3 ways a flight expert ensures he's on planes for as little time as possible, from packing to boarding

27.10.2023 - 17:24 / insider.com / Gilbert Ott

When it comes to flying, the most bearable experience is the shortest one.

Take it from Gilbert Ott, who flies more than 200,000 miles a year and has been blogging about flying for the last decade. Ott's blog, called God Save the Points, covers everything from airline news and flight reviews to travel tips and money-saving hacks, such as how to best use credit-card points. 

When Ott flies, his goal is to spend as little time in the cramped aircraft as possible in three steps, he told Insider. 

First, he books a seat as close to the front of the plane as possible. This way, he'll be one of the first people to get off the plane. 

"I find it excruciating at the back of a plane," he added. 

Next, if he can swing it, Ott avoids bringing a rolling suitcase on his trips. That way, he doesn't worry about having to board early enough to find space for it. 

"The last groups in the back are always the ones that they're asking to bag tag and put under the plane," he added. 

To minimize your packing list and avoid bringing a roller bag, Ott said it's smart to purchase toiletries at your destination. And if you're visiting family for the holidays, Ott suggested leaving some clothes there so you have less to pack next year. 

"I keep clothes at my parents' house so that I can keep it really basic with what I bring," he said.

When Ott has to bring a roller bag, he boards the flight early. But if he's able to pack just a backpack, his final step is to be the last to board the plane. 

"If I have no roller, I am sitting at the airport bar in peace until the last call," he said. "I'm the last person on the plane."

Once Ott finally boards, he told Insider that he gets to his seat and pulls the strings of his hoodie to cover his face.

"I'm out until we land, and then I'm off. That's it," Ott added. "The less time the better."