9 tips for flying alone, from someone who has done it over 47 times

26.10.2023 - 05:15 / insider.com

I was 18 the first time I flew alone on an international flight from New York City to Dublin.

Since then, I've flown alone at least 47 times, preferring solo travel over traveling with a companion. In fact, I tend to fly somewhere new and exciting at least once a month for both work and pleasure. 

When I first started flying alone, I was definitely a hot mess. I was anxious about everything from getting lost in the airport to wondering which strangers I'd sit next to.

Now, I have a system that works for me to ensure a smooth solo-flight experience every time. Here are my nine best tips for flying alone.

Many airlines offer independent loyalty programs, most of which are free to join. Throughout my travels, I've gotten free upgrades on oversold flights, complimentary lounge passes and checked bags, and priority boarding.

JetBlue's TrueBlue program is fantastic, and I've even earned a few free flights through my solo trips with them. 

Lufthansa also has a great loyalty program for international trips, which allows you to earn points with partner airlines.

Global Entry is a program that allows for expedited entry into the US. It allows me to breeze through the immigration line when returning to the US and helps me to get out the door within 20 to 30 minutes of deplaning. 

Global Entry also includes TSA PreCheck, which means shorter, quicker security lines and reduced TSA requirements. With PreCheck, I can keep liquids in my bag and usually don't have to take my shoes off when going through security. 

Because I travel frequently, the $100 fee pays for itself. Even if you're not a frequent traveler, it's a solid investment since the membership lasts five years. 

Unless you need to check your bag for a specific reason, everything you need can usually fit in a carry-on and a personal item. In fact, I've even done monthlong trips without checked luggage. 

Carry-ons are way more efficient and save me a lot of time and money at the airport. I never pay baggage fees, don't have to worry about my luggage getting lost, and avoid long check-in lines when arriving at the airport. 

When I'm traveling alone, and my flight is longer than two hours, I'll pay extra for a specific seat to ensure I won't be cramped or uncomfortable for the duration of my trip. 

Flying on my own means I have more freedom to manage my time at the airport. Before my flight, I like to find a quiet area to decompress, catch up on work, or do some mindfulness exercises. 

I keep my headphones off to listen for gate announcements and set a timer for 20 minutes before the gate closes to ensure I don't miss my flight.

It never hurts to ask for an upgrade, depending on which airline you're flying with. I like to ask at the gate because agents know