3 tips for domestic flights

America isn’t just the greatest superpower on the planet – it’s also the beating heart of Earth, bursting with things to see and do.

There’s a good reason why so few Americans don’t have passports. In a land of plenty such as this, they don’t need them. To not have a passport is an act of true patriotism, a symbol that you’re committed to your country.

Think about it – all you need to do is hop in a car and keep driving, and you’ll be greeted by hundreds of unique landscapes, whether you’re motoring through green wetland, harsh desert or the wintry peaks of Alaska.

But if you can’t drive, there are other ways to explore the country you hold so dearly in your heart. Domestic flights are a steal compared to most countries, and small airports are present in even the most backwater towns.

If the idea of jetting around the US is tantalizing, then read on. Whether this is your first time flying or you’re a hard-nosed jet engine veteran, this article will give you a few tips on how to take to the skies with style.

Get there with no fuss

Arriving at the airport is half the battle – if you’ve driven there, you’ll need to set aside at least an hour to find a parking space.

No one warns you just how atrocious parking can be in a swamp of busyness like the airport. But most major flight hubs play host to a number of private parking providers to stop the rigmarole.

Companies like Looking4.com have set up shop at many US airports and can be purchased for a cheap rate if you book early. Discounts can also be found online if you’re savvy with voucher code sites.

Arrive with time to spare

Cutting it fine at the airport can be calamitous, leading you to miss your flight amidst a sea of security checks and baggage claims.

Arrive at least two-three hours before your flight is set to take off. That’ll give you plenty of time to check your baggage, skip through security and find your gate.

Check security protocol

The land of the free is necessarily strict when it comes to airport security. To make sure you’re not wasting anyone’s time, it’s important to understand what’s expected of you before you arrive at the airport.

Security protocol can be checked online and, while consistent across most airports, each location will have its own unique quirks.

Ignore your anxieties

If this is your first time flying, you’ll no doubt be anxious about the possibilities of taking off. But relax, thousands of flights happen every day and only go wrong in a minute number of ways.

Still feeling nervous? Then ask a flight attendant for assistance.

Those are our top tips! Got any great flying tips of your own? Or perhaps there’s an American destination you’d like to recommend? Then let us know in the comments below.