My senior year of high school I made the decision to go to college cross country, which means I fly at least four times a year; twice for winter break and twice for summer. Over the year and half of my college career I’ve learned a few tricks and quirks when it comes to flying. So, here’s a bit of what I learned while flying solo:
1. Carry-ons
Keep them light. Gone are the days where mom and dad are traveling with you and can help you carry all your personal items through the airport. More so, take items that you can easily fit under the seat in front of you while on board. Nothing is worse than trying to lift you over-stuffed carry-on into the bins above, especially if you are my height. Now some people will help and the flight attendants are always there to help, but I avoid all this and the impatient people waiting to board while you struggle by packing light. And trust me your father will be proud once you get home and he doesn’t have 5 tons of luggage to carry! Thanks dad!
2. Ziploc Baggies
This might seem weird, but keep a gallon sized plastic bag in your purse. Why? For your tickets and checked luggage receipt. Nothing is worse than when they start boarding and you are frantically looking through your things because you forgot what you did with your tickets. Once you get through security all you have to do is place your tickets into the Ziploc bag, close it, and when it’s time to board you know exactly where everything is. This is perfect especially if you have connections and multiple flights.
3. Blankets
If you are like me, you get cold easily. And nothing is worse than sitting on the plan for a five-hour flight and being freezing. And that is not to say that it doesn’t get hot or stuffy every once in a while, on the plane, but it’s better to be prepared than trying to snuggle up to the window to gain any type of warmth. They do sell nice travel sized blankets in the airports, but they do tend to be more expensive than they should be, so if you can pack your own light blanket.
4. Look-up
This is an old trick I got from my mama! She always tells me before flying that if I am ever lost in the airport to look-up. Everything and anything you could need is up above you. And as usual, my mama is right. Directions to terminals, baggage claim, restrooms, and parking are all above you. There is nothing more stressful and scary than traveling solo, having to find your gate, and having no idea where you are or how to get where you need to be. So, take a deep breath and look up!