7 Ways to Improve Your In-Flight Experience
From foot and seat-kicking neighbours to an overly talkative seatmate, it’s always a gamble when you step aboard an aircraft. Flying can be exhilarating, stressful, boring, and downright scary at times. No one wants their trip to start out on the wrong foot, so here are a few simple tips to ease the burden when you take to the skies and possibly even make your travels downright enjoyable!
Prioritize Comfort
Sure, you may want to step off the plane looking fabulous in your jeans or new dress – but you don’t want to sit for an extended period in them. Think comfort and ease, whether it’s your favourite wrinkle-free pants, yoga pants, or t-shirt. Don’t discount comfortable footwear either. It’s very common to retain water weight on planes, puffing up the ankles and feet, so sneakers or flat footwear with some room are best.
Don’t forget to layer! Consider the air-conditioning on the airplane, and the climate of your arrival destination. If they’re vastly different, pack a spare outfit in your carry-on to change into prior to landing.
Set The Mood – For Sleep
If you’re on an overnight flight, increase the odds of getting some shuteye with a good sleep mask, neck pillow, noise cancelling headphones or at the very least a good pair of earplugs. I also always bring a large blanket scarf when I travel, which can be used as a pillow or a blanket in a pinch.
Pack Provisions
Bringing extra snacks means you’re not at the mercy of the busy flight attendants, and you can stay satiated (and hydrated) on your own timeline. This will also keep the impulse Pringle or candy purchases to a minimum, saving both your credit card and your sodium levels.
Hydrate, Hydrate, Hydrate!
I’m not just talking about drinking water here. Bring moisturizer, and even Vaseline for your lips and the inside of your nose. The recirculated air on airplanes is notoriously drying. Between that and the decreased blood flow thanks to your 30,000 ft altitude, your skin will suffer. One of my personal favourites is the mini bottles of Evian facial spray for a quick and refreshing pick-me-up mist.
Listen Up
Bring your own headphones, not only to be able to connect to the inflight movies (if your headphones are still compatible with the in-seat port), but to fend off annoyingly chatty neighbours. Are the headphones even plugged into anything? Only you know, but it sends a clear message that you’re not available for conversation!
Clean It Up
Bring your own travel set of Lysol wipes and hand sanitizer, and ensure you give your seat tray and armrests a thorough wipe down before settling in. There’s often a very short time when turning around a plane, and rarely do they receive deep cleaning treatments.
Tried, Tested & True
Now is not the time to start trying that new mask (if your airline mandates wearing them), headphones, snacks, or skin cream. Stick to your favourites and well-used versions of everything, so that you have no unpleasant surprises at 30,000 ft.
Final Thoughts
Let’s face it, the best part of being on an airplane is getting off it at a new destination! I don’t know anyone who enjoys being on a commercial flight, but at least these tips will help to make it more bearable and hopefully go by a lot more smoothly.
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