A first-timer’s handbook for flying solo

Maybe you’ve always wanted to embark on a life-changing solo travel adventure. Or you’re looking to make new memories with old, now far-flung, friends on a group trip. Or perhaps it’s time to visit family and your partner’s unavailable.

Whatever your motivation, there’s probably a lot to look forward to at your destination. But, if you’re like a lot of people, the idea of getting there entirely by yourself might give you pause. Flying without a travel companion may seem daunting, but it’s the perfect opportunity to disconnect from the world, relax with your head in clouds both literal and metaphorical, and enjoy a journey that’s all yours.

With a little preparation, you can plan an enjoyable, low-stress solo flying experience. Booking that flight is the hardest part.

Your flight, your rules

Purchasing a flight without a travel companion to validate the plan can be stressful. But consider the positive trade-offs. When you fly alone, the choices are all yours with no compromise. While you can’t control everything that goes on during your flight, you can make selections during the booking process with only your comfort in mind. Some things to consider:

Does navigating unfamiliar airports give you stress?

Whether this is your first time flying or your first time flying alone, it’s important not to feel rushed. When traveling with friends or family, you might choose a multi-leg itinerary to save a few dollars. When flying alone, you should weigh the financial savings against your comfort level. If the idea of rushing to find a connecting gate by yourself is uncomfortable, then paying a premium for a direct flight might be a worthwhile investment in your peace of mind. If you do opt for a connecting flight, consider layovers with a little extra padding.

Which seat suits you?

When you fly alone, you don’t have to compromise on where you sit. If you love the view from on high, plan to nap or simply want to tune out the rest of the cabin, the window seat with its handy wall to lean on is your best bet. If you’ll need to get up to use the restroom or want to stretch your legs and hate the idea of bothering strangers, the aisle seat gives you the freedom to get up whenever you want. If you’re an anxious flyer who finds psychological comfort in feeling tucked in between people or who relies on conversation to distract yourself, don’t write off the middle seat.

For true indulgence, solo flying can also be a great opportunity to splurge on that upgrade. Remember, this journey is all about you.

What happens when you land?

For some, travel anxiety peaks the moment the wheels touch down, and you realize you have to navigate an unfamiliar city. If your solo flight is the start of a solo adventure or if meeting up with others requires getting away from the airport, you may want to plan or even pre-book ground transportation when booking your flight. Whether that means renting a car, scheduling a car service or shuttle, or downloading the local transit app, having a concrete plan for getting from your arrival gate to your final destination helps to remove one more potential source of stress.

Ground transportation options can also play a factor in which flight you choose. Scoring a bargain on a red-eye flight can be tempting, but you’ll need to decide if the added hassle on arrival is worth it. Before booking, check the availability of early morning transportation as well as coffee shops or restaurants where you can kill some time.

A good experience is in the bag

When you travel with a group, overpacking carries less weight. You have extra hands to help lift a heavy carry-on into the overhead bin and extra eyes to watch your bags while you grab a coffee. When you fly alone, you’re it. You’ve got to carry, roll and keep tabs on everything you bring. Beyond the usual tips, there are a few other things to keep in mind while packing for one:

Be realistic about your own luggage capacity

Picture yourself navigating the airport and airplane aisle, and be realistic about what you’d feel comfortable lugging around when things get heavy. Could you comfortably make your way into a crowded bathroom with all your bags in tow? Could you easily lift your carry-on over your head by yourself? To help minimize your stress, pack for mobility. Checking a bag or consolidating things into one manageable roller bag and a backpack lets you move through the airport and plane with relative ease.

Keep your essentials accessible

Without a companion to hold your coffee while you dig for documents, organization is your temporary best friend. Keep your boarding pass, identification and a physical credit card in a secure yet easily accessible pocket. The less you have to juggle while people are lined up behind you, the more relaxed you might feel.

Build an in-flight comfort kit

Think of your in-flight experience and what you’d like to do with a little mental “me time.” Pack your personal bag with things that will help you feel comfortable and stay occupied during the long haul. Toss in some of your favorite indulgent (and TSA- and seatmate-friendly) snacks. If you’re an anxious flyer, focus on items that block out the cabin chaos and soothe your nerves, such as noise-canceling headphones and a calming playlist or guided meditation.

Grounded at the gate, then head in the clouds

From airport to airplane, the solo flying experience is a study in contrasts. You must be hyper-aware while navigating the terminal and waiting to board, but the moment you settle into your seat, you are free to completely check out.

Stay vigilant before you board

Without a travel companion to watch your bags, simple tasks like using the restroom or grabbing a coffee require taking all your luggage with you. Be conservative with your time management. Give yourself an extra buffer between security and boarding so you don’t get flustered navigating crowded food courts or bathroom stalls.

When you can’t depend on another set of ears to listen for gate changes and boarding announcements, you need to be extra vigilant. Keep an eye on the departure monitors, listen for terminal and gate announcements, and monitor your airline’s mobile app for real-time status updates.

Board on your terms

Boarding can feel like a chaotic rush to go first. But remember, everything is up to you. If you’d prefer to zone out ASAP, head to the aircraft with your boarding group. If you’d rather avoid the slow shuffle and you’re not worried about securing overhead bin space, feel free to wait at the gate until the final group is called.

Lean into indulgence in the air

Let’s be real: The vast majority of airplanes are not luxury retreats. Most seats are cramped, the cabin air is dry, and there may be turbulence, delays or a crying baby or two. The advantage of flying alone is that you don’t have to engage with any of it. Your only concern is your own comfort. Once your bags are stowed and you are safely in your seat, you can officially put your head in the clouds and sink into your personalized, insulated bubble.

When flying with a travel companion, you might feel obligated to make conversation. Alone, you can embrace an unapologetically selfish itinerary. If you want to binge-watch a trashy reality show, read a mindless thriller or simply close your eyes and ignore the world for hours, you can. Give yourself permission to completely disconnect.

Book your next solo adventure with Citi Travel

Flying by yourself for the first time can seem intimidating, but the temporary discomfort is simply the toll you pay for the freedom, joy and memories waiting at the destination. Embrace the journey, prepare for the unknown and take comfort in the fact that flying solo gets easier every time you do it. Ready to take the leap and claim your solo adventure? Citi Travel helps make it easy for eligible Citi^® cardmembers to earn points when booking hotels, flights, rental cars and attractions.

Disclosure: This article is for educational purposes. It is not intended to provide legal, investment, or financial advice and is not a substitute for professional advice. It does not indicate the availability of any Citi product or service. For advice about your specific circumstances, you should consult a qualified professional.

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