5 Mistakes to Avoid Before a Long Flight | (#4 is the WORST)
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- Опубліковано 26 чер 2024
- 5 EASY FLIGHT MISTAKES and how to avoid them before your next trip. These are essential tips to help you prepare for a long flight to Europe this summer.
Mistakes to avoid before you fly for a great flight. When is online check-in for your airline and what seat should you pick on the plane? How to pack for a flight? In today's video, we will cover these travel tips and hacks for vacation.
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00:00 Introduction
00:30 seat selection mistake
00:51 online check in for flight
01:30 how to check plane seat map
01:40 seat guru airplane hack
02:31 do I get meal on flight?
02:46 this may ruin your flight
03:19 emergency airport hack
03:53 personal item packing mistake
04:09 don't wait for airport to do this
05:12 when to arrive at the airport
05:55 pre-book transportation
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// ABOUT
Hey there, I'm Megan and I've spent 5+ years living and working from over 50 countries around the world. I'm on a mission to prove that anyone (even you!) can do it too.
Portable Professional is a youtube channel full of actionable tips and guides to travel, live and work from anywhere in the world. Serving seasoned digital nomads and first-time travelers alike, it's the ultimate resource to hack the travel lifestyle.
Subscribe: ua-cam.com/users/PortablePro...
www.megangougeon.com/
/ megan.gougeon
My way of dealing with pre flight anxiety is to leave extremely early for the airport which usually means a long wait at the terminal, but I prefer that to rushing. However on one recent trip the airport shuttle was 40 minutes late so the extra early departure was essential.
I agree. I rather wait to board then rushing to the gate.
so true
I also do so. I've experienced even a total block of the whole metro line for 40 minutes on my way to the airport and many other unpleasant events not due to my fault. So l'd rather hang around Duty Free.
@@nyc1164 totally agree! I’d rather be at the airport hours early, find my gate and then I can wander around. I always feel such a sense of relief when I’m actually sitting at or near my gate.
I’m with you. I rather spend several hours at the airport, wandering into the shops or having something to eat, rather than being rushed.
I feel horrible getting through TSA Precheck…I have set off the alarms and have had to have my hands swabbed the last three times. I did learn not to have tissues on me and to have empty pockets. I am disabled and I always feel rushed, pushed, like a criminal, and feel horrible vibes from the TSA agents. Rarely have I found nice and caring ones who take extra time to help me. Thank you, Megan, for your suggestions and for bringing up this topic. My anxiety level goes through the roof just thinking about my next trip and what I have to go through with everyone else! TSA Cares does their best but they are also under time constraints in helping disabled passengers.
I feel for you. Try to remember that while there are some horrible people who will give you bad vibes, most people understand and wish you no ill will. If we have a bad look on our face, it has nothing to do with you, but rather the overall horrible state of air travel. Happy travels.
One tip I found and try to avoid, is seats that are exit rows. Almost always, these never recline and in some cases, don't have tray tables or the tray table is extra small (found this the hard way on a Frontier A319/A320) once on a red-eye flight, which sucks because I was hoping to sleep for the 4 hour flight. Not to mention in that particular flight, those seats also were plastic (with not much padding for the seat) as I think they were designed to fold up in case of an emergency so people can get out, so now I honestly avoid the exit row and almost will sit in the for behind the exit row, since you may have extra leg room (and the exit row seats may not recline either), but check.
For your second point about devices, charge them up overnight and buy a battery power pack for your phone/tablet at least. This way if you're on a long flight you will have enough power, and just in case your seat doesn't have a power outlet. Even a 10,000 mA charger should be enough to charge your phone and tablet at leaest once for an average 3-6 hour flight.
Personally if you need a ride to the airport, I would always book a limo and not rely on Uber or Lyft, as I've had problems with them. Luckily I've found a reliable limo driver locally that I use, and while he's not the cheapest, he does know the ins/outs of the airports I fly out of and when to leave, etc. So while it may cost more, I've always gotten there in time to not overly stress about things like checking bags, and he will even insist in some cases, that he picks me up 3 hours before a flight because he knows approximately when the airports are likely to be busy and things might be backed up, which is appreciated because I usually go by the 2 hour rule in most cases (although if I"m driving myself, then I allow 3 hours for parking and getting to the airport itself).
