33 Essential Tips for Flying Alone (Perfect for Beginners!)

Flying alone can be scary if you haven’t done it before or even when you have done it before.

You might not enjoy the chaos of the airport without having someone there next to you, or maybe you have a fear of flying and like when someone else is there to reassure you when things get bumpy.

In this article, I’ll walk through some of my favorite tips for flying alone from my own experience of flying solo over the years. Hopefully, reading through and using these tips will make you feel more confident and less nervous about the whole process.

Why Flying Solo is Intimidating

Flying solo can be really intimidating when you have anxiety about flying or even when you’re used to having someone there to help track flights and watch your bags when you go for a walk. It can be an adjustment for anyone.

Flying alone isn’t an easy feat, and you’d be surprised how hard it can be to track flights and even remember which terminal your gate is at. It can be a rewarding experience, but can also feel lonely at times. This is why it’s essential to have a good plan for how you’ll spend your time onboard and also once you arrive at your destination.

I flew home often on my own back in college which helped get me acquainted with how to do it and the best way to navigate through some of the challenges. It was lonely sometimes and often tricky at best. But I managed, and I’m terrified of flying. So if I can do it, you can too!

Tips for Flying Alone: Plan Ahead

The biggest tip that I can give someone is to plan ahead. Honestly, most of the difficult work comes upfront with logistics. From there, it’s following through on plans and going through the motions. Here are some tips for flying alone that you can work through before the day you fly.

1. Book a seat

This might be one of the most important tips for flying alone because it will help you feel more comfortable knowing you have a designated space. You might have to pay a bit more for it, but it will be worth it in the end, trust me. Knowing that I can get the type of seat that I want makes a huge difference.

I’m a big fan of the window seat because I don’t have to get up every time someone needs to use the bathroom, and I can also lean on the window to sleep. Another perk is that you can open and close the shade to look out whenever you want, and this makes a world of difference with my flight anxiety.

If you want an aisle seat though, go for it. There are tons of perks to choosing the aisle seat, including not having to shuffle around others when you need to use the bathroom and also feeling less claustrophobic.

2. Bring headphones

I never fly without headphones, it’s a traveling essential! Not only do I want to block out the noise and chaos around me, but it’s great for listening to music, podcasts, or shows to relax.

You can bring your own Bluetooth headphones if you have your media downloaded on your own computer. If you don’t have anything downloaded, make sure to bring a pair that connects using the AUX cable for the plane’s TV to enjoy movies and shows for free.

3. Bring a book

If you’re the type of flyer that likes to read on a plane, make sure to pack a book for the flight. Find a book that you can’t put down so that the flight is over before you know it.

A book will also come in handy in case the airline says that the flight you’re on doesn’t have WiFi or any other entertainment onboard.

4. Pack a portable charger

If you plan on using your phone for music, shows, or anything else you’ll want to make sure it’s charged up and ready to go. I generally try to charge up my phone and other electronics before the airport or flight but sometimes the battery drains fast.

Sometimes it can be difficult to find a free outlet in the airport and your plane might not always have one. A portable charger ensures your phone is always juiced up and available. I always keep my phone charged so people can get ahold of me and in case I need it for directions or transportation.

5. Write down your destination address

You never know if something will happen to your phone or cell service and leave you unable to figure out where you’re headed. That, or your phone battery might die leaving you unable to call anyone or lookup directions or addresses when you need them.

It’s best to write down the address or directions to your hotel or wherever your final destination is. It’ll save you time and a headache.

6. Make sure your carry-on is TSA-approved

This is a no-brainer, but make sure your carry-on passes all of the TSA rules, and all of the things inside of it do too. It’s a headache to get through the security line only to find out that you have to check your bag because that shampoo bottle you brought was too large.

Or worse, having to toss the shampoo. Remember, 3 oz. for each liquid container is the rule and any liquids you have (in 3 oz. or less size) must fit in a clear quart-sized bag.

7. Check travel documents expiration date

You will not be allowed to fly internationally with an expired passport. There might be situations where it’s allowed to fly domestically, but definitely not internationally. Check your travel documents well before your trip.

If you’re traveling abroad, make sure you check ahead of time with enough time to renew your documents in case you need them. If you’re traveling domestically or don’t have a passport, make sure your drivers license is up to date. Generally, you can renew that online and have your new ID shipped to you so just plan ahead.

What you really don’t want to do is realize that your passport expired while you were on your trip. Now that would be a major headache.

8. Check-in 24 hours ahead

Make sure you check in 24 hours before your flight. Generally, I try and check-in as fast as possible from exactly 24 hours from my flight. I find that there are better seats to be selected, your boarding group is higher, you’re more likely to be selected for upgrades, etc.

Plus, I generally check my bag and it’s cheaper to do so at check-in before you reach the airport.

9. Pack in Advance

I fall into the bucket often of waiting until the very last minute to pack and being in an absolute frantic rush trying to throw things in. Usually, this leads to overpacking and taking way too many things. It’s also added stress the day of or the night before the trip.

