Common Mistakes to Avoid When Flying
As a travel writer, I spend more time transiting through airports than most people. I’ve made and seen plenty of mistakes along the way. While most mistakes you make when flying won’t ruin your trip, they can make the airport experience more stressful than it needs to be. That’s why I’ve collected tips from travel pros on everything from airplane etiquette to packing for travel to the new REAL ID requirements.
Managing Travel Expectations
Traveling with family and friends is a great way to make memories, but it can also be stressful. One common mistake that people make is not discussing their travel logistics and expectations ahead of time. Laura Lindsay, global travel trends expert at Skyscanner, says you should ask questions of your travel companions including:
* Do you want to stay in the city center, or a little out of town?
* Is all-inclusive your vibe or would you rather go out to dine and drink?
* Do you prefer getting up early to maximize your sightseeing time or having a slow, relaxed morning?
She also recommends having everyone download the same budgeting app to keep track of who is paying for what. Splitwise is an easy-to-use one that allows everyone to enter their expenses and have each person’s total share calculated automatically.
Shared costs are at the heart of most fallouts and arguments during group trips, she says. Forgotten pledges to pay you back later can quickly descend into resentment.
REAL ID Requirements
As of May 7, 2025, you must have a REAL ID-compliant license or other identification in order to board domestic flights in the U.S. The REAL ID Act is a law that established higher security standards for state-issued drivers licenses and identification cards. If your driver’s license or state ID has a star in the upper right-hand corner, it’s REAL ID-compliant. If you don’t have one, you can make an appointment at a DMV in your state. Be sure to read up on the documents you’ll need to obtain the REAL ID-compliant identification.
If you don’t have a REAL ID-compliant license, you can still travel domestically, but you’ll need to bring a passport, permanent resident card, or other form of acceptable identification.
Carry-On Bag Restrictions
Airlines have restrictions on how large your carry-on bag can be. Before heading to the airport, read up on your airline’s restrictions and ensure your bag won’t be too big to fit in the overhead compartment. If your bag has an expandable option, be sure it meets the size requirements even when it’s fully expanded if that’s how you plan to travel with it. Additionally, you’ll want to be sure that the bag isn’t too heavy for you to lift into the overhead compartment on the plane.
If your bag is too big, you may be asked to check it in at the gate. It’s not the end of the world, but for people who really hate waiting at baggage claim, it’s worth being thoughtful about the size of your carry-on.
Packing Essentials
Very occasionally, luggage ends up in the wrong place. Since it may be several hours or days before the airline reunites you with your suitcase, you want to make sure you have the most essential items in your carry-on or personal item, not in your checked bag. For instance, you want to have your:
* Car keys
* Daily medications
* Passports
on you rather than in a checked bag. Should your bag get lost, not having access to these items could pose some serious difficulty. You may also want to ensure that any sentimental items like your child’s favorite stuffed animal or heirloom jewelry that can’t be replaced are packed in a carry-on rather than checked baggage, just in case.
Charging Your Electronics
One thing that seasoned travelers do is ensure that laptops, phones, tablets, e-readers, headphones, and travel batteries are all charged up before travel. It’s a pain to settle into your seat with a Kindle or movie loaded on your iPad only to have it die five minutes later. While outlets are often available, it’s not a guarantee on all planes, so charge everything up beforehand.
Arriving at the Airport
Few things are more stressful than waiting in a long check-in or security line at the airport and worrying that you might miss your flight. To avoid this, the TSA recommends arriving two hours before a domestic flight’s departure and three hours before an international one – yes, even if you have TSA PreCheck or Clear.
I have TSA PreCheck and Clear, but that does not mean I can always go through the expedited line, says Lindsay Myers, a travel expert and founder of Get Lost With Lindsay. Some smaller airports do not have that capability. So I am always prepared to go through the general line as well.
Lounge Access
Many credit cards offer access to airport lounges, where you can have complimentary food and drinks, comfortable seating, fast WiFi, and other perks. Double-check and see if any of your credit cards gives you lounge access. Instead of waiting in a crowded terminal and paying $40 for a burger and fries, you can wait for your flight somewhere comfortable and clean while enjoying a complimentary meal and glass of wine.
If you don’t have lounge access through a credit card, you might still be able to get into airport lounges by purchasing Priority Pass. Memberships start at $100 a year, and you’ll pay $35 per person per visit – which is probably about the cost of a snack or meal at the airport.
Liquids in Carry-On Bags
Many people have made the mistake of tossing a full-sized body lotion or can of shaving cream into a carry-on bag. However, the TSA rules limit you to only carrying travel-sized containers that are 3.4 ounces (100 milliliters) or less. Any liquids, aerosols, gels, creams and pastes are subject to this rule. Additionally, all of your small containers must fit in one quart-sized bag.
Packing Snacks
Even as someone who flies frequently, I often forget to grab snacks before heading to the airport. But I know there’s no good reason to spend $20 on a bag of cheese crackers and some candy when I could get my favorites from the grocery store the night before for far less. And if you’re traveling with multiple kids, this tip can help you avoid a truly eye-watering total at the register.
