Our Ultimate Pre-Flight Checklist

The countdown is on—your long-awaited holiday is just 24 hours away. As excitement builds, so does the list of last-minute tasks that need your attention. Between packing, checking in, and making sure your travel documents are in order, it’s easy to feel a bit overwhelmed.

That’s where this pre-flight checklist comes in. This will guide you through everything you need to take care of the day before your departure. This way you can step onto the plane feeling relaxed, organised, and ready to enjoy your trip from the very first moment.

1. Confirm Your Flight and Check In Online

Start by confirming your flight time and details. Visit your airline’s website or app to double-check everything and complete the online check-in process. This usually becomes available 24 hours before departure.

Avoid Checking in at the Airport

Checking in online not only saves you valuable time at the airport, but it also gives you the chance to choose your seat. You’ll also receive your digital boarding pass right away. That’s one less thing to worry about when you’re navigating the terminal.

View our previous article on popular airline check-in times.

2. Review Baggage Rules and Weigh Your Bags

Every airline has its own baggage allowance and weight limits. Exceeding them can lead to expensive fees at the check-in counter. So take a moment to review the rules for both carry-on and checked luggage.

You can check your carry-on with CarryOK.

Digital Scales

Use a digital luggage scale to weigh your bags at home, making sure you’re well within the limits. If one bag is slightly over, shift a few heavier items to your carry-on or leave them behind entirely.

Discover premium airline luggage allowances here & low cost airlines allowances here.

3. Charge All Your Devices, Download Content and Pack Cables

In today’s world, your phone and other gadgets are essential travel tools. You’ll likely need them for boarding passes, flight information, maps and entertainment during the journey.

Don’t Forget Your Cables

Charge all your devices the night before—phone, tablet, headphones, and your power bank. Be sure to pack all relevant cables, powerbanks and adapters in your carry-on. This way they are easily accessible if your battery runs low while in transit.

Download Content

On your flight you’re unlikely to have access to the internet, for these times it’s a great idea to download content ahead of time. Whilst at home with your own wifi download enough content to keep you entertained during your flight. 

Learn more about using luggage USB ports here.

4. Gather and Organise Your Travel Documents

Nothing disrupts travel plans faster than missing documents. Collect everything you need—passport, identification, boarding passes, hotel confirmations, car rental details, and travel insurance papers. 

Create a Document Folder

Store them in a dedicated travel wallet or a zipped pouch and place it in your personal item or carry-on. Never pack important documents in your checked luggage.

Photograph Key Documents

Take pictures of some of your most important documents and store them on your phone. By doing this you’re creating a virtual back up of documents such as your passport, driving licenses and boarding passes. 

Learn more about protecting your travel documents here.

5. Pack Your Personal Item Thoughtfully

Your personal item is the one bag you’ll have with you throughout the flight. Make sure it contains all your in-flight essentials, especially things that will keep you comfortable and occupied.

Staying Comfy

• A solid list includes:
• Snacks
• An empty water bottle (you can fill it after security)
• A neck pillow
• Noise-cancelling headphones
• Lip balm
• Hand sanitiser
• Tissues
• TSA Accepted Lock
• A book or e-reader
• Any medications you might need

Keep this bag well-organised so you can quickly grab what you need mid-flight.

View our previous article on staying comfy on flights.

6. Prepare Your Home Before Leaving

Returning home to a clean, organised space makes all the difference after a trip. Take a few minutes to sort out your home before you leave.

Tidying Before You Leave

Throw out food that may spoil, take out the rubbish and run the dishwasher if needed. Water your plants and unplug appliances that don’t need to stay on. If you’re going away for more than a few days, arrange for someone to check in occasionally.

View 14 ways to prepare your home before your trip.

7. Plan Your Route to the Airport

Knowing how you’ll get to the airport can save you a lot of stress on departure day. Whether you’re taking public transport, driving yourself, or booking a taxi, finalise your plans the day before.

Plan For Delays

Check traffic or transit updates and allow extra time for delays. If you’re driving, reserve a parking spot in advance. Aim to arrive two hours before a domestic flight or three hours before an international one.

8. Choose and Set Out Your Travel Outfit

Pick your airport outfit the night before to avoid any last-minute decisions in the morning. Comfort is key, but it’s also important to dress in layers since temperatures on planes can vary.

Keep it Simple

Avoid wearing too many accessories or complicated shoes, as you’ll need to go through airport security scanners. Opt for easy slip-on shoes and keep your jacket or sweater within reach during the flight.

9. Run Through Your Final Checklist Before Bed

Before you go to sleep, take five minutes to go through this pre-flight checklist one last time. Confirm your packed bags, make sure documents are ready, and fully charge your phone.

Set Alarms

Set multiple alarms if you’re worried about sleeping through your wake-up call! Confirm your transport to the airport the day before. A final sweep can catch anything you may have forgotten in the rush.

10. Prioritise a Good Night’s Sleep

Don’t underestimate the importance of being well-rested before a travel day. A good night’s sleep helps you stay alert, patient and ready for anything that comes your way.

Wake Up Refreshed

Wind down early, avoid caffeine in the evening and switch off screens at least an hour before bed. Going to sleep with everything prepared will help you relax and wake up refreshed.

Bonus Tip: Keep Essentials Accessible

Use a crossbody bag or small backpack to store your essentials—passport, phone, wallet, and boarding pass. Keeping them within reach saves time and reduces anxiety when moving through airport checkpoints.

Ready to Take Off

Following this pre-flight checklist can transform a potentially stressful day into a smooth, stress-free start to your trip. With every box ticked and your mind at ease, you’ll walk into the airport feeling confident, prepared and fully ready to enjoy your journey.