*SIGH* Are you ready to talk about it?
Alas, the “it” we’re referring to is air travel. DUN DUN DUN. Is air travel the bane of your existence this year? If so, you’re definitely not alone. Flight delays and cancelations have caused chaotic (or completely canceled) travel, bringing a tooooon of stress to vacations. But there are ways to help mitigate some of the issues, and hopefully, make for smoother trips.
Early Morning Flights
When booking your flight, try to snag an early morning flight — the first flight out, if possible. Why?
Well, according to New York Times, these early morning flights are less likely to be affected by weather issues, staffing shortages, or planes arriving late to the gate. Basically, these early morning flights are your best bet for an on-time departure! And, should your early morning flight get delayed or canceled, you’ll have more chances to get placed on another flight that day.Â
Travel The Day Before
You’ll want to travel the day before you plan to sail off on a cruise, have fun in Disney World, or partake in any other activity.Â
If you travel the day of, you risk missing out on the activity/trip if your flight is delayed or canceled. For example: imagine your first Disney World park pass reservation is for a Monday. You’ll want to fly in on Sunday, to ensure you’ll actually be there!
Fly Direct
Of course, flying direct isn’t always an option, depending on what routes are available at your airport.
However, if possible, flying direct is a great option. You won’t have to worry about making a connecting flight, which can be impossible when your flight is delayed or canceled. You also don’t have to worry about making sure your luggage gets on the correct plane. One flight is typically the safest bet.Â
Choose The Right Seat
Choosing the right seat is also key to a smooth flight. Row 23 (or 17 on a Boeing 737-700) provides immediate drink service…and a short path to the restrooms!
And, if you suffer from motion sickness, the CDC recommends you choose a window seat near the middle of the plane. The middle of the plane is the most steady when flying.
Keep these tips in mind when choosing a seat on your next flight!
Snacks Are a Must
Preparing for your flight is also a very important step. You’ll want to bring snacks and activities for your kiddos (and yourself), just in case you’re stuck waiting around the airport due to delays or cancelations.
We suggest bringing snacks that aren’t super messy and won’t melt in your carry on bags (we’re looking at you, chocolate). Snacks can be pricey in the airport, so it can’t hurt to throw a few bags of Goldfish or a granola bar in your bag.
Stay Entertained
We also suggest downloading movies/shows at home, as airport Wi-Fi isn’t the most stable.
Disney+ allows you to download episodes and movies, so it’s the perfect time to catch up on a series, or start a movie marathon.Â
Learn How to Use Audio Sharing
If you’re with another person and you want to watch the same movie or show on a single iPhone or iPad, you don’t have to pull the old “one-headphone-per-person” bit! Apple has Audio Sharing, which means that 2 people can listen with wireless headphones to the same device.
If you have a compatible Apple device (iOS 14 or newer) and supported wireless headphones, here’s how you set up Audio Sharing (Apple):
- Connect your AirPods or Beats to your iPhone or iPad
- Tap the AirPlay button  in the Control Center (on the Lock Screen or in the app that you’re using to watch content)
- Tap “Share Audio”
- If you’re sharing with someone who has AirPods or AirPods Pro, have them keep their AirPods inside the case and open the lid while they’re close to your Apple device. If the person you’re sharing with has AirPods Max, these don’t need to be inside the case. If you’re sharing with a Beats user, put those Beats in sharing mode and hold them close to your device.
- The other person’s headphones should appear on the screen
- Tap “Share Audio” again, and you should be good to go
- To stop sharing, tap the checkmark next to the headphones you want to disconnect.
Compatible devices include iPhone 8 and later, iPad Pro 12.9-inch (2nd generation) and later, iPad Pro 11-inch, iPad Pro 10.5-inch, iPad Air (3rd generation) and later, iPad mini (5th generation) and later, iPad (5th generation) and later, and iPod touch (7th generation). Compatible headphones include AirPods Max, AirPods Pro, AirPods (1st generation) and later, Powerbeats, Solo Pro, Powerbeats Pro, Powerbeats3 Wireless, Beats Solo3 Wireless, Beats Studio3 Wireless, BeatsX, Beats Flex, and Beats Fit Pro.
Pack an Empty Water Bottle
You’ll definitely want to consider bringing an empty water bottle as well. While you can’t bring water through security, you can fill the bottle up once you pass through TSA.
Water bottles at the airport can be expensive, so you’ll save some money by bringing your own bottle. (And you can bring it into the parks and grab water at the resort’s refill stations!)
Check-In Before You Get to the Airport
Check into your flight ahead of time! Skip the lines at the kiosks and screens by just checking in at home. Each airline has a different process, but being as prepared as possible is the way to go.
Keep in mind that you may still need to visit the kiosks if you’re checking in bags or traveling with a lap child.
Click Here For Our Disney World Tips and Tricks
And those are all of our flying tips! For more travel information, check out the delays hitting Orlando International Airport. Or check out what to do if your flight to Disney World is canceled.
Join the DFB Newsletter to get all the breaking news right in your inbox! Click here to Subscribe!
WE KNOW DISNEY.
YOU CAN, TOO.
Oh boy, planning a Disney trip can be quite the adventure, and we totally get it! But fear not, dear friends, we compiled EVERYTHING you need (and the things to avoid!) to plan the ULTIMATE Disney vacation.
Whether you're a rookie or a seasoned pro, our insider tips and tricks will have you exploring the parks like never before. So come along with us, and get planning your most magical vacation ever!
Do you have any other travel tips? Let us know in the comments!
Richard Mercer says
PS Technically, a “direct” flight has a single flight number but MAY have more than one takeoff and landing! What you want if possible is a “nonstop” flight!