I travel internationally. Most of my stress comes from worrying about not packing something I need or packing it in the wrong bag (i.e. packing something I'll need for the long flight(s) in my checked bag. I solve this by making a packing list, and packing in advance as much as possible. Usually on the day of the flight, all I have to do is double check and go. I also look for early boarding options on my first flight or same day first class upgrades. This saves me from having to check my carry-on at the gate because earlier boarders have taken all the overhead compartments on a small plane.
Your site covers just about everything that involves traveling including everything flight related and this video is no exception. I guess I am too non-chalant to sweat over details but with a checklist of travel items from your site, I will be missing very few items and increasing fun on my next trip. Thank you so much.
Exactly what I try to do here, glad it’s been helpful 🥰
Your tip about the fact that airlines have gone to a 48 hour check-in window is priceless. Don't think any airline has that mentioned that on their web site. Something to mention regarding seat assignment. If you select the seats facing a bulkhead there is no under-seat space for your back back .and computer and... nouthing can't be at you feet (except your dog) during take off or landing. You must put all carry-on into the over head storage bins starting with with your wheeled carry on and Mac computer.. If you have a bulk head seat in first class try to be at the front of the first class line at the gate so you can be first onboard to put all your carry-on into the overhead above storage your seat/s. It disappears quickly during boarding.
If you are traveling on a plane for a cruise, leave the day before and then spend the night. you can go sooner if you wanted to.
I check in online 24-48 hours unless I am Business Class. I still print out a boarding pass as I have seen System Device Failures. I still keep a USB Battery Bank that is 2,000 mAh or slightly bigger with me as I know the frustrations of making a dash off a flight & needing to make a quick phone call with a low battery. Not all seats have access to USB ports to charge devices. Once I had a seat mate who hogged the only USB port until we landed. I asked to use a splitter cable so we both had use but he insisted he was their first.
I am using a transport company to get me to the airport for my upcoming flight (I hate driving in traffic and I really hate paying for parking at the Atlanta airport). I initially allowed the company to choose my pickup time, but I had so much anxiety over the crowds at the airport on Christmas Eve (my departure day) that I started having nightmares of missing my flight. I called the company and asked if I could be put on the shuttle an hour earlier…I was assured that the holiday crowds had been taken into consideration when my reservation was initially made, but they bumped me up an hour anyway. That has made all the difference! Thanks for all your advice and assistance!
Good informative video thanks
Great points to remember, thanks
I certainly get anxious before a flight but it's not flying that causes it, it's all the nonsense at the airport before getting on the plane.
Mostly it's the fear that I have forgotten to do something, that my documentation will not be accepted or I will not get through security ok.
I have flown since the 1960s so certainly not a first time flyer and this may sound ridiculous, which it probably is.
My solution to remove some of the anxiety is to over plan everything and well in advance. It sort of works.
Good to know this has not stopped you from flying. Safe travels!
Very helpful vid. Thanks Megan!
You doing a great work.
Cheers!!!
Very informative and helping us travellers a lot. Thanks so much for uploading this video. I followed these steps and it made my travel experience so much better!
Thank you for the heads up about the 48 hours, I didn't know.
Glad to help!
Your sense of humor is great 👍
Great tips! I travel a lot and still learn so much from you. The seat guru site is something I look forward to trying on my next trip.
I'm not an experienced flyer so it makes me very anxious and reliable on my travel partners. Gotta get more miles under my belt to feel more at ease.
Thank you so much for your video ❤.
You are so welcome!
Absolutely the anxious bug gets me every time.
Anxious flyer 🖐
I've worked long and hard to overcome my anxiety... cortisol overload! Mostly I get anxious now because of my husband and his habits that occur when flying. 😔
I must check which airlines allow 48 hour check-in. Your information is absolutely brilliant and I look forward to each video.
Great video.
I make a list to ensure I don't forget anything. Works well for me.
Yes, always!
I always feel anxious when flying overseas. I haven’t started packing and I’m leaving in 3 days. I am checking in luggage and taking a backpack.
I don't get anxious but rather excited before flights
Why not choose your seats when purchasing your tickets? The best seats go early. This is really true if you are traveling with your family or a group. I never thought of going shopping at the lost and found. Is this shopping "duty-free"? Free alcohol in the airport lounges will fix anxiety problems.
