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I just dropped my non-frequent flier neighbor off at LAX and he called me shortly after asking for advice. He said his flight was delayed by two hours and he was going to miss his connection to Providence, Rhode Island so what should he do? I travel so much that this stuff is second nature to me but it reminded me that most people don’t know what to do which is why I put together this step-by-step guide.

  1. Sign up for flight notifications
    The first thing my buddy should’ve done was sign up for flight notifications. That would’ve saved him a ton of time and hassle because in this case he would’ve known before going to the airport that his flight was delayed. If your flight is delayed, canceled or the gate changes you will be the first to know – many times even before the gate agents. Here’s some direct links to airlines flight notifications: American, Delta, United, More
  2. Reconfirm your flight
    If you bought your ticket far in advance, there’s a good chance your flight times or routings have changed. The airlines are required to notify you but just in case you overlooked a message, always double check. It’s also a great idea to make sure your passport (if traveling internationally) is valid. Some countries won’t let you in unless your passport has more than six months before its expiration date.
  3. Find the best seat
    Almost everyone wants an aisle or window seat or even better one in the bulkhead or exit row. To find out which seats are the best on your particular aircraft go to SeatGuru.com. They highlight in green which ones they are and list exactly how much legroom and pitch. They also inform you if there’s power ports or personal TVs. Keep in mind airlines can change aircraft types at the last minute so there’s no guarantees. If the seat you desire isn’t available at booking then just keep checking or create a seat alert at ExpertFlyer.com. Usually the good seats will open up because the elite frequent fliers eventually get upgraded or they change their plans, which means the best coach seats may be available again. As a last resort check when you get to the airport at the check-in counter and at the gate.
  4. Airport security
    You would think by now everyone knows to take their shoes, belts and jackets off before going through security. It still blows me away that people are surprised they can’t carry liquids over 3.4 fluid ounces (100ml). Learn the 3-1-1 rule. Also be sure to pull your laptop/coins/keys/phones/computers out or better yet put them in your jacket pocket and have your ID ready to go. I always put my shoes on first and then my bag with all my electronic gadgets last so while the screeners are trying to figure out if my bag is safe I can put my shoes back on (best to use slip-ons and wear socks). Tip: Very important – be sure to push and wait for your belongings to go into the machine before going through the detectors otherwise the person behind you can easily steal your valuables.
  5. Get Global Entry or TSA PreCheck
    If you travel internationally at all, and especially if you do it frequently, get Global Entry ($100). If you travel to and from Canada often, then get NEXUS ($50) or Sentri ($122.25) for frequent travelers to and from Mexico. It will be the best money you’ve ever spent as it allows you to breeze past the typically long customs and immigration lines. You must be approved for each card, but if you’re approved (and it’s not hard), your status is valid for five years. Just make sure to apply soon as the in-person appointments (required after you apply) are getting harder to come by. Best of all, any of the above memberships automatically enroll you into TSA PreCheck so you don’t have to wait in long security lines. BONUS TIP: If you have certain credit cards like the American Express Platinum Card, you will get reimbursed for the $100 Global Entry fee if you pay using your card!
  6. Don’t check valuables or medicines
    If you are checking a bag remember not to pack any valuables. Although the airlines claim they will reimburse you up to $3,300 for lost domestic bags they exclude “fragile” items, “valuables” and “business effects”– which includes things such as cash, electronics, jewelry, and art work…. If traveling domestically seriously consider shipping your bags ahead of time with FedEx, UPS or USPS – just remember to do it via ground to save some cash and not overnight, but allow plenty of time — usually 5 business days.
  7. Pre-program your phone
    Pre-program your phone with airline, hotel, car rental, cruise line, travel agent, car service, and friends’ and colleagues’ phone numbers. That way, if there is a delay or canceled flight, you can get a jump on everyone else. The moment you learn of a lengthy delay or cancellation, get in line and call the airline’s 800 numbers. The reservations agent or your travel agent can do it for you, too. Keep in mind that the longer you wait, the fewer options you will have. Speaking of options, if you don’t check a bag, you have a much better chance of getting on an earlier or different flight. Also, if there are long holds, buy a day pass to the airline’s club lounge where you will get better service or consider hiring a service like CrankyConcierge.com.
  8. Bring food and drink
    On most flights in the U.S., airlines either don’t serve food or if they do, they charge for it. Instead of being at the flight attendant’s mercy on what and when you eat, bring your own. Buy it in the airport or better yet, bring it from home. Be sure to bring plenty of water, too. Since you can’t go through security with bottled water, buy it on the other side or bring an empty bottle and fill it up at a water fountain so you can stay hydrated. In addition to your meal, you should bring snacks in case of any lengthy delays. I always have granola bars and almonds in my carry-on bag.
  9. Stay entertained
    Some airlines don’t have any entertainment options or power ports so be prepared. Before I had a laptop, flights always seemed to take an eternity but now they usually go by too quickly since I always do my work to pass the time. Make sure your devices are charged and fully loaded with entertainment. Bring extra batteries if necessary and if you’re old school, don’t forget magazines, books and/or newspapers.
  10. Don’t pay for a luggage cart
    It really irks me that many airports still don’t offer luggage carts for free like they do in most international airports. Instead of paying the $5 fee (that’s what it costs at LAX), go outside to the curb and look for ones that previous passengers have left behind. That’s what all the limo drivers do!

