8 Perfect Travel Tips For That Annoyingly Long Plane Ride
Producer’s note: Someone on Quora asked: What are the best travel hacks for being on long flights? Here is one of the best answers that’s been pulled from the thread.
I’ve traveled by plane quite a lot in my life, the longest being to India. Here’s what I’ve learned:
1. Time Your Potty Breaks. Drink a ton of water while you’re waiting for your flight, and go to the bathroom right before boarding. While you’re on the flight, if you have a middle or window seat, try to use the bathroom while everyone is awake. And if you’re on the aisle, try to wait until everyone goes before nodding off. It makes for a much less awkward experience.
2. Bring Food/Drinks. It’s not a good idea to depend on the in flight meal service in my experience. Sometimes it tastes less than subpar, and can leave you still feeling hungry. It’s great to have a back up plan in your bag, maybe a sandwich you bought in the air port or some granola bars.
3. Gum. It’s common knowledge that gum helps prevent your ears from “popping” during take off, but it can also help you feel refreshed and cleaner, especially during longer flights.
4. Literature. Long flights are a great excuse to catch up on that book you keep promising you’ll read. One can only watch so many hours of IFE.
5. Music. Make a good playlist while waiting for your flight and bring some good headphones. It’s crazy how much faster a flight seems to go when you have good music to accompany you.
6. Neck Pillow. I know, I know – people who carry neck pillows around airports are often treated like pariahs. But don’t knock it ’til you’ve tried it. A few condescending looks are totally worth knocking off a couple hours of flight time with a deep sleep.
7. Dress Accordingly. Being comfortable on a flight can be a very rare occurrence. I personally hate wearing jeans or skirts on flights, because it narrows down my sitting options. Also, always, always bring layers. Even if you’re going to Florida. There’s no way of telling if the plane/airport will be chilly. It’s easier to strip down while flying than it is to layer on.
8. Be Respectful. To other flyers, the flight attendants, and everyone else in general. It will make for a much more pleasant trip.