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

21. Bring a Pen for Customs Forms

It’s one of those tiny travel details that makes a surprisingly big difference: bringing a pen. Many international flights still require you to fill out customs and immigration forms before landing, and despite all our tech advances, these forms are often paper-based. The problem? Flight attendants rarely have enough pens to go around—or they disappear midway through the cabin. If you don’t have your own, you’ll end up awkwardly waiting or borrowing from a neighbor while juggling a tray table and passport. Having your own pen means you can fill out forms at your own pace instead of rushing last-minute when the seatbelt sign turns on. It also helps you stay ahead in the customs line since you're not stopping to complete paperwork at the last second. Opt for a reliable ballpoint pen that won’t leak at high altitudes—cheap pens can explode due to cabin pressure changes. Bonus tip: Bring a second pen to lend to a fellow traveler. It’s a small gesture, but it often sparks conversation and makes you that rare helpful person on a flight—a true travel ally in the skies.