Thanks for the Flightguru website recommendation.
Lovely Megan. Have you thought of making these wonderful UA-cam videos as podcasts? They would be perfect for the traveler wishing to view your terrific gems while traveling. Keep warm and please take care.
Thank you! Im flying to Japan in November (+16hrs flight and my first internacional fligh) and all of your videos have been really helpful.
Great to hear! Have a super trip!
Great work!! But please, please add this to your pre-flight preparations. The ESTA forms take ages to complete and is very complicated. For example your passport has to be uploaded exactly right. If you are not technically minded, this is a real problem!! I am, and I started my application 1 hour ago and only half way through. It is fortunate I looked at your video which prompted me to apply for my ESTA. I am grateful to you for not leaving this until just before checking in online. Please let your viewers know about this. The ESTA application is way more complex than when I completed it 3 years ago.
As an autist I pay for a seat at booking, that way I am more comfortable. I will not remember 48 hours before, with my ADHD to make sure I get a seat. I can always change my seat if I need to at check in about 24 hours. Of course I am anxious, it is a requirement to get a autism diagnosis,
Sometimes paying for the seat is the better option! One less thing to worry about on travel day!
Great intel Megan- The 48 hour tip on securing seats is very helpful- question, is it necessary to pay more for both selecting the seat upon the ticket purchase as well as the actual seat position rather than waiting 48 hours prior to departure? This is typically what I do to ensure I get the best possible seats, particularly for long flights.
Jet 2 in UK, check in opens 28 days before flight. That’s 28 days, not hours 😮
Wow! Thanks for watching, Judy!
Thank you so much! Its our first time flying international can't wait. With your hacks and tips should go smooth. Now if the air lines will cooperate.....LOL
Glad it helped! Have fun and safe travels!
So practical. I bring a rechargeable backup battery in case my favorite device dies.
Anxious Flyer here too 👋
I suffer from flight anxiety, that has absolutely nothing to do with fear of flying which I don't have, but rather from the stress of having to do the things one typically has to do to prepare for a flight in terms of booking, seat selection, laundry, buying whatever I'll need for the flight and beyond, packing (and especially deciding what to pack), getting to the airport, and so on, as well as the anticipation of being in a cramped, noisy, cold and unpleasant tube for hours and hours with hundreds of strangers.
But mostly it's the stress of having to do all that preparation, making all the decisions that come with it, feeling pressured and rushed, and worrying that I'll forget to do or pack something essential. After decades of flying I still haven't been able to overcome this.
Thanks for info very helpful. Wow you look beautiful nice dress.
For wireless ear buds for about $10 you can buy a thin discreet rubber tether that fits over each bud. Drape this behind your neck and you will never lose your earbuds on the plane. You can also buy a blue tooth transmitter and plug it into the headphone jack on the plane. Without this your wireless earbuds/headphones only work with your own media. It's nice to be wireless but also have good active noise cancellation which you wont get from the airlines freebies.
I already booked my seats when booking the tickets.
Megan, with all of your travels, did you ever have to return early because of a death in the family? I did in October, and Singapore Airlines and the third party travel agency, Budget Air, were absolutely no help. I couldn’t deal directly with Singapore Airlines because I bought the ticket from a third party. Budget Airlines took 3 days to get back to me while I was in Chiangmai and said Singapore Airlines would change the return ticket for $1,650, which includes fees and the fare difference. I bought a ticket on Qatar Airlines for $880. Needlessly to say, I’ll never fly Singapore Airlines or use Budget Air again. You should do a segment on Brevement policies of airlines.
Pertaining to the video, when I was refused a bereavement fare on Singapore airlines, I bought a 1 way ticket on Qatar airlines for $620 that left in 3 days. At the 48 hour mark, I tried to do online check in several times and was refused. Not only did I want a seat assignment, but I was bringing excess baggage back and wanted the 20% discount offered on the charges if paid with online check in. I never did get the discount at regular check in and that cost me an additional $110. I finally figured out that not being able to check in online was because I bought a one way ticket 3 days away from departure. After 9/11, the U.S. government doesn’t allow airlines to accept on line check in’s to passengers under those circumstances. Like I said, you should do a video on airline’s bereavement policies and what passengers can expect.
