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Al Roker's Flight Hacks: How the Today Host Keeps the Skies Smooth and Stress-Free

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  Published in Travel and Leisure on Sunday, December 7th 2025 at 7:54 GMT by Travel + Leisure

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Al Roker’s Flight Hacks: How the “Today” Host Keeps the Skies Smooth and Stress‑Free

When you think of travel advice, the first name that comes to mind might be a seasoned tour guide, a savvy budget‑traveller, or a boutique airline’s flight‑attendant. Al Roker—best known for his bright‑eyed morning commentary on NBC’s Today—has a different kind of expertise: he knows exactly how to turn a 12‑hour jet‑lagged jaunt into a breezy, almost effortless experience. In a recent feature for Travel + Leisure, the long‑time meteorologist shared a collection of practical “flight hacks” that combine savvy booking, clever packing, and a few insider tricks he’s gathered over decades of globe‑trotting for the show. Below is a rundown of the key takeaways, with extra context from the linked resources that the original article points readers toward.

1. Pick the Right Airline – And The Right Seat

Roker’s first hack is the classic “start with the right airline” principle, but with a twist. In the article, he recommends using a “seat‑selection tool” like SeatGuru (linked in the piece) to find the best seat on a flight—specifically the “extra legroom” seats in the bulkhead and near the front of the plane. By booking early and securing these spots, you get a smoother ride and an easier exit at arrival. He notes that many airlines now allow free seat selection on lower‑cost carriers, a fact that can be verified on the airlines’ own websites via the embedded links.

2. Embrace TSA Pre‑Check (and Global Entry)

Tucker‑level speed through security is a staple of Roker’s routine. He cites the Travel + Leisure guide’s linked TSA Pre‑Check page, explaining how the program cuts minutes—sometimes hours—by letting you keep shoes, laptops, and light jackets on. If you’re a frequent flyer, Roker adds, Global Entry gives the same benefit on international trips. The article includes a quick FAQ on how to apply, which is useful for travelers who are new to the process.

3. Carry‑On First, Then Check

One of Roker’s most quoted habits is the “carry‑on first” strategy. He explains that if you have to check a bag, you should do it after the carry‑on to avoid having to drop off a heavier suitcase on a crowded platform. The Travel + Leisure article references the airlines’ carry‑on size guidelines—linked for each major carrier—so you can size your bag appropriately before you even leave the house.

4. Pack Smart, Not Heavy

Roker uses a “two‑tier” packing approach: a small, collapsible duffel for essentials, and a heavier, larger suitcase for the bulk of your clothes. The piece links to a sample packing list on Travel + Leisure’s website, which includes a printable PDF of Roker’s favorite travel-sized toiletries. He also recommends rolling clothes instead of folding them to save space—an old‑school hack that still works with modern luggage.

5. Keep Your Hydration Game Strong

Staying hydrated is a recurring theme in Roker’s hacks. The article links to a recommended water bottle (a brand he’s featured in a previous Today segment) that can be filled after security. He reminds readers that airlines are increasingly offering free water after the first security checkpoint, but having a reusable bottle is a lifesaver on long-haul flights. A quick sidebar in the article shows the health benefits of staying hydrated, drawing from research linked in the piece.

6. Bring a “Comfort Kit”

Roker’s “comfort kit” is a curated bundle of items that can transform a weary flight into a relaxed experience. The kit includes a lightweight neck pillow, noise‑cancelling earplugs, a small eye mask, and a travel‑size footrest. The Travel + Leisure article links to a review of the best travel pillows and earplugs, as well as a guide on how to make your own eye mask if you’re on a budget. He even recommends a “micro‑sunscreen” for the airplane’s dry air.

7. Use the Airline’s Mobile App

Roker swears by each airline’s mobile app for real‑time flight status, boarding gate updates, and even the ability to change seats last minute. The article includes a comparison table of the top five airlines’ apps, linked to the respective app store pages for quick download. For frequent flyers, Roker also mentions the ability to track frequent‑flyer miles through the app—a feature highlighted in a quick tutorial on the airline’s website.

8. Master the Power of the “Late‑Check‑In”

He advises booking a late check‑in time (typically 2 – 3 hours before departure) so you can snag a good seat without the crowds. The article provides a link to the airline’s check‑in policy, outlining the cut‑off times and how to do it online. This hack is particularly useful for those who want to avoid the airport’s early‑morning rush.

9. Eat Smart

Roker’s favorite hack for in‑flight eating is to bring healthy snacks—nuts, dried fruit, or a homemade granola bar. The Travel + Leisure article links to a nutritionist’s guide on what foods keep you feeling full without feeling bloated. He also warns against the temptation to buy overpriced airplane food, citing cost‑benefit comparisons he’s gathered on his personal travel blog (linked in the piece).

10. Stay Connected—But Not Too Much

The final hack is a reminder to keep your phone in “airplane mode” and to download any show episodes or podcasts ahead of time. Roker suggests turning off your phone’s GPS to conserve battery—an approach that can save up to 50 % of the device’s power. The article contains a quick how‑to link for setting airplane mode on iOS and Android devices.

The Bigger Picture

While the list above covers the practical, “on‑the‑ground” hacks, Roker’s overall philosophy is about creating a mindset of “smooth travel.” He emphasizes the importance of planning ahead, being flexible, and treating yourself with a little kindness—even if that means paying extra for a seat upgrade or a pre‑meal.

The Travel + Leisure piece also dives into Roker’s personal anecdotes: how he once flew from Los Angeles to Boston with a broken ankle, how he used a simple “seat‑back pillow” to sleep through a 10‑hour flight, and how a well‑chosen carry‑on bag can reduce airport stress by an entire day. Each story is supported by clickable links to more in‑depth resources, from airline policy pages to packing guides.

In the end, Al Roker’s flight hacks aren’t just tricks—they’re a roadmap to turning jet‑lag and cramped seats into a more manageable, even enjoyable, part of the travel experience. Whether you’re a seasoned jetsetter or a first‑time flyer, the hacks are easy enough to implement and powerful enough to make a noticeable difference in how you feel on the plane—and when you finally land.