Air travel can be expensive and sometimes stressful if one is traveling for the first time, traveling with kids, pets, or kids and pets! There are ways to make it less stressful and more affordable so that one enjoys even the journey to their well-deserved vacation. Seasoned travelers have a few tips and tricks up their sleeve and borrowing from them will only ease the process and keep it from becoming overwhelming.

Air travel tips for beginners

• Pack light but be prepared for weather changes and possible delays. A carry-on bag that is small enough to fit under the seat in front of you is ideal. You can pack snacks, water, and headphones for entertainment. Keep all essentials and personal effects in the carry-on so you don’t have to worry about staying fresh on a long flight. 

• Get recommendations from friends or family who have already traveled to your chosen destination or consult online travel forums or websites before booking your flight. This can save you time and money on your trip.

• Consider flying during off-peak times so that your flight will be less crowded.

• Always check the weather conditions in the destination before traveling. If there is a risk of severe weather, avoid traveling if possible.

• Dress in layers so you can be comfortable no matter the weather condition. Avoid bringing heavy coats and jackets, as they will add to your luggage weight and make it challenging to move around during your flight.

• Make sure you have a medical emergency kit with you. Include copies of all prescriptions and carry enough money to cover any expenses you may encounter while away from home.

• Follow the safety instructions provided by your airline or travel agency. Remember to keep your passport and other identification documents up to date at all times.

• Check the weather conditions in your destination area before departure. Airlines often adjust flight times and routes in response to inclement weather.

• Pack a bag checklist with everything you need for your trip, including medications, ID cards, passports, and tickets.

• Be at the airport three hours before your departure to ensure you have enough time to check in and get through security.

• In an emergency, always inform airline staff of your travel plans and carry your boarding pass and ID card.
• Make sure your electronics are fully charged before boarding the plane.
• Bring a book or invest in an app that allows you to watch movies or TV shows while on the plane.
• Be aware of food and water restrictions during travel. Some airlines restrict what can be brought onto the plane with you, and some may not allow water bottles in the cabin at all.

When you book your airfare, be sure to consider the airline’s cancellation policy. Many airlines have very liberal cancellation policies, meaning you can cancel your trip without penalty if you give at least 24 hours’ notice. However, some airlines have stricter cancellation policies, which may require you to pay a fee if you cancel your trip within a specific time.

Flying with Pets
Make sure that the airline has a policy on transporting pets. Some airlines only allow certain breeds of dogs, cats, or birds in the cabin.

Check with your airline whether they have a designated carrier for your pet. Some airlines will only allow transport in a carrier designed expressly for travel with animals.

Ensure that all your pet’s vaccinations are up to date. Pets can contract diseases from other passengers, and some airlines might require proof of vaccination before allowing your pet onboard.

Flying with children

When traveling with children, it’s important to consider their age, temperament, and activity level. 

Discuss your travel plans with your child in advance. Make sure they understand where you’re going when you’ll be back and what activities will be available while you are away.

Bring along a pack of games and toys to keep the little ones entertained during the trip.

Allow enough time to get through security and board the plane comfortably. Many airports have long lines, so allow enough time to get through both check-in and security.

If your child is fussy or has difficulty sitting still, try to fly during off hours or on days when there are fewer people on the planes.

When should you book your flight?

The sooner you book, the better your chance of getting a good deal. Booking flights during off-peak times can save you some money. Make sure to factor in any potential delays or cancellations that may occur. If you are flying domestically, Tuesdays and Wednesdays are the cheapest days to fly. Saturday and Monday flights will help you avoid the Sunday rush. If you’re traveling internationally, Wednesdays and Thursdays are the cheapest days to fly.

How to choose an airline

First, know what type of traveler you are. Do you prefer a budget carrier, or do you want a more luxurious service? Do you want to fly internationally or only domestically? Once you know what type of traveler you are, it’s important to research the different airlines. Go online and read reviews of different airlines and compare their prices and services. You can also contact the customer service departments of different airlines to get more information about their services. Ask friends or family members who have traveled before for their recommendations. They may have had a better experience with one airline than another, or they may have found a great deal on a specific airline they can recommend. Whatever route you decide to take, be sure to read the flight safety guide before traveling to familiarize you with the precautions that need to be taken during air travel.