I need to fly: REAL ID | Transportation Security Administration

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What you need to know before you go

Safety is our top priority. We’re also committed to providing a positive and dependable travel experience for all of our customers. We hope this information will help you prepare for your trip. We understand traveling can be stressful, and we appreciate your patience and courtesy.

This guidance is not intended to replace the Conditions of carriage, which covers all of your rights and responsibilities as a passenger.

Conditions of carriage

Your ticket

We sell 2 types of tickets – refundable and non-refundable:

If you booked at least 2 days before departure, you can get a full refund within 24 hours from the time you bought your ticket, no matter if it’s refundable or non-refundable.

• A refundable ticket allows you to change or cancel your flight without a fee.
• A non-refundable ticket may cost less, but if you need to make changes you’ll be charged a change fee and any difference in fare. If you buy a Basic Economy fare, changes are not allowed.

Checked bags
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There is a fee to check bags with some exceptions. Make sure to read our checked bag policy before you travel.

Checked bag policy

Basic Economy
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Our Basic Economy fare is for the no-frills, price-conscious traveler who wants to get from point A to point B as affordably as possible. This fare includes a seat in the Main Cabin but has some restrictions.

Basic Economy rules

Seats
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For customers who don’t mind paying extra for more comfort, we offer Premium Economy, First and Business, as well as seats in the Main Cabin with more legroom and Preferred Seats which are favorably located throughout the cabin but have standard legroom.

Travel experience

Preparing to travel

Being prepared is the best way to ensure smooth travel. Every airport is different, so do a little research if it’s your first time flying to or from a city. You’ll need a valid photo ID accepted by the TSA (like a driver’s license or other government-issued ID) for domestic travel and a valid passport or visa, and any travel documents required by your international destination.

Acceptable forms of identification

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REAL ID
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Starting May 7, 2025, you’ll need a REAL ID-compliant driver’s license or other accepted ID, like a valid passport or U.S. military ID, to fly within the U.S. REAL ID-compliant cards generally have a star at the top. If you’re unsure, contact your state driver’s license agency on how to get a REAL ID-compliant card.

TSA won’t allow you to pass through security checkpoints at the airport if your ID doesn’t comply.

Find out if you’re REAL ID ready

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TSA Secure Flight information
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Checking in
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You can check in on aa. com and in the app beginning 24 hours before departure. All airports have minimum check-in times. If you’re not checked in by the minimum check-in time, you may lose your seat.

In most cities, you must be checked in:

• At least 45 minutes before scheduled departure, for flights within the U.S.
• At least 60 minutes before scheduled departure, for flights to or from airports outside of the U.S.

Some airports require you to check in earlier.

Check-in and arrival

Flight Alerts
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Know of any changes, weather events and other important updates before you leave home.

Check for travel alerts that impact the cities in your trip.

Travel alerts

Sign up for flight status information like gates, delays, departure reminders and more.

Get flight status information

Download the American app to get real time updates about your travel. Plus, you can watch free movies and TV shows on board through the app. (Don’t forget your earphones.)

American Airlines app

Carry-on bags
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In general, you’re allowed 1 bag and 1 personal item:

• Your bag must fit in the sizer at the airport.
• Your personal item must fit under the seat in front of you.

In the event the bins are full and you have to gate-check a bag, put any fragile or valuable items like keys, medication or computers in the personal item you bring on the plane.

There are additional carry-on restrictions for certain aircraft and airports.

Carry-on bags

Families traveling
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If you’re a family traveling with children under 15, and do not already have seats assigned, our system will search for seats together automatically before the day of departure. We’ll try our best to keep you together, but if seats are limited, we’ll assign seats so children under 15 are next to at least 1 adult.

Traveling with children and infants

Pets
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We care about our four-legged customers too. Cats and small dogs can travel in the cabin, but they must stay in an approved carrier that fits under the seat. Larger dogs can travel in the cargo hold of some planes. There is a fee to travel with your pet.

Traveling with pets

Service animals
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Service animals are welcome at no charge if they meet the requirements. The animal must fit on your lap, at your feet or under your seat, and cannot block the aisle.

Emotional support animals require specific documentation; please review the requirements before travel.

