What to Do Before Flying, According to Travel Experts

Double-check your passport

If you’re traveling internationally, you won’t get anywhere without your passport. This is a critical travel document that you should never forget when traveling overseas, so make sure to double-check that you have it in your carry-on bag before heading to the airport.

One thing smart travelers always do is make a copy of their passport. Bring that and the original document with you on your trip. “Make a copy of your passport to carry around at all times, and keep the real version in the hotel safe,” says Patricia Hajifotiou, who owns the small-group tour company The Olive Odysseys and has been leading tours in Europe for 25 years. “I plasticize mine to reuse on subsequent trips.”

Protect against mishaps

Countless things can go awry while traveling—trip delays and cancellations, delayed or lost luggage, travel accidents, emergency evacuations and more. This doesn’t mean you should stay home and give up your dreams of seeing the world. But it does mean you should insure yourself against these mishaps to avoid any last-minute hassles.

“When I am booking an international trip with my family, I make sure to pay for our flights, lodging and rental car with a credit card that offers reimbursement for these inconveniences,” says Leah Althiser, owner of the travel blog The Frugal South. “Most premium travel rewards credit cards offer these benefits, some with an annual fee less than $100. These benefits can potentially save you thousands of dollars if something goes wrong on your trip.”

Another benefit of using a credit card is that you can score travel points to book your stay and flights, which will come in handy on future trips. If you don’t have a credit card that offers this peace of mind, consider purchasing separate traveler’s insurance.

Notify your credit card company

Want to go off the grid entirely? Even if you don’t tell your mother where you’re headed, you may want to tell your credit card company. Many major credit companies don’t require cardholders to notify them prior to traveling. But if your particular card allows you to send a notification, it’s a good way to ensure the company doesn’t mistake your travel purchases for fraud.

“Banks take extra precautions to prevent credit card fraud and will block transactions that don’t fit your normal pattern,” says Tom Carr, founder and CEO of Preferred Vacations. “If you don’t travel often, it’s best to let them know where you’ll be so you’re not in the checkout line or at a restaurant without a way to pay until you can speak with your bank.”

Here’s what to do before flying: Go to your credit card company’s website or call the customer service number on the back of the card to set a travel notice.

And while you’re in pre-travel planning mode, be sure you’re using the right card in the first place. You want to choose a credit card that doesn’t levy a foreign transaction fee. It could add up after every transaction, leaving you with a hefty credit card bill to pay once you’re back from your trip.

Clean off the germs

In the natural course of your travel day, you’re going to be touching numerous surfaces—buttons, touch screens, escalator railings, security bins, armrests, seat belts and tray tables—that countless people have touched before. And the most obvious culprits (looking at you, toilets) aren’t always the germiest.

A 2021 study found that the self-check-in kiosk is one of the dirtiest spots in an airport. As the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) notes, communicable diseases can spread during air travel through indirect contact with communal surfaces such as door handles and restroom faucets. That’s why smart travelers clean frequently throughout the day by washing their hands and using sanitizer.

“Clean germs off your hands as frequently as possible, and carry a 3-ounce bottle of antibacterial hand sanitizer for whenever you can’t wash with soap and water,” says William Spangler, MD, the global medical director at AIG Travel, who has more than 35 years of emergency medical experience. “Also, consider bringing a small packet of antibacterial wipes when you’re flying to wipe down the surfaces that will be in your immediate vicinity for the duration of your flight, particularly the seat-back tray table, which has been shown to harbor more germs than the airplane bathroom.”

Manage your jet lag

If your circadian rhythm is easily disturbed, a little foresight can help decrease your adjustment time. One of the things smart travelers always do is take steps to get over jet lag before their flight.

“Set your watch to the arrival time zone as soon as you sit in the plane,” says Mitch Krayton, a certified travel associate who owns Denver-based Krayton Travel. “Then eat, sleep and act like you are already in the time zone. This will help you manage jet lag and keep you ready to go on arrival.”

Put on compression socks

Compression socks may not be sexy, but they’re an air travel must-have. Wearing a pair while flying is a simple life-saving measure everyone should take—they increase blood circulation in the feet from long hours of sitting.

“Especially during a long flight, remaining sedentary for extended periods of time can introduce problems,” says Dr. Spangler. “One of the most common of these is deep vein thrombosis (DVT), which is the formation of blood clots, particularly in the lower leg or thigh. It doesn’t cause much pain, but when the clots break off and go elsewhere, they can create serious problems.”

