Flights – Musts and Must Nots

A couple of weeks ago, I was finally out on vacation after a long time, to San Diego. And then, I took a trip to India as well. The thing with Philadelphia is, we don’t usually get straight flights and would have to pass through the red-eye airports like Denver or Chicago or Heathrow. And that’s what we did. What did this mean? This meant a lot of take-offs and landings with too many connecting flights.

While the air-planes were doing their business of taking me to places, I was trying to jot down some blunders I did and some good things I did. Here are they:

Travel light

Like they say, the best way to enjoy travelling is by travelling light. I understand that is better to over pack than be under-dressed for the occasion. But at the same time, it is efficient if you pack just the right number of clothes subtracting the junk. Further, make use of your allowances and try to check in maximum of your luggage, apart from must haves. For me, it is usually just a backpack underneath the seat containing bare minimums like laptop, napkin, hand cream and earphones. May be a book sometimes. This also makes your lay overs easy and hassle-free.

Grab views

If you have a window seat, don’t shut your drapes. Instead, take maximum advantage of it. Cut off yourself from electronic gadgets for a while and just stare outside the window. Take-offs and landings will give your great veiws of the cityscape or nature. Mid way, at the highest altitude is also a sight worth spending 5 mins. Staring into the nothingness of the white clouds is pure tranquility. Try that in a day journey. Do not get spooked looking at the dark vaccums at night.

Eat well

Of course, I don’t need to specify about this in detail. Longer flights and travel across different time zones keeps you hungry at odd times. Eat sufficiently and regularly. This is mostly taken care by the airlines. In case you were sleeping when they were serving, ask for it later. Do not hesitate. As and when your tummy awakes, ring a bell and feed it well.

Stay Hydrated

This is one thing, everybody must do, when choosing air travel. Because of the variations in altitude, the body often tends to dehydrate and this might lead to low water levels in the body, which causes fatigue or nausea. Don’t mean to sound like a doctor, but this is really important and should be avoided. Whenever you feel your throat drying up, which is often during flights, ask for water or non-alcoholic drinks. This is will keep you hydrated and also moving, as you might need to take a few bathroom breaks.

Avoid coffees

Although the flights advertise about fresh brewed coffee, it most definitely is not brewed fresh, but is actually pretty old stock. Instead of coffee, you could choose bottled drinks or water or tea dips. These are relatively healthier.

Move Around

Most people, during a flight, prefer to just sit throughout. Rather, avoid the swelling and stretch your legs by taking short strolls. This could be the bathroom breaks or just a walk down the aisle. Passengers taking flights with longer duration will understand and wouldn’t mind making way for you, in spite of being the one in the aisle seat.

How about some magazine time?

Airline magazines have great content, suiting all kinds of interests and all age-groups. Of course, there is heavy boasting about themselves too. Along with different coupons and exciting offers, there are also good stories, featured interviews and sudokus and crosswords. Again, a good way to kill boredom.

Take a book

Flights are great opportunities for finishing that book, that’s been dying for your attention. Amidst the busy lives that we have, a long journey is a great free time to finish up pending book reads.

Visit your mind palace

With all the time in the world, and no escape or freedom to wander physically, there is one thing you can do free of cost with no limitations. Visit your mind palace like Sherlock and pull out something. It could be something interesting or something you forgot long time ago or your could just contemplate your thoughts. While you are at it, feel free to plan your schedules or work on the upcoming week.

Keep it low

Be it the music playing in your earphones or the occasional gossip, keep it low. Honestly, this is very annoying for others when someone is chatting away with all the volume in the world. Be aware that being stuck in a long tube with 100 strangers is enough to deal with. Do not add to the inconvenience with your loudness. Sure, babies can’t be trained, but we can be. Also, somebody should just invent a god-damned thing for these flight criers. See, I got a new invention idea.

Socialize

Please don’t go about bugging others if they don’t encourage it. Respect their privacy and personal time alone. But if you find someone who is interested in having a chat once in a while, engage in it and keep yourself occupied. That way you won’t die of boredom.

Befriend your host

When you know your are stuck with the air hostess for the journey, why not make friends. Who knows, they might just allow you take a nap at their cabin crew beds. Also, for your information, this is still an option that you can use. I mean the cabin crew beds. It’s not a part of your ticket, but a genuine necessity can be allowed.

Comfy is better

In the name of fashion, don’t indulge in stupid airport looks. Frankly nobody cares what you wear. So better wear comfortable clothes, which allow you to fold your arms and legs with ease. If you are a person who gets cold easily, like me, prefer a sweatshirt which keeps you warm. Health wise too, it is advisable to wear loose clothes which allow free blood circulation.

Get your own warmer

We all know how clean the blankets are, on the flights. Although they come in sealed plastic bags, you can tell the truth if you observe closely. You could may be wrap them around your body or legs, but do not use them around your face or as an overpull. That will leave you breathing your own exhaled air again and again.

Pre-plan your entertainment

Most airlines offer in-house entertainment for longer or international flights. Domestic flights however, do not offer much. If you have a Netflix or Amazon account, download the ongoing content and keep it ready for the journey. Not the cliche Netflix and chill scenes I know, but something is better than nothing.

All said and done, home you all have a safe and easy flight journey. More than that, have a great vacation you guys. I would love to listen to all your holiday stories. Let’s talk in the likes and comments section. Share it with friends going on air-travel. Happy Traveling!!