Similar experience with Alternative Air, a 3rd party flight booker in UK. Broke my right (primary) arm in two places in Vietnam. Called them to arrange to go home early. First, they wouldn't waive a $195 fee for changing my reservation, then, at one point, told me there were no flights from Vietnam to U.S. on the day I wanted to return, then became reluctant to change anything. Ultimately I cancelled, recovering about $200 of the $750 ticket price. Word to the wise: avoid aggregators and buy tickets DIRECTLY from the airlines!
I like the comment about the lost and found.
Thanks for watching, Frank!
I've never had a bad flight and I've flown across the pond from Australia to lax and all over America
That's great to hear, Andrew!
Megan what is your thoughts on Earplane ear plugs??....do they work or is it a gimmick
I always, always choose my seat when I purchase my ticket. I'm very picky about which seat I want, so I'd never wait until checkin to choose ~ that's way too risky, as the best seats will be long gone at that point!
I'm not familiar with US airlines that allow check-in as early as 48 hours before departure. Can you share more info about that?
My anxiety came with booking a cruise that leaves out of Singapore.
Then I saw the flights - anxiety overload. 2 flights for a total of 23 hours. I have myself wound up so badly with the thought of being in economy on that long on a plane and how to manage if I get stuck in the middle. Uggggg. A few of my friends told me best thing to do is buy seats in business class which … ummmm… that price is out of my budget - completely.
So, I need to figure out how to make the best of my flights.
But thanks for your suggestions and videos. Very helpful
On May 10, 2023, I checked the two airlines I fly most. On both Southwest and American, the check in time is still 24 hours before the flight for those of us with bottom-tier status. ☹️
High on my list is not eating beans & getting a seat next to a 500 pounder or like someone else said in front of a seat kicker.
QUESTION: How should we respond to a child kicking the back of our seat incessantly, and the parents doing nothing?--Just keep ringing the flight attendant?
I asked the parent and child to stop it. It's understandable that the child is also uncomfortable in their seats like us. Air Canada's 787 was tight and uncomfortable unlike ANA (very spacious). Being patient with fellow passengers is important. Nowadays, being a grouch can get you off the plane, I hear. Good luck!
Unfortunately, if the parents don't do anything, you just have to suck it up. Please don't keep ringing the flight attendant. They can't do anything more than ask the parents the same thing. Not the first time, or the 10th. Flight attendants have others to worry about - people who only got 4 ice cubes in their drink, don't like the salad dressing, didn't get a pillow or have a God-given right to put their skanky feet up on the seat in front of them.
@@cijmo So...what if it was an adult who was flexing his legs into your back every 10 seconds? I guess we can assume the plane ticket did NOT say a comfortable seat.
I like to book business class. It's not that much more and you get a couple extra inches of leg room. Is usually the first 2 rows behind first class, so if you book the first row the row behind you is also business class and you are less likely to have a family of small children seated behind you.
@@charlesdavis1080 you are saying it is not much more in price of Y, maybe on domestic flights in the USA but on international flights the differance is big
You can't bring a snow globe on an airplane if it has more than 3.4 oz of fluid in it. You can empty out the fluid if that is possible. Happened to me coming back from India with a Taj snow globe.
Definitely get anxious pre-flight, that feeling of missing the flight because I overslept, got the wrong gate information, or similar - which is why I always get to the airport 4 hours before my flight. I always have those dreams days before my flight. Just hearing you say leaving for the airport late is giving me anxiety. 😅 Like why? why would you leave late for the airport? 🤣 I have to laugh to shake off the anxiety.
❤️
Thanks for watching, Julio!
Travel in USA often? Get TSA Precheck and Clear. Starbucks has ultrafiltered water so fill up there. Always travel with your power bank. Charge that first. I carry an M1 Macbook Air and a Thunderbolt 3 Certified M.2 NVMe SSD enclosure so I can have my own entertainment.
I hate hate hate that airlines charge for seat placement.. When I spend $2-3k on a flight I want My own seat. I booked my seat to Africa in February for a July flight but KLM/Air France wants another few hundred for me to be comfortable.
