Table of Contents
Introduction
Traveling well is important to your career success! If you’re headed to an interview, presenting a paper at a conference or going to visit a customer there’s a good chance you’re getting there on a plane. Read on for my tips for traveling well at the airport.
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TSA Pre-Check
My number 1 travel tip: get TSA pre-check immediately! Avoiding any kind of line is key to traveling well. Pre-check gets you into the priority security lane which always has a shorter line.
You can apply at Staples where you’ll fill out all the paperwork, take your photo and submit your application. The application lasts for 5 years.
Buy a Flight Upgrade
The days of getting a good seat with a standard ticket are over. Many airlines restrict the selection of a good seat without the purchase of an upgrade. This can be done by limiting your choice of seat to the back half of the airplane, or by forcing you to board in a later group.
Spending the $50 to $100 to choose a seat closer to the front of the plane or boarding in a priority group is highly recommended.
Noise Cancelling Headphones
Air travel is loud! There’s thousands of people crammed into these airports and the ambient noise alone can be a lot to deal with, and even more so when including the gate agents speaking through the public announcement system.
A pair of noise cancelling headphones is a great addition to your travel kit. It will reduce your mental load by removing much of the audible distractions in the airport and will cut out the constant hum of the engines while in-flight.
Neck Pillow
A neck pillow can be a life saver on a long flight or if your are stuck at the airport due to a cancellation. Neck pillows are particularly useful for a red-eye overnight flight or just a late flight that’s traveling east and getting in late. A neck pillow can stabilize your head during light turbulence and help get some sleep on the plane or in the airport.
Use the Headrest Flaps
Some airlines use adjustable headrests which can be raised and lowered and folded into support your head and neck. This is a good substitute for a neck pillow and can also make light turbulence more comfortable as it keeps your head from flopping around.
Dress Cool
Airplanes are packed full these days and that means they’re warmer than you expect. More people on the plan means more body heat and less access to those tiny air vents in the overhead bin. Dress cool and bring an extra layer in your carry on you can cover up with if it gets too cold.
For men, avoid wearing a shirt with a collar. If you have a collar and put a neck pillow on top of that you’re going to be boiling!
Download the Airline's App
Downloading the airline’s app can be incredibly useful for getting up to date info on flight status, tracking your bags or for finding a better seat. People will be adding, moving and changing flights and seats leading up to departure time. Checking once a day leading up to your flight may result in a better seat: moving from the middle to the aisle, or moving from the back of the plane to the front.
Conclusion
Traveling well is important to arriving at your destination well rested and ready to take on the world. Once you get TSA Pre-check, buy an upgrade and put on your noise cancelling headphones you’ll never travel without them again.
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