Smooth Sailing: Effortless Hacks for a Stress-Free Flight Day

11. Prepare for a Smooth Landing

The descent can be a hectic time, especially if you’re scrambling to gather your things or worried about a tight connection. To make the transition smoother, start organizing your belongings about 30 minutes before landing. Put away anything you won’t need immediately, keep your passport and documents handy, and make sure your electronics and chargers are easily accessible in case you need them. If you’re on a long-haul flight, freshening up with a face wipe or brushing your teeth can also help you feel more awake and ready to go. Use the restroom before the seatbelt sign comes on—lines get long just before landing, and you don’t want to spend extra time waiting after a long flight. If you’re worried about making a tight connection, inform a flight attendant early. In some cases, they may be able to arrange priority disembarkation for you. If you're checking a bag, identifying it quickly at baggage claim can save time, so use a brightly colored luggage tag, ribbon, or even a unique sticker to make it stand out from the crowd. Bonus tip: Take a quick photo of your luggage before checking it in—if it goes missing, it’s much easier to describe to airline staff.