Five Ways to Survive (Even Thrive!) On A Flight

Flying is a hassle these days, no doubt. But there are a few ways to make the experience as pleasant as possible:

1. Relax.

The worst is over. You’ve already survived airport parking, baggage check-in, and security lines! Think of the flight as a last chance to rest and recharge before your vacation begins.

2. Be smart. Don’t eat a heavy meal before the flight. Avoid foods that might give you gas, such as onions and beans. Stay hydrated by drinking eight ounces of water or juice every hour. Drink decaffeinated tea or coffee the day of your flight.

If you suffer from motion sickness, take something.

There are lots of good options, ranging from ginger capsules to Dramamine. In more severe cases, get a prescription from your doctor. Read the instructions carefully. You may need to take at least a couple of hours prior to traveling. Be sure to place an advance order if you need a special meal, such as vegetarian or kosher.

3. Be prepared. Wear comfortable clothing. Bring footies or slippers to wear when you sleep. Snag a pillow and blanket as soon as you’re seated (Note: Some airlines now charge for these items). Remember some swelling occurs when traveling. Tight pants and fitted shoes are not advisable. Bring an eye mask so that overhead lights or raised window shades won’t be a problem. Bring an MP3 player loaded with soothing music or rent headphones and listen to one of the music channels. Or you can bring a DVD player or rent headphones and watch a movie before drifting off to sleep. At the very least, the headphones and eye mask will deter conversation with a chatty seatmate! I travel with a tablet loaded with apps and books so that I can have options, such as tv shows, games, and books.

4. Get the right seat. Over the wing offers the least turbulence. Middle seats and seats near restrooms or the galley are the worst. Check out www.seatguru.com to find seat maps for almost every type of plane and airline. Note that bulkhead seat sizes vary and that exit row seats have restrictions. You can pay a little extra to get a little extra legroom and a few inches more “seat pitch” on a flight or you can pay an annual fee to always have this option. Another option is to use flier miles to upgrade to business class. These can be from your account or can be “gifted” from a friend or family member.

5. Be nice to the flight attendants and other passengers.

Or at least be respectful. Treat people the way you want to be treated!

A poll of flight attendants revealed their biggest peeves are:

*changing a diaper in the seat or tray table. Ugghh!

*not turning off electronic devices after an announcement is made, thereby forcing the flight attendant to personally ask you to do so

*bringing strong smelling food on board

*repeatedly trying to stuff a bag that is too large or there is no room for in the overhead bin

*standing in the galley or restroom areas doing stretching exercises

(and yet doctors advise us to move and stretch periodically and there is nowhere on a plane anymore but these spaces or we could stand in the aisles and annoy fellow passengers instead)

Here’s what annoys other passengers the most:

*loud cell phone calls

*passengers who try to store their bags in the front of the plane even though they are seated in the rear

*bringing strong smelling food on board

*reclining a seat all the way

*parents who don’t control their children