My travel checklist and airport routine

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I haven’t found myself complaining about being at an airport until I got bad advice from our hotel in New York and arrived at LaGuardia AN HOUR before it opened and was forced to stand in an empty terminal at 3:30 am. Not ideal (especially when the terminal doesn’t even have benches to sit on…what’s up with that LGA!?). Then I got through security and had very limited options for breakfast and coffee, forcing me to wait another hour to get an espresso.

This whole experience had me thinking about how I’ve been pretty lucky in my airport experiences so far, and how my typical airport routine helps me have a comfortable travel experience no matter what the environment is. It’s especially key when I’m traveling internationally, and may be taking a few flights to get to my final destination.

In regards to what seat I typically like on an airplane, it depends on the flight! I usually choose aisle seats for domestic flights and longer international flights. I like the freedom to get up whenever I want to without having to step across someone or wake-up my rowmates. Plus, I can stretch my legs in the aisle when I want, as I find these planes to have the least legroom.

When I’m traveling in Europe (with Ryanair or KLM), I tend to go for a window seat because the flights are shorter and I want to see out the window. I never feel cramped on these flights, the legroom is actually quite generous. Flying over the alps is incomparable, and I love being able to keep the shade open and watch Europe from above. Plus, I typically fly in the morning, and seeing the sunrise from the clouds is so beautiful, I have to see it.

I decided to break down my routine for those first-time flyers or nervous travelers who may find comfort in routine, as I do when at the airport and when preparing for travel…

WEEK BEFORE

• Ensure all reservations are correct.
• Happily anticipate the trip, use these tips for getting in the mood for travel!
• If you’re flying a budget airline, such as Ryanair, you may be able to check-in up to a week in advance. Pay attention to their requirements on printing your boarding pass.

DAY BEFORE

• Check-in to flight (typically 24 hours in advance is the best time for this for domestic flights) and choose seat if possible. I always try to check-in right away, so I can grab an aisle or window seat depending on the length of the flight.
• Charge noise-cancelling headphones, camera, and mobile charger.
• Download Spotify playlists.
• Arrange a ride, or order an Uber and have a back-up plan if none are available at the time scheduled.

NIGHT BEFORE (Since I often take morning flights)

• Finish packing.
• Lay out all toiletries to be used in the morning then packed.
• Double-check that flight is still on time, what terminal it’s at, and any potential weather that could affect travel.
• Pack fruit or snacks for plane, and breakfast.
• Set alarm and go to bed!

AT AIRPORT

• Go through security.
• Grab an espresso or coffee (I like espresso in general, but in this case especially because it doesn’t amount to a lot of liquid consumed).
• Eat breakfast that was packed or buy fruit.
• Sit down at gate to enjoy food.
• Hit the bathroom right before or once the flight starts boarding, depending on the boarding zone.
• Board flight…bon voyage!

Let me know your thoughts about flying routines and which seat you prefer in the comments!