For the kind of lifestyle I lead, hating flying is not one of the most desirable traits to have. Fortunately as a vagabond who spends 2-3 months in each destination, at least it means I’m not commuting weekly by plane like I used to in the corporate rat race.
Nevertheless I hate flying. I’m not scared of it, nor have a phobia – I simply hate the whole process of hanging around in dirty airports, sitting on a dirty plane and breathing dry, dirty air. And no, I’m not obsessive compulsive about being clean either.
These days I’m slightly more relaxed about it than before and use the following tactics to make flights that bit more bearable…
- Take full advantage of prior online check-in if I haven’t already done so using this service and book my desired seats in conjunction with SeatGuru so I get the *best* seats available.
- Wear the most comfortable clothes possible (sweatpants, hooded cotton top and slip-on style shoes) – definitely function over fashion for me and I’m in awe of people who look so glamorous when they fly.
- Put everything I know I’m likely to need on board in a separate small bag inside my main bag which I can pull out at the beginning of a flight and put back in again easily at the end of a flight.
- Load up some relaxing tunes on the iPod which I know will help me just zone out during the flight.
- Avoid alcohol completely and always have a cup/bottle of water available (particularly on night flights) to help combat dry mouth.
- Book special meals (usually low sodium) which means you usually get served them first
What tips do you have to make flying more comfortable?
April 10th, 2008 at 9:00 pm
fly, but use private aircraft, it’s the only way to tolerate air travel today
April 11th, 2008 at 12:35 am
Yeah, it probably pays to stay hydrated and not do caffeine or alcohol, but I must say that I usually do at least 2 glasses of red wine with my meal to put myself out for transatlantic flights.
Having said that, I go for tea instead of coffee on the flight. Feels more therapeutic.
And I do try to drink lots of water, too, by necessity (after the wine).
But the best thing I could recommend is to try to go for a run or go to the gym, preferably on the same day you’re flying. This seems to be the best way to achieve a relaxed state on-board and then I usually just conk out.
April 11th, 2008 at 6:18 am
I am a singer in a traveling band, so I spend untold hours sitting in a plane waiting to get to the next place.
I have a little bag I always carry onboard. Inside it I carry:
1) Soft fancy fleece eyemask
2) A bunch of earplugs (I’m always losing them)
3) First rate microbead neck pillow
4) Benadryl (in case I just need to check out)
5) A Pashmina-type shawl -it’s a blanket, and extra pillow, a fashion accessory
6) A video iPod loaded up with movies I love watching over and over again (i.e. Hot Fuzz)
I blogged about it!
http://tinyguide.typepad.com/home/travel_general/index.html
April 11th, 2008 at 11:38 am
Before long flights I clean my feet off in the bathroom (and ignore the wierd stares) and have a spare clean socks so I can take my shoes off in piece.
I try to use a bathroom far from my gate.