Laptop Accessibility
Keep your laptop close by, suggests Myers. I have a Samsonite carry-on that has a laptop sleeve on the outside. I love it because I do not need to stop the security line and open up my luggage.
Airline Apps
It can be annoying to have yet another app on your phone. But as a frequent traveler, I’ve found that having the airline’s app makes it easy to check in, make any changes to my reservation, get my boarding pass, and learn of any gate changes or flight updates. While all of these tasks can be accomplished without the app, I find it simpler to have everything I need in one place.
Gates Announcements
When you’re waiting at the gate, it can be easy to get absorbed in a good book or consumed with keeping the kids entertained. But gate agents will often relay important information about flight delays, travel documents, and boarding processes over the loudspeaker. Do your best to keep one ear open for the info you’ll need for a smooth experience.
Local Currency
While you can use your credit or debit card abroad in many situations, it’s still good to have some cash on you. A lot of countries do not take American Express, says Myers. I also always have with me some of the local currency. I just order it about a week in advance with my bank and it gets delivered to me. This is a free service through most banks. Doing this before you fly can also help you avoid foreign ATM fees when you land. Additionally, if you’re taking a taxi or car service when you land, it’s a good idea to have cash in case the cab isn’t equipped to take cards.
Entry Requirements
If you’re flying internationally, you need to find out beforehand whether you need a visa to enter the country you’re flying to. I just went to the U.K., which I have been to dozens of times, says Myers. But now, you have to have a visa to enter the country no matter where you are coming from. I also went to Indonesia this year and did not do my research in advance. You could obtain a visa at the airport, but that led me to long lines and double the costs.
By following these tips, you can make your airport experience much less stressful and avoid common mistakes that can make your trip more difficult.
Additional Tips
Here are some additional tips to keep in mind:
- Make sure to double-check your travel documents before your trip.
- Charge your electronics the night before your trip.
- Pack essentials like daily medications and keys in your carry-on bag.
- Arrive at the airport with plenty of time to spare.
- Download your airline’s app to make checking in and getting updates easier.
By being aware of these common mistakes and taking steps to avoid them, you can have a much smoother and less stressful airport experience.
Conclusion
Flying can be stressful, but by being prepared and aware of common mistakes, you can make your airport experience much less painful. From managing travel expectations to packing snacks, there are many things you can do to make your trip go more smoothly. By following these tips, you can breathe a sigh of relief and enjoy your trip, whether you’re traveling solo or with a group of family and friends.
By taking the time to prepare and being mindful of common mistakes, you can make your airport experience much more enjoyable.
More Travel Tips
If you’re looking for more travel tips, here are some additional articles to check out:
* The Best Family Vacation Ideas
* Costco Halts Major Travel Perk
* Here’s What’s New at Disney World
* The Best Places to Visit in July
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Travel More Efficiently
By following these tips and being mindful of common mistakes, you can travel more efficiently and make your airport experience much less stressful.
Airport Hacks
Here are some additional airport hacks to keep in mind:
- Use TSA PreCheck or Clear to expedite your security screening.
- Take advantage of lounge access through your credit card or by purchasing Priority Pass.
- Pack snacks and entertainment for your kids to keep them occupied during the flight.
- Consider purchasing travel insurance to protect against unexpected trip cancellations or interruptions.
By being prepared and aware of these airport hacks, you can make your travel experience much more enjoyable.
Common Mistakes to Avoid When Flying FAQs
- What are some common mistakes to avoid when flying with family and friends?
- Not discussing travel logistics and expectations ahead of time, not having a shared budgeting app, and not being mindful of individual preferences.
- What is the REAL ID requirement for domestic flights?
- As of May 7, 2025, you must have a REAL ID-compliant license or other identification to board domestic flights in the U.S.
- How do I know if my driver’s license is REAL ID-compliant?
- If your driver’s license or state ID has a star in the upper right-hand corner, it’s REAL ID-compliant.
- What are the restrictions on carry-on bags?
- Airlines have restrictions on the size and weight of carry-on bags, check with your airline before heading to the airport.
- What essentials should I pack in my carry-on bag?
- Daily medications, car keys, passports, and sentimental items that can’t be replaced.
- How early should I arrive at the airport?
- The TSA recommends arriving two hours before a domestic flight’s departure and three hours before an international one.
- Can I bring full-sized toiletries in my carry-on bag?
- No, the TSA rules limit you to only carrying travel-sized containers that are 3.4 ounces (100 milliliters) or less.
- Do I need to have cash in the local currency when traveling abroad?
- Yes, it’s a good idea to have some cash in the local currency, you can order it from your bank before your trip.
- Do I need a visa to enter a foreign country?
- It depends on the country you’re visiting, research entry requirements before your trip.
- What are some additional tips for a smooth airport experience?
- Charge your electronics, pack snacks, download your airline’s app, and consider lounge access.