Here’s what to do before flying: Pull on your compression socks before boarding, then set a timer to remind yourself to get up and walk around. Dr. Spangler advises getting up at least every two hours, even if you only stand in front of your seat to move your legs. If you can walk up and down the aisle a bit, that’s even better.

Charge your electronics

There was a time when people used to fly without any electronics or Wi-Fi on the plane. Today, that would be unheard of—unless you run out of juice and downgrade yourself to the Stone Age.

“Making sure your phone, laptop and other electronics are charged accomplishes two things,” says Christian Eilers, an experienced travel writer and editor. “First, it ensures you have enough power to keep you entertained or working during your flight. Secondly, it also forces you to know in advance where you have your batteries and cables, saving you from that last-minute scramble with the Uber waiting outside.”

A genius thing to do when on a plane, courtesy of frequent fliers? Carry a portable charger just in case your smartphone battery wears out faster than you anticipated. It’s safer than charging your phone at a public charging port, which poses security risks.

Sign up for TSA PreCheck

Wouldn’t it be nice to have a reduced wait and less invasive check while going through security? Experienced travelers swear by prescreening services that make airport security less of a headache.

Sign up for TSA PreCheck and reap benefits like shorter security lines, not having to remove your shoes and not having to take your laptop or liquids out of your bag. Of course, TSA PreCheck isn’t the only game in town—there are Global Entry and CLEAR Plus, among others.

Get real-time updates

Did you just sprint all the way to your gate only to find out it was switched to one much closer to where you started? This happens to the best of us, but one thing that smart travelers always do is sign up for flight updates on their phones.

“If your flight is delayed or security lines are long, you’ll get updates in real time so you know what to expect when you arrive at the airport and can plan accordingly,” says Alissa Musto, a professional traveling musician and singer-songwriter who flies often. Along with signing up for text alerts, be sure to download your airline’s app too.

Pack must-haves in your carry-on

If you haven’t yet mastered the art of traveling with only a carry-on, that’s OK, but there are certain practices experienced travelers swear by. “Pack your medication in your carry-on,” says Jeff Miller, who co-owns the travel blog Our Passion for Travel with his wife and has visited 75 countries. “If you are taking medication, bring it in your carry-on luggage. Depending on your destination, in the event of lost luggage, your medication may not be easily accessible or may cost a small fortune.”

He also suggests bringing a change of clothes on board so that you have a clean set if your luggage takes an accidental side trip and doesn’t arrive until the following day. Of course, remember to pack light, as carry-on luggage usually has a weight limit. Do remember to keep your passport, money, electronics, jewelry, lighters and lithium batteries in your carry-on, though.

Bring your own food

Unless the idea of a stale airplane sandwich or a long terminal food line excites you, travel with your own food. It’s not just about convenience but also taste and dietary preferences. Plus, grabbing food in the terminal is costly, and airport spending is already out of control (just look at how much you’ll pay for a bottle of water!).

The solution: Pack snacks or meals ahead of time. Nuts, fruits, veggies, protein bars and even sandwiches and salads are portable options. By toting your own food, you can ensure you’ll eat an affordable, healthy meal that fits your dietary needs and doesn’t taste as blandly offensive as the stuff airlines serve.

Of course, on longer journeys, it may not be a good idea to carry a fresh meal. But always pack a snack or two that you can munch between flights.

Choose your seats wisely

One of the things smart travelers always do is select their seats while booking their tickets, especially for longer journeys. “Refer to the website Seat Guru when booking your seats on your flight,” says Victoria Langmead, a frequent traveler and safari expert at Natural World Safaris.

On Seat Guru, you can consult a seat map for each specific aircraft and determine the ideal seat selection for your preferences. Taking this extra step can help you avoid accidentally picking a seat right next to the restroom or one with less legroom, thanks to an equipment box. And it’ll stop you from inadvertently booking a seat without a movable armrest, which reduces seat width.

Visit an airport lounge

Whether you have a long layover or need to hop on a conference call in peace, an airport lounge can be your haven from all the chaos. Savvy travelers make a habit of relaxing in airport lounges prior to their flights.

“Take advantage of the airport lounges because they’ll make your travel experience much less stressful,” says Yuichi Nishiyama, a pilot for All Nippon Airways. “Not only are lounges a nice place to retreat from the hustle and bustle happening at the gates, but they have a variety of services, from dining to shower facilities to designated workspaces.”

If you haven’t accrued enough airline status or your credit card doesn’t give you access, many airlines will allow you to purchase a day pass. Your layover or journey will become much more comfortable and relaxing. Some lounges even offer massages, so look out for that!

