For some, the excitement of travel is enough to distract them through even the most painful layovers and delays. For the rest of us, we need a little assistance to help us make it through the flight. We asked our EF travelers for the best ways to keep it together at 20,000 ft., and here’s what they told us.
1. Comfortable (expandable) shoes: After a few hours in an upright position, you’ll want to let your feet breathe. Instead of spending 15 minutes prying your boots off and on (since your feet do expand during flight) in two feet of space, just sit back, slip in and out of your shoes and relax.
2. Layers/Jackets: Whether it’s a hoodie to “cocoon” in or bundling up in an oversized scarf, every kind of outerwear can become a blanket when you’re on a plane. It gets cold up there, so be prepared!
3. Sunglasses: The sun can get pretty bright when you’re above the clouds. Instead of asking someone to shut the window and ruining their first view from the top, put your shades on and be cool instead.
4. Gum: Chewing gum alleviates ear pressure and lessens the pop. Start early before the plane takes off, and keep chewing until the captain says it’s ok to turn your electronic devices back on. Start up again once you’ve begun to descend, and your ears should be in the clear.
5. Something to read: If you’ve ever needed an excuse to catch up on your reading, this is it. Keep your Kindle, iPad or a trusty book at your side for an enlightened way to pass the time. Want to make a stranger’s day? Pay your read-through magazine forward by leaving it in the seat-back pocket for the next passenger. They might not be as prepared as you were.
6. Earphones/headphones: You’ll need these if your flight offers any free movies or shows. They also double as great makeshift earplugs.
7. Something to listen to: MP3, CD or cassette – no matter what era of technology you’re using, having your personal soundtrack is timeless.
8. Food: You might not feel hungry at the gate, but when the person next to you opens up that McDonald’s bag during takeoff, you’ll wish you’d brought something of your own. Grab a snack before the flight to avoid the high prices, but don’t worry about drinks since planes are often equipped with complimentary thirst quenchers.
9. A spare change of clothes: Pack an extra change of clothes in your carry-on just in case. Whether it’s because you may start your adventure directly from the airport, or because the toddler seated next to you prefers his food on your shirt instead of in his mouth, you’ll feel better knowing you can change out quickly.
10. Inflatable pillows: Even if you don’t plan on sleeping, pillows are always a good idea. Inflatable pillows will fit almost anywhere, making for easy carry-on and offering a hint of in-flight luxury.
Thanks for the tips: Kyle Craft, Tanya Hunter, Shawna Chaplin, Amy Essex, LaGenia Layne, Stephanie Simpson, Sandy Knight, Kaitlin Bereczky, Asali Kelly, Scottie Schlosser, Mark Wasser, Ashley Knudsen, and Jeorgia Clayton.
Are we missing anything? Let us know what your in-flight necessities are!
Find more “How To’s” and resources here.
Flickr photo via love Maegan, FaceMePLS, fred_v, and Google images.
