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Suffer through coach with dignity
In three hours, I'll be boarding a plane for an eight-hour flight – assuming we don't get held up on the runway. So, when I saw "How to make the most of flying coach" on MSNBC.com, I hoped for some great advice. It would have been timely ... if it was provided at all. Instead, Travel + Leisure's Reid Bramblett only explained how much it sucks to pay for a non-alcoholic beverage and watch a shitty movie while wedged between two long-lost friends who have never met before. "These days, it's not easy being comfortable – and happy – in coach," he says. Really? Since Bramblett was little help, let me give you a few tips you can use.
First, put your carry-on in the overhead bin, even though you're encouraged to put it under the seat in front of you. Though it inconveniences the airline, you've now recaptured a bit of space for your feet. You may not be able to stretch your legs fully, but you won't be as cramped. Be sure to take your book, magazine, bottle of water and iPod out of your bag first. There's no need to disturb the lucky guy who got the aisle seat.
Bring enough to keep yourself distracted ... but not too much. There's nothing worse than running out of reading material when you're on a long flight, but over-packing can be a burden as well. Do you really need all seven magazines? Even if you don't read them, you'll have to carry them.
Eat before you fly. It's no secret that airline food blows, and it's easier to say "no" on a full stomach. Bring a few snacks along (again, don't go overboard) in case you need a quick fix. This should help you avoid unidentifiable airline grub.
Liquor gets mixed reviews. I know some people who love to have a few drinks to take the edge off (and maybe help them sleep). I tend not to imbibe when I fly. It dries me out and makes me a little lightheaded, worsening an already wearying the experience.
Finally, the best thing you can do is leave any expectations you have at the ticket counter. You'll only be disappointed anyway. Instead, walk into the airport knowing that you only have to complete the experience; you don't have to enjoy it. The destination is your reward for perseverance.
[Via MSNBC]
Reader Comments (Page 1 of 1)
Bernard Feb 8th 2009 4:20AM
Sounds like you are talking about the typical coach experience on US airlines. Why don't you try out non-US carriers then? I fly to Asia up to a few times a year and always take Asian carriers such as Asiana or Cathay Pacific. Both are rated 5-star carriers and provide a much better experience than their 3-star American counterparts, and at about the same price. Alcohol is free and the IFE is typically AVOD. And even most major European airlines provide far better service than the tired old US legacies.
Chris Feb 8th 2009 4:23AM
***First, put your carry-on in the overhead bin, even though you're encouraged to put it under the seat in front of you. Though it inconveniences the airline, you've now recaptured a bit of space for your feet.***
This advice should be taken with the caveat that it is ABSOLUTELY unfair to your fellow passengers for you to stow more than one bag in the overhead bin until after the plane has been fully boarded! It not only inconveniences the people who board late and cannot stow their roll-aboards, but it also inconveniences the rest of the plane (yourself included) when your "overhead greed" combined with the same behavior from several other "me-firsts" on the plane forces several people to gate-check bags, a time-consuming and irritating process.
Stow your roll-aboard in the overhead and for Pete's sake, listen to the announcements. If they say to put them in wheels first, don't just toss them in sideways. Then, put your laptop or backpack under the seat in front of you. If it doesn't fit, then YOU, not the other people on the plane, need to be gate-checking because you have violated the airline's policies for carry-on limitations.
If there's room in the overheads after the plane is boarded and everyone has stowed all of their luggage, then by all means, clear out the space under the seat in front of you and stretch out, but don't force other people to gate-check their bag and potentially delay the flight for everyone just because you want to stretch your legs comfortably.
David Feb 8th 2009 3:54PM
Also remember to hit the restroom BEFORE you get board for a long haul flight. You want to make sure to minimize how much Nature will call you during the flight...and what kinds of calls, if you know what I mean.