Being the list-obsessed weirdo I am, I keep track of all of the flights I’ve ever been on. As of this writing I’m between flights #162 and #163. I’m exactly George Clooney in Up in the Air, but I happen to think that’s a pretty impressive all things considered. Anyhow, here’s what I’ve learned from my 162 flights, hopefully some of these tips can be of use to you, and feel free to contribute your own in the comments!
Calgary from the sky on a WestJet flight this summer.
Pack your computer’s extension cord in your carry-on
The only outlets in most terminals are not conveniently placed near the seats as you would hope, and I’ve seen plenty of people sitting on the floor so their short little charge cord can reach the wall. You can fix this problem by packing your longer cord in your computer bag so you can sit on a chair.
Wear warm, comfy clothes
I always think this is a total no-brainer, but every time I go to the airport I invariably see some woman travelling in skinny jeans, wedge heels, and some flouncy summer top, dragging along a purse fitted out with more hardware than a drawer of nails. Not only is she going to hold up the security line as she strips off her jewellery piece by piece, she is going to be freezing and uncomfortable on whatever plane she’s getting on.
Planes are cold, especially if you are sitting by the window. They’re also cramped. I find the only way I’m able to get comfortable (enough to sleep, that is) is to turn myself into some sort of yogi and curl up in a wee little ball/prop myself up against the wall and the seat in front of me. This becomes distinctly less comfortable if your jeans cut off your circulation, your feet go numb from the cold in your cute wee sandals, and your cute little top rides up, exposing your lower back and backside to the world.
So, stifle your inner fashionista and go for comfort. I love flying in yoga pants and merino wool. And don’t forget the layers. I’d recommend a tank top, a long sleeve top, and the bulkiest hoody/jacket you’re bringing with you.
Wear all your bulkiest items
This is perhaps one of my favourite tips because it’s a twofer. You save room in your bag by wearing all your bulkiest items, and those bulky items are usually the warmest. I’d say the biggest place this holds true is with hiking boots and large winter jackets.
Sydney Harbour—the Opera House is just out of frame. No photoshopping here, the rainbow was really there like that!
Bring ear plugs
Planes are noisy, which is something movies and TV shows conveniently eliminate. They whine, whir, and buzz quite a bit, and it’s more than enough to keep you awake no matter how cranky and tired you are. There are also crying babies, neighbours having noisy and mundane conversations, and a whole host of other annoying noises. So, bring some earplugs. You’ll feel like a genius.
Wear easily removable shoes
Unless you’re flying wearing your hiking boots for space reasons, it’s always nice to be able to slip your shoes on and off when you have to take them off at security. In my experience you can usually get away with wearing low profile shoes and they won’t even make you take them off… unless you’re in the States, where they would probably make you strip off your epidermis if they could get away with it.
Stash a down sweater in your carry on bag
They make great pillows and wonderful insulators against the plane wall.
Check in early online
Most airlines will charge you extra to choose your seat when you buy your ticket. HA. Yeah, right. Many airlines will let you check in online 24 hours before your flight is scheduled to depart. Since almost no one wants to pay to choose their seat, if you’re on top of things and get online and checked in 23 hours and 59 minutes before your flight takes off, you’ll often have your choice of seats. For free.
Bring lip balm and lotion
Planes are dry.
Wash your hands
And don’t touch your face. Especially your nose and mouth. I’m pretty sure airplanes and toilet seats in public restrooms are about par in grossness.
Bring your own travel mug
As a bit of a tea snob, I like to bring a travel tea mug (one of the ones that comes with a strainer) and my own tea. That way, when they come around with the cart, you just have them fill up your mug with hot water,et voila, a cup of tea that isn’t low-grade Orange Pekoe that’s been steeped for 40 minutes. I also find they’re quite willing to give you refills between cart runs as it’s just water.
Take up the smallest amount of space as possible
I consider this to be the traveller’s #1 priority. Be aware of your space. Men, your testicles are not that large, and your knees are not magnetically opposed to one another. The armrests are shared things. You cannot seize possession of both of them, especially if you are sitting in the centre seat. If you don’t like sitting in the centre seat, get your act together and check in earlier. Keep your headphones turned down (and please don’t sing along). Just… be considerate. We’re all cramped, and we all paid for the privilege, and none of us are that happy about it.
Bring something to do… but not too many things
Honestly think about how much time you’ll be spending on the plane, and plan accordingly. You probably won’t need 4 books, an iPod, two board games, the entirety of Buffy the Vampire Slayer, and your vintage Game Boy. And you won’t want to lug all that stuff around, either.
Know where your bus stops are
If you plan on taking the bus to and/or from the airport, try and suss out where the stops are ahead of time. Also look up the fares, as they can often be higher than usual due to airport entry/exit fees.
Never convert currency at the airport
Unless you hate your money, that is. But even then I can think of better ways to waste it. You can mail it to me if you like.
Please shower beforehand
It doesn’t have to be within 4 hours beforehand, but please. Deodorant is also good.
Be early enough
Don’t show up to the airport so late that you turn into a psychopathic, stressed out maniac.
Go get a sleeping pill
For longer flights (anything where an ocean is involved as far as I’m concerned), I’m all for going to the doctor and asking for a prescription sleeping pill or two. They make your flight infinitely more enjoyable (much like being unconscious for dental surgery), and if you time things properly, they can really help with jet lag.