Check travel alerts

Before every vacation, it’s important to know what’s happening in the country or city you’ll be visiting. With unpredictable weather phenomena, geopolitical tension and natural disasters, experienced travelers make a standard practice of keeping abreast of developments happening in their destination.

Here’s what to do before flying: Visit the U.S. Department of State’s website. It posts travel advisories for different countries, explaining which ones you can safely travel to and which ones require a bit more caution. You could also sign up for the Smart Traveler Enrollment Program (STEP), a free service that allows you to receive updates from the local U.S. embassy in the country you’re traveling to and to be contacted in case of emergencies.

Hydrate ahead of time

There’s a reason your lips feel chapped, your nose and throat feel dry and your hands turn scaly on a flight. According to the Cleveland Clinic, roughly half of the air circulating in the cabin is pulled from outside air, and at 35,000 feet, that air has very little moisture.

One of the most important things to do when on a plane is stay hydrated. And don’t go for caffeine or alcohol. Instead, water is the one drink you should always order on an airplane.

“I always make sure to hydrate well before a flight,” says Anisa Alhilali of the blog Two Traveling Texans, who has stamps from 41 countries in her passport. “I try to drink as much water as possible for 24 hours before I travel. I also make sure to have water with me on the plane. It’s best to bring your own refillable water bottle and fill it up after going through security, since buying water at the airport can be expensive.”

FAQs

What are some smart solutions for handling lost or delayed luggage?

Use your airline’s mobile app to track your baggage when it’s delayed, according to the U.S. Department of Transportation.

If your luggage gets lost, report it to the baggage department as soon as possible, and stay in close communication with the airline. By law, it has to pay you a lost-luggage reimbursement plus any fees you paid the airline to transport your bag.

What are some tips for getting through customs and immigration faster?

Keep the customs and immigration forms ready and receipts for your duty-free purchases handy, then discard any food items or perishables.

A number of services and applications, such as TSA PreCheck and Global Entry, can also help ease the process. But apply for these services before your trip. You can also use the Mobile Passport Control app by U.S. Customs and Border Protection.

What are the three most important travel tips to consider before flying?

Do extensive research, pack strategically and back up your documents—with those three basics down, you’ll have a much smoother trip.

Beyond that, remember to check in ahead of your flight and keep track of any travel updates. Air travel can be tricky, but armed with our experts’ advice, you’ll avoid much of the hassle that comes with flying.

How do experienced travelers manage travel anxiety or the fear of flying?

Yes, even frequent fliers get nervous before a trip, but they know what to do before flying to calm their nerves—like using relaxation techniques to ground themselves.

Experienced travelers also combat anxiety by planning ahead. Take action on the things that are in your control and let go of the uncertainties. If necessary, speak to a therapist or a trusted friend before you fly.

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Reader’s Digest has published hundreds of travel stories that help readers explore the world safely, easily and affordably. We regularly cover topics such as the best places to visit (and the best times to visit them), tips and tricks to zoom through airport security, flight-attendant secrets, hotel-room hacks and more. We’re committed to producing high-quality content by writers with expertise and experience in their field in consultation with relevant, qualified experts. We rely on reputable primary sources, including government and professional organizations and academic institutions as well as our writers’ personal experiences where appropriate. We verify all facts and data, back them with credible sourcing and revisit them over time to ensure they remain accurate and up to date. Read more about our team, our contributors and our editorial policies.

Sources:

• Patricia Hajifotiou, owner of The Olive Odysseys
• Leah Althiser, writer of the travel blog The Frugal South and host of The Budget Mouse podcast
• Tom Carr, founder and CEO of Preferred Vacations
• Mitch Krayton, owner of Krayton Travel
• William Spangler, MD, global medical director at AIG Travel
• Christian Eilers, travel writer
• Alissa Musto, professional traveling musician
• Jeff Miller, co-owner of the travel blog Our Passion for Travel
• Victoria Langmead, safari expert for Natural World Safaris
• Yuichi Nishiyama, pilot for All Nippon Airways
• Anisa Alhilali, co-owner of the blog Two Traveling Texans
• CDC: “Air Travel”
• SeatGuru: “Shop for flights”
• U.S. Department of State: “Travel Advisories”
• U.S. Department of State: “Smart Traveler Enrollment Program”
• Cleveland Clinic: “How Airplane Travel Affects Your Body”
• U.S. Department of Transportation: “Lost, Delayed, or Damaged Baggage”
• U.S. Customs and Border Protection: “Mobile Passport Control (MPC)”