Just came back from a short trip with a quick flight, but I was surprised not to see anyone else using this. It’s a dongle to connect your wireless earbuds to the inflight infotainment. Not only is it more comfortable for the user, but also for anyone that needs to get by them.
UGREEN Airplane Bluetooth 5.3 Transmitter Adapter aptX Adaptive for Airpods or Headphones Dual Pairs, 2-in-1 Wireless Bluetooth 3.5mm Aux Audio Transmitter/Receiver for Flight, TV, Car, MP3 Player https://a.co/d/04xw7xqg
That being said, I find that flights go faster with my iPad rather than navigating through clunky infotainment offerings. I don’t think I could ever go back to traveling without it
Also, this trip we actually checked luggage. I haven’t done that in a long time, but we were traveling with some things that didn’t meet the carryon requirements (a gallon of maple syrup). I told DH to check his as well since we were going to have to go collect mine anyway. I do have to say, it was nice breezing all over the terminal without a bag. It felt freeing We even hopped over to another terminal for lunch which we probably wouldn’t have done if we were hauling carryons. Bag drop off and retrieval were a breeze.
Buy a set of AirTags and put one in each piece of luggage (both carry on and check in) to keep track of them at all times.
I only use wired headphones and typically travel with ones that will work on the airplane adaptor. An adapter that makes your headphones work with both your phone and an old fashioned adaptor is a good thing to travel with.
I neeed neck support while sleeping so have an inflatable pillow for hotels etc. I bought the second pillow below after trying to use the sleeping pillow on the bus tours on Yosemite. I used the new pillow on subsequent trips and it was an excellent support for the planes, cars, and busses.
Keemall Inflatable Travel Neck Pillow, Cervical Support for Airplane & Car | Upgraded Ergonomic Blow-Up Cushion with Washable Cover, Relieves Neck Pain for Office Naps, Car Trips & Long Flights, Grey https://a.co/d/093DvgC4
Being a member of the airline or hotel points program sometimes appears to give perks even if you are nowhere close to elite status or enough points to use them on free flights, rooms, or upgrades.
printing out a list of important travel info before the trip & keep it w/me on the trip - info like airline flight #s and departure times, airline confirmation code, hotel reservation details, direct phone # of the hotel(s) we’ll be staying at (in case I have to call to give them a heads up that we’ll be checking in late), etc.
The way other airlines are replicating the spirit of Spirit Airlines, it can be advantageous if you can do your trip with just a personal item. Even if a carry-on is still included, not having to compete for overhead bin space can be useful.
I print out all the info on actual paper because I’m paranoid that I’ll either lose my phone or my phone will die or something and that I won’t have access to any of that info. So I use it as my backup “old school” method just in case I experience some sort of Internet Armageddon on the trip. Gives me a lot of peace of mind!
Has that ever happened to you? Fortunately we haven’t had a weight issue, but I watched some people rearrange their luggage and wear some extra layers!
if departure airport has RESERVE available, book a time slot so you can skip the TSA line.
if parking my car in the long term parking lot, I try to reserve a spot ahead of time. Our home airport is known at times for running out of long term parking spaces and if you’re pressed for time, that can be pretty stressful.
Use Ecodent tooth powder instead of regular toothpaste. Saves room in my liquids bag.
+1 to the suggestion to use compression packing cubes!
put blister band aids & reg band aids in a snack-sized ziplock bag & keep in my purse. Often on our walking-heavy trips, we don’t have time to do side quests to a CVS or Walgreens, so it’s easier just to bring some with me. Would rather have it and not need it than need it and not have it.
travel-sized container of ibuprofen & Tylenol (1 container of each). Refill before each trip.
bring 2 USB-rechargeable batteries instead of 1
wear my heavier shoes on the plane instead of packing them
I have started to take a small plastic basket (from dollar store, about 4x9x2). It’s handy on the hotel night stands. On the last trip, I snapped a photo. It’s same size as one of my packing cubes so takes little space. See photo. Charging cellphone goes in it too. I use the pictured neck wallet at home toom sometimes in a purse or pocket. (And yes, for international flights I am a dorky lady with neck wallet AND neck passport pouch. It gives me peace of mind.)
I do MPC for international flights. Love it!!! And it’s free. Just download the app.
I bought this neck pillow and I can finally sleep without my head flopping down. Loaned it to my son and he thought the same. I think it’s FlyHugz. Wraps around the front and closes with Velcro.
). I told DH to check his as well since we were going to have to go collect mine anyway. I do have to say, it was nice breezing all over the terminal without a bag. It felt freeing We even hopped over to another terminal for lunch which we probably wouldn’t have done if we were hauling carryons. Bag drop off and retrieval were a breeze.
Gives me a lot of peace of mind!