Safety Tips for Frequent Flyers

No matter how many times you’ve flown, getting through an airport is always a little unpredictable.

Being a seasoned flyer, you’re probably well versed in navigating airports, and the obstacles they present, even if you’re traveling through a new airport. 

That said, there may be a few safety tips and tricks that may have flown by you. So, if you’re looking for some updated frequent flyer hacks to make your journey even smoother, we’ve got you covered.

How smart flyers do pre-flight prep


When you’re in and out of airports often, the difference between a smooth trip and a chaotic one usually comes down to preparation.

One of the most important frequent flyer tips is to stay ahead of any surprises. That means checking travel advisories, monitoring your airline’s app for delays or gate changes, and making sure your passport and visas are up to date well before you leave. It’s always a good idea to download your airline’s travel app, as they usually post real-time updates on flight times, delays and anything relating to your trip.

Many frequent flyers also suggest creating a digital travel folder with copies of your passport, ID, boarding passes and insurance details. Store it in the cloud (Google Drive, Dropbox, etc.) and make sure it’s accessible offline, just in case you lose service or your phone dies.

It may also be worth signing up for airline loyalty programs, even if you don’t fly the same carrier every time. Points add up fast, and you’ll often get earlier boarding, priority check-in and access to better customer support if something goes wrong.

Essentially, the more you can prep before you even pack your bags, the more time and energy you’ll save at the gate.

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QuickTips:

  • Download your airline’s travel app
  • Opt-in for SMS flight updates
  • Check passport and vias are up to date
  • Review travel advisories from the U.S. Department of State
  • Create a digital travel folder with important travel documents
  • Enroll in airline loyalty programs

Packing and luggage security tips


Ask any seasoned traveler, and they’ll tell you that how you pack can make or break your trip. Efficient, secure packing is one of the most valuable frequent flyer tips and tricks, especially when you’re hopping around multiple airports a month.

First, consider going carry-on only whenever possible. Not only does this save time at check-in and baggage claim, but it also reduces the risk of lost luggage. Smart frequent flyer hacks include rolling your clothes to save space, using packing cubes for organization and keeping a small bag of essentials like meds, chargers and a change of clothes easily accessible.

If you do need to check a bag, use a TSA-approved lock and add a smart tracker like an AirTag. More and more frequent flyers swear by these devices to keep tabs on their luggage, especially during layovers and international transfers.

Also, don’t forget to label everything clearly. A good luggage tag with your phone number (no need to list your home address) can make all the difference if your bag goes missing.

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QuickTips:

  • Carry-on only whenever possible
  • Roll clothes or use packing cubes to maximize luggage space
  • Keep essentials close at hand
  • Use a TSA-approved lock and a smart tracker if checking your luggage
  • Label your luggage tag clearly

Health and hygiene on the go


Between recycled cabin air, jet lag and tight layovers, your body takes a hit. So, looking after yourself should always be your main priority.

Drinking plenty of water is a smart move any time, but when you’re bouncing around airports and multiple flights, those in-flight water cups might not be enough. Always bring a reusable water bottle with you and fill it after security. 

Most airports now have free water dispensers, so you won’t even need to pay to fill up your water bottle. It may sound simple, but keeping yourself hydrated is one of the most effective frequent flyer hacks. If you’re not keen on drinking water regularly, you could also pair a bottle with electrolytes or hydration tablets.

Next, we have some hygiene hacks that you can store in your carry-on luggage.

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Think about bringing:

  • Hand sanitizer
  • Disinfecting wipes (for tray tables, armrests and screens)
  • A few spare face masks for crowded terminals or flu season
  • A travel-size wellness kit with pain relievers, sleep aids and allergy medicine
  • And if you’d like, even herbal teas can help you feel more at home, wherever you land

When it comes to long-haul flights (which can be really taxing on our bodies), doing some small things can keep you feeling comfortable. Sitting for long periods can lead to stiffness or even circulation issues, so try to walk up and down the aisle every couple of hours, do a few stretches in your seat and wear compression socks on long-haul flights.

