10 Things to Always Do Before Boarding + 6 Common Mistakes at the Gate

Flying can be exciting but also stressful if you’re not prepared. The moments before boarding are crucial for ensuring a smooth start to your journey. Having a pre-boarding routine can save you from last-minute panic, while knowing what mistakes to avoid at the gate can prevent unnecessary hassles.

Let’s look at essential pre-boarding tasks and common gate mistakes that even frequent flyers make.

1. Double-Check Your Boarding Pass

Taking a quick glance at your boarding pass before heading to the gate can save you major headaches. Check your gate number, boarding time, and seat assignment – these details sometimes change without notification.

I always snap a screenshot of my digital boarding pass as a backup in case of connectivity issues. This simple habit has rescued me multiple times when airport Wi-Fi failed.

For families traveling together, verify everyone has the correct boarding pass with their name on it. Nothing slows down boarding more than realizing your documents are mixed up right as you reach the gate agent.

2. Visit the Restroom

Making a pit stop before boarding should be non-negotiable, especially on longer flights. Aircraft bathrooms are tiny, turbulence can keep you seat-bound, and sometimes the seatbelt sign stays on for extended periods.

If you’re traveling with kids, a bathroom break becomes even more essential. Nothing’s worse than hearing “I need to go” five minutes after takeoff when everyone must remain seated.

Airport terminal restrooms are generally cleaner and more spacious than those on planes. Plus, you won’t have to disturb your seatmates or wait in that awkward airplane bathroom line while everyone watches.

3. Fill Your Water Bottle

Staying hydrated during flights is crucial since cabin air is notoriously dry. Finding a water fountain or filling station after security lets you board with a full bottle without paying premium prices at gate shops.

Many airports now feature dedicated bottle-filling stations designed for travelers. These stations provide filtered water and help reduce plastic waste from disposable bottles.

Remember that flight attendants are busy during boarding and initial service might not begin until you’re well into your flight. Having your own water ready means you won’t be parched while waiting for the beverage cart to reach your row.

4. Charge All Electronics

Hunting for an outlet at your departure gate often turns into a competitive sport. I make charging devices a priority before heading to the gate area where outlets might be scarce or already occupied.

Power banks deserve special attention – they’re lifesavers during long flights or delays, but only if you’ve remembered to charge them beforehand. Many travelers forget this crucial step.

For international travelers, this is particularly important as power options vary widely between aircraft and airlines. Some older planes still have limited or no charging capabilities, leaving you dependent on whatever battery life you boarded with.

5. Download Entertainment

Relying on in-flight Wi-Fi is risky business. Sometimes it doesn’t work, sometimes it’s painfully slow, and sometimes it’s not offered at all. Downloading movies, shows, podcasts, or books before boarding ensures you’ll have entertainment regardless.

Many streaming services like Netflix and Disney+ allow downloads for offline viewing. I’ve learned to start these downloads well before heading to the airport since they can take time, especially for HD content.

Music playlists deserve attention too – make sure they’re downloaded for offline listening. Nothing’s more frustrating than discovering your favorite relaxation playlist requires streaming when you’re already at cruising altitude with spotty Wi-Fi.

6. Organize Your Carry-On Essentials

Fumbling through your bag during boarding creates delays and frustration for everyone. I always take a moment to arrange items I’ll need during the flight in easily accessible pockets or pouches.

Headphones, reading materials, snacks, medications, and a light layer for temperature changes should all be within quick reach. This prevents the dreaded overhead bin reopening once you’re seated.

For parents, having toys, snacks, and comfort items for children readily available can mean the difference between a smooth boarding process and a meltdown. A few minutes of organization before boarding saves stress during that critical settling-in period.

7. Check Flight Status Updates

Gate changes happen more frequently than you might think. Most airlines have apps that send notifications, but sometimes these alerts come late or get missed in the airport hustle.

Weather delays, equipment changes, or airport operations can affect your departure time or gate without much warning. A quick check of the departure boards or a glance at your airline’s app about 30 minutes before boarding can prevent a mad dash across the terminal.

Fellow travelers have missed flights by waiting at the wrong gate, assuming everything was proceeding as originally scheduled. This simple verification takes seconds but can save major travel disruptions.

8. Grab a Healthy Snack

Airline food isn’t always guaranteed, appetizing, or sufficient. Grabbing something nutritious before boarding provides insurance against hunger during delays or limited in-flight options.

Fresh fruit, nuts, protein bars, or sandwiches make great portable options. I avoid foods with strong smells out of courtesy to fellow passengers confined in the same metal tube for hours.

