We used to hate flying but since we LOVE to travel it was a necessary evil. After seeing what we could do on our end, we have learned some tricks and tips for a better flight.

This way the flight is no longer a dreaded part of our vacations. If we fly first class or economy we can make the best of it and enjoy our time in the air.

It's amazing how little things can make such a huge impact. Without having to put in too much effort, you can end up enjoying your getaway even more.

Of course, there are still times where flying is a hassle, not to mention exhausting, but we can at least make it better. Through our flying adventures (50 flights and counting in four years) we have found a few things that improved our air travel experience.

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Have Multiple Layers

Planes seem to have the most unpredictable climate. It is always moving between the extremes...either hot or cold!

Bringing lots of layers helps ensure you’re prepared for any temperature. We usually wear looser fitting clothes on our flights or something breathable.

We also bring a light jacket to cover up with in case it's a little chilly. Since Kelsey gets cold, she always brings a blanket that folds down into her carry-on luggage.

If you don't want to bring a blanket, you can always get away with bringing items that can double as a blanket, like a scarf or a big jacket. Just bring something to keep you warm just in case.

Bring Snacks

Due to food being extremely expensive on flights and at airports, it is much better to bring a snack from home. Not only do you save money this way but you also probably are going to eat healthier.

Plus, if you are trying to eat whole food, plant-based like us then it's easier to bring food. You can buy chips or nuts from the store or just bring something from home.

We have gone so far as to pack sandwiches and salads. Just make sure to avoid packing any liquids since these are often limited for carry-on baggage.

Try to pack snacks you want to eat! It does you no good if you pack yourself carrots but don't actually like carrots (we learned this the hard way).

Get a Known Traveler Number (KTN)

Having a KTN allows you to be eligible for TSA Precheck. As long as your airline participates, you should get to go through the TSA Precheck line if you enter your KTN when buying your ticket.

Make sure your ticket says TSA Precheck though! This means less waiting in line and you don’t have to take off your shoes or take out your laptop.

It costs about 85 dollars and you have to get a background check but it can be done quickly and painlessly. Visit this site to apply online and find out where you will need to go for your background check.

It also lasts for 5 years so it requires very little upkeep. Just make sure to plan and don't wait until the last minute to get it done!

Global Entry

If you are planning on traveling outside the country even once or twice a year, spring for Global Entry instead of TSA Precheck. It costs $15 more than TSA precheck but you get all the benefits of a KTN as well as a speedier customs clearance when you travel internationally.

Using the right credit card can mean you don't have to pay anything for Global Entry or TSA precheck. We have the American Express Platinum card which reimburses either fee once every four years which you can also sign up for here and get a referral bonus from us!

After traveling abroad just once or twice, this can make a huge difference! This is what we currently use since we added more international flights every year.

Bring an Empty Reusable Water Bottle

You can fill it up with water fountains once you’re past security. This helps us stay hydrated which is always a good thing, especially when getting on a plane.

Be careful what type you bring because we have had water go everywhere due to changes in pressure. We suggest using a screw-top water bottle instead of any type of pop-top as this limits the amount of water shooting out.

We started to bring our water bottles to reduce the amount of plastic we use. Since we travel so much we wanted to make sure we were being as eco-friendly as possible.

Bring Headphones

There is always some type of noise on a plane and a good pair of headphones can help. We just use regular in-ear headphones but noise-canceling headphones can be a lifesaver on long flights.

This is especially important as you get closer to the engines (usually towards the back of the plane). Plus some airlines are now providing free TV services and you want to be prepared to plug in if necessary.

If you are sitting by someone who is rather chatty you could also use your headphones as a decoy. Even if you aren't listening to anything simply having headphones in often deter others from talking to you.

Pack as Little as Possible

This is big for us since we are minimalists. We typically each bring a book bag for 2-3 days of travel.

A book bag is easy to travel with since you can just put it on your shoulders and go. Some airlines charge for all bags but still give you a free personal item which can be a book bag that goes under your seat.

Even if we go on an international trip, we still never pack anything larger than a carry-on suitcase. There simply is nowhere to put a large suitcase in our tiny trailer home!

Try to pack as efficiently as possible. We set out all of our clothes and make sure we aren't overpacking before we even start putting items into our luggage.

Phil tends to roll up his clothes into his bag and he swears it helps him with space but Kelsey just goes for the go-to fold method. There is no right or wrong way to pack, just make sure you are packing only what you need!

Shop Around for Deals

Sometimes airline loyalty pays off but since we move around so much we can book better flights by flight tracking and searching for the best deals. It can even help to buy one-way tickets with different airlines.

By finding deals we can book a better seat or be with a better airline. This way we get a better experience without having to pay more.

Air travel is like any other business so shop around for the best deals. We like using

• Google Flights
• Hopper

If you see a good deal, don't be afraid to book it right then and there. We have heard advice on when to book but we have not seen one day that's always better.

Generally, you are going to see higher prices 2-6 weeks before your flight dates so try to book outside that window if possible. If you don't see a deal that catches your eye, save it using either Hopper or Google Flights and monitor the price until it drops down to a level you are comfortable with.

Book with Major Airlines

Remember, you get what you pay for. The major airlines may be worth the money.

Sometimes it is worth the money to get a better experience. The major airlines seem to have a little more emphasis on customer service. This can lead to little "perks" you may not even think of such as rebooking flights with more ease and options.

For a couple of flights, we have booked budget airlines because it was much cheaper. Unfortunately, this made air travel less enjoyable.

There are random hiccups you may encounter such as the desk only opening two hours before the flights, no TSA Precheck, and fees for all baggage and seat selection. The quality of the seats differs as well.

Often the seats don’t recline and have little cushioning. Keep in mind, you might even be paying the same price after you pay for your carry-on bag and your seat on a budget airline.

Enjoy Your Time in the Clouds

Safe flying ✈ Hopefully your next flight will be stress-free. It's always better to be prepared so use these tips for a better overall flight.

Traveling can be a lot of work but is worth the reward. Enjoy your time in the clouds!