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QuickTips:

  • Bring a reusable water bottle to fill up after security
  • Pack hygiene essentials like hand sanitizer, disinfecting wipes and a wellness kit
  • On long-haul flights, get out of your seat to walk and stretch every couple of hours

Airport and In-Flight Safety Best Practices


Airports, whether large or small, are usually busy places. Even if you know an airport like the back of your hand, it’s still worth being prepared. Here are a few things to remember when you’re hopping through airports.

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Stay aware at all times

Despite how much safer and secure airports have become over the years, there are still hotspots for petty theft, especially near security lines and baggage carousels. Keep your valuables close and your bag zippers facing inward. If you can, avoid leaving your phone at public charging stations and instead, bring a portable power bank. 

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Choose a good seat and listen to the briefing (always!)

There’s really nothing worse on a flight, long or short haul, than being stuck in a seat you’re not comfortable in. If you can, opt for an aisle seat as it’s easier to stretch out if you feel a bit cramped mid-flight. If you’re more of a window person, that’s fine too - whatever best suits your needs.

Just make sure you’re aware of the emergency exits and always follow the crew’s safety briefing (yes, even if you’ve heard it 100 times).

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Make sure you can access your carry-on

When storing your carry-on, make sure it’s accessible, especially if it contains medications, documents or noise-cancelling headphones. Try to avoid digging around in overhead bins mid-flight as it’s safer and more courteous for everyone onboard. If your carry-on is too big to store under the seat in front of you, plan on packing a small bag with everything you’ll need in your carry-on that you can grab before storing your luggage in the overhead bins.

Tech and Data Security While Traveling


It should come as no surprise that many frequent flyers are business travelers and are usually carrying tech on board. So, it’s important that you know how to transport and handle your tech safely and securely.

For example, let’s say you’re a business traveler flying twice a month for client meetings. Maybe you need to regularly log into company portals and access confidential documents in airports and hotel lobbies. Without basic precautions like a VPN or two-factor authentication, you could be running the risk of a security breach that could cost the company more than just time. 

On that note, another must-follow frequent flyer tip is to avoid plugging devices directly into public USB charging stations. These can be tampered with to install malware or steal data. It’s rare, but it happens. So, carry a portable power bank or use a USB data blocker so you can charge safely, wherever you are.

Additionally, make sure your devices are updated, password-protected and backed up to the cloud before you leave home. It’s also wise to enable biometric logins (like Face ID) and store digital backups of your passport, travel insurance plan and key documents in a secure, encrypted folder.

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QuickTips:

  • Access public Wi-Fi using precautions like a VPN or two-factor authentication
  • Use a portable power bank to charge devices
  • Update your devices and make sure they’re password protected
  • Store digital backups of important travel documents in an encrypted folder
  • Get a travel insurance plan with Identity Theft Assistance
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At Travel Guard, we recognize that you can’t always prevent worst-case scenario when it comes to your personal information while traveling. That’s why our Deluxe,  Preferred and Annual plans all come with Identity Theft Assistance. If your personal information is stolen while traveling, our team can assist with contacting credit card companies, monitoring your credit report and working with local authorities to help with identity restoration.

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An annual travel insurance plan could be your travel buddy

For frequent flyers, unexpected delays, cancellations, lost luggage and even medical emergencies may not be a matter of if, but when. It might sound a little biased, but this is where an annual travel insurance plan really earns its keep.

Instead of buying a new travel insurance plan every time you book a trip, annual travel insurance plans cover multiple trips over 12 months, saving you time and hassle. 

Something as simple as one missed connection or lost bag could easily throw off your schedule, your wardrobe or even your work. With annual travel protection, you’ve got coverage for some of those surprise hiccups. And don’t forget medical expense coverage; annual travel insurance plans have that, too.

Ready to add some security to your next trip?

Get a travel insurance plan quote today

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