Domesticing Air Travel: Your Personal Guide to the Skies
If you ever daydreamed of soaring through the skies like our feathery friends, computer glitches and tight legroom were probably not in that flight of fancy. Fear not, dear globe-trotting friend, for I’ve brought you exactly what you need: a road map to mastering the art of air travel. Call it your passport to a stress-free and distinctly more enjoyable stratosphere.
1. An Ounce of Prevention Is Worth a Pound of Cure
Remember that phrase your grandmother embroidered on a pillow? It also applies to air travel. Do your due diligence by researching airlines before you book, and focus on ones with excellent on-time track records and low cancellation rates. Websites like FlightStats or Skytrax should be your new best friends.
2. Be an Early Bird and Bag the Worm. The Worm Being a Good Seat, Of Course.
Getting the seat next to the lavatory or in the middle of an energetic family of five is nobody’s idea of a good time. Online check-in, usually available 24 hours before the flight, allows you to secure a coveted aisle or window seat, making your lofty expedition one step closer to perfection.
3. Pack Smart, Not Hard
Packing is the travel equivalent of going to the dentist. Necessary, but not particularly enjoyable. However, having a process in place can alleviate much of the stress. Start by picking clothing around a color scheme to limit the number of shoes and accessories you need, and roll your clothes to save space. And remember, your packed bag should weigh less than a medium-sized dog, not a full-grown bison.
4. Keep Hunger At Bay With Snack Insurance
There were times when passengers were welcomed aboard with sumptuous meals. But now, “in-flight meal” is often code for a packet of pretzels. To combat onboard hunger pangs, pack some healthy snacks. Think granola bars, almonds, or dried fruit. After all, it’s better to be safe than hangry.
5. Hydrate, Repeat
The cabin’s dry air is about as moisture-laden as the Sahara. Prevent in-flight dehydration and fatigue by drinking plenty of water. And, as tempting as it might be to enjoy the in-flight cocktail service, remember that alcohol can dehydrate you further, turning your dream vacation into a parched nightmare.
6. Stay Entertained, Even When Up in the Air
Long haul flights can sometimes feel like unending cycles of cloud surveillance. Spare yourself from that torment by packing enough entertainment. Whether it’s catching up on that book you never seem to finish, binge-watching a new series, or simply playing Candy Crush, let your main goal be to ward off in-flight boredom.
7. Make Nice with The Cabin Crew
A smile and thank you never hurt anyone. The flight staff are there to make your journey comfortable, and a kindness returned never goes astray. Who knows, you might even get an extra snack or better service in return!
So there you have it, travelers. Your very own survival guide to air travel. Armed with this advice, you’ll be taming the skies before you can say “frequent flyer”. Here’s to happy, hassle-free air travels!