Service animals

Restricted items
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For everyone’s safety on board, some common items are restricted by the TSA and FAA. Be sure you know what you can carry on and what you can check in your bags before you go to the airport.

Hazardous materials

We don’t transport hazardous materials, except for small amounts of dry ice.

Restricted items

Firearms

You can travel with firearms in checked bags only. Firearms must be declared to an agent at check-in. There are other rules that apply.

Firearms

Overbooked flights
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On occasion, there are more checked-in customers than seats. When this happens, our team gets involved as early as possible to find volunteers to change flights in exchange for compensation.

When we don’t have enough volunteers, we have to choose customers to change flights involuntarily, or deny boarding. If this happens, we’ll follow the DOT’s compensation rules and get those customers on the next possible flight. We will not involuntarily remove a revenue passenger who has already boarded in order to give a seat to another passenger.

At the gate

You must be at the gate and ready to board the plane:

• 15 minutes before departure on domestic flights
• 30 minutes before departure for international flights

Be sure to check your boarding pass for boarding times. If you’re not at the gate in time, your seat may be given to a standby passenger.

The doors close at least 10 minutes before departure. Once the door is shut, it will not be reopened unless there is health, safety or security issue.

Boarding
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We board in groups; check your boarding pass for your boarding group. We offer early boarding to customers who need special assistance or more time to board, along with families with children under 2 years who ask to board early.

Strollers
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Strollers should be checked at the gate before boarding and picked up after your flight at the gate, free of charge.

Wheelchairs
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Wheelchairs can be gate-checked and picked up after your flight at the gate, free of charge. We are available to help you to and from your seat once you check your wheelchair.

On the plane

Welcome aboard! Anything you carried on must fit in the overhead bins or under the seat in front of you. If the bins are full or your bag is too big we’ll help gate-check it. Musical instruments count as a carry-on and must fit safely in the bin, under the seat or in a closet (unless you paid for an extra seat).

Have a nut allergy? Though we don’t serve peanuts, we do serve food that may contain other types of nuts and customers may carry on peanuts. We’re unable to make special accommodations or provide nut-free zones on board, so we strongly encourage you to take all necessary medical precautions before flying.

And finally, our crewmembers are here to ensure a safe and pleasant flying experience for you and everyone onboard your flight. Please let them know if you have any questions and be sure to comply with their instructions, which are designed to keep you and everyone on board safe and comfortable.

When you arrive

We hope you enjoyed your flight and look forward to seeing you again.

Need a receipt for an onboard purchase or to request a refund?

Receipts and refunds

If your bag didn’t arrive with you or there’s damage to something you checked, please stop by the baggage service office when you arrive. American’s Customer Baggage Notification also alerts you shortly after arriving at your final destination if your bags didn’t make the plane or were sent ahead of you. To receive alerts, you can use the American Airlines app, sign up for AAdvantage or provide contact information during booking or check-in. You can also file a report with us.

Delayed or damaged bags

Have a compliment or want to let us know how we can improve? We want to hear from you.

• Email Customer Relations

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What ID and Documents Does My Child Need To Fly? [2023]

Getting the family ready for a big vacation can be a lot of fun, but it can also be quite stressful. Even if it isn’t a big vacation, sometimes just the thought of putting your little ones on a plane can bring anxiety.

Making sure that all of your reservations have been made, seats have been assigned, and hotel rooms have been upgraded, all while attempting to keep the kids entertained and behaving properly can be exhausting. This is even before you leave the house.

Add in the fact that your child may or may not need some sort of identification to board a plane can be that extra confusion that a new parent just doesn’t need.

Well, we are here to lay it all out clearly for you and let you know exactly what you need to fly with your kids!

Table of contents

• Overview
• International Flights
  • Passport
  • Global Entry
  • International Flight With Only 1 Parent Present
• Domestic Flights
  • Age: Newborn
  • Age: 0 to 2 Years Old
  • Age: 2 to 18 Years Old
  • Minors Traveling Alone
  • 18-Year-Old “Kids”
• Final Thoughts

Table of Contents

• Overview
• International Flights
  • Passport
  • Global Entry
  • International Flight With Only 1 Parent Present
• Domestic Flights
  • Age: Newborn
  • Age: 0 to 2 Years Old
  • Age: 2 to 18 Years Old
  • Minors Traveling Alone
  • 18-Year-Old “Kids”
• Final Thoughts

Overview

As an adult over the age of 18, you need a valid government form of ID in order to board a plane in the U. S., according to the TSA.

