Flying High …

Travel is a given. Two of my sons and their families live ten hours away in different cities; one in Michigan, one in Kentucky.

Car trips eat up so much visiting time; a day each way. We’d rather spend time together. Plus the added detriment of sitting ten hours in a car takes its toll. Yes, getting to airports, arriving two hours before flight requires time, but the one and a half hour flight puts us together in half the time.

It’s a WIN for us. We don’t consider driving unless necessary.

As a result, I’ve grown accustomed to packing, luggage, airport details, airlines and searching for flights.

I’ve devised my methods!

Maybe, some of you have methods to share. Maybe, I can help you with your own travel.

Packing Cubes
If you’re unfamiliar, these are inside zipper compartments to place clothing. They keep clothing compact and take up less space, I’m convinced. I use one’s like this:

I’ve discovered “Compression Packing cubes”! They compress clothing even more. Problem for me is … there are still weight limits😂 Fitting more in the luggage will not solve the scale. There’s a balance to be struck! When my regular cubes wear, I may try these!

Has anyone tried them?

Jewelry
I always keep this in my carry-on!

I’ve tried many kinds of Jewelry takers: none thrill me. This one’s kinda new, but so far I like it. It’s a pill container, but I use it for Jewelry. It provides enough space for a little, but not too much. Chains can be in their own compartments and not get tangled!

This may not be enough space if you like big jewelry, but for pared back traveling, I “like” it. After a few more trips, I may “love” it.

Carry On Under the Seat

I keep these at my fingertips:

     A. A large scarf for a blanket when necessary. In warmer months, it is thin fabric. Colder, thicker. Airlines do not supply blankets/pillows anymore. This can replace either. Lately, I’ve been hot on airplanes, but it changes. That extra layer makes for a wonderful nap, or sleep on longer flight.

    B. A Snack

        I travel with protein bars and almonds. Ya never know!

Did you know you can pack food from home?

Just no liquids! Security will pass it through. You don’t have to eat airport food, which can be expensive, but also is not that plentiful. A few choices are available with probable long lines. You can eat your food from home at the airport or on the plane. Just be a polite passenger, not packing “stinky” food.

C. A Backup Power Source for my phone.

Power seems to wain at the most inconvenient times, like when I reach my destination city and need to use Uber/Lyft. I’ve learned to connect my phone to the power source during air travel, so it’s full power when I arrive. It saves time and frustration!

D. A Book on Kindle

Eliminating space for a hard copy. Little spaces matter; prioritize. I never know if I’ll want to read, listen to a book, or nap on the flight. Early mornings and lots of activity ahead makes a nap irresistible. Having an option is nice.

E. Ear Plugs & Ear Phones

Essential for long flights, but they live in my carryon for quick trips too. They can provide sanity … if you know, you know!!!

F. Water

   Most flights provide small waters in the complimentary cart. For short flights, that may be enough, but on longer flights, I always have a bottle of water. Have you ever had that dry cough develop when you haven’t coughed in weeks?? It will happen on an airplane!! Water is essential! I intentionally hydrate when I fly. I try not to let the bathroom situation control my intake. Hydration is more important!

You can actually bring your own empty water bottle! All the airports I have been in have a special place at water fountains to fill bottles! Choose a collapsible one or one to fit a pocket in your luggage. Don’t fill it till you get through security!

G. Cough Drops and Chap Stick

The dry air in planes is real. These two minor items can provide relief!

H. Clothing

If I have no other carryon, I make sure a top or two and undergarment change are in my under the seat parcel. Just in case my checked luggage lingers.

Jacket/sweaters

I always wear a jacket or sweater on the plane. The bulkiest one I am packing; saving luggage space. I shed it and place in overhead bins or keep it in the seat with me. Turned backwards it becomes a blanket too.

Security Wallet

Purchase a security wallet: RFID protection card holder can perfectly block unwanted RFID scanners, Safe and Secure RFID Blocking signals and protects valuable private information.

I started carrying this years ago. If you are traveling overseas, you may want a large one which can carry your passport too. It’s a simple safe guard to keep financial numbers from being being stolen by anyone in proximity. It seems a little over the top, but it can avoid lots of turmoil and hassle!

Amazon has many to choose from!!

Nonstop Flights

I know they can be more expensive, but for me, it’s worth it!!!

If you haven’t read about my “Overnight at Laguardia” last summer, it is my “WHY” and A MUST READ!! Take Me to it!

Hint: Find out what airlines “Hub” is at the place you are flying to. Often you’ll find the best deals on those airlines.

My Hub for MI is Delta and KY is United! You’ll often find nonstop with them.

Use Airline Apps

I use the airline App for almost everything. No papers to keep track of, but also, you’ll be notified of updates quickly and given options! I don’t mess with paper boarding passes. A cell phone is so much easier and all the info I need is in my App!! One place!!

Aside: I am more tech savvy than my husband. It would frustrate him to death to use an app. So, when we travel, I book it under my name and put him as the second passenger, then all the info for BOTH of us is in MY App. I go first through security and boarding and scan us both in, no problem. If you use any Apps, you’ll be able to navigate the airline apps with little help!

There are so many more things to discuss in this category, but these are my top suggestions.

The more I travel, the more methods develop. I am a novice compared to some, but experienced to others.

Shoot me some questions, if you have any! I’m happy to share my experience.

Do you have favorite travel tips? Tell us in the comments below!

Happy Travels!!

Boarding Soon,