My Pre-Flight Checklist & A Free Printable Checklist Too!
I’ve mentioned before that while I love to travel, I don’t love to fly. It’s not the whole 35,000 feet up in the air thing. It’s more about all of the steps that it takes to get somewhere, the exhaustion, and, ultimately, feeling out of control when sometime goes off plan. So many obstacles can occur when flying (delayed planes, canceled flights, missed connections). My solution is to control what I can control and then work on my anxiety level when encountering the things that I can’t.
Enter lists. My pre-flight checklist helps quiet that nagging feeling that I’m missing something in preparation for our flight. With all of our pre-flight to-dos in one place means, I can sleep a little sounder. If you’re a list person or are looking for another way to feel calmer before a flight, then this post is dedicated to you!
If you love planning, checklists, and learning new travel tips, then you’ll probably love my book! How to Travel the World: Long Term Travel Planning covered all of the details that you want to know!
Want some more info on the items that made the list? Here you go!
AIRLINE INFORMATION
Check-in Online - Save yourself from standing in yet another line at the airport. Check-in online and add in your passport information, if needed, before heading to the airport.
Purchase Baggage - If you’re checking a bag, purchase baggage online before your airport arrival to save money. (I share this tip and other ways to save money on flights here.)
Airport Transportation: to/from - Don’t leave asking a family member or booking an Uber to the last minute. Secure airport transportation to the airport and when you arrive back home before your trip begins. Also, make sure that you know how to get from your destination’s airport to your first accommodations before you leave.
TO DO
Luggage: Remove old tags / label - Make sure to remove old airport tags from your suitcases. Leaving them on could result in the airline losing your luggage! Also, label your luggage with your name, phone number, email address, and first accommodation’s address. This is the necessary information needed for the airline to find your luggage in case it is lost and they need to transport it to the right location.
Check carry-on luggage requirements - Airline luggage requirements are always changing and vary wildly from airline to airline. Double-check the restrictions before packing.
Sign up for flight status text alerts - Gate changes? Delayed flights? You need to be informed of any changes that occur to your flight even when you’re at the airport. I always sign up for flight alerts to be received by text through the airline that I’m flying. You can also receive updates through the Flightview app
CARRY-ON PACKING
Liquids: Follow TSA’s rules - Haven’t flown in awhile? Research the most recent liquid restrictions from TSA. I love these silicone bottles and bag that are TSA compliant. Along with ounce size, double-check that you know what TSA considers a liquid. In many parts of the world, we learned that peanut butter was considered a liquid. It took a few confiscated peanut butter jars for us to remember that rule!
Change of clothes / pajamas - Flights are long enough. They feel 10x longer when your shirt is covered in your spilled drink. Changing into fresh clothes or pajamas mid long-haul flight feels fantastic too!
Toothbrush / contact items / toiletries - During long-haul flights, I like to do a quick refresh before “bed”. Brushing my teeth, removing contacts, and even using a face wipe and applying moisturizer helps me mentally prepare for sleep. Even if I don’t sleep more than a few 20 minute stretches.
Headphones with audio jack for plane - I love my AirPods but they’re not going to help me if I want to watch the inflight entertainment. So I always make sure to bring along headphones with the old school audio jack to connect to the plane’s outlet.
TO BUY
Gum/Lollipops to clear ears on plane - Gum for the adults, lollipops for the kids. Either way, they work to relieve pressure during takeoff and landing. If you’re traveling with a baby, have them drink from a bottle or breastfeed during these times.
Airplane snacks - Snacks and unlimited screen time is what got us through so many flights with our kids. Don’t underestimate the power of a good snack selection!
THE NIGHT BEFORE
Charge electronics - Phones, AirPods, iPads, Battery Packs. Make sure they’re charged and ready for a day of travel.
Download movies/TV to devices - A new Netflix show or a comfy, favorite movie from Disney+ is always great to have in your back pocket when your little one (or you!) are about to have a meltdown. I also love downloading podcasts to catch up on during flights.
Empty water bottles - Sure you could empty them at the airport, but it’s one less thing to remember to do there!
DON’T FORGET
Passport & Boarding Pass - The last items that you would want to forget! Yet, they have the tendency to be left on the entry table only to be remembered when you’re halfway to the airport.
Plenty of room on the free printable list at the top of this post to add on other items not to forget. From prescriptions to your child’s lovey, we all have something to add.
What items make your pre-flight checklist? Are you a list person or would you rather wing it?
