Top tips for making flying more enjoyable
How do you feel about flights? Do you think of them as part of your vacation, or simply a necessary step you have to take in order to get there? Either way, you probably want to make the experience as fun as possible. With that in mind, here are some top tips for making flying more enjoyable. With a little preparation, you might find yourself actually looking forward to your next flight!
When you’re at the airport
The experience of flying begins at the airport, and though a lot of people consider them to be stressful places, they don’t have to be. Here are some ideas for how to make your time there pass smoothly:
- Get all the admin work done in advance, from arranging your trains or airport parking to figuring out which terminal you need to go to. Leave plenty of time for your journey there to avoid last-minute panic
- Check into your flight online before leaving home to save time at the airport – you can normally do this 24 hours before departure. Some airlines also allow you to pick your seat at this point
- Get your packing done early, and double-check what items you can and can’t take with you. This will be different for your hand luggage and the bag that’s stowed in the hold. For example, there’s generally a limit of the size of liquids you can have in your hand luggage but not your main suitcase
- Ensure that you get through security quickly by having shoes that are easy to slip on and off, not leaving any coins or other metallic items in your pockets, and having your passport and boarding pass close to hand
When you’re on the plane
While short-haul flights are relatively painless, flying long haul can be an intimidating prospect. Make the experience more fun and relaxing with the following suggestions:
- Wear cozy clothes that you can sleep in comfortably. Layers are the best choice because they allow you to adjust to the temperature on board
- Bring a travel pillow to help you drift off more easily
- Have your passport, boarding pass, and the address of your European hotel or Kona, Hawaii resorts in easy reach for filling out your disembarkation card (and a pen!)
- It’s easy to get dehydrated on a plane, so be sure to drink lots of water (taking a bottle on board with you is the best tactic, as the cups they give you are small). Having a few extra snacks is also a good idea
- In order to stay healthy during your flight, try to get up and stretch on a regular basis (there’s usually some room by the toilets to do this)
- Bring a selection of mini toiletries in your hand luggage so that you can freshen up before you land. A toothbrush and toothpaste are a must, plus deodorant, face wipes, moisturizer and some make-up if you wear it
- Although planes have their own entertainment systems built into the seats, it’s a good idea to bring your own activities too. This could be anything from a good novel or puzzle book, to some podcasts and music you can listen to offline. With so much to do, you’ll be at your destination before you know it!