How to Travel on a Plane Comfortably

Perhaps you're excited about the destination, but you're probably not looking forward to the plane ride. Here's how to make the process of getting there more comfortable.

Difficulty: Easy

Instructions

Things You'll Need:

• Small Carry-on Bags
• Headphones
• Personal Stereos
• Bottled Water
• Chewing Gum
• Fruits
• Body Lotion
• Lotions
• Motion Sickness Medicine
• Magazines
• Magazines
• Anti-motionsickness Wristbands
• Fruits
• Magazines

1. Wear loose, comfortable clothing in layers, so that you can remove and add items according to the temperature. Airplanes often use excessive air conditioning, so bring one more layer than you think you'll need.

2. Carry everything you will need for the flight, including books, magazines, stereo headphones and bottled water, in a small bag.

3. Chew gum during takeoffs and landings to avoid ear discomfort caused by the altitude change.

4. Keep muscles from cramping by stretching before, during and after the trip. Walk up and down the aisles and rotate your neck, shoulders and wrists.

5. Avoid eating salty foods like airline peanuts, which can cause you to retain water. Eat fruit instead.

6. Drink double the amount of water you normally would.

7. Apply lotion to your hands and face to avoid excessive dryness from the circulated air.

8. Keep your blood moving while you sit in your seat by raising your feet and rotating your ankles.

Tips & Warnings

• Eat a light meal before takeoff.
• If necessary, take an over-the-counter motion sickness remedy 1/2 to 1 hour before takeoff.
• Avoid alcoholic beverages during flight. Alcohol contributes to jet lag and dehydration.

[ashley27]

on 6/17/2009 Thanks for the tips. I'm planning to have a beach vacation next month and it will be my first time boarding a plane. I'm so nervous.

[hakeson]

on 5/20/2009 Lots of people especially on long hauls upgrade their tickets to First Class using frequent flyer miles. Also check and see if the airline is offering last minute upgrades when you check in at the airport.If you are traveling First Class a lot of the other tricks of air travel doesn't matter.

[IrascibleChef]

on 7/20/2008 Traveling / flying really sucks these days. As a child I rode a school bus, the train, the public bus that you had to pull the cable attached to a bell to let the driver know he needed to stop, but I never flew on an airplane. I didn’t have that pleasure until I was in my 20’s—I believe it was on my honeymoon flight to Jamaica. On this trip I loved the entire event including being interrogated by US Customs Agents and the food and wine in little bottles with screw tops! I have a story about US Customs Agents, but not here. Not now.

There are some guidelines, “this is not Nam man, there are rules!” and they might not be rules of criminal law, but there are the rules of civil decency—we aren’t animals after all!

Getting on a plane is a nightmare enough without someone clogging up the isle while they get their seat ready before they let anyone else pass.

New Rule: when you get to y

on 7/14/2006 If you have earphones available, bring them with you. In-flight movie earphones can cost a bundle.

on 2/10/2006 Check in as much baggage as you can, for there is nothing more annoying then to have too much carry-on baggage and no place to stow it. Just put those things in your carry-on luggage that you need during the flight or in the first few hours after, in case your luggage wasn't on the flight.