Every tech step to take before boarding a long flight
I recently traveled to Japan on a 14 hour flight by myself. The last time I took a flight that long was seven years ago when I flew to China, except that time I at least had family on the flight with me.
Regardless, I realized that the tech steps I take before a long flight are the true secret to stress-free flights – even when my 14-hour return flight gets delayed six hours, causing me to miss my connecting flight in the next country and forcing me to spend the next 25 hours in a snowstorm, which is exactly what happened on my return from Japan.
So, here is everything I do on my iPhone or related Apple products before a flight. Stick ‘til the end for a fun bonus travel tip that’s not tech-related!
Add my boarding pass to my Apple Wallet
Never worry about misplacing your boarding pass again! As soon as I check in online for my flight, I always select the option to add my boarding pass to my Apple Wallet. Now, I can pull up my boarding pass on my phone without having to unlock my phone or scroll through my files trying to find it. Learn how to add passes to your Apple Wallet here.
P.S. You should always check in to your flight 24 hours before your departure time. It is common for airlines to overbook the seats on a flight, and if you don’t check in early enough you risk losing your seat to someone else! Crazy, but true.
2. Download the airline’s app
Having the airline’s app on your phone gives you immediate access to flight alerts, such as delayed flight information or changes in flight gates. You can also find the flight status at any time, and don’t have to rely on poor wifi to pull up your email or search flight updates online.
3. Place an AirTag in my luggage
An AirTag is a small tracking device that you can place in most items (purses, wallets, suitcases, etc). It connects to your iPhone and helps you track those items, wherever they may be in the world (Don’t have an iPhone? Tile is a great alternative!). I pop an AirTag into my luggage before every flight because you never know if your luggage might get lost or misplaced.
In fact, when my flight back from Japan was delayed by several hours and made everyone on board miss their connecting flights in Canada, many passengers were understandably stressed or concerned about where their suitcases may have ended up throughout the whole mishap.
I never had to stress or worry, because I just checked the Find My app on my iPhone to know that my AirTag (and therefore, luggage) landed safely and was headed to the baggage claim area.
4. Take a photo of my luggage
I don’t think this was the airline’s fault, but my suitcase broke during this trip! I have a new one now, but moving forward I will take a photo of my luggage before every flight. If, for some reason, my luggage breaks while it is being loaded or unloaded from the plane, I now have proof of my suitcase’s condition before flying and I can use that in a claim for compensation.
While you’re at it, consider taking photos of all important documents (COVID-19 vaccination cards, licenses, passports, etc). If you happen to lose any of the physical copies during your trip, having these images may really help.
5. Send my flight number to loved ones
Did you know iPhones have flight trackers built into them? To let your loved ones know when your flight takes off or lands, along with any flight delays, simply text them the airline name and flight number.
All they have to do is tap on that message and all the flight information will pop up.
6. Pack an AirFly for my AirPods
This tip only applies if you have AirPods. I think AirPods are great…..but not having a headphone jack makes it impossible to connect to the in-flight entertainment TV. That’s where my AirFly comes in! This Bluetooth device plugs into the in-flight entertainment and connects to your AirPods, so you don’t have to carry a pair of corded earphones or ask the flight attendants for one.
7. Download entertainment onto my device(s)
Have you ever gotten on a 12+ hour flight just to realize the little TV in front of your seat isn’t working? Because I have…LOL. It makes for a boring flight. Don’t find out the hard way and be prepared by downloading movies, shows, podcasts, and even games ahead of time to enjoy offline.
Don’t leave this tip for the airport. Airports can often have poor wifi, and you might be unable to complete downloads even if you have several hours to spare before your flight.
8. Charge a portable battery
Landing in a foreign airport with a dead phone is never a good feeling. I always have a portable battery charged and ready in my backpack so I can make sure my iPhone, AirPods, or any other necessary device is fully charged before landing.
BONUS TIP
This isn’t a tech tip…..it’s a life hack for all flights! Before any long flight, bring an unopened, unwrapped snack gift for the flight attendants on board. When I was returning to the U.S. from Japan, I bought simple Japanese Kit Kat bars (the ones that come in unique flavors) and let me tell you…..those flight attendants were so excited and appreciative that I was given first class treatment without sitting in first class!
Flight attendants can work very long hours and deal with difficult passengers, so when a passenger surprises them with yummy treats or snacks, they are usually so appreciative!
On this flight, they brought me multiple glasses of wine, additional desserts, and a little toiletry bag with a set of socks, an eye mask, tooth brush, and more! Plus, four different flight attendants passed by my seat throughout the flight to thank me for the treats and ask me if I’d like anything. It really was so sweet!
NOTE: I never bring candy expecting to get preferential treatment or an upgrade. The last thing you want is for your gifts to come off as bribery, and if you’re only interested in this tip for the perks, then maybe you should skip it altogether. However, from my experience, kindness goes a long way for these (potentially) tired, homesick employees, and their gratitude alone has always made this tip worth it.