Blood sugar drops can worsen jet lag and travel fatigue, making that pre-boarding snack more important than you might realize. Even on flights with meal service, having your own backup options means you’re never at the mercy of airline catering or limited buy-on-board menus.

9. Stretch Your Legs

Getting some movement before hours of sitting can reduce discomfort and lower your risk of deep vein thrombosis. Many frequent flyers swear by a pre-boarding walking routine around the terminal.

Simple stretches for your back, legs, and neck can be done discreetly even in crowded gate areas. Focus especially on calf stretches, as these muscles are particularly vulnerable during long periods of inactivity.

If time permits, walking to your gate rather than taking the airport train or moving sidewalks provides valuable exercise. Your body will thank you three hours into your flight when everyone else is stiff and uncomfortable while you’re still relatively comfortable.

10. Take a Boarding Pass Photo

Losing your boarding pass creates unnecessary stress right when you need to board. Taking a photo provides an instant backup that gate agents can usually scan directly from your phone screen.

For international travel, these photos become even more valuable. They serve as proof of your flights if immigration officers have questions about your itinerary or if you need to reference flight details when filling out arrival forms.

Beyond the practical aspects, these photos create a digital travel journal of sorts. Years later, you can look back at where you’ve been and when – a fun way to preserve travel memories that most people don’t think about.

11. Crowding the Gate Too Early

Rushing to form a line at the gate before your boarding group is called creates unnecessary congestion. This common mistake actually slows down the entire boarding process for everyone.

Gate agents follow a specific boarding sequence for a reason – it’s designed to load the aircraft efficiently. When passengers crowd the boarding area prematurely, it becomes difficult for those who should be boarding to reach the gate.

Instead of hovering anxiously, find a comfortable seat within earshot of announcements. You’ll board at exactly the same time whether you’re standing in a jumbled crowd for 30 minutes or calmly walk up when your group is called.

12. Forgetting to Check Carry-On Size

Nothing creates more embarrassment than having your bag rejected at the gate. Different airlines have varying size restrictions, and that bag that worked fine on your last flight might not comply with this carrier’s rules.

Many airports now have sizing boxes near check-in areas or gates. Using these before reaching the boarding line can save you from having to gate-check a bag you planned to keep with you.

Soft-sided bags often expand as you pack more items, gradually exceeding size limits without you noticing. A quick measurement before heading to the airport can prevent surprises at the gate when it’s too late to reorganize.

13. Not Having Documents Ready

Fumbling for your ID and boarding pass while at the front of the line delays everyone behind you. This easily avoidable mistake happens constantly at airports worldwide.

Experienced travelers keep necessary documents in an easily accessible pocket or travel wallet. Having them ready before reaching the podium shows respect for other passengers’ time and reduces overall boarding stress.

For international flights, this preparation becomes even more crucial since you might need to present multiple documents including passports, boarding passes, customs forms, or visa paperwork. Creating a specific order for your documents makes the process smoother for everyone involved.

14. Ignoring Final Destination Weather

Dressing appropriately for your departure city while forgetting about conditions at your destination leads to discomfort upon arrival. I’ve seen passengers land in snowy destinations wearing shorts and flip-flops because they dressed only for their departure location.

Checking your destination’s forecast before packing your carry-on allows you to include appropriate layers or items you’ll need immediately upon landing. This small bit of planning prevents that miserable walk through a rainy city in inappropriate footwear.

Climate differences can be dramatic, especially on long-haul international flights. Having a lightweight jacket or appropriate accessories readily available in your carry-on makes that transition from plane to destination much more comfortable.

15. Missing Pre-Boarding Opportunities

Many travelers don’t realize they qualify for pre-boarding or don’t understand its benefits. Families with small children, elderly passengers, those needing extra assistance, or active military members often qualify regardless of ticket class.

Pre-boarding provides valuable extra time to get settled without feeling rushed or watched by a line of waiting passengers. For parents especially, this calm setup period can set the tone for a smoother flight with children.

If you think you might qualify, simply ask the gate agent about pre-boarding options. The worst they can say is no, but often they’ll accommodate reasonable requests, especially if the flight isn’t full or if you have a legitimate need for extra time.

16. Boarding Without Water

Cabin air is extremely dehydrating, yet many passengers board without water, planning to request some once aboard. Unfortunately, beverage service often doesn’t begin until well after takeoff.

During busy periods, flight attendants might not reach your row for 30+ minutes after the seatbelt sign turns off. Combined with the natural dehydration of flying, this creates unnecessary discomfort that’s easily preventable.

While you can’t bring liquids through security, nothing prevents you from purchasing water after security or bringing an empty bottle to fill at airport fountains. This simple preparation ensures you’re not sitting parched while waiting for the beverage cart to slowly make its way down the aisle.