The Best Flight Tips You Must Know Before You Fly Again

A couple of weeks ago, CB and I flew to Virginia to visit my mom. CB reads The Chive religiously, and saw an article with some tips on flying that we wanted to try out for this flight. Little did we know that not only would they work, some were mind blowingly successful. Somehow, I even stumbled on a few new tips of my own during this flight. It's safe to say this was one of the best, most successful flights. Below are the tips and tricks we used on our flights. 

1.  If You Booze, Tip Your Flight Attendant

This past trip we took was on Virgin America. The results were mind blowing and I'm not being dramatic. 

We ordered two drinks off the touch pad at our seat, one vodka orange juice for me and one jack and coke for CB. When the Flight Attendant brought the drinks, I saw CB take out his wallet, handing him a couple of bucks. The guy's demeanor totally transformed. Not that he was even remotely rude before, he just was REALLY REALLY REALLY eager to accommodate us, "Can I get you all anything else? Another can of seltzer? Another coke? More Ice? Anything at all, please don't hesitate to ask." 

We ordered two more drinks from the touch pad a little later. Another jack and coke for CB, and a glass of wine for me. Out came the flight attendant with the half bottle sized wine, rather than just the glass, and two jack and coke mini bottles rather than just one. At this point, all we had tipped was two dollars. 

Because we were on vacation, and amused, we ordered one last round. I switched back to vodka soda (I jump around a lot, so sue me), and CB ordered another Jack and Coke. Out comes, you guessed it, more than we ordered. Two vodka mini bottles and two Jack mini bottles. CB gave him a 5 dollar bill, and come to find out he totally cleared out our tab that we had paid for on the touch screen. The two of us were feeling REALLY REALLY GOOD for only $7. SEVEN DOLLARS! WOW! 

Moral of the Story: Tip your flight attendant. 

2.  When Flying With A Friend, Book the Aisle and Window Seat. 

This worked for us going to Virginia and heading back to Dallas. When we initially booked our seats, I booked the window seat for me, and the aisle seat for CB. The reason we did this is in the event the flight isn't full, it is possible no one will select the middle seat and you'll have the whole row to yourself.

Plus, someone will always be willing to switch seats with you if they're in the middle and you're on the aisle or window. No matter what, you'll get to sit together... might as well try and get the whole row!

3.  Forgot Your Headphones? DO NOT buy them from the airport convenience store.

I got to the airport and realized I forgot my favorite Frends headphones that I spent an entire weekend in NYC shopping for. I went to that Hudson News store that every airport has, picked up a pair of earbud headphones... $35!! They wanted $35!?! ACK!

I know I've seen certain flights sell headphones before, so I went and asked the lady at Virgin's front counter if they'd be selling headphones on this flight. She said I could buy them from her, or on the flight for just $3. I said, "Oh! Perfect! Yes, I'll take a pair." 

I started to reach for my wallet and she goes, "You know what, I really don't care. Go ahead and just take it  for free!" 

They were decent headphones too. I mean, certainly nothing I'll cherish for years to come, but certainly good enough for the rest of the weekend.

4.  Electronic Device Dead? No Problem. The Majority of Planes Now Have Outlets Under Your Seat. 

On the flight back, my phone was totally dead and I couldn't find anywhere to plug my phone in at the airport. Why airports don't have more plugs, I'll never know. I didn't stress though, because all Virgin planes (and most American planes, which I fly for work) have power outlets under, or in between, your seat.

The next time you're flying, reach under your seat to see if there is a power or USB outlet! I believe you'll find either power or USB outlets on the following airlines: Virgin, American, United, Delta, Air Canada and certain Jet Blue flights.

5.  Scan, Print and Email photocopies of your Driver's License and/or Passport. 

The last time my mom visited me, she had a scare where she thought she lost her Driver's License. Luckily, she found it, but before you leave you should make photocopies of your identification, as well as emailing yourself a digital copy. If something terrible were to happen, and you lost your ID, this could seriously help. This might not be ENOUGH to get on the plane, but it will certainly put you in the right direction to proving your identity and getting through security.

I'm hoping these tips weren't your everyday, run-of-the-mill tips you've heard before! What are some other tips that you've used when preparing for a flight, during a flight or after a flight?! I'd love to hear them and add them to my list!