Preparing for a flight abroad? Tips for traveling by plane, part six
Getting on a plane to go anywhere seems to get more complex by the day. New security procedures and security considerations unleash an endless parade of rules and regulations. This article, the last in a series of six, can help you get through the maze. Be sure to collect the entire series.
- Do you have trouble sleeping on a plane? Are you a nervous passenger? Pack some chamomile tea bags in your carry-on! Once the plane is airborne, ask a flight attendant for some hot water and make yourself a cup of chamomile tea. It can help lull you into a relaxed sleep.
- If you have connecting flights, make sure your luggage is tagged for your final destination. This will save you the hassle of collecting luggage, going through security, and catching your connecting flight.
- Instead of paying the steep fee for headphones, be sure to pack your own.
- Avoid that feeling of lethargy: take a brisk walk or work out at the gym before heading to the airport. You’ll arrive feeling refreshed and ready to take on the jostling crowds at your destination.
- Familiarize yourself with all the airport terminals you will pass through during your trip. You can use the Internet to locate airport maps. Study them a bit and take tracks with you while you travel. If you anticipate a shortage of time between connecting flights, study the map carefully before you land so you know exactly where you need to go to catch the next plane.
- Airport restaurant food is far superior to what is served on the plane. Eat in the terminal before boarding and during delays between connecting flights.
- Be aware of where the emergency doors are located. Count the number of seats to the nearest exit so you can find your way out in a smoke-filled cabin. Read the information on board about safety procedures. So relax! The chances of serious problems are very slim.
- Try to get an advance seat assignment when you book your tickets. This will reduce the chance of being hit.
- If possible, see if you can pack everything you need into a single carry-on. You’ll save time and hassle, because you’ll be able to bypass the checked baggage system (and the possibility of lost luggage).
- If you take anti-nausea medication, take it at the time you fasten your seat belt. The drug needs time to get into your system before it can do you any good. Waiting until he starts to vomit is too late!
- The most dangerous parts of any flight are takeoff and landing. Try to book direct flights when possible. You save time and increase security. Remember though that compared to all other ways to travel, air is statistically the safest way to travel.
- If you wear contact lenses, the dry air in the cabin can irritate sensitive eyes. You may want to switch to glasses while you are flying. If you choose to keep your contact lenses, make sure they are scrupulously clean and that you keep them lubricated.
- Please do not take your tickets with you while you are sightseeing and dining. They are important documents that must be treated with the same care that you give to your passport. If you lose a ticket, report it immediately. It can take some time to replace, requiring you to pay for a second ticket up front (while waiting up to several months for a refund).
- To help very young children with pressure changes during descent, encourage them to chew gum or suck on a pacifier (or thumb).
(c) Copyright Kathy Steinemann – This article is free to publish only if this copyright notice, byline, and author’s note below (with active links) are included.
