This is going to be a super short post as I wrap up our brief series on travel (see the other posts here and here), but as Barry and I have been traveling more, I’ve learned a few things here or there that I just want to share. I realize these are super simple things that a lot of y’all might already do. But you know me, if I’ve got a tip, I’m sharing it! These air travel tips save us a little bit of time, money, and stress – and also keep us healthy!
Pack snacks
I always take something that has protein so it will be more filling, like Know Foods Protein cookies and nuts. If I always have a snack in my bag, then I don’t have to worry about running late and not having time to grab something. Sometimes our flights are shorter so they don’t offer snacks or drinks. And sometimes they offer things that I don’t like or enjoy like weird snack mixes. And y’all know there is always the chance of some sort of delay…I don’t want to get hangry while I’m waiting! And while I don’t always use my air travel snacks, its worth the extra few minutes to pack them just in case. I never want to be without a snack if/when I need it!
Bring cleaner and hand purifier
Seriously, you guys – airplanes are honestly some of the dirtiest places you can go. Those trays you take down and put your food and work on – research says they are one of the dirtiest parts of that plane! The airline doesn’t actually clean them. As soon as I sit down, I grab my miniature bottle of spray cleaner and clean those puppies down. Its the first thing I do on every, single flight. Clean all the things, y’all!
Related to that, you may or may not realize that the water on the airplane is NOT actually always “clean” water. If you have to go to the bathroom and wash your hands, that water is not getting you as germ-free as you think it might be. My solution is to bring along a small bottle of hand sanitizer. That way I also know that I’m doing my best to clean my hands well – and I can do it as often as I like.
Bring an empty water bottle
Come again, Stacy? I know, I know – it may sound silly. But if you’re anything like me, you probably always need something to drink. But I don’t like to carry my nice, glass water bottles around with me. For one thing, I am infamous for losing them! What Barry and I do instead is take our own empty bottles through security and then fill them at the water bottle fill station on the other side. I like a sturdier bottle like San Pellegrino or Perrier. When you arrive at your destination, you can either wash and keep the bottle for the return trip, or just remember to save one while you’re out and about for the trip home.
This super simple air travel tip actually saves you from spending a LOT of money on bottled water while you travel. This is an easy – and maybe too obvious tip – but we’ve found it to be very helpful!
What air travel tips do you have to share?
Love the tips you shared — those are top on my list too! Another one (for people who have to go through the everyday security line): Have everything prepped to go through security ahead of time. Empty your pockets into your carry on BEFORE you get to the TSA line. Remove your jacket — stuff it in the carryon if there is room. Wear a pair of no-tie shoes if you think about it in advance or quickly re-tie your shoes very loosely before you head to security so you can slip them off and on easily. If you have snacks or laptop or bag of liquids to remove, have them accessible without having to unpack everything else. Prepping ahead of time for the TSA line can lower your stress and help you speed through the line more quickly.
Great tips! I often recommend to people to wear slip-on shoes – they also make it easier in the TSA line too. Thanks for the comment!
Julie, Humorous Homemaking Team