8 Flight Mistakes Pilots Always See Passengers Make—and What to Do Instead

If anyone knows what truly makes or breaks a flight, it’s the people up front—like way up front. Indeed, it’s pilots who watch hundreds of passengers board every week, spotting the same preventable travel mistakes over and over, from packing mishaps to midair meltdowns. 

Airline first officer and private jet aircraft manager Captain Curt Marker has seen it all, and he says small adjustments can make the difference between a stressful trip and a smooth one. He shares the missteps he notices most often, and what travelers can do instead to stay calm, comfortable, and prepared from takeoff to touchdown. From a portable power bank to keep your phone charged to noise-canceling headphones that will drown out stressful sounds, these travel accessories will help nervous fliers and frequent travelers alike have easier journeys.

Best Pilot-approved Travel Solutions Overall

Mistake: Forgetting to charge devices

The fix: A portable charger

Anker Portable Charger

“Prepare ahead of time with a power bank for your devices,” says Marker. Running out of battery mid-flight means missing entertainment and the chance to use apps that help manage nervousness or track turbulence.

Even seasoned travelers underestimate how quickly streaming and Bluetooth drain a phone or tablet at 35,000 feet. A portable power bank, like this Anker device that’s compact and has a built-in USB-C charging cable, keeps your gear alive from the gate to baggage claim. And, it’ll come in handy if your seat’s outlet doesn’t work (it happens more often than you think).

Mistake: Being unprepared for the possibility of no Wi-Fi

The fix: Download content first

Apple iPad 11-inch

Amazon Fire HD 8 tablet

Even on flights where Wi-Fi is advertised, it can be spotty or altogether unavailable. Marker recommends travelers prep for the flight with downloaded content like movies, television episodes, or podcasts in case there is no Wi-Fi. While you can just download them on your phone, many frequent fliers opt for tablets like an Apple iPad or an Amazon Fire Tablet that have larger screens. And, using a tablet will save your phone’s precious battery life for landing.

A few minutes of preparation can transform a long flight into an easy, screen-filled stretch—no frantic refreshing required. Download playlists, documentaries, or even language lessons before you board so you’re covered if that in-flight network never connects.

Mistake: Panicking over turbulence

The fix: Noise-cancelling headphones

Bose QuietComfort Bluetooth Headphones

JLab JBuds Lux ANC Wireless Headphones

“Nervous fliers often rub off onto other passengers and can cause a ripple effect,” Marker explains. For those people, he recommends MyFlight Forecast, an app that explains the real-time weather forecast and any expected turbulence to passengers before and during their flights. “It uses complex aviation data and transforms it into an easy-to-understand format for average fliers.”

He also suggests these fliers invest in a good pair of noise-cancelling headphones. “They can zone out and focus on a show or listen to music, instead of their flight experience,” he says. “This way, they can relax and enjoy their experience without impacting others.” The Bose QuietComfort headphones have “exceptional” noise-blocking capabilities and are on sale for $150 off, while the JLab JBuds headphones are a more budget-friendly option at $50. One shopper wore them on a flight and found that the engine noise was “completely gone.”

Mistake: Feeling bored

The fix: Pack an e-reader

Amazon Kindle

A “good book” is one of Marker’s go-to recommendations for every traveler to pack. Having something familiar to read, especially during turbulence or delays, can be grounding and comforting. “[It can] help you relax and enjoy your experience,” he says.

Many frequent fliers find that reading keeps them calm, distracts from flight jitters, and turns dead time in the air into quality personal time—especially if you’re halfway over the Pacific with no signal. Investing in an e-reader like the Amazon Kindle allows you to download a page-turner or two before takeoff and let a gripping story replace the seat-belt-sign suspense. Plus, you won’t need to worry about bothering your seatmates with the overhead light—the Kindle has a built-in light with adjustable brightness.

Mistake: Being uncomfortable

The fix: Pack comfort essentials

EverSnug Travel Blanket and Pillow Set

Small comforts like a soft blanket, neck pillow, cozy socks can turn a cramped seat into a manageable mini-retreat. “Prepare ahead of time so you can feel in control and understand what to expect from your flight experience,” Marker says. Think of your gear as your carry-on survival kit; bring whatever helps you stay warm, rested, and relaxed. The flight attendant-approved blanket and pillow set, the cozy EverSnug, includes soft fleece fabric that will feel so soothing.

Mistake: Letting flight anxiety take over

The fix: Tune out discomforts

Manta Sleep Mask

“Everyone has different levels of comfort when it comes to flying, and that’s okay,” Marker says. “But when your nerves are affecting those around you, it could become an issue for others.” 

Staying calm starts before takeoff by arriving prepared with anything you need to feel comfortable on board the plane, whether that’s offline entertainment, snacks, or fully charged devices. A travel essential you might want to consider for extra comfort is a blackout sleep mask, like the Manta sleep mask, that can also help you stay centered and calm in flight by blocking out disruptions around you, whether it’s bright lights or your neighbor’s flashing television screen. This flight attendant-approved pick completely seals out light, and some travelers find the snug fit to be comforting to help drift into sleep (and stay asleep) on your flight. Pair it with a calming playlist and deep breaths, and even a red-eye can feel restorative.

Mistake: Neglecting self-care

The fix: Stay hydratedOwala FreeSip Water Bottle

Nothing spikes flight anxiety and discomfort like failing to take care of yourself physically, especially if you’re traveling with others who need your care. (You know the wisdom about putting your oxygen mask first, after all.) Another way to follow Marker’s advice about keeping yourself comfortable while flying is to make sure you’re hydrated. Bring along your own refillable water bottle, like the Owala FreeSip that holds up to 40 ounces, depending on the size you get, and fill it up at the airport before your flight. Hydration keeps jet lag at bay, improves focus, and helps your body handle cabin-air dryness—one of the most overlooked causes of mid-flight fatigue.

Mistake: Losing track of essentials

The fix: Keep in-flight essentials in one spot

Bagsmart Anti-theft Crossbody Bag

You can do your best to plan for all of these eventualities by packing items for your comfort, reassurance, and well-being. But if you don’t have what you need within reach—and can’t get to it when you need it in-flight, whether it’s overhead or underneath the plane—you’ve negated all of that careful planning. Always pack medicines, glasses, and hard-to-replace essentials in your carry-on bag. And keep your in-flight essentials like headphones, sleep mask, e-reader, and other tech tools together in your personal item that stays with you at the seat rather than in the overhead bin. A well-organized personal bag, like this Bagsmart crossbody bag, means less rummaging and more relaxation, especially when space is tight and patience is thinner.

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