If you are flying internationally, you will need to show your passport or passport card. If you are flying on a domestic flight, you will need to show your driver’s license or another form of government ID with your photo on it.

However, for children under the age of 18, that is a different story. Depending on where they are traveling to, and what age they are, they might not need an ID at all.

Getting a close-up view of a 767 from GRU-BOS. Image Credit: Chris Hassan

Since there is a lot of information out there, it can get a little confusing to understand. We will break it all down for you so that the next time you board a flight with your little one in tow, you will know exactly what you will and won’t need.

International Flights

This one is very black and white. Regardless of your age, if you are flying to a different country, you will need to present your passport at check-in, the TSA security checkpoint, and when you arrive at your destination.

Flying United Polaris business class on a 767 from Houston to Rio de Janeiro. Image Credit: Chris Hassan

Passport

Even if your baby is only a month old, they will need a passport to leave the country. Don’t have a passport yet for your little traveler? Don’t worry, we have a complete guide on how to get a U.S. passport for your baby.

If your destination requires a travel visa, your baby will also need to apply for the visa. Since both of these things take time, it is best to get these done as far in advance as possible.

If for some reason you need to take an international trip immediately after the birth of your child, it is possible to get passports and visas expedited for an extra cost.

Global Entry

If you have Global Entry, that doesn’t mean that your child will automatically get it as well.

Unlike TSA PreCheck, which can extend to your travel party, if you want to take your child through the Global Entry line they will need to go through the same process that you did.

Yes, that means paying the $100 application fee and having your, in some cases, infant complete the interview process. Don’t worry, though, there are plenty of credit cards that’ll reimburse this fee.

Although this may seem like a hassle, having an official government photo ID of your child will come in handy for many circumstances down the road.

Bottom Line: If you are flying internationally, your child will need a passport (and maybe a visa), regardless of their age.

International Flight With Only 1 Parent Present

If you plan on traveling internationally with your child, and both parents will not be traveling together, you will need to provide some additional permission forms.

Depending on the airline and the country you will be flying to (and potentially back from), the requirements may be different.

The most important piece will be a notarized parental consent form signed by both parents and a copy of the non-traveling parent’s passport or valid identification.

If the child has a deceased parent, the living parent or guardian will need to sign the consent form and attach a copy of the late spouse’s death certificate.

The only exception is if the parent has proof of sole custody as you may be required to present a copy of your custody agreement signed by both parents.

Domestic Flights

Here is where things aren’t so black and white…

Sure, you could just travel with your child’s passport every time you board a flight, but depending on the situation, that probably isn’t necessary. And if there is 1 thing you should hope to never lose during a trip, it’s a passport. So why bring it if you don’t have to?

In most circumstances, children under the age of 18 will not need a photo ID to board a plane if they are accompanied by an adult.

However, there are some circumstances where a photo ID or some official document may be needed for minors to board. Let’s break it down by age group and figure out what documentation your child will need (if anything) to fly.

Age: Newborn

This will vary by carrier, but most airlines will accept infants as young as 2 days old.

If you find yourself needing to board a plane with an infant less than 2 weeks old, you may be required by the airline to provide a note from your physician stating that the child is healthy enough to fly.

Since this can vary by airline, it is best to contact your carrier before you travel.

For example, American Airlines requires that a “special assistance coordinator” send a form directly to the physician for them to fill out.

Age: 0 to 2 Years Old

Once you pass the 2-week-old window, the only age questions you will come across are whether or not your child has turned 2 years old yet. That is because children under the age of 2 can fly for free as a lap child on domestic flights as long as they are flying with an adult.

While you won’t be required to show an ID for the child when passing through security, at check-in the airline may require that you prove that the child is under the age of 2 because, obviously, if they are not, the airline will want to charge you for their seat.

Unless your child already has a passport that can be used to prove their birth date, you may need to bring a copy of their birth certificate.

While some airlines are more lenient than others, it is always best to come prepared. For example, Southwest Airlines is very strict as they always require a copy of the birth certificate or government-issued photo ID at check-in if you want your little one to fly as a lap child.