Hi Megan What breed is Ollie? We’re scratching our heads 🙏
Thank you for helping us think about our flight. I tried booking a long haul economy flight with Air Canada. There was no food provided. This was unreal. We didn’t book.
Glad it was helpful! Hope you find a flight that works for you!
Hi Megan I'm from Australia the first time I went to Las vegas I did everything wrong, but the second time I went with my mum as she is very organized the trip was planed 6 months before so was our shuttle we only brought USA cash and was put in separate envelopes with shuttle in Las Vegas, hotel deposit, tips ect. The only thing that up set me was a call from mum saying the shuttle in Australia taking us to the airport was already picking mum up I was next not ready he said that's fine gave I'm 20min said don't rush as he was early I was only doing my hair
Travelling with mum she is very organized lady I'm so glad only cash in USA and a back up card. Thank you for your information I love watching.🇦🇺
Your mum sounds like a great travel companion! Thanks for watching, Tanya!
I don't see an app for seat Guru ote sleeping in airports in the play store
👍👍👍👍👍
I just booked my flight from Canada to Poland (expensive) for June, and I'm terrified, as I've never flown before or been in an airport. I have aerophobia, claustrophobia, and the fear of heights. If it wasn't for meeting my long-distance girlfriend, I wouldn't do it, but I have to if I want to keep her. I'm gonna be a wreck the last month until my flight and losing my s h I t during the last week before my flight. I hope I'm making a mountain out of a molehill and it won't be near as scary as I'm anticipating.
I’ve seen a video on UA-cam about how you are able to use Bluetooth adapter and noise canceling headphones for music and onboard tv from the Asian airlines etc I don’t need more danger already is it safe to be using Bluetooth on Asian airlines I plan on going to Korea China and Japan including Switzerland and Germany Florida and Hawaii once I get my first townhouse space 😮😅
Planes whose interior rattlings lend a ceaseless cantata to the constant drones of the turbines during flight ---if one can avoid ---one should, ---they're aged---unreliable, may yet not depart the sky as a hapless heap upon earth, but is certain to keep one company with insomnolence ---and should voyage encounter turbulence, it shall be a long of tale of sorrow one tells long afterwards ---of old jets...
I am a wreck for days before my flight. I get to the airport super early because I am too nervous.
There is a lot to think about! Hope you can find ways to make it more relaxing.
Don’t most airlines allow you to choose your seat when you purchase your ticket? Other than Southwest.
I see--- one must register to view presentation going on around about presently . . .
---but first time hearing about the other youtube host, and lacking a channel---which is main stay of her presentation, registering was a bit testing
Seatguru does not always work.
I tried to use seatguru and it did not have my flight or even the country I am going to.
Good advice and easy on the eyes too. Good work thanks so much.
Keep in mind the seat guru website does not work with every airline in the world.
Do you think every time I buy a ticket it will be good to pay for the insurance in case an emergency comes up and need to change the dates of the flight?
You could either get insurance or pay the extra and get a flex or refundable ticket. But insurance for travel medical is essential! And then depending on how much your trip is worth to you, you may want trip interruption/cancellation insurance. And also bag delay/loss insurance (may be included in the trip interruption/cancellation policy). Some credit cards even have travel insurance, check the T&Cs.
If you sleep better that way, definitely.
I could not find Seat Guru on my Android phone. Is this app only on Apple products? I see Sky Guru, but it only has 2 stars.
I searched Seat Guru on my android phone and found it, linked with specific airlines.
Ssat guru does not appear all airlines..
The 48 hour checking. thing must be a Canadian thing. Not a thing in America yet. Should have done a little much research prior to saying it's becoming a prevailing trend.
I am flying Singapore Airlines from Brisbane to Istanbul soon, and they offer 48 hour check-in, so it is obviously not only a Canadian thing. Perhaps you should do a little more research.
Anxiety flying??? I'm an older deaf man... nothing but anxiety flying. - (but I don't let it stop me from traveling)
Enjoy your travels!
I love Canucks. hand theatrics. but great stuff 100+ traveling toes.
I can't find seatguru and also can't find sleepinginairports at the app store...??
They are websites- sorry for not making that more clear. Here you go! www.seatguru.com/ www.sleepinginairports.net/
@@PortableProfessional oh thankyou sooo much dear!!