Always try to pack in advance so you’re not trying to remember what socks you have, where your toothpaste is, etc. Or worse, not bringing a jacket when it’s freezing out or bringing sweaters when it’s actually going to be warm. Check the weather and plan ahead.

Related post: The best packing cubes for travel

10. Let friends or family know where you’re going

This is just another safety measure you can take. Then, if any changes happen with your flight, people will know where you are. Just make sure someone knows where you’re going and what hotel you’ll be staying at so they can call for help if needed!

11. Research transportation to/from the airport

This is a big one. I’ve had friends that were at a loss on how to get from the airport to their hotel because they didn’t research transportation ahead of time. They ended up spending way more than what they meant to because of this.

It’s important to know if your flight lands before a big holiday or in specific destinations where you can’t easily find a taxi or Uber. Make sure taxis are readily available, and the prices aren’t going to surge. Also, check with your hotel to see if they offer free transportation.

Tips for Flying Alone: Before the flight

So what can you do before the flight to prep for a good flight? Surprisingly a lot of things! Here’s our best tips.

12. Watch the departures board

This is another tip to keep you in the know about your flight. If something goes wrong, at least you’ll have a heads up, so it doesn’t surprise you if your flight gets delayed or canceled. Not only delays or cancellations, but you’ll also know if your flight has a gate change unexpectedly.

I’ve been there before where I wasn’t watching the board and my gate was changed, so I walked all the way to the wrong gate only to find it was actually now on the other side of the airport. It makes for a stressful trip when you have to rush, and it definitely isn’t enjoyable when you’re alone rushing.

13. Know your flight number

Know your flight number and what terminal or airline it’s heading to. It will make everything much easier than trying to figure it out when you’re up against the clock and already frustrated. If you can’t get an app to work on your phone, you can still know what flight to look for on the board.

14. Go to the bathroom before the flight

I’ve been on many flights where people rush to the bathroom right before boarding. It’s just another thing that adds stress to your travel day. Plus, if your flight gets delayed before you take off, you’re pretty much stuck holding it until you’re in the air. I’ve been there. It was 100% not worth the wait. Plus, plane bathrooms just really aren’t that great, and they’re super tiny.

15. Pack a snack and water

You always want to be prepared when you’re flying alone. If you get hungry, bring something quick and easy that won’t bother other people around you too much. I recommend packing granola bars, fruit snacks, or trail mix.

Not only will it be good for your body, but it’ll also save you money. Airplane food, when it’s available, can be pricey. And don’t forget about packing an empty water bottle to fill up at the airport. Airport water can cost up to $5.

16. Watch your luggage

While you’re hanging out in the terminal, always keep an eye out for your luggage. You never know who’s going to take your stuff if it’s not watched. That, and you’re not supposed to leave baggage “unattended” as the overhead always reminds you.

Even while you’re on the plane, you don’t want anyone taking your luggage or messing with it. It can be a hassle if anything gets stolen.

17. Check your luggage when possible

It can be a hassle to lug around your bags when you’re flying alone and waiting in the airport. If you go to the bathroom, your luggage comes with you. If you go grab a coffee or something to eat, everything comes with you. That, and you have to watch your stuff.

When you can, check your bags. I know it’s an extra fee, and you might have to wait for your bag later on, but for convenience’s sake, it’s often worth it.

18. Go through security quickly

I recommend that people shouldn’t take their time when they first get to the airport. It’s tempting to go to the bathroom, grab some food, do whatever you might need to do right away. But you never know what the line is going to look like for security. So I like to get it over with as soon as I can and head towards my gate.

It’s much better to rush through security and have extra time than rushing to make your flight when the security line is long. I’ve been there before, trust me.

19. Get to gate early

Speaking of rushing to your gate, get there early. Some airports have more than one terminal, so you don’t want to miss where you need to be. It’s also important to get there because you never know how far apart you are from your gate.

It might be a much longer walk than anticipated, or you might have to take a train, etc., to get there. Not only that, but your gate could also change at the last second.

20. Download movies, music, an airline app

Download your movies, podcasts, music, etc. before the flight. If you don’t have a ton of storage available, uninstall some apps that take up a lot of space and put them back on when you’re done traveling.

I also generally recommend people download the airline app because it usually has some kind of in-flight entertainment that you can use and a flight tracker. Having movies or music downloaded ahead of time will come in handy to keep you entertained, especially if there isn’t Wi-Fi on the flight.

Tips for Flying Alone: Mid-flight

Don’t forget to add these to your checklist while you’re on the flight. Kick back and relax, but don’t forget that there are some things crucial to making a smoother trip that need to be done on a flight!

21. Get up often

If you have a long flight, I recommend trying to get up at least once per hour. It’s important to get up to stretch your legs so your body doesn’t cramp on you while sitting in the same position for hours at a time.

This might be a little aggressive, but on a 14-hour flight, every time my seat neighbors got up, I was reminded to get up too. It definitely helped my body survive the flight.

