13 Ways to Fly Through An Airport Solo

How I arrived in Vancouver, three hours after my originally scheduled departure, feeling energized for the unknown. Along with good luck advice for any traveler hoping to make it smiling from point A to B, optional transfer C, and beyond…

1. Organize your gear so it stands out.

Moustache duct-tape is a sure way to reclaim your belongings amongst a sea of mass-produced bags. This trick worked for me — and now my parents have arguably ‘hip’ luggage to roll around on their upcoming ventures. Find your unique way to accent your baggage, on as many sides as possible — you never know how it will turn out on the rotating luggage-belt. Remember to weight your luggage with a little wiggle room before you leave your home-haven to ensure you avoid over-weight charges and can manage your bags along the way. My adventure bags scaled in around 49 pounds each — just enough wiggle!

2. Know how you’re arriving.

Manage your belongings on route to and from your departure gate. This might mean recruiting a friendly driver, hiring an Uber or cab, or riding transit; the third option is recommended if you’ve packed, unlike me, on the lighter side. Whatever you manage, having a transportation plan will not only save you from spending longterm parking dollars, but gift piece of mind and human-connection before your journey ahead. Feeling the embrace of a warm hug on both ends of my flight — priceless!

3. Arrive with a happy stomach.

Making a little time for food-fuel may set the difference between a positive and negative experience. A nutritional meal keeps me alert and willing to tackle unforeseen complications. There’s nothing worse than travelling grumpy with impatience and discovering you only have access to airport food. Whether your loved ones wake up at 6:00am to prepare your favourite BLT sandwich, or you finish off some fridge ingredients before leaving your home base behind — take precautions to avoid hunger. Few sitting in economy class want to rely on airplane-food and charging their credit-card for a meal that could be enjoyed locally upon arrival. For early flights, I pack a leak-proof tumbler, topped up with caffeinated fuel that I easily dispose of before airport security. This container comes in handy on the other side as well.

4. Pack your universal gift certificates.

Keeping your wallet tucked away sets a thrifty tone for a budget-friendly launch into your journey. Save or load-up Tim Hortons or Starbucks cards for airport travel and stay on track when surrounded by advertisements, flashy-signs, and opportunities to spend more money. Personally, I’d much rather devote my cash to the adventure ahead!

5. Pack an empty water-bottle.

Fill up at a water fountain, usually located outside most comfort stations, once you’re through security. Equipping yourself with a full bottle promotes feel-good wellness anywhere — even when you find yourself packed up beside a window, sandwiched behind a reclining passenger and a restless seat-kicker. Thankfully water-bottles allow for flimsy onboard tray-tables to be locked up, and liquid secure. Not to mention you avoid wasting another frugal cup and ban plastic. Hydrating onboard tends to keep me more active, and sets up natural reminders to get me out of my seat, stretching my legs to the loo!

6. Wear comfortable, layered clothing.

You can’t always control your environment’s temperature — so take charge of how you dress. Doubling up in comforting and functional clothing will not only feel warmer, but stay more versatile than one heavier garment that offers limited flexibility. As an outdoor enthusiast, I’m a big believer in base-layers. Merino-wool particularly adds an inner-layer of happiness and resists body-odour as well. My feet regulate my temperature, so socks and footwear is just as important. MEC (Mountain Equipment Co-Op) base-camp booties are an excellent choice for exceptional ‘walking on cloud’ movement — they are easily pushed off in case of security check and double as an instant self-controlled air-conditioner. Nothing’s worse than hot, cramped toes for hours in varying climates and altitudes. So check those awkward, fashionable shoes of yours (or better still — leave them behind!)

7. Rock a fanny-pack!

The 80’s brought the world function alongside “Sweet Dreams” and blockbuster cult-classics. You’ll be thankful you left your fashion-conscience behind when your most valuable items — passport, money, identification — are safely on your body. My bum-bag has walked a thousand miles, through airports and beyond; in the shape of a leaf, it even offers some personality with pockets. You’re only unhip if your purse is stolen and you thought twice about taking this security measure!

8. Carry a travel-pillow.

With the average airline seat pitch and size on the slide, you have to pack your own comfort. Not everyone travels first-class and receives extra leg room and fluffy little perks. I use a carabiner to clip my portable camping pillow to my carry-on. A neck-cushion or DYO clothing roll-up will work just as well to relieve neck or lower back pain. Listen to your whole body — when you do, you may discover a good stretch and walk through the aisles is the best cure!

9. Keep essential oils accessible.

So long as they are in 100ml or smaller bottles, your natural medicine cabinet will make it past security. Check your airline’s website before you pack, just to be sure. I keep my favourite roll-ons in my carry-on to gift me access to whatever kind of wellness I need as I wait and fly. Doterra lovers — I highly recommend Past-Tense blend to bring a relaxing calm to your travel transition time. It’s enticing aroma of wintergreen, lavender and frankincense cuts through even the most unpleasant stinks that sneak up on you. Other worthy oils to consider: melaleuca, eucalyptus, oregano, On-Guard; all these immune boasters resist foreign germs from attacking you. Alternatively, glop Vaseline or moisturizer into your nostrils to keep your skin from cracking and exposing your system to the circulating shared air — It’s worth it when you arrive at your destination healthy!

10. Stretch before you board.

It’s amazing to watch the average person’s habit of sitting before making their way into cramped spaces. As far as I’m aware — dance parties aren’t permitted aboard most aircrafts; so enjoy moving when you can! Utilize your pre-boarding time to explore, shake out some energy, and stretch your muscles ready for the long ride ahead. You can increase circulation that rubbing your muscles, rotating your wrists and ankles, and keeping yourself moving until final boarding call.

11. Break for the washroom pre-flight.

Simple, survival advice. Make time for a leisurely trip to the comfort station before you have to excuse yourself every time you climb over the stranger beside you… and then back over again.

12. Keep a electronic-free activity on hand.

Whether you enjoy a little personal time colouring in mandalas, reading a paperback, or writing in a journal — these activities can keep you in the present and distracted amidst the many tiresome stresses of busy terminals. I suggest computer-free activities as I’ve experienced that one’s aux-cable source or personal screen doesn’t always function on the plane. As much as I’m sometimes in the mood to share meaningful conversation with the stranger in 32B, they often aren’t.

13. Optimism will get you there!

Carry a smile and positive attitude, and few will question your confidence. Amidst high-traffic, law-enforced areas I notice people seem more tense, even though they’re likely heading into a vacation and exploring a new destination. Add a glow to your aura so waiting in line-ups, checking-in and collecting baggage, passing through security and other checkpoints is WAY more fun. Personally, I recommend wearing positivity everywhere you go; it’s amazing how this personality problem-solves with ease, as the unexpected is destined to arrive.