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Shift Media News 
By Our Travel Correspondent
LEISURE [SHIFTMEDIA] Airports are always very colorful and busy with travellers trying to fly from place to place with minimal interruption. Although we enjoy the thrill of visiting a new place, we can’t deny that flying can often be unpleasant. But are you aware that there are ways you can reduce the hassles of flying to the barest minimum?
You can get some help from airlines like Southwest. Taking an extra item could also change your flight experience drastically and make it better. Whether or not you have created a failproof airport checklist, it could be helpful to consider some of the following hacks.
1. Take your Headphones with you
Pros: You don’t have to buy a new pair
What you need: A set that’s yours
It’s advisable to take your own set of headphones to the airport for specific reasons. Apart from saving you the extra cost of buying a new set to see a movie in-flight, they’ll sit better on your ears and won’t slip out easily.
According to Lasetrips.com some airlines like American Airlines are kind enough to give them out for free but they may be of inferior quality. To get the best out of the in-flight entertainment, you’ll do well to go with yours rather than to risk purchasing one from them.
2. Feel free to Request for an Upgrade
Pros: You could land a nicer seat
What you need: Boldness
More often than not, people are too humble to ever consider asking for giveaways and that’s wrong. The world is a kill-or-be-killed kind of place and if you could ask the attendants forr an extra bit of luxury for a celebration, don’t hold back.
Some airlines such as United usually upgrade passengers’ seats for free if they can. They do it to give the lucky passengers a more memorable experience. Sure, it won’t be available always but you can never know unless you ask. Besides, what have you got to lose?
3. On your way to the Security Check, go through the left
Pros: Protection from germs
What you need: Hand sanitizer and wet wipes
Cost: $3-$5
Since planes are often packed with people in close distance of each other, chances of contracting a bug are higher. Ensure your safety by taking a bottle of hand sanitizer and some wet wipes along.
At every chance, apply them to protect yourself from germs. Besides, wet wipes feel refreshing after a long time in the air. After a long flight, most people feel exhausted. Even if you can’t jump in the shower immediately, you can use the wipes to clean up a little.
6. Scared of Turbulence? Book the morning flights
Pros: A calmer flight
What you need: An early morning flight
Cost: No extra cost
Turbulence is one of the downsides of travelling by air. Some passengers may need to take expensive medication to get through the experience. Worst part? it isn’t always avoidable. However, there is something you can do to increase your chances of having a calm flight.
Turbulence mostly happens in the afternoon. So, you can escape by booking an early morning flight. This doesn’t mean it may not still happen but the odds are lesser and perhaps, you could peacefully catch up on your Netflix downloads.
7. Take extra Ziploc Bags with you
Pros: Taking liquids on your flight and safeguarding your stuff.
What you need: Ziploc bags
Cost: $4*
While packing what you need for your travels, you might want to consider grabbing a few extra Ziploc bags from the kitchen. There are different reasons why you should shove them in your suitcase.
Even after you’ve put your liquids into your suitcase, you may get something before boarding. Another reason for it is if you plan on visiting the beach. The see-through bags can keep them safe. If you didn’t, you can run into a store and grab a handful.
8. Check-in 24 hours before take off
Pros: Skip the queue
What you need: Check-in online
Cost: Nothing
Some years back, check-in could only be done on ground at the airport. But today, technology has created this option and most airports support it. Check-ins can now be done online up to 24 hours before your flight takes off. Cue bye-bye expensive rush-hour rides to the airport.
Now, you can skip the wait to get it done manually. Just take your printed boarding pass and walk to the boarding hall. The internet has done both good and bad. But this counts as one of the good. It’s wonderful.
9. Snap a picture of your checked baggage
Pros: Spot your stuff quickly
What you need: Your phone camera
Cost: Nothing if you own a smartphone
At the airport, it’s common to have the same bags with multiple people. You can do certain things to distinguish your own luggage. This will help you spot it quickly. Better yet, whip out your phone and take a shot before it is checked.
With that, you have a photo to help you out at baggage claim ensuring you’re actually taking yours. No matter how sure you are of your luggage, someone else may have an exact replica from Target. Better safe than sad and red-eyed!
