Comfort and contentment at 30,000 feet
|
These days, airline customers worry as much about staying comfortable and healthy during the flight as they do about the meal service and movie. Here are tips from seasoned travelers about how to arrive fresh and stylish, even after a long-haul that takes you halfway around the world.
Plane comfort, plain and simple
- Wear loose, comfortable clothing in layers, so that you can remove and add items according to the temperature. Airplanes often use excessive air conditioning, so bring one more layer than you think you will need.
- Chew gum during takeoffs and landings to avoid ear discomfort caused by the altitude change
- Keep muscles from cramping by stretching before, during and after the trip. Walk up and down the aisles and rotate your neck, shoulders and wrists.
- Avoid eating salty foods like airline peanuts, which can cause you to retain water. Eat fruit instead. Drink double the amount of water you normally would.
- Apply lotion to your hands and face to avoid excessive dryness from the circulated air.
- Keep your blood moving while you sit in your seat by raising your feet and rotating your ankles.
Getting the good seat
- Request bulkhead seats (those behind the dividing walls of a plane) or a seat by one of the emergency exits if you want more legroom.
- Choose an aisle seat for easier access to the overhead storage compartment and lavatories, as well as for faster disembarking.
- Consider sitting near the lavatories if you are traveling with children.
- Opt for the back of the plane if you want to sprawl out; there are usually fewer people there.
- Sit toward the front if you want to get off the plane faster, which could be important if you are trying to make a tight connection. The front of plane also tends to be a quieter ride.
- If motion sickness is a potential problem, choose a seat toward the wings, which are the stability point for the plane.
- Sit near the galleys if you want early snack, beverage or meal service.
Arriving wrinkle-free
- Wear fabrics in wool or silk. These natural fibers have some elasticity, which keeps them from crinkling.
- Wear synthetic fabrics or clothes that contain blens of synthetic and natural fibers. These fibers make clothing less wrinle-prone, more durable and easier to care for.
- Opt for linen, which creases easily but “fall out” nicely and carries off the crumpled-casual look well.
- Choose knits instead of weaves. Knitwear, which includes cable, ribbed, tricot and jersey knits, wrinkles less than woven fabrics.
- Pack intelligently. Make use of flat suitcase pockets and special packing accessories that hold clothes in place, and don’t overstuff your bags.
- Consider rolling knits, denims and linens to avoid harsh fold lines.
|
