14 Things to Do The Day Before Flying Anywhere

17 Jun 14 Things to Do The Day Before Flying Anywhere

Posted at 20:00h in Travel Tips, Trip Planning by Caroline Rose 0 Comments

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“Am I forgetting anything??” We’ve all been there right before flying, running around, packing and trying to remember what else we’re supposed to do. I’ve been in this situation far too many times myself. So I created a checklist as a reminder of 14 things to do the day before flying anywhere!

1. Arrange Transportation to the Airport

Save yourself from scrambling and instead arrange transportation to the airport at least the day before. This could mean asking a family member to drive you, scheduling a taxi or Uber, talking to the front desk of your accommodation and asking if they provide a shuttle, whatever! But no matter how you get there, just figure it out the day before. This can be a make it or break it to missing your flight!

2. Charge Your Electronics

There is nothing worse than getting to the airport and realizing your phone is on 30% and your headphones are dead. It’s like going to the gym and realizing you don’t have a hair tie or headphones.

Make sure and charge all electronics that you may need such as phone, headphones, portable charger, kindle, iPad, etc. Don’t bank on having an outlet at the airport or in the plane because even if they are available, they often do not work.

3. Pick Out Your Airport Outfit

To me this is very important! Because I pack light, I try to wear my bulkiest clothes to the airport rather than packing them. Additionally, I try to wear some type of layers so if the plane is cold I’m still comfortable, and if it’s hot I can just strip off a layer. I also always wear sneakers with socks so I’m not barefoot when asked to take shoes off at TSA. My go to outfit is typically sneakers, joggers, a t-shirt and a sweatshirt. Simple!

When picking your own airport outfit, the most important rules are comfort and convenience. Think about what you want to wear sitting for hours at a time in a small chair. Typically nothing tight, especially around the waist. Also consider passing through TSA. A lot of accessories like jewelry and a belt means shedding it all off and clamping it back on a minute later, which is a pain!

4. Check the Weather At Your Destination

Depending on what the weather is when you arrive, this may impact what you wear and what you pack. For example, if you are leaving cold weather to enter extremely hot weather, you may want to consider bringing a change of clothes for when you arrive.

5. Pack Keeping Restrictions in Mind

If you are not familiar with baggage restrictions when flying, then read about your airline’s before packing, and then pack accordingly. This will save you reorganizing your bag at the airport or throwing out some of your items. For me, this typically just means making sure my bags are the correct weight, packing only liquids under 3.4 ounces in my carry on, and making sure all my camera gear and batteries are in my carry on rather than checked bag (if I have one). I also like to bring a reusable water bottle when I travel, but have to remind myself to empty it before reaching TSA.

6. Organize Your carry on efficiently and with the Essentials

How you pack your carry on is important. Try to pack in a way that anything you will need at the airport – such as your passport/ID, hand sanitizer, headphones – are readily available without having to rummage through your bag too much. If you decide to keep your wallet and passport on you instead of in your bag, make sure its in a secure place such as a money belt or a pocket that zips. Additionally, pack your carry on so that any items that need to be taken out for inspection at TSA (such as electronics) can be easily extracted and put back in the bag.

Aside from packing strategically, I also like to include little essentials in my carry on. Including: hand sanitizer, sanitizer wipes (for the seat), hand lotion, my headphones and Kindle, a charger, face moisturizer, a pen, etc. If I’m going on longer flights internationally, I also bring a spare change of clothes, my toothbrush, face essentials, and minimal makeup in my carry on as well.

7. Download Movies, Music or Audible

If you are unable to sleep on a plane, it can be infuriating to sit there with nothing to do. Even a short flight can feel ages long this way. So do yourself a favor and remember to download a movie or two to your phone, some music, a podcast, or an audible book all before you leave while you still have steady wifi.

8. Drink A Lot of Water

Flying can really dehydrate you, causing dizziness, headaches, lethargy and dry skin. In an attempt to offset this, I try to drink a lot of water the day before flying and then afterwards.

9. Shower and Moisturize!

Right before flying, I always wash my hair, get as clean as possible, and moisturize, moisturize, moisturize! Especially if I’m flying far internationally, I may not be able to shower for another day or so. Additionally, airports and flying always make me feel grimy, and so the cleaner I am before, that effect is somewhat lessened. Also, like I said, flying dehydrates you, so I try and moisturize my skin as much as possible beforehand.

10. Make Sure Your Place of Departure Is in Order

When I say your place of departure, I’m referring to wherever you’re staying before heading to the airport. If you are leaving from home, make sure all your affairs are in order such as who’s taking care of your pet, if you are leaving a spare key, unplugging everything etc..

But if you’re staying at hotel or hostel, learn about check out procedures such as returning towels, stripping sheets, getting your deposit back, returning a key, checkout time, etc. This is important especially if your flight is early morning, because you may need to check out the night before if the help desk is not open before you leave.

11. Check Into Your Flight Online

If you are not checking an extra bag, checking into your flight online can save you a lot of airport time. Also this way your ticket is readily available on your phone.

12. Prepare for Your Arrival

While you are in the comfort of your home or hotel, double check all your arrival arrangements so you are not standing at your destination airport clueless, perhaps with no wifi.

If you rented a car, have screenshots of the receipt or email ready.
If someone is picking you up, make sure you have their name and/or contact.
If you plan to take a taxi, perhaps download the local ride share app.
If you will take public transportation, figure out your route.
Have the address of your accommodation saved in notes app or a screenshot.
If you are traveling to a country that does not speak English, perhaps have a few phrases you may need to use in the local language in your notes app (For example, “Where can I find the airport shuttle?”) or have a translation app already downloaded.

Whatever it is you need to figure out upon arrival or have ready, try to do the day before leaving while you have guaranteed wifi so everything runs smoothly.

13. Check the Status of Your Flight

The day before and the day of flying, be sure to check the status of your flight. If it’s delayed or cancelled, you may need to make further arrangements.