How to Survive a Long Plane Ride
Many people avoid taking trips because they dread the plane ride. Being a "white-knuckle" traveller myself, I completely understand. While I do not enjoy flying in the least, I do love to travel. These are tips that I have devised to help make your flight more enjoyable! I would hate to see anyone left behind because of the long flight. Please know that this is not intended for people who have a true phobia for flying. This is meant for those of us out there who plan vacations based on the ease of getting there instead of where we might really like to go. Once you have decided that you can do this, here are some helpful tips.
"A ship is safe in the harbor, but that's not what ships are built for."~Gael Attal
Preparing for a Long Flight
Airport security plays a significant role in determining what I carry on and how much of it I will carry. It is not soley dependent on their restrictions but also on the ease of going through the check-in process. If I have to take everything off and out, I would prefer to have the least amount of ins and outs. I recommend that you have your bags situated with that in mind. I carry a small travel wallet. It has room for my plane ticket, cell phone, identification, travel documents and money. It is all I need to manuever around the airport and after checking in, I can slip it into my carry on! I also bring my laptop but I make sure that there is room in my carry on for that, as well. If you have too many loose things to keep track of, you could easily lose one.
Ways to Organize your Carry-on Bag
- Use a bag with several compartments.
- Make sure there are pockets that can be easily reached.
- Use small bags and organizers to keep your things sorted.
- Each person should have their own carry-on.
Packing your Carry-on Bag
This is critical. I have flown across the ocean at least 8 times. Several of those times have been with young children. I can't emphasize enough, how much simplicity in your packing, will ease your trip. I just recently wrote about surviving a long road trip. While some of the same tips apply, for plane trips, I want to emphasize the saying, "Less is More." While you certainly don't want to be without something important, you also don't want to load yourself up too much. Regardless of what else I may bring with me, my carry-on must be packed in an orderly, convenient manner. Everything is in it's own compartment and easy to reach.
Convenient Carry-on Cases
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Games You can Play in an Airplane.
There is very little space on a plane and the air pressure is very loud. Unless everyone around you is part of your party, be respectful of your noise level and movement. An airplane ride is not the time to bring out travel Twister! Also, avoid bringing games that have small parts or pieces. They can easily be misplaced or lost on the plane.
- Card games
- Puzzle books
- I Spy
- Rubiks cube
- Handheld electronic games
Things You Can Do to Pass the Time on a Long Flight
- Read a book.
- Listen to music.
- Play games.
- Sleep.
- Eat.
- Watch a movie.
- Catch up on your e-mail.
- Write.
- Talk to your seatmates.
- Do homework.
- Read all those magazines you've been meaning to get to.
Using Electronic Devices on a Plane Ride.
A Kindle, Nook or laptop are all good things to have both on a flight and for the ensuing vacation. Electronic devices can store countless books, music and games. With them, there is always something to do. Also, if that book you had been anticipating for so long, turns out to be really boring, you can always read another! When I went to Africa a couple of years ago, my luggage space was extremely limited. I downloaded several books to my phone, as well as music and threw in a few games just for kicks. All of that took up only a few inches of space in my purse! I have a universal charger that is good in both Europe and the United States. If you do choose to do this, you will want to check with your carrier to see what capabilities your phone will have while traveling.
What are Good Snacks to Pack for a Long Plane Ride
It is usually very dry on an airplane, so you will probably want to bring water. Cups of water are always available throughout the flight but it may not be convenient to get up and down. On International flights, you will be served meals but it is always a good idea to bring your own snacks. Here are some snack dos and don'ts:
Choosing Snacks for a Long Flight
What to bring
| What not to bring
|
|---|---|
Energy bars
| Perishable foods
|
Dried fruits
| Foods with a strong odor
|
gum, candy
| sticky foods
|
nuts
| foods packed in liquid
|
sandwiches
| gas producing foods
|
foods that are easy to open
| foods that are difficult to open
|
More Tips to Help You Survive a Long Plane Ride
- If you have a chance to use the bathroom, take it!
- Stay hydrated.
- Get up and stretch every now and then or take a walk around the plane.
- Dress comfortably. Don't worry about how you will look at your destination. You can clean up and change before you land.
- Bring a sweatshirt or jacket with you, even in the summer. It usually gets cold at night.
- Always have a change of clothes.
- Bring allergy medicines, inhalors, airsickness medicines and any other meds you may need.
- Bring socks and comfortable shoes. Your feet can swell on a long flight.
A Song to Set the Mood for Flying.
Final Words of Wisdom for Surving a Long Plane Ride.
As I stated in the beginning of this article, I don't particularly like to fly. regardless of that, I LOVE to travel. I have been to Israel, The Bahamas, Aruba, Africa and all over the United States. For me, flying is only a minor inconvenience that, once surpassed, allows me to experience the world.
"For my part, I travel not to go anywhere but to go. I travel for travels sake. The great affair is to move."~Robert Louis Stevenson
Bon Voyage!
