Apr 09 2008
Our Top 7 In-Flight Airline Tips
We fly 75,000 miles a year between Hawaii and the mainland. Even though we’re experienced Pacific travelers, we still get caught in uncomfortable seating arrangements. Here’s one example we faced when flying to Seoul in the most narrow seats we’ve seen!
Today I’ve put together a list of our top 7 airline tips to make the most of your flying experience.
#1 Water Strategy: Unless you’re traveling first class, it can be a hassle to get regular water service on board. If you buy water at the airport for your flight, it’s expensive and the bottles are normally small.
Try this: Have each person pack an empty water bottle in their carry-on. Don’t forget to remove the bottle top so it passes security. After you’re through the screening process, your first stop is a water fountain to fill the empty bottles.
#2 Looking Cool on Arrival: You want to wear warm clothes at 30,000 feet but look local getting off the plane.
Try this: Wear nylon convertible pants. Once you land in Hawaii, you can zip off the legs at the knee. Instant shorts! I found them at Big 5 Sporting Goods on the mainland for around $20.
#3 Avoiding Jet Lag: Start the time change on board to get your Hawaii vacation off to a good start.
Try this: When you board the plane, adjust your watch to Hawaii Time. If they ask you to lower your window shade during flight, leave it open at least a crack. It’s important for your body to see the light or darkness for a smoother time adjustment.
#4 Germ Reduction: Who’s been sitting in your seat? You don’t know. The last thing you want is an illness that effects your vacation.
Try this: Bring anti-bacterial wipes to clean off all surfaces before flight. This includes the tray and buttons on arm rest.
#5 Sleeping: You want to sleep but it’s not easy to with the noise on board or a talkative seat mate.
Try this: Pack disposable foam ear plugs and reduce the sound level by up to 33 decibels. We also travel with our own airline blanket. It’s clean and more comfortable.
#6 Avoiding Cramped Quarters: You walk on board and see that some coach seats have more leg room than others. Meanwhile you’re stuck with limited space.
Try this: Check out Seat Guru in advance so you know what to ask for. Some airlines will let you upgrade to exit row or bulkhead seating for an additional fee. If two are traveling, and you’re in a three abreast section, go towards the back and try to get an empty middle seat between you. Chances are it won’t be taken unless the flight is full.
#7 Final tip: Pack a small bag with lip balm for chapped lips, gum to chew on decent to relieve middle ear pressure, aspirin for a headache, and anything else that could make your flight enjoyable. I also bring a book to read.
What are your tips for flying across the Pacific? We’d like to hear from you.
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Wear comfy shoes but not slippahs (flip flops, thongs, whatever you want to call them) for the long flight. You’re feet can swell like crazy (even if you don’t have issues with swollen feet typically) during the flight.
A suggestion re: the small bag containing lip balm and other palliatives you’ll need during the flight: Since several of those items may well be liquids or gels — in addition to lip balm, you might want hand cream, eye drops, toothpaste — place these in a sandwich-size Ziploc bag, which you can then place inside the quart-size Ziploc you carry through security. Once you’ve boarded the plane and reached your seat, remove the sandwich-size Ziploc and place it in the seatpocket in front of you, so you have everything you need for the flight within reach. Then your carry-on containing the larger Ziploc bag can be stored in the overhead bin, as you won’t be needing that larger Ziploc during the flight. Works for me!
Wendy Perrin
Consumer News Editor
Conde Nast Traveler Magazine
Great ideas Wendy. Thanks for your comment.
I use an small zippered bag (a freebie from flying Singapore Airlines) that I keep things in, right next to me. Lip balm, ibuprofen, chinese herbs (po chi) for stomach upsets, handwipes, eyeglass cleaners, Shout wipes (for spills), reading glasses, foam ear plugs, and for longer flights, eye shades. I probably missed a few items, but that’s the general idea.
Aloha, Jeff
Inflatable neck pillow, it folds up nicely into your carry-on, you can inflate it and deflate it while you’re on the plane. If you’re like me and actually care about the person who is sitting behind you, I hate to put my seat back. With the neck pillow I don’t have to worry about waking up with a stiff neck.