American traveler reveals her top tips for handling international flights like a pro – from hydrating before arriving at the airport to the best time to sleep

An American traveler has revealed her tips for handling an international flight like a pro, including the importance of hydration and the best time to sleep.

TikTok user MK is known as @lokaalbaepsae on the platform, where she shares her travel advice and personal recommendations with her 2,000 followers.

The content creator recently went viral after outlining her list of rules for international travel following a 15-hour flight from Atlanta, Georgia, to South Korea.

“Believe me, I've discovered a few things,” she said.

MK explained that her first rule for “surviving an international flight day” is to drink as much water as possible before boarding the plane.

'I don't care if you're not normally a water drinker. “I don't care if you can't hold your pee,” she said. “This is the day you're going to chug so much water before you get to the airport.”

She noted that you don't want to get dehydrated, but you also don't want to have to get up every five minutes to go to the bathroom during your flight.

“So you're going to drink your water before you get there,” she continued. 'You can still drink water on the plane, but try to get as much as you can before getting on the plane. Thank me later.”

MK also recommended eating something for breakfast, although she acknowledged that some people aren't hungry in the morning.

“Just do your best,” she said.

The travel guru explained that she likes to arrive at the airport three hours before her international flight to check her bags, go through security and get settled.

You will then have the option of going to an airport lounge or camping somewhere until your flight boards.

MK noted that this is a good time to drink more water and make sure anything you want or need while in the air is in your personal bag, not your carry-on.

She said the “most crucial step besides drinking water” is to perform a pre-boarding ritual before boarding the plane.

MK does her full nighttime skin care routine, puts on her compression stockings and uses the restroom one more time before boarding the plane.

“Don't do your skin care on the plane because all that recycled air will be so gross,” she warned. “You want to set up your defenses before you get on the plane.”

MK explained that when you get to your seat, you should use sanitizing wipes to disinfect the entire areaincluding the tray and the front pocket.

“I know they wipe it off, but if you want to be extra like me, wipe it again. So you know you're trying not to get sick on your trip,” she said.

'Now apply the thickest hand lotion you can find. Literally suffocating yourself. Again, dry air. The theme here is hydration.'

MK recommended staying awake until at least the first meal and taking your sleep aid while you eat.

“By the time you're done eating, you'll be ready for a nap,” she said. “Make sure your phone is charged and you should be ready to go.”

The traveler recommended using your destination's time zone as a guide to deciding when to sleep and stay awake.

MK explained that during her flight from Atlanta to South Korea at noon, she tried to take a nap to adjust to the 13-hour time difference and combat jet lag.

She suggested watching TV if you're having trouble staying awake and cozying up with a pair of slippers if the airline offers them.

MK said you should also stretch and stand up occasionally when necessary. She likes to go to the bathroom halfway through her flight to brush her teeth, change her underwear, and reapply lip balm.

She warned not to jump into the aisle when the plane lands unless you have a connecting flight.

“This should just be a blanket statement for all flights,” she said. “Don't be the guy blocking the walkway and trying to cut off the people in the rows in front of them. Just wait your turn.”

MK also advised sticking to English at immigration controls if you are not fluent in the local language.

“You'll end up having to hold the line up if you try to practice,” she said.

Finally, before leaving the airport, grab your checked luggage, apply for a transit pass if you're taking public transportation, and make sure your phone service is working.

MK acknowledged that you'll likely be exhausted by the time you get to your hotel or Airbnb, but she emphasized that you should try to stay up until your regular bedtime.

“Give it a try so you can get used to the jet lag quickly,” she concluded.