    BONUS: Bring chocolates
    I almost always bring three bags of chocolates — one for the gate agents and one for the flight attendants because these people can make or break your trip. When you give it to them do it with a big smile, be genuine and don’t look for anything in return. If there is a chance they can give you a better seat they will but it’s really to thank them for their hard work because they have to deal with a bunch of miserable people for little pay and perks. If you are wondering who gets the third bag of chocolates… It goes to me and my seatmates.

So there you have 10 ways to travel like a frequent flier – I have hundreds more so those will just have to wait for another time or you can sign up to my free newsletters and follow me on Twitter and Facebook where I frequently post them.

Happy Travels!

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35 Comments On "10 Ways To Travel Like a Frequent Flier"
  1. Jeremy Branham|

    Love the tips here – especially the box of chocolates. That’s a clever one! :)

  2. lensol|

    Great tips – thanks for sharing

  3. Bill Bullock|

    I liked the tip about pushing your stuff through before going through the detectors. I am a seasoned traveler but I never thought of that.

  4. kymri|

    Definitely tips to fly by. Well-compiled list, especially #10. :)

  5. Art|

    Excellent tips. If I can add one: Be nice to the flight attendants and always try and crack a joke with them. They’ll treat you better than the other passengers on board if and when you connect with them.

  6. SEABrad|

    Great link with the water calculator. Too many folks are not hydrated enough for trans-con flights! Your stuff is great reading.

  7. Tina B|

    My husband and I traveled through countries in Europe last winter and survived a general strike, airport gate changes and a missing laptop charger all because we brought small boxes of chocolates everywhere we went. In return we got a free taxi ride, sports tickets, and really tasty Koelsh beer from the indigenous populations. Not to mention general good feelings all around – the world is a truly small place. Happy ands safe travels to all this Fourth of July!

  8. Jerry Mandel|

    1. How do you know in advance how many boxes of chocolates for gate agents and flight attendants? 2. How many boxes can you get in your carry on along with your other needed stuff? 3. How do you get the boxes past TSA without them opening them and feeling through them? 4. What is maximum size of boxes TSA will permit?

    1. Johnny Jet|

      Just bring two. They can share.

  9. Darren|

    Great tips as always Johnny… and some great links here too. One more tip, find out where they stash the pillows and blankets as soon as you get on board, because they go fast.

  10. louie|

    great tips! thanks again.

  11. Tawny- Captain and Clark|

    Chocolates! What a great idea. We’re going to have to try that the next time we fly.

  12. anonymous|

    Great article, Johnny. Sharing.

  13. Karon Warren|

    As a fairly frequent flyer, I follow several of these already, but I’m grateful for the new tips, especially the chocolates!

  14. Ava|

    These are some of the best and simplest things to alway make sure we ALL do when we travel! Thanks!

  15. Eddie|

    Haha, chocolates? Cool. Gotta try that next time. (:

  16. Dylan Raines|

    Handy tips for the less-traveled flier. Excellent post!

  17. Richard Sachs|

    I would think they would would dump the chocolate in the garbage. I was always taught not to accept candy from strngers.

