Tips for short flights: enjoy the shortest journeys

Short flights tend to be fast, comfortable and convenient… but they can also turn into a race against the clock. From packing your bags to getting to the airport, every minute counts. Luckily, with a few simple tricks, you can make even an hour-long journey feel like a pleasant, stress-free experience.

Prepare only the essentials

On flights shorter than two hours, less is more. Bring a lightweight rucksack or small trolley bag will save you time when boarding and avoid waiting at security or baggage collection.
Bring only the essentials: documentation, mobile phone, charger, headphones, an empty reusable bottle, and something warm to wear (airplanes tend to be cool).

Arrive early… but not too early.

For short flights within Europe or domestic flights, arriving an hour and a half early is usually sufficient if you already have your boarding pass on your mobile phone. Spending less time at the airport prevents fatigue before take-off, but arriving with plenty of time to spare gives you peace of mind in case of queues or security checks.

Choose your seat carefully

If possible, choose an aisle seat so you can move around easily, or a front seat if you want to get off quickly after landing.
On flights with good views — for example, arriving in or departing from Barcelona — a window seat can also be worthwhile: seeing the city, the coast or the Pyrenees from the air is a small pleasure.

Stay comfortable in the air

Even if the flight is short, stay hydrated and avoid heavy meals before boarding. Bringing headphones or downloading a playlist or podcast will help you disconnect during the journey.
A detail that makes all the difference: wear comfortable clothing. You don’t need to wear a tracksuit, but you should wear light clothing and footwear that is easy to take off and put on.

When landing, simplify

If you are travelling with hand luggage only, you can go straight to your transport or your next destination. Switch your mobile phone to flight mode when you land so you can connect quickly when you arrive and use the time to organise your belongings.

Flying short doesn’t mean travelling worse: with small gestures, you can turn any journey into a smooth, comfortable and even relaxed experience. Because sometimes, the journey begins long before you reach your destination. Hop on the Aerobus and find out!