5 Hacks That Will Make Your Next Flight Better

Has anyone ever told you to “enjoy the journey“?  Sometimes it’s metaphorical.  Sometimes they mean it literally.  One thing is for sure.  It’s almost always easier said than done.  Travelling can be adventurous, exciting, exhilarating, but I can also be down right stressful.  If you’re not a frequent traveller, if you’re taking off a particularly busy time of year,  orange to hit a bump in the road, (delays happen) travel can quickly turn from a joyful experience to tear inducing down right nasty day.

Here are 5 simple tricks to help make your next flight a little smoother and help you enjoy the journey.

1. When you are planning your tip and buy your flight, choose your seat wisely.  Give this flight the thought it deserves.  Is this a short flight, a long one?  Do you need to get up often to use the facilities or stretch your legs.  Do you not care at all where you sit?  I can admit I’m a super control freak and need to know where I’m siting and who I’m sitting with.  For me it’s worth the extra money to book my seat ahead of time, select an aisle seat near the front of the plane (which usually also means I can board earlier ensuring there will be overhead space for my carryon).  Even better – if there’s an Exit Row seat up for grabs I’m snagging it!  Not sure where to start when picking your seat?  I always check out my flights on SeatGuru.com before I click.  SeatGuru is a free service that allows you to see the layout of almost every flight that ever was or will be. It’s a brilliant site for the over planner.
2. Stay Hydrated.  Being dehydrated on a flight will quite simply make you fell like crap. Buy water before you board or use your own refillable water bottle and fill it up after you’ve cleared security and take it on to the plane.  Yes, of course you can get water service on the flight but have you ever been “stuck” on a plane for an hour while they wait for a missing passenger or have to remove bags.  Have you ever needed an Advil and not had any water, or a cranky kid with you who needs a drink now!  Stuff happens why not be prepared.  Take water on the flight with you.
3. Pack Snacks.  There’s no way around it, no matter if you’re flying economy or business the food on an airplane is still well, airplane food.  Packing healthy snacks for yourself and your loved ones will save you money and in the end be much more satisfying.  Insider Tip:  Don’t forget the gum or mints to help with popping ears!
4. Don’t rely on the on-board Entertainment System.  Nothing may be more disappointing then curling up in your seat, popping in your noise cancelling headphones (a must) and getting ready to select a movie for your flight only to find out they are no longer movies offered or the system is down!  Suddenly that 6 hour flight is looking very, very long.  There’s no book store in the sky!  Be sure to pack a back up plane.  Books, magazines, work that needs to be done, or a tablet with some already dowloaded choices are some great ways to enjoy a flight…..and that part of the journey.
5. Stay Warm.  Yes, I said stay warm.  It doesn’t matter if you’re flying to Mexico or Paris, Los Angeles or Australia those planes get cold!  Be prepared by dressing in layers, pack a favourite scarf/pashmina that can act as a shawl or even a travel blanket to keep you cozy.  You can thank me later.

A little thoughtful preparation before you go can make a world of difference not only in your travel day but in the start of your next vacation.  Remember travel days are unpredictable, you may face delays, missed connections, or noisy neighbours on that flight.  Take a deep breath and really truly try and enjoy the journey.

Have a travel hack to share that makes your flights more enjoyable?  Please do share!

Happy travels!