Flying is an unavoidable step if you want to travel internationally (except to the United States, where you can drive). Some people love this way of getting around, while for others it is far from a pleasure. Here are a few tips to make this part of your trip as pleasant as possible.
1. Treat your neighbour the way you would like to be treated
Be clean when you fly, without overdoing it. You don’t choose your neighbours, so skip the heavy perfume. Remember that we don’t all have the same tastes, and some people have allergies. That said, did you know there are soap sheets? You can bring some along without them counting as liquids, and you’ll be able to wash your hands, neck, feet and so on during a very long flight.
Also keep in mind: not everyone enjoys flying. Avoid using the seat in front of you to pull yourself up, or pressing hard on the touchscreen with your finger. And giving the stranger in front of you a head massage isn’t the best idea either. Be patient…
2. Snacks and what you can bring on the plane
When flying, we often wonder: is this allowed? What about this? And that? Phew! Stop worrying and click on the following link (opens in a new window) (you can search for the item you’re unsure about and find out whether it’s allowed on the plane).
For liquids, the limit is 3 ounces or 100 millilitres per container, and the number of containers is restricted.
Remember that you can bring an empty water bottle to fill up later, so you won’t get dehydrated during your flight (the air on planes is pressurized, so it dehydrates you much faster).
Still on the subject of food, don’t forget gum or candy to help your ears pop during takeoff and landing. On another note, if you plan to get some sleep, give yourself every chance and bring earplugs if noise wakes you up or bothers you.
3. Download the airline’s app
The vast majority of airlines (if not all of them) have an app that could come in very handy during your flight, so take the time to download it before you leave.
Besides letting you check in online, it can give you access to in-flight entertainment (some aircraft no longer have individual screens on the seat in front of you), show you in real time how long is left before you arrive, and more.
4. Waiting too long to go to the washroom
It has been shown that flying dehydrates you prematurely. Drink plenty of water to keep your body healthy. That said, the more you drink, the more likely you are to need the washroom often. Don’t wait to go. Putting off a trip to the washroom is common on planes. The only result is more discomfort and a flight that feels longer.
If you don’t know the person next to you, you can always ask whether they would like to switch seats with you, since you don’t want to bother them by getting up all the time and it makes you uncomfortable. They are then free to choose whether to switch or stay where they are. Having shown them some consideration, your seatmate is likely to be much more at ease with you getting up often.
5. Dress in layers
If you’re like me and tend to get cold, you’ll probably need more than a sweater to stay warm on the plane. The best outfit for flying is several layers of clothing. For example, a tank top + a short or long-sleeved shirt + a jacket + a blanket if you have room.
Besides keeping you warm and letting you take off layers if it gets too hot, this lets you bring more clothes on vacation without adding weight to your suitcase. Also recommended: compression socks. They help blood circulation in your legs, and are recommended for people on long-haul flights or with circulation problems.
6. Kindness first with the flight attendants
Did you know that among the flight attendants on board, there is always a supervisor with more seniority and more ’’power’’? Spot this person (they often have a small detail that sets them apart from the other attendants, like a scarf around the neck that the others don’t have) and be extra nice to them, without becoming a ’’suck-up’’.
Smiling and politely asking whether the flight is full, whether there is room left in a higher class and saying you’d love to take a look, asking to visit the cockpit (before or after the flight, of course, never during), and so on, are requests that might be granted. You could end up in premium economy at no extra cost!
7. Choose your seat wisely
If you want to select your seat, do it as soon as possible, since the longer you wait, the fewer seats will be available. For the seat layout of your plane, check seatmaps.com (opens in a new window). Note that most airlines now charge a fee to choose your seat in advance.
That said, you can choose your seat for free during online check-in, available (with a few exceptions) 24 hours before your scheduled departure. Your seat choice can matter depending on your flight. An aisle seat is handy if you want to stretch your legs by walking, and a window seat lets you lean against the wall to sleep.
You’ll often find more babies near the bulkheads (the walls between sections), and the closer you are to the front, the faster you get off. Avoid the seats over the wings if you want a window for the view; the wings can also be noisier and more disruptive on an overnight flight.
8. Get up now and then, especially on long flights
Sitting in a seat (with little personal space) for hours, possibly surrounded by strangers, can feel long. Take walks whenever you can: simply walking down the aisle and making a stop at the washroom, or just a quick back-and-forth in the aisle, will let you stretch your legs.
Also, before you board, take a long walk if you can, or else do some squats or a few exercises that will tire your legs a little; they’ll have plenty of time to rest during your flight.
9. Plan some pastimes
Kids aren’t the only ones who can find the time long if they have nothing to do; adults too! Plan some ’’activities’’ to keep yourself busy during the flight: download a few shows or movies you can watch offline, bring a book, playing cards, games on your phone or tablet that work without internet, and so on. Travelling as a pair and want to pass the time?
Paper and pencil: draw two grids, numbered 1 to 12 across and A to L down. Place your ships on one of the two grids, after agreeing on the number of ships before the game. Before you leave, you can also do a little online research to find games to play on the plane.
Quick tip: bring a classic deck of cards and a UNO deck (most people know how to play, and cards aren’t heavy and take up little space in a carry-on).
10. Food and alcohol: know your limits
When it comes to food, bring snacks for when you get hungry during the flight; you’ll save a lot, since meals and snacks on planes are outrageously expensive. Did you know that if you have dietary needs (gluten-free, low-salt, vegan, etc.), you can mention them BEFORE your flight (ideally when booking), either to the airline or to your travel agent? You’ll also be served first and avoid heavy, greasy dishes (which apparently helps with jet lag).
We recommend the Asian vegetarian meal. As for alcohol, it can have a vicious effect, in that dehydration is heightened by cabin pressurization, which can lead to headaches and early fatigue. An urban legend also says that changes in pressure multiply the effect alcohol has on you. So avoid, as much as possible, drinking before you leave or having (too much) on board.