Hot Tip: If your child turns 2 years old during a trip (hello Disney birthday vacation!), you will be required to pay for a full-priced ticket. This would be a good opportunity to book 2 one-way tickets in order to save a few dollars. 

Kids under 2 years old fly for free as a lap child. Image Credit: Chris Hassan

Age: 2 to 18 Years Old

Once your child turns 2 years old they will be required to pay the full airfare and no longer be allowed to fly as a lap child — cue the sad music.

This also means that they won’t be required to prove their age anymore, which means that you don’t have to worry about traveling with an additional ID for them.

Minors under the age of 18 will not need ID to pass through security, only a boarding pass to board the plane if they are accompanied by an adult.

Although it isn’t required, it may feel weird traveling without some sort of ID for your kids. So, regardless of where you are traveling to, we suggest having some sort of ID for them.

Sometimes that may mean a printed copy of their birth certificate or passport, or, at the very least, a photo of their passport on your cell phone.

Bottom Line: As long as a minor between the age of 2 and 18 is traveling with an adult they will not need a photo ID to board a plane. 

Minors Traveling Alone

Here is another circumstance where the information can become a little murky. Since exact requirements may vary by airline, it is best to contact your carrier directly if you plan on sending your child off on their own.

That being said, there are some basics that seem to be standard across the industry.

Child Travel Consent Form

A child travel consent form is a form that provides proof that the child is authorized to travel alone.

This form will often be provided by the airline — for example, American Airlines refers to it as an Unaccompanied Minor Service Form, and needs it to be completed with the information about who is dropping off the child and who will be picking them up at the final destination.

If the child is traveling alone, they may also be required to have a consent letter signed by both parents.

If the child has a deceased parent, the living parent or guardian will need to sign the consent form and attach a copy of the late spouse’s death certificate. Note: This may only be required for international travel. 

Kids can pull or ride their JetKids BedBox through the airport. Image Credit: Chris Hassan

Minors Traveling Alone: Ages 5 to 14

Children ages 5 to 14 are not required to show an ID at the time of check-in, however, they are always encouraged to have some sort of ID on them during travel.

If your child already has a passport, at least send them with a copy of it in case of an emergency.

Minors Traveling Alone: Ages 15 to 17

Children ages 15-17 may be required to provide some sort of identification including one of the following:

• Birth certificate
• Company ID
• Credit card
• Driver’s license
• Learners permit
• Library card
• Organization ID (athletics club, theater group, etc.)
• Passport
• Passport card
• Proof of auto insurance in the passenger’s name
• School ID
• Social Security card

Bottom Line: If your child will be traveling alone, it is best to send them with some sort of ID — even better if it has their photo on it. 

18-Year-Old “Kids”

Even though your 18-year-old is legally an adult, they are still your little baby and you surely will want to have them prepared when they decide they want to go off on a trip with their friends. Spring Break, anyone?

Well, now that he or she has turned 18, they are legally required to have a valid, current U.S. federal or state-issued photo ID.

The identification must contain a clear photo, date of birth, gender, expiration date, and a tamper-resistant feature for travel to or from a U.S. territory. Expired documents will not be accepted.

The following is a list of acceptable forms of identification for boarding a U.S. domestic flight:

• Airline- or airport-issued ID (if issued under a TSA-approved security plan)
• Border Crossing Card
• Canadian provincial driver’s license or Indian and Northern Affairs Canada (INAC) card
• DHS “Trusted Traveler” cards (Global Entry, NEXUS, SENTRI, FAST)
• DHS-designated enhanced driver’s license
• Drivers’ licenses or other state photo identity cards issued by a Department of Motor Vehicles (or equivalent) that meets REAL ID requirements
• Foreign government-issued passport
• HSPD-12 PIV card
• Native American Tribal Photo ID
• Permanent Resident Card
• Registered Traveler Card (that contains a name, date of birth, gender, expiration date, and a tamper-resistant feature)
• Transportation Worker Identification Credential (TWIC)
• U. S. Merchant Mariner Credential
• U.S. Military ID
• U.S. passport
• U.S. passport card
• Veteran Health Identification Card (VHIC)

Hot Tip: TSA ID requirements are subject to change, so if you have any concerns, it is always best to check directly on its website. 

