5 Hidden Secrets To Air Travel

• Do you know that you can get priority check-in, extra legroom and more comfortable seats by purchasing Premium Economy tickets?

• When traveling as a couple, did you know that it's smarter to choose one window and one aisle seat each rather than side by side? Very few fliers want that middle seat, so you could end up with extra space!

• Carrying antibacterial wipes when traveling with kids is a great way to prevent the spread of germs from seat handles and toilets.

These and a host of other great tips and tricks will make you a smarter traveler, you will enjoy a hassle-free trip, and arrive fresh as a daisy.

Why is Air Travel So Stressful?

There's no doubt that air travel has made life so much easier and more convenient. You can cross continents in the span of a day, travel the length and breadth of your country within hours, which were hitherto difficult and time consuming. Travel  by road, train or sea can be long drawn out and exhausting. 

But every time you purchase your airline tickets, there's that undeniable feeling of stress and tension. You worry about getting to the airport, getting a taxi or rideshare on time. If you plan to drive yourself, there's the huge concern about finding parking. Traveling with kids and seniors is one of the biggest stress inducers in air travel. Deciding what to pack, with weight and size restrictions on your bags, is another source of anxiety. 

Once you're in the airport, if it's an unfamiliar one, finding your check-in counter, scanning your bags, making sure your boarding pass is safe, getting through security and finding your gate can be other hassles. This is not restricted to first time travelers - the most experienced of air travelers will admit to a twinge of apprehension till they're through with the formalities. 

Once you're done with the preliminaries, it's a question of finding a place to sit comfortably in the lounge, getting yourself a snack or a drink, and then listening with your ears peeled for your flight to be announced. 

On board, leg room is often woefully inadequate, you may have a nasty and rude co-passenger seated next to you, someone may spill their drink on your laptop, your kids may throw a tantrum or fight for the window seat!

While all these scenarios may seem imaginary, you'd be surprised to know that they are in fact, all too real. 

5 Hidden Secrets To Air Travel

Like most situations in life, there are plenty of hacks available to make air travel smoother, hassle free and a fun experience for you and your family. 

1. Early Calm Down Tips: Spend some time and effort really planning for airline travel. Booking early can get you good seats, and you'll be surprised to know that rear seats can be a great choice! Few people want them so you could end up having a few empties near you, and this is great when you're with kids. They tend to get boisterous and noisy, babies start fussing and you're bound to get dirty looks from co-passengers. Ensure that you've eaten a good meal before you arrive at the airport. This saves you big bucks, as airport food rates are astronomical. Shower, get some gym time, relax before you set out. Use an app to give you more information about the facilities at the airport. Many airports have free lounges, discounts for frequent travelers, pre-booking cabs at your destination and more. Enjoy window shopping and people watching! On board, stay positive and mindful of all that's going on without feeling annoyed about small things. 

2. Pre-Book Your Car Parking: Smart airline travelers know the real benefits of pre-booking car parking at the airport. Whether it's long or short term, most airports have safe, secure and convenient parking facilities. Reliable operators such as United parking facilities ensure that your vehicle remains protected till you return. You can use online payment, valet parking or other benefits that the service provider offers. Look out for deals, discounts, coupons and loyalty programs. Plan to park at the most convenient and affordable space that suits your needs, preferences and budget. 

3. Cut Down On Carry-On Bags: You may think it's a great idea to carry bulky winter-wear, the fat book you've been reading and your make-up kit in your in-flight baggage. But take it from me, that's a bad idea. Many airlines have restrictions about the number of items allowed in carry-on. In addition, you will certainly have problems trying to juggle all the stuff in your narrow and limited seating space. Ensure you pack the minimum in your carry-on : a change of clothing, essential medication, phone charger, a spare pair of glasses. Get some colorful baggage tags to attach to the handles of your check-in and carry-on so you can identify them easily. 

4. Fitness: Stay fit while on long flights. If you practice yoga, once you're settled down, the food has been served and the lights turned down, this is a great time to meditate or do your breathing exercises. The two biggest dangers on long flights are deep vein thrombosis and dehydration. Ensure that you drink plenty of water, and go easy on the alcohol and wines, as they tend to be dehydrating. Stretch your legs and keep them moving as much as possible. Take a walk up and down the aisle once in a while when it's safe to move around. Hygiene can be a challenge when you're with kids or seniors. Carry plenty of wet wipes, an extra pair of comfortable footwear that you can use to visit the toilet and wipe the food trays and seat handles down before you settle down in your seat. 

5. Play it Smarter: Choose the check-in counter that's extreme left at the airport check in. This is a smart move because most people are right handed and would automatically favor the counters to their right! Pack a selection of clean, empty zip-loc bags in your carry-on bag. They're great to pack wet T-shirts if kids have spilled their drinks, or your phone and laptop chargers, essential toiletries and more. You don't waste time looking for them when you land.