Humans are creatures of habit and everyone has a specific routine when flying. What to pack, when to pack, when to arrive at the airport and what to do once on board. It differs from person to person and depends on whether you are flying for business or leisure.
Now that I fly regularly, I find I have a set routine that I follow all the time when I am travelling.
Home Routine
Some people pack for long haul travel days in advance but I find it easier to pack the night before. I put together all the clothes I wish to take and put them in my suitcase. Toiletries are last as I pack those the morning of travel after I have showered and dressed.
When the time comes, I leave for the airport so I arrive around about 2 hours before departure.
Airport Routine
At the airport, the first port of call is the check-in desk where I hand over my baggage and then it’s straight to security. Usually I am lucky enough to have fast-track security meaning the lines are small and I will be through very quickly.
Flash money is needed next so I swing by the currency exchange desk and get money I will need on arrival for taxis and what not. Shopping at the airport does not interest me at all, so the next port of call is the lounge.
I like to get to the gate before boarding is called as I enjoy being one of the first on the aircraft. Sitting on board is more fun to me than sitting in the airport so I like to be on the flight as soon as possible.
Short Haul Routine
Boarding the flight, I stow my carry on and then sit down and relax while other passengers board. On short haul flights, we take off and I will eat the complimentary meal or I will buy a meal on board. It passes the time and airline food is very edible. Besides, I will usually want to review it so I’ll be snapping away with my iPhone as I do so.
Some flights are so short that it’s a mission to eat before descent. Food is attacked with gusto and then it’s time to hand it back and land at my destination.
Long Haul Routine
Long haul, I will browse the movie selection once in the air and pick something I want to watch. On rare occasions where I am given pyjamas I will pop into the toilet and change into them before settling in.
Meal service will happen and I’ll eat everything I’m given. Complimentary drinks are all for the taking and I am not shy about matching wines to my courses. The hours will be passed watching movies. At dinner time this can be difficult as I like to interact with the crew as I am served. At some point I try to sleep.
During the night, visiting the cabin crew is always fun. Great conversations occur during the middle of the night and it passes the time for all parties. Avoiding DVT is important so finding a quiet doorway for some stretches is a must at least once. Later it will be more movies or some television shows.
On the ground getting up immediately to collect my cabin baggage is my usual routine. It is nice to stand after lounging for so long as everyone knows.
Arrival Routine
Running the gauntlet at immigration – especially in the United States – is a trying experience. I like to get it over and done with as soon as possible. Once admitted, it’s off to baggage claim. From there I find either a bus, tram, train or sometimes a taxi and head off to my hotel.
Overall Thoughts
Business people like to work on board and set aside time for this. Some lucky people choose to sleep the flight away. Others play with their kids or pace the aisles or read.
What is your travel routine or on board routine when flying? I’d love to hear about it in the comments below. Thanks for reading!
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Featured image via British Airways, other images via oneworld alliance media.
Why would you go to a currency exchange in the airport? Literally the worst place to do it. Terrible exchange rate. Get a bank acct with no foreign transaction or atm fees.
Yes, I know it’s a terrible place to do so. I only hit that if I’ve neglected to order some at the bank beforehand. I prefer to use my cards over cash as much as possible, but it’s always good to have a little just in case. Thanks for the comment!
Re packing…usually done the day before, but I tend to pack essentially the same wardrobe/s for various climates. Toiletries are never last minute as I have a ready-to-go kit bag containing everything necessary…this is NEVER used at home, simply replenished when needed. Clothes are rolled and packed into ziplock bags according to type, ie undies, socks, tops, bottoms, scarves, shawls, etc.
I arrive at the airport 2-3 hours early, depending on destination. (In Dublin, going through US PreClearance can take a while longer than simple security to other destinations, but it makes US arrival a breeze!). .. a must-have is my Global Entry.
The best Priority Pass lounge is the one closest to my departure gate and I do indulge in adult beverages and a snack, preferably soup.
Once on-board, I diligently wipe down ALL surfaces with a “wipe”, change into my Isotoner slippers with leather soles and relax. My kindle and the inside of my eyelids are my best friends however I always eat and drink whatever I’m served (you never know….). Before arrival, I use the rest room one last time, remove my slippers, wipe the bottoms with a wipe, refold in ziplock bag and return to my carry-on tote.
My routine may vary a little when I am flying Business and/or needing to use a wheelchair . But I love flying, airports and all the good people I meet!
Interesting that you have a specific kit back for the toiletries. I tend to have the travel sized things like deodorant, toothpaste and shaving cream but I put them into the bathroom between flights and then put them back in the clear bags when I fly. Thinking of it, that’s pretty useless when I only use them when I’m away!
Love your Priority Pass lounge choice! I’m usually 2 hours before travel but I know Dublin Fast-Track security is quick so with European flights I’ll squeeze it down to 1 hour 15 at minimum just in CASE there is traffic somewhere en route.
Smart to wipe things down, I’ve seen some colours of black when I’ve done that. Aeroplanes are not clean! Sounds like you definitely have it down pat like the experienced traveller you are. Thanks for sharing!
I have had a “dedicated” travel toiletries bag (with everything from cotton swabs to safety pins to antiseptic cream) since the early 80s…makes that part of packing easy. A recent addition has been invalid/decoy credit cards or old hotel room keys wrapped with duct tape for those emergencies like fallen hems, broken suitcase zippers, taping reminder notes on the hotel room door, etc. (Gave them as Christmas stocking stuffers last year and they were a hit, especially with gold and silver metallic tape!)
You definitely have it all covered! I might not have the issue of fallen hems though 🙂 A friend of mine also travels with many first aid type things just in case. It’s come in useful for him several times. I may have to look into that myself!
Trent, a great topic and useful insights.
Thanks very much for the comment, as always!
My routine usually involves checking out various Priority Pass lounges in the airports I visit before settling in and either working on my laptop, reading a book or watching a movie on the video screen or my iPad.
That sounds like a good routine! When I have access to more than one lounge, I’ll visit them all before settling in and relaxing until flight time. Thanks for the comment!