Getting ready for an international flight? Here are my survival tips.
A good friend contacted me asking for dos and don't's for an international trip she’s taking. Having traveled the globe, I have a bunch of tips that can make any flight easier. Learn from my experiences -- and mistakes -- via nine of my favorite tips, below.
Most airlines want you at the airport at least two hours before your flight takes off, especially if you’re leaving from U.S. international gateway airport. It will give you time to check your bags, check in, navigate the airport security checkpoint and get to your gate in plenty of time and stress free.
On a long flight, you want to look well-dressed, but you also want to be comfortable. so you don’t want to wear clothes that cut or bind. I wear a wrinkle-proof jacket that can double as a blanket or a pillow, and I always wear a long pashmina for the same reason. The pashmina can also be used as a wrap, a pillow, a skirt cover and an accessory to dress up travel outfits. Buy my favorite for $10 at the Bijoux Terner website. I also wear slip-on flat shoes that are easy to take on and off at security and on your flight. All of this is beautifully illustrated here at the Chelsea Tells Stories blog.
On one of my first international business trips as an adult, I overpacked drastically. Guess who had to carry a large heavy suitcase, a large purse and a garment bag around Paris at Metro and train stations that didn’t have elevators or escalators? After that, I swore to only pack what I could comfortably carry by myself. Check out my packing tips here.
On long flights, it’s recommended that you get up and walk to stretch your muscles and avoid blood clots in your legs. This is much easier to do in an aisle seat, so book one as soon as you book your ticket.
It’s OK to have a glass of wine or two while on your flight, but you really need to stay hydrated, because aircraft cabins are extremely dry. And instead of bothering flight attendants for endless little cups of water, go to your local dollar store, buy a water bottle and ask them to fill that up.
Nothing is worse than being on a plane with a screaming child or a chatty Cathy seatmate. That’s why I never travel without either a pair of noise cancelling headphones or my Beats By Dr. Dre earbuds. Pop on either of them and enjoy the silence.
When it’s time to rest, you want to be comfortable. So invest in an inflatable neck pillow (I know they look silly, but they are a great sleep enhancer), an eye mask and comfortable socks.
More airlines are installing power ports on their aircraft, but you can’t always depend on that. When I flew to Paris for Christmas, the flight over had a USB port, but the flight home didn’t. That’s why I always carry my trusty Mophie Juice Pack Powerstation Duo, which allows me to charge my iPhone and iPad quickly.
The flight attendants are there for your safety. But they also work hard to ensure that our flight is comfortable and stress-free. Show your appreciation by presenting them with a box of sealed chocolates, like Ghiradelli Chocolate Squares or Ferrero Rochertruffles.
1. Arrive Early
Most airlines want you at the airport at least two hours before your flight takes off, especially if you’re leaving from U.S. international gateway airport. It will give you time to check your bags, check in, navigate the airport security checkpoint and get to your gate in plenty of time and stress free.
2. Dress Accordingly
On a long flight, you want to look well-dressed, but you also want to be comfortable. so you don’t want to wear clothes that cut or bind. I wear a wrinkle-proof jacket that can double as a blanket or a pillow, and I always wear a long pashmina for the same reason. The pashmina can also be used as a wrap, a pillow, a skirt cover and an accessory to dress up travel outfits. Buy my favorite for $10 at the Bijoux Terner website. I also wear slip-on flat shoes that are easy to take on and off at security and on your flight. All of this is beautifully illustrated here at the Chelsea Tells Stories blog.
3. Pack Lightly
On one of my first international business trips as an adult, I overpacked drastically. Guess who had to carry a large heavy suitcase, a large purse and a garment bag around Paris at Metro and train stations that didn’t have elevators or escalators? After that, I swore to only pack what I could comfortably carry by myself. Check out my packing tips here.
4. Choose an Aisle Seat
On long flights, it’s recommended that you get up and walk to stretch your muscles and avoid blood clots in your legs. This is much easier to do in an aisle seat, so book one as soon as you book your ticket.
5. Drink Water
It’s OK to have a glass of wine or two while on your flight, but you really need to stay hydrated, because aircraft cabins are extremely dry. And instead of bothering flight attendants for endless little cups of water, go to your local dollar store, buy a water bottle and ask them to fill that up.
6. Cone of Silence
Nothing is worse than being on a plane with a screaming child or a chatty Cathy seatmate. That’s why I never travel without either a pair of noise cancelling headphones or my Beats By Dr. Dre earbuds. Pop on either of them and enjoy the silence.
7. Sleepy Time
When it’s time to rest, you want to be comfortable. So invest in an inflatable neck pillow (I know they look silly, but they are a great sleep enhancer), an eye mask and comfortable socks.
8. Charge Me Up
More airlines are installing power ports on their aircraft, but you can’t always depend on that. When I flew to Paris for Christmas, the flight over had a USB port, but the flight home didn’t. That’s why I always carry my trusty Mophie Juice Pack Powerstation Duo, which allows me to charge my iPhone and iPad quickly.
9. Show The Love
The flight attendants are there for your safety. But they also work hard to ensure that our flight is comfortable and stress-free. Show your appreciation by presenting them with a box of sealed chocolates, like Ghiradelli Chocolate Squares or Ferrero Rochertruffles.
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