  18. Alex|

    I always get a box of chocolates (the good ones-like hand dipped fruits, almond bark etc.) for the flight attendants on all my over the pond flights. They always appreciate it and I get treated very well. It is such a simple gesture. Remember they have been on the road for a bunch of days and working those 15 hr flights, so they do appreciate it.

  19. Steve Kalman|

    If you travel to Europe, especially to the same hotels often, get cigarettes at duty free and give them to the hotel staff (head bellman, head housekeeping, front desk manager).

    Even if they don’t smoke, they make great barter items.

  20. Kevin Hanson (@hungarianhc)|

    Are you kidding me? You bring two boxes of chocolates on every flight you have? That’s the most ridiculous travel tip I have ever heard in my life.

  21. Cedarglen|

    A fun list, but a couple of points to ponder. In suggestion #8, Food and Drink, we know that yhe beverage won’t clear security. Sure; you can buy a bottle of water on Air-Side, but it costs about 25% more. I don’t know where you are from – or where you have been, the the idea that some airport employeed will fill your water bottle for you – I/m laughing too much to even type. Where the heck dod you come up with this one?

    More appropriate is to get liquids into your system and lots. When the beverage cart comes around, do whatever it takes to get the Entire Can, not just that coctail cup. Be pushy if necessary, but get it. When beverage serive is finished, walk to the galley, beg, plead or lie to get more soda or water and keep pouring it down. Sorry, but do NOT drink coffee, recalf or regular. The brew it with on-board ‘system’ water, a substance that you don’t want to drink. ” it really Hot,” you exclaim. Airline coffee machines brew at 175-F – 180-F and very quickly. NOt enough time to kill the real germs. Plain water, from a sealed bottle is your only real friend at 25k feet and above. Skip the booze (save one?) and pump down the water. An hour after you land, you will thank yourself for the effort.

    The other ideas… Amusing as best and generally s ome pretty dumb stuff for folks who fly more than once in ten years. As waste of blog space…

    1. Johnny Jet|

      And that’s why you probably never get upgraded or your cup filled in the airport. No one likes pushy or deceitful people.

      1. Rose|

        Good comeback Johnny Jet!

    2. Kim|

      Most airports in the US have water-bottle filling stations near the water fountains. Just bring an empty bottle through security and fill it before you board. Then you don’t have to worry about getting more from the flight attendant.

  22. George Lim|

    Fantastic tips especially the box of chocolate. I am a frequent flyer and this tip didn’t cross my mind at all. Nice one.

  23. Mallory|

    I was told Almond Roca was great to ahnd out, by a flight attendant friend. I brought cans when I went to Europe, and couldn’t believe how wonderful the flight attendants were. Big plus, it’s sealed!

  24. Anonymous|

    For what its worth – I heard of an old lady who always had a bouquet of flowers to hand in at checkin, saying that her son had given them to her but of course she couldnt travel with them – apparently it never failed to get her upgraded :)

  25. StacyfrPgh|

    We always pre-order vegetarian dinners on overseas flights. They tend to have more veggies which can help with diet, more taste and are usually served first. True, the breakfast sometimes is a re-hash of the dinner, but I’ve always been happy not to have to eat the mystery meat on airlines.

    1. Corinne|

      I do that too, I pre-order Asian Vegetarian though, since I found that to be tastier. So far, I have been happier with that choice than with what the standard offer was most of the time. I’m not sure if that is an option with most airlines though, I did it mainly on Swiss

  26. Tour Explora|

    Thank you for your tips. I love travelling but I rarely using plane when I go to somewhere, I prefer go by car or train

  27. CAROLYNNE LOREK|

    Johnny, the legacys pay their FA’S A LOT!!! New American and United contracts match Delta- after 13 years( and there’s lots of those- $65,000/YEAR and that’s not including their benefits! Believe it or not, SOUTHWEST pays More than the legacys. Feel sorry for Jet Blue who earn 1/2 of that and then the others pay even less. $60,000 is the average for a nurse.

  28. Vanessa|

    You’re definitely right about security, always amazes me how many people don’t seem to understand the ‘liquids not over 100ml rule’. If you want to travel like a frequent flyer it’s often a good idea to travel with a carry on bag with a separate laptop compartment so you can easily get things out. Also helps if you don’t fly with belts/difficult shoes to remove – slip on shoes work best.

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