Our personal enjoyment has improved significantly on flights to Hawaii using these travel-worn tips:
1. Water strategies. Bring an empty water bottle with you. We prefer either stainless steel or a new favorite – collapsible silicone reusable water bottles. Fill at the airport after clearing security and some airports like SeaTac have specific water fountains for this purpose. Once you are in Hawaii, there is no need to buy bottled water. What you get out of the tap will likely be far better, and won’t contain any leached chemicals such as from plastic bottles.
2. For Comfort: a pillow and blanket. Carry both with you as likely the airline won’t have them at all. If they do, there may not be enough for every passenger. Your blanket could be germ-laden and it is likely to come with a $12 fee. You can opt for travel-specific products or simply bring what you have. Thin blankets work best for packing. Here’s what we’re using.
3. New: Hand sanitizer wipes and liquid. We like to carry both and have recently done research on these. For example, we used to carry Wet Ones until research indicated that Clorox to Go disinfecting wipes are significantly more effective when cleaning tray tables, arm rests and more. The small multi-pack sized wipes work great. They don’t have to be in the separate quart bag with liquids. It also gives dirt someplace to rub off on. The liquid alcohol gel on the other hand is far more environmentally and economically friendly for most uses and goes a lot further.
4. Updated: power on board? Does your airline provide USB or AC ports for power? Check in advance as some do and some don’t based on aircraft. Hawaiian Airlines provides USB power ports on all of their Airbus long haul aircraft and AC ports only for some seats. Alaska Airlines has both AC and USB. Don’t forget to be sure you’re fully charged for that 5+ hour trans-Pacific crossing. No power on board or what to do if your charger port isn’t working. We carry a couple of portable chargers and they have been a lifesaver under various travel circumstances.
5. New pens. You’ll need at least one to complete the Hawaii state agricultural declaration form prior to arrival. Getting a pen from a flight attendant or another passenger is always a possibility. Here’s the new space age travel pen that we use. They come in different shapes/sizes, don’t leak, and even write under water.
6. Food on board. One of Beat of Hawaii’s most popular posts ever details how we handle food on airplanes. We basically just bring our own under virtually all circumstances. Given the options, that’s generally the choice that works best for us. Your stomach will thank you. And in this we aren’t alone. Famous chef Gordon Ramsay says he’ll never eat airline food, period.
7. Plastic Bags. While we are not the first ones to say this, these have saved us more times than we can recall. Of recent note, bagging your reading material will keep it undamaged by folding and from water or other hazards. Bagging the electronics have saved those as well.
8. Download Books and Entertainment Apps. Just a reminder to have your e-books ready for the flight. Some airlines, like Alaska, offer free music and shows when you download their app before departure.
9. New Use for Barf Bag. We remove the adhesive backing and attach to the seat in front. Then fill with refuse as needed to keep our seat area cleaner.
Please share your on board travel tips with us.
Photo: Hawaiian Airlines new A321neo interior.
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Will you please tell me specifically what is objectionable about the food served by Hawaiian Airlines from the west coast and back? Is it because of food safety issues, taste, and/or sodium content?
Mahalo.
Hi Betsy.
There are websites (search for airline food reviews) where you can see what others think about various airlines and their meals, and there are professional reviews as well. Keep in mind that airline food is made in factories by companies like Gate Gourmet.
Aloha.
Just returned from Kauai- instead of a blanket used a large scarf instead to cover legs
Also use napkins on trays – to me food is ok – especially if hungary- depends on travel destination and flight time when I bring snacks
Good tips guys thank you
Hi Marilyn.
Glad you had a good time!
Thanks and Aloha.
Smacks….bring lots of little snacks…especially if you have kids! Bring your own Ear Buds for Music….
Vitamin C. Start the week before you go. Lip balm. Kleenex. Gum to pop your ears as recommended by a doctor once when I had bad allergies and my ears ached so bad it sent me to the ER. Compression socks, if you don’t like walking around the plane. Sunglasses and hoody for privacy while sleeping. Ear plugs or noise canceling headphones for crying babies and talkers. Special candy. Order tomato juice, studies prove it tastes better at altitude. Sit in middle of plane for less turbulence. Eye drops, the dry air is no joke. Save your island research for the plane ride. Tank tops under your clothes, be island ready. Bring your aloha spirit, leave the cranky b at the airport.
Recently redone Delta boarding area in SFO Terminal 1 also has the water bottle refilling fountains, (Not at JFK, alas) For on-board food, heading to the mainland we always make a stop at Saigon Noodle House in Enchanted Lake (Oahu) for banh mi or shrimp with rice noodles and salad. Plus a couple of coconut tapiocas for dessert.
Thank you for a great reminder list! We leave in 8 days for the Big Island! I also recommend ear plugs or noise canceling headphones in case of crying babies and overly chatty neighbors in your seating area. Essential oils are great to inhale or dot under your nose if other passengers forgot/did not use deodorant (I had to deal with this once, haven’t forgotten it, what an unpleasant flight).
Hi Cat,
We just flew through 12 time zones between Hawaii and Europe so definitely can relate.
Aloha.