10 Genius Airplane Travel Hacks Every Flyer Needs to Know

Disclaimer: This post may contain affiliate links. If you click one of them, we may receive a commission at no extra cost to you.

Flying on an airplane can be an exciting adventure, especially for those who don’t do it that often. But let’s be honest—it can also be exhausting, expensive, and downright frustrating if you’re unprepared.

From navigating long security lines to dealing with cramped seats and unpredictable delays, flying isn’t always the smoothest experience.

But with the right flight travel hacks, you can make your journey much easier, and way more comfortable.

Whether you're a seasoned traveler or someone who only flies a couple of times a year, knowing a few simple tricks can make a huge difference.

Think about it—how many times have you overpacked your carry-on, scrambled to find an outlet at the airport, or paid way too much for a bottle of water? Yeah, me too…

That’s why I’ve rounded up 10 airplane travel hacks that every flyer should know. These travel hacks have changed the way I fly and I guarantee you will feel the same way!

10 Awesome Airplane Hacks

1. Bring an Empty Water Bottle

Have you seen those water bottle fill stations all around the airport?

Well, after you get through security you can bring an empty water bottle up to one of those water bottle fill stations and fill your water bottle up!

No need to pay for overpriced airport water if you use this simple airport hack.

2. BRING HAND SANITIZER AND WET WIPES

There are germs all over the airport and airplane so bring your own hand sanitizer and wet wipes to feel more at ease.

Just remember, the hand sanitizer needs to be the right size in order to be able to bring on the plane!

Here is one of my favorite travel hand sanitizers!

3. Wear Your Bulkiest Items

If you need to save on suitcase space, think about wearing some of your bulkier clothing items such as jackets, boots, or sweaters instead of packing them.

This also keeps you cozy if the plane gets chilly (which is likely).

4. Bring a PORTABLE Charger

Many airports have a limited number of available outlets (trust me, I’ve run into this issue more times than I can count), and when you do find one, there’s usually a crowd of travelers hovering nearby, waiting for their turn.

Instead of stressing over where to charge your phone, tablet, or headphones, bring a portable charger so you can power up multiple devices at once.

This not only ensures your electronics stay charged throughout your journey but also saves you from the hassle of searching for an available outlet in a busy terminal or at a different gate.

5. Book a Window Seat for Sleeping

If you have a long flight or plan to sleep while in the air, I always recommend booking the window seat—it’s a total game-changer.

Not only does it give you a good place to lean against (which is a lifesaver on overnight or red-eye flights), but it also spares you from constant interruptions from other passengers needing to get up.

Another big perk? You get full control over the window shade.

If you want to block out the light for a better nap, you can close it without worrying about a seatmate adjusting it mid-flight.

But if you love taking in the view, you get to enjoy some of the most incredible sights.

6. Pack a Small Essentials Bag

Instead of rummaging through your carry-on mid-flight to find the little things you need, keep all your must-haves in a small, easily accessible pouch.

Include items like lip balm (dry cabin air is a real thing), hand sanitizer, snacks, and a portable charger.

Plus, if you’re traveling with kids or on a long-haul flight, having everything within arm’s reach can make a huge difference in keeping stress levels low and the trip more enjoyable!

7. Download Entertainment Before You Board

This is a HUGE hack especially if you have kids coming with you because as we all know, kids need to be entertained 24/7!

Airplane Wi-Fi is often unreliable, so download movies, shows, music, or books in advance and when you have good Wi-Fi.

Even when you are on a flight with movies sometimes they don’t work!

So save movies, TV shows, music playlists, podcasts, e-books, and even offline games onto your phone, tablet, or laptop so you have instant access to entertainment.

Trust me—this one simple travel hack can make all the difference!

8. Spray Wrinkled Clothes with Water

If your clothes get wrinkled in your suitcase after hours of travel, don’t worry—there’s an easy way to smooth them out without an iron or steamer!

Lightly mist your wrinkled clothing with water and hang it up in the bathroom while you take a hot shower. The steam from the shower works like a natural fabric relaxer, gently loosening the wrinkles and making your clothes look freshly pressed without any extra effort.

Bonus tip: If you’re traveling somewhere humid, this trick works even better since the moisture in the air helps keep wrinkles at bay longer.

9. Set a Medication Reminder

Changing time zones can completely disrupt your routine, making it easy to forget to take your medications or supplements. This is why setting phone reminders for your medication is a great travel hack!.

Before your trip, take a moment to check the time difference and decide whether you’ll stick to your original schedule or gradually adjust your medication times to match the new time zone. For some prescriptions, timing is important, so using your phone’s alarm or a medication reminder app can help you stay consistent, even when jet lag has you feeling disoriented.

10. Use Packing Cubes or Compression Bags

Maximize suitcase space and stay organized by rolling clothes and using packing cubes or compression bags.

Rolling your clothes not only saves space but also helps prevent wrinkles (go back to my anti-wrinkle method above if needed), making it a win-win for packing efficiently.

Packing cubes allow you to separate different clothing categories, like outfits, undergarments, and accessories, so you can quickly find what you need without rummaging through your entire suitcase.

Compression bags are especially useful for bulkier items like sweaters and jackets, as they remove excess air and create more room in your luggage for other essentials.