Final Thoughts

Admirals Club Kids Room at GRU. Image Credit: Chris Hassan

At the end of the day, the answer is pretty simple: It’s better to be safe than sorry! If you have an ID for your little one, bring it! You might not need it, but it is better than being denied boarding.

But, to break it down, if you are flying internationally, your child will need a passport and potentially a travel visa as well.

If you are flying domestically and your baby will be flying as a lap child, you may be asked for proof at check-in that they are indeed younger than 2 years old.

If your child is flying domestically on their own ticket (not as a lap child) they probably won’t need any sort of ID until they are 18 years old.

Of course, there are always unique circumstances which we highlighted above, but in most cases, 1 of the 3 situations listed above will cover you.

Now, grab your little traveler and start exploring this crazy world! 

Transfer flight: what happens, what to do with luggage

Air, Luggage

Reading 7 min.
Views 43373

Posted by January 10, 2021
Updated April 19, 2021
Author Elena Petrovskaya

How do I prepare for a connecting flight? How does it differ from a direct flight and what to look for when buying air tickets? How much time should be between connecting flights and what to do with luggage? Everything about the transit flight is on the Unitiket.ru blog.

Contents:

Differences between a transit flight and a direct flight

There is not always a direct flight to the destination

A direct flight is a flight from the airport of departure to the airport of arrival on the same plane. Transit involves a stop with a change of board at a third-party airport.
Benefits of transit flights:

• Airfare. As a rule, a flight with transfers is cheaper than a direct one.
• Route. Flights with transfers significantly expand the geography of the flight. There are not always direct flights connecting two airports, changing board in this case is the only way to get to the right place.

Disadvantages of connecting flights:

• Additional organizational work. Several times to receive and check in luggage, go through check-in, not be late for a connecting flight, and sometimes a long wait at a transit airport.
• Flight time. A direct flight takes less time, sometimes significantly.

Types of transit flights

There are several options for connecting flights. The most important thing when buying an air ticket is to pay attention to the carrier involved in each part of the route.

Flight with connecting aircraft of one air carrier

If all parts of the flight are operated by one airline, the latter takes care of the luggage independently

The most convenient option for a transit flight. In this case, the passenger receives a single itinerary receipt. The airline takes responsibility for delays in the schedule and delay on the connecting flight caused by the delay of the first board. In addition, the carrier itself is engaged in the movement of baggage from one aircraft to another.

If a passenger is late for a connecting flight due to an aircraft delay, they will be transferred free of charge to the first available aircraft in that direction.

A variation of such a flight is travel on the aircraft of air partners. Different airlines are involved, but since there is a business agreement between them, it does not matter to the passenger. They also take responsibility for a clear connection and luggage.

Flight with connecting aircraft of different carriers

Flight with different airlines – an experiment for experienced travelers

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The passenger purchases a separate ticket for each segment of the journey and assumes full responsibility for possible force majeure. In this case, the route is compiled independently. If the time for the transfer is incorrectly calculated, there was a delay due to the delay of the previous flight – no one compensates for the damage.
The passenger also monitors baggage, check-in, customs nuances on his own.

This is the most difficult flight option, especially if there are several connections. Therefore, beginners need to be especially careful and careful.

What to look for when flying with a stopover

The two main factors in a transit flight are where the second plane departs from and how long between flights.

Where the transfer takes place

There are special signs for transit passengers at airports

How far apart the landing and departure terminals are, depends on the time required for the transfer.

1. Transfer takes place on the territory of one terminal. The most convenient option. Often in this case, you do not need to re-check in, receive and check in your luggage. The time between flights can be minimal.
2. Different terminals of the same airport. You will have to re-register. To move around the airport quickly, you need to study the schemes of terminals in advance, find out if there is internal transport on the territory.
3. Various airports. A complex option, the implementation of which requires a lot of time. The traveler should be well versed in the city and its transport system, think over the route of travel in advance. Check in your luggage and check in again.

If you have to leave the airport area for a transfer, additional difficulties will arise if the transit passes through a country with a visa regime. In this case, you need to have a transit visa of the state in which the transplant takes place.

