Early morning flights can often seem like a great idea at the time, especially if you’re spending a limited number of days in your destination of choice. In most cases, they’re cheaper too, as they usually require a 3 am alarm which can be slightly inconvenient hence the bargain price.
When the day arrives, you might be asking yourself why you didn’t pay that extra few pounds for a more sociable flight time but there are ways to survive those dreaded sunrise flights! Preparation is key, you’re likely to be feeling very tired so you really don’t need any additional stress.
For a smooth early-morning flight check out these top tips to ensure you’re ready for that wake-up call…
Organise your paperwork
The last thing you want when your alarm clock goes off in the middle of the night is to be frantically searching for all of your paperwork. Your insurance documents, boarding passes, hotel reservations and anything else you need to take with you should be safely stored in a travel wallet and organised in preparation for your flight.
Don’t leave printing out your paperwork to the last minute either, have everything ready to go at least two days before to avoid any last-minute technology failures getting in the way of your plans.
Double-check timings
We all make mistakes, we’re only human after all! How many times have you made an appointment, only to turn up and realise you’ve got the time or date wrong? Don’t take any chances here, double-check all timings to ensure your trip runs as smoothly as possible. Sprinting through the airport terminal is never a good look!
Stay in a hotel the night before
If you’ve got a very early flight, it’s a good idea to check into a nearby hotel the night before. You never can tell how busy the roads will be, and any potential accidents could cause massive issues and traffic delays.
The same goes for public transport, while trains and buses are generally quite reliable, you can never be too sure. Flying from Birmingham? There are plenty of hotels in Birmingham within close proximity to the airport which will provide a good night’s sleep before you take-off.
Pack a pillow
The likelihood of getting any shut-eye the night before an early flight is quite low, and you don’t want to feel exhausted on the first day of your trip. Take a travel pillow with you, this way you might be able to catch a couple of hours of sleep on the plane.
It’s not ideal but a power nap may help you to feel refreshed and ready for your long day ahead. Earplugs are also a good idea!
Take some snacks
It’s highly unlikely that you will fancy tucking into any breakfast at the crack of dawn. If you can’t stomach the thought of corn flakes at 4 am, then be sure to pack a few snacks for the airport journey and departure lounge.
Cereal bars and dried fruit and nuts are perfect travel snacks and will offer a sugar boost when you’re feeling lethargic after the early morning wakeup call. Just be sure not to pack any liquids!
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