I'm curious... If you book a flight, say, a month in advance and choose a seat at that time, do you still need to choose a seat again 48 hours before the flight?
Shouldn't have to as it's already done.
I always check my pre-booked seat reservation periodically when I buy a ticket that far in advance, as many airlines will adjust the type of aircraft as the flight date gets closer and could change your seat as a result. This can sometimes mean being reassigned to a less desirable seat, when the type of seat you want is actually still available and free for you to make the change before the check in window when someone else snags it.
I've just checked my airplane in Seatguru. I'll fly with Embraer E-195 (E95). The information was totally useless.
I will be travelling alone for the first time in March!whose hand will I squish during takeoff!?!?!?
Mine
I think I’m getting hypnotized by her lips! They are so unique! Is she actually AI? ❤
(You do realize I’m joking 😂)
Hi Megan,
I have binge watched your videos and they are excellently put together, you are extremely professional. ✴✴✴✴✴
I cannot find the video clip you said you will be doing in July 2022 regarding travel documents.
Most persons travelling focus heavily on everything for comfort and ease and do NOT pay enough attention to their travel documents.
Since you ABSOLUTELY CANNOT FLY without adequately representing your identity and intentions could I ask you to please do that video and give it the EMPHASIS that it actually deserves.
I was a travel agent for 5 years and it got on my last nerve how a prospective traveller would be so flippant about the vital key that opens up the rest of their journey. Just because you know who you are and that you are not a criminal mastermind doesn't mean that the Customs Officer will agree without proper documents. They are bound by strict guidelines and I personally know of 8 people in my friendship circle who were sent back to their home country because they didn't have the docs needed for entry.
> NB, vaccination restrictions for your destination should be checked. You will NOT be allowed into a country with Yellow Fever Vaccination requirements etc etc.
I would get my clients to have certified copies made of:
> Passport (Check expiry date. It MUST be VALID for 6 months from date of leaving your country)
> Visa
> Travel Insurance Visa letter
> E-Ticket
Add copies of:
> Accommodation booked or if you will be staying over at a friend or a family member, then you should ask them for a letter reflecting their identity and address.
> Bank statements for the last six months, or pay slips for the same period from the bank.
> Detailed travel itinerary
We would then scan and E mail it to their E Mail address as well.
(I had a lot of digitally compromised elderly clients and this was just better for them)
The certified copies need to go into another case, I mean they are put into lastly in your big luggage bag and you keep your real papers in the inside pockets of your travel vest.
You obviously do a lot of single travelling so please could you also mention that when couples travel together that they should treat themselves as single travellers in case they get split up. Each traveller should have their own documents, bank cards and cash on their own person.
PS: When I travel I put some earbuds in my tissue holder as I absolutely hate it when my ears get itchy and I can't relieve it.
PPS: The special meal that can be ordered is VERY important for travellers to countries that are known for drug smuggling.
I had a Muslim client who explained to me that passengers on those flights are watched for not eating (drug mules) and that it can cause big problems when you land if you didn't eat.
I'm certain you were compensated by Uber for the "schedule your ride to the airport in advance" bit of costly advice. Want to pay $40 for a $10 ride? Book in advance. Both Uber and Lyft will punish one financially for scheduling a ride!
No pay out for me. You're right! It can be more costly but for some it may be worth the peace of mind. Thanks for watching.
@@PortableProfessional Still makes no sense to let Uber/Lyft gouge one on the price. One has to get ready at the same time whether they're getting a ride to the airport or driving themselves. Better idea? Call Uber/Lyft an hour or so before leaving and taking advantage of the lowest prices available via being willing to wait a few minutes longer.
QUESTION: How should we respond to a melt-down screaming child near you and the parents doing nothing?--Honestly, it seems like parents just don't care.
I feel sorry that parents drag their children when they should prepare their kids on how to behave on board. I also think that the cabin pressure is as difficult for children as it is for me. I've never had screaming children before only infants crying before take-off. In this case, disruption to the routine is very bad for the baby. They do calm down and stop crying. Better wait till their two years old to travel than drag them and make the baby and other passengers suffer. Does noise cancelling headphones help?
Zoom in, zoom out, zoom in, zoom out, sigh...
Its quite amazing how you can milk topics and and again lol