How long does it take to make a transfer

When flying with a transfer, you cannot avoid waiting at the airport

The optimal time between two flights depends on what needs to be done.

1. 1-2 hours – fast transfer. Ideal when it comes to domestic flights with transfers within the same airport. However, if flights are operated by different airlines, there is a risk of being late due to a departure delay (unforeseen malfunctions on board, bad weather, etc. ).
2. Less than a day, but more than two hours. The most popular option for transit. There is time to complete all the manipulations with luggage, go through check-in and passport control, relax, visit Duty Free.
3. More than a day. Such a wait is considered long, they decide on it only if there are no other options. In this case, you need to think in advance about spending the night and eating in a transit city.

Calculate in advance the maximum time you will need for a transfer and add an hour for a possible flight delay, long baggage claim, etc. Get the minimum time to change board.

Baggage check-in during a transit flight

If several airlines are involved in the flight, then the baggage must be controlled by the passenger

If the passenger bought a single ticket (all parts of the flight are carried out by one airline or partners), then the luggage is checked in to the final destination. Transportation of suitcases from board to board will be handled by the carrier’s employees. But if there are declared things in the baggage, then it must be received at the transit point, a new declaration for the second flight must be issued and handed over again.

Check the luggage tag carefully. And just in case, check in advance what you need to do if your luggage is lost.

If tickets for each part of the journey are purchased separately, luggage is also checked in separately for each of the flights.

Flying with a transfer: tips for beginners

Minimize the risks when making your first transit flight

For those who fly with a transfer for the first time, you need to choose the simplest routes:

1. Change of aircraft at the same airport, and preferably at the same terminal.
2. Air travel consists of no more than two parts (one change of board).
3. All parts of the flight are operated by one airline or partner carriers.
4. Waiting time for the second departure with a margin.
5. Transfer at an airport where a temporary residence permit is not required.

The site selling air tickets Unitiket.ru itself will offer all possible options with transfers. Your task is to choose the most convenient for you in terms of time, route and price.

Information desks are available at major airports for transit passengers. Employees will answer all relevant questions and tell you what to do.

UniTicket recommends:

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• Go on an unforgettable author’s journey YouTravel

More ideas for your holidays! (Air):

What is an airport lounge and how do I get there?

How to get to Pulkovo airport: bus, metro, taxi

Stopover, how to profitably use a transfer on an airplane

Travel ban, how to check who imposes, how to challenge

Hidden airline fees: what to look out for

Is it possible for pregnant women to fly on an airplane: advice from doctors, rules, life hacks

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7 tips for those who are afraid to fly

Health

© Marc Schiele/Unsplash

Author

Uliana Smirnova

February 20, 2019

For some people, flying in an airplane turns into a real test. Pink has collected the most effective tips to help relieve anxiety.

Some people are afraid of height and closed space, others are afraid of the technical condition of the aircraft. Still others are afraid of lightning strikes and turbulence. Be that as it may, there are ways to relieve pre-flight excitement. And for this it is not necessary to take alcohol or a backpack with a parachute with you.

Check the statistics

Airplane is one of the safest modes of transport. Only escalators are more reliable. David Ropeik, a risk management consultant at Harvard School of Public Health, calculated that the chances of being in a plane crash are about 1 in 11 million. For comparison, in the case of car accidents, this figure is 1 in 5 thousand. Therefore, the most dangerous part of the trip can be considered not flight, and the way to the airport. Special sites that track all the planes of the world online help to make sure of this. Try to see how many flights complete safely each hour. Arnold Barnett, a professor of statistics at the Massachusetts Institute of Technology, is sure that the fear of flying is as far-fetched as the fear of the collapse of the ceiling in a grocery store. According to him, to die in a plane crash, you need to fly once a day for 4 million years.

Advertising on RBC www.adv.rbc.ru

© Skyler Smith/Unsplash

Learn how an airplane works

Learn as much as you can about aircraft technology. To do this, it is not necessary to dive into the mechanics of the aircraft. It is enough to study the basics of his work and the meaning of some sounds. For example, all airliners are equipped with at least two engines, and their vital systems are duplicated. Should a failure occur, twin systems come into operation. The design of any aircraft is similar to a large glider. If both engines fail, it will land on the ground like a non-powered aircraft. In addition, each aircraft goes through many tests, and careful pre-flight preparation helps to identify even the most minor problems. A little turbulence that causes people to panic is normal. Air pockets can be compared to bumps on a highway: any aircraft is designed with such loads in mind. And injuries in the turbulence zone usually occur due to unfastened seat belts or falling from the luggage racks.

