Ultimate Guide to Comfortable Air Travel: What to Pack, Wear, and Book
Let’s talk about flights.
Everyone loves finding cheap flights—especially with the rising cost of air travel. Recently, airfare prices have gone up due to a mix of high demand, inflation, fuel prices, and airline staffing shortages. If you're curious to dive deeper into the why, I’ll share a helpful article below that explains it all.
There are plenty of resources out there dedicated to helping you find the lowest airfare—from blogs to travel websites and flight tracking tools. A quick Google search for “how to find cheap flights” will give you tons of tips and tricks.
But let’s be honest— sometimes cheap isn’t worth it.
I’m all for saving money, but I also want an affordable flight that doesn’t leave me cramped in the last row next to the bathroom. Comfort matters!
If you feel the same, you're in the right place. Below, I’m sharing some top flight tips to help make your travel experience smoother and more enjoyable—without breaking the bank.
Always book direct!
Use flight comparison sites like Kayak or Google Flights to compare prices, but book directly through the airline’s website. Booking direct gives you more control over seat selection, itinerary changes, and access to better customer service if anything goes wrong.
Choose the Right Seat—and Pay for It!
That $30 upgrade is worth it. Don’t leave your seat selection to chance or wait until check-in at the ticket counter—especially for long-haul or international flights. Invest in your comfort and peace of mind.
Use tools like SeatGuru to find the best seat:
Extra legroom
Near the front (for faster boarding/deplaning)
Away from bathrooms and high-traffic areas
Use tools like SeatGuru to pick a seat with more legroom, near the front of the plane (for quicker deplaning), or away from the lavatories (for less foot traffic and noise).
Check in Early & Download the Airline App
Skip the lines and check in online as soon as it's available—usually 24 hours before departure. Download your airline’s app to monitor gate changes, delays, and important notifications in real-time.
Check the Bag—Pack Smart for Comfort
Stop trying to cram everything into a carry-on! For domestic flights, pack just your in-flight essentials in a small personal item that fits under the seat.
Instead of stressing over overhead space, - watch a movie, read a book, take a nap, focus on relaxing and enjoying the flight.
Pack a flight comfort kit with:
Neck pillow
Eye mask
Lip balm
Moisturizer or face mist
Hand sanitizer
Light snacks
For long-haul flights, pack smart and stay prepared.
Keep the essentials you’ll need during the flight—like snacks, a neck pillow, water bottle, tablet, and headphones—in a personal bag that fits under the seat in front of you.
Items you’ll want while waiting at the airport (like books, chargers, or a light jacket) can go in your carry-on stored in the overhead bin.
I also recommend bringing a small travel pillow, a compact blanket, and a few just-in-case items:
Extra underwear
Toothbrush
Travel-size deodorant
An extra shirt
These can be lifesavers if your flight gets delayed or canceled unexpectedly.
Stay Hydrated
Cabin air is dry! Bring an empty water bottle and fill it after going through security. Stay ahead of dehydration by sipping water regularly—especially if you're avoiding jet lag. Minimize caffeine and alcohol if you want to feel good when you land.
Bonus Tip: Download Entertainment in Advance
In-flight entertainment can be limited or glitchy. Download your favorite shows, movies, books, or playlists to your phone or tablet before heading to the airport.
Extra Tips that Will Help you Travel in Comfort:
Dress in Layers
Airplane cabins can fluctuate in temperature. Wear breathable layers and opt for comfortable clothing like joggers, hoodies, or a cozy scarf that can double as a blanket.
Bring Noise-Canceling Headphones or Earplugs
Block out engine noise, chatty passengers, and crying babies. You'll rest better and arrive feeling more refreshed.
Move Around
Stretch your legs or take a quick walk up and down the aisle every few hours to reduce stiffness and the risk of blood clots.
Eat Smart
Pack light snacks and avoid greasy or heavy meals before flying. A healthy diet helps avoid bloating and fatigue.
Adjust to Your Destination’s Time Zone
Try to sleep or stay awake based on the time at your destination—it helps reduce jet lag.
Prefer to skip the hassle of booking flights yourself? I’ve got you covered.
Check out my Airline Design Package—I’ll find the most affordable flights without sacrificing your comfort, so you can relax and enjoy the journey from takeoff to touchdown.
Why Are Flights So Expensive Right Now