may have already received a notification regarding changes in your flight schedule. The good news is that most airlines can accommodate travelers if they prefer to choose another flight, either on an earlier or later date.

If you booked your flight a few months ago, it is recommended to keep your schedule flexible. That way, you can make necessary changes in your travel plans when changes in flight schedules occur. If you have a specific event you are traveling to, always allow a couple of extra days at your destination prior to your event just in case there are delays. It’s unfortunate, but right now, there will likely be delays. You should anticipate them.

Avoid Checking Luggage

Airports are filled with travelers during the summertime. For this reason, you may see a long line for checking bags or luggage. To avoid the long line, you can bring a carry-on bag. If you have to check in your bags, you can find ways to avoid the long lines. For instance, you can opt for Skycap services. Aside from that, you can also search for the kiosk of your airline’s self-check bag tag. Most airlines have added these kiosks to help accommodate passengers.

Unfortunately, will all the delays this summer, it’s quite possible your luggage will make it to your destination before you… or vice versa. To keep your essential items with you, it’s a better idea to backpack or only bring carry on luggage if you are able to.

Bring Your Own Snacks

Aside from check bag lines, you may also encounter long lines for restaurants. As a remedy, you can bring your own snacks that you can eat when you’re hungry. By preparing your own food, you can avoid long queues and save some money at the same time.

All in all, these are some of the best practices for flying in summer. Keep in mind that airports are packed during summertime. Even so, you can have a smooth travel experience by following the tips mentioned above.