Airplane Travel Tips
by Tracie A. Handley (RSS feed) on Mar 5th, 2010 at 10:54AM
Removing your shoes to pass through
security doesn't mean you have to pick up dirt, germs, and everything else left behind by fellow travelers. In a plastic baggie in an exterior pocket of your carry-on, store a bag of hand wipes along with an old pair of socks, or disposable slip-on booties like hospital workers wear.
Slide those on when