22. Flight Attendants are your friends

Don’t be one of those people who is rude to the flight attendants. Just don’t. That being said, smile and be kind to the flight attendants. If you’re lucky, they might even give you free snacks or beverages.

They may not always give free stuff (and that’s okay), but it’s important to remember these folks deal with a lot and the last thing they want is to deal with a disgruntled or nasty customer. Kindness goes a long way.

23. Bring your headphones

If you have a movie or music downloaded, you’ll need your headphones. If you’re using the TV on the plane, you’ll need a specific set of headphones as Bluetooth won’t work.

I find that noise-canceling headphones are great to block out the sounds around you so you can hear your music or movie better. Just make sure flight attendants or others aren’t trying to get your attention.

I generally keep my headphones in on a flight as I feel most people won’t bother you if you have them in. Another rule of thumb: if someone else has their headphones in, it’s also probably best to try and not bother them.

24. Pick the right seat

If you purchase your ticket, it’s important to pick the correct seat. Whether it’s the window seat if you like the views or seeing outside for turbulence reasons or the aisle so you can get up and down whenever you please.

It’s important to pick the seat that you feel most comfortable in. If it’s a long flight, then you’ll want to be in a place that makes you feel at ease for the best possible experience.

25. Carry-on etiquette

Carry-on etiquette is something that needs to be talked about more. You don’t want to carry too much stuff on the plane with you because then there’s no room for anyone else. Keep necessities in mind.

You don’t want to be that person who brings too much stuff on the plane and inconveniencing those around you. If your stuff goes into your neighbor’s foot room, please just don’t.

26. Drink lots of water

Drinking lots of water is important when you’re flying because the air is drying, and it’s important to keep hydrated. The amount you need to drink depends on the individual, but I usually drink a a big water bottle during the flight.

It may seem like a little much, but it’s beneficial to keep your body hydrated. The only downside is sometimes you have to get up and use the restroom more often.

27. Bring moisturizer and chapstick!

Did I mention the air was super drying? Because it is. I would bring a little moisturizer and chapstick to put on my face and lips every once in a while because my skin doesn’t do so well when I’m flying.

I can remember flights where my hands were dry or my lips were dry, and I didn’t have anything with me to fix that. Talk about misery.

28. Ear pain relief

If you fly, chances are that your ears might pop. That’s because of the difference in pressure on the plane. Just make sure your eardrums stay healthy throughout the flight by popping them every once in a while, like by chewing gum or yawning. It helps relieve pressure, and it’ll keep air from getting trapped in there.

Personally, I have severe ear pain issues when I’m flying, and I always take Sudafed and have special earplugs to ease the pressure.

29. Put the armrest down

When you’re flying, put the armrest down to make plenty of room for your arms. I always like to have a spot to rest my arms because, otherwise, they get uncomfortable during a long flight. It also creates a good barrier for you and the person next to you.

I’ve definitely had some neighbors in flight that try to take up my seat area and theirs, which helps cut down on that.

Tips for Flying Alone: After the flight

So the trip is over with and done and there’s nothing else you can do for the day right? Wrong! Make sure you follow some of these tips to make a smooth day of flying alone even after your plane actually lands.

30. Check on your connections

Be sure to check on your connections either when you land or right after you exit the plane. Often, the flight attendants mention connections on the intercom when you land, so I always like to listen just in case there’s a delay or gate change. This way I can get my stuff together and be ready to go instead of waiting until the very last minute.

31. Don’t forget your luggage

Don’t forget your luggage! It’s easy to get caught up in all the post-flight excitement and just start walking off. Make sure you grab your carry-on and take it with you from the overhead and make sure you grab your checked bags and re-check if you have to. Either way, don’t run off too far without your stuff from the airport.

32. Call someone

It’s important to keep someone updated throughout your trip, just in case. I would give my person a call and let them know that I landed, found my luggage, and made my way to the connecting flight or arrivals door. That way, they don’t start to worry or freak out.

It’s just nice to hear someone say, “I’m on my way home” when you’ve made it back through a day of traveling.

33. Find your transportation

Ubers are often in a separate location in major airports and can be hard to find if you don’t know where they’re at. Make sure to check for signs for Uber and Lyft throughout the airport and look for ride-sharing signs in the arrivals area.

Shuttles might need to be booked ahead of time so if you need to take a shuttle somewhere, definitely do your research beforehand to schedule a ride. Otherwise, it could be an expensive Uber or taxi, depending on where you’re headed.

Check the bus schedule as well beforehand. If you’re going somewhere with a bus service, make sure you know when it leaves and how often it runs. Sometimes the schedules are minimal, which can be tricky if you’re trying to get around.

Related: The Ultimate moving abroad packing list

Wrap Up: Best Tips for Flying Alone

Flying solo can be a little daunting, but not if you have the right tips to follow along the way. With these essential tips for flying alone, you’ll feel more comfortable and confident. From packing snacks to downloading movies or music beforehand, we hope that our list has been helpful in getting you prepared for a smooth flight and day of traveling!

Which of these tips has helped you out the most, or which one(s) are you looking forward to trying next time around?