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Find the right spot

Try to figure out what scares you the most. If you are afraid of heights, you should not choose a chair next to the porthole. If you are claustrophobic, please take a seat near the aisle or emergency exit. This will allow you to move freely around the cabin of the aircraft and not disturb your neighbors. In addition, there is enough space to stretch your legs. Turbulence is more noticeable in the tail section of the aircraft, and the food and drink cart reaches the last rows, fairly empty. Soft and comfortable flight will provide seats in the middle of the cabin. The center of gravity of the aircraft is located in this zone, so any vibrations are felt less. But be prepared for the fact that it will be noisy here, and the wing of the airliner will block the view from the window. The best option is the first rows after the business class. You can choose a suitable seat during online check-in, which usually opens 24 hours before departure. The second way is to ask for the seat you like at the front desk. Some carriers offer “transfer” for a fee.

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Consider dress code

Avoid tight sweaters, tight skinny jeans, belts, and heels when flying. Especially if you have to fly for several hours. It is recommended to choose the most loose clothing made from natural fabrics. This will help you relax and take any comfortable position. Elastic knitwear or cotton is perfect for flying: these fabrics do not restrict movement and practically do not wrinkle. The temperature on board can change along the way, so it’s best to dress in layers. So you can control your heat transfer at any time. When traveling, warm socks and a small pillow will come in handy. It is also worth stocking up on a sleep mask, earplugs and, if possible, take your favorite thin blanket with you. Not all airlines offer bedding. If you are worried about dehydration of the skin, do not forget to take creams, moisturizing face masks and hygienic lipstick with you. The flow of cool air from the fan is good for preventing panic attacks and nausea. It also dries out the skin of the face and lips.

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Arrive at the airport early

It’s best to arrive at the airport a couple of hours before boarding to avoid creating new concerns. In addition, therapy dogs, miniature horses, and even piglets can be found at some major airports. They walk around the terminals and help passengers calm down before the flight. While waiting, you can indulge yourself with delicious food, which you probably would not have allowed yourself under other circumstances. A light snack before the flight will give a feeling of fullness, comfort and calmness. At the same time, you should not drink energy drinks, sweet strong tea or coffee. The caffeine contained in them will increase anxiety, and the sugar will increase the level of adrenaline. Moreover, it is not recommended to calm yourself with alcohol. It contributes to dehydration and only exacerbates fear. In addition, the body, relaxed under the influence of alcohol, is not able to quickly adjust to a new time zone.

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Download music and video games

If you’ve bought an interesting book or downloaded new episodes of your favorite series, save them for your upcoming flight. Stock up on magazines, download soothing music or an exciting game to your tablet. All this will allow you to distract from unpleasant thoughts in the sky. No less effective can be a conversation with the neighbors in the cabin. If you are not in the mood to communicate, try to work or just fall asleep. Every time excitement sets in, try to breathe evenly and as deeply as possible. Intensive oxygen exchange will put your thoughts in order and normalize your heart rhythm. Another effective way to overcome fear is to visualize your successful landing and subsequent events. Try to mentally imagine a trip to a hotel, to the beach, or to a business meeting. Or just close your eyes and think of something nice. A long flight is a good time to learn a simple meditation technique. It will be easier to do this if you pre-install one of the applications with prompts for execution.

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Ask for help

Psychologists advise warning the crew in advance of your excitement. In this case, the airline staff will be especially attentive to you and, if necessary, will reassure you. In flight attendant courses, they are taught not only to ensure safety and properly serve food, but also to provide support to all passengers. During the flight, feel free to ask questions when something bothers you. This is better than following the behavior of flight attendants and drawing alarming conclusions. If nothing helps to dampen the excitement, and you have to travel often, try to deal with your fears with a therapist. Another option is special classes to overcome aerophobia. As a rule, they are conducted by aircraft mechanics, active pilots and aviation psychologists. They will help you uncover the root causes of fear and find ways to overcome them.