Flying can be long, boring, and frustrating. Honestly, who really wants to be cramped in a metal tube at thirty-five thousand feet for five hours with a hundred people you don’t know? You cannot magically create more legroom on the flight but there are things you can do to make it more bearable.
Think about your clothes
Wear comfortable clothes. Not only do you want to get through security easily but you also do not want to be uncomfortable for a long flight. Wear jeans and a t-shirt. Also grab a zip up hoody just in case the air conditioning is on full blast.
Keep your hair neat!
If you have long hair, pull it back so it won’t be in your face and you don’t have to fuss over how your hair looks on a layover or in the cramped plane restroom. wear flip flops or a pair of slip on sneakers. Most security lines require you to take off your shoes so don’t wear any shoes that are hard to get on or off or that require tying. Pack a change of clothes and a few travel sized and TSA approved toiletries just in case your checked luggage gets lost.
Prepare with snacks
Make sure you pack a book bag for carry-on. Airport food can be really expensive so pack your own food. Check the airline website to make sure you pack allowed food items. Foods like granola bars, snack bags of pretzels or dried fruit are perfect. Pack your own so you will not have to eat the stale food offered by the airline. Of course, you can not bring a drink through security, but bring an empty water bottle so you can fill it up at a water fountain. Most flights offer complimentary drinks anyway.
Entertainment, entertainment, entertainment
Be sure to bring some small items to entertain yourself. A few days before your trip, go to your local dollar store. Most stores sell fun little puzzle books such as Soduku and word searches. Those books are a great way to pass time on a flight. Go to a used book store to find fun little paperback books. If you are going on vacation to a place you have never been, pack some travel guide books to review on your flight.
Pack a few electronic items as well. Make sure your music player is fully charged so you can drown out the plane engines or the baby crying a couple of rows ahead of you. Keep your phone with you just in case there is an emergency but do not forget to put it in airplane mode before you board!
Make the most of the time
If you are a student, a flight is the perfect time to study! Bring some flash cards or lecture notes. Prepare for your next exam. If may seem like it would be boring but time will pass quickly and productively.
A flight may be long, but it does not have to be boring! Pack your carry on with little puzzle books and paperbacks, pack some yummy snacks, and you will be all set.
Prepare for jet lag
Jet lag can be one of the worst things about a long flight, especially if you’re travelling with children. It doesn’t have to be bad though, especially if you plan in advance and prepare yourselves. Be sure to read this post and find some tips for minimising jet lag.