Ever since the Wright brothers had the first successful airplane flight in 1903, the aviation industry has been rapidly expanding. During both World War I and World War II, specialized aircraft were developed in order to enhance the army’s combat potential. In fact, the years 1918 – 1939 are revered as being the “Golden Age” of aviation. Though airplane flights were once a luxury reserved only for wealthy individuals, air travel now represents a significant percentage of the transportation industry. Each year, the aviation industry experiences an average of 5% growth, as air travel becomes both more accessible and more affordable.
This summer, thousands of people will board planes to fly off to their dream vacation locales. On extended flights, its easy to have a negative experience. To help make long flights more bearable, here are a few tips to help make you more comfortable.
Choose Your Seats.
When you purchase an airplane ticket, you usually have the option to select your seats. If you prefer an aisle or a window seat, be sure to switch your seat accordingly. If you want a bit of extra leg room, you can choose a seat near one of the emergency exits. However, if you sit in one of these seats, you will be responsible for helping passengers exit the plane in the event of an emergency.
Bring Your Own Drink.
Due to the recent security restrictions, full bottles of beverages are not permitted to be brought past security. However, you can bring an empty bottle, which you can fill in one of the airport’s bathrooms prior to boarding the plane. You can also usually purchase drinks at one of the convenience stores located within the terminal.
Pack Lotion and Chapstick.
Something many people don’t realize, is that the air on a plane can be extremely dry due to the air filtration system. To help you to be more comfortable, don’t forget to bring products to help deal with dry skin. Though these may seem like small items, they will help you to better deal with long flights.
Choose Your Plane.
If you are able, try to choose a plane that has an entertainment system built-in to the seat. These systems may offer certain TV shows, network channels, or pay-per-view movies. On long flights, this can be extremely helpful for dealing with travel fatigue.
Bring Headphones.
Though many airplanes offer headphones for purchase on the plane, they are usually low-quality, and may cause headaches in sensitive individuals. To prevent this, bring some noise-cancelling headphones in your carry-on luggage.
Pack Light.
For your carry-on luggage, try to pack light. Attempting to yank an overstuffed bag out of an overhead bin will add to the stress of your flight.
Bring Toiletries.
Riding on an extended flight can take its toll on your overall personal hygiene. To help increase your comfort level, bring a few toiletries in your carry-on. This can include a cleansing facial scrub, mouthwash, and a toothbrush. If you start to feel uncomfortable, take a quick trip to the bathroom to freshen up.
Bring Your Own Food.
Airplane food is notorious for being bland and unappetizing. In addition to this, it’s often extremely expensive! To keep yourself comfortable (and save money), bring your own food onto the plane. This may include a sandwich, some fresh fruit, a granola bar, or other food items. Just remember not to pack food in liquid form (such as yogurt), since it may be confiscated by security.
