Legroom is shrinking, airports are more crowded, delays are inevitable, and travelers are paying extra for what used to be free. But for all its challenges, air travel is still far more affordable than it used to be, and at the end of the day, it allows us to hop on a plane and discover a new destination in as little as a few hours. To make the journey as smooth, enjoyable, and stress-free as possible, we've compiled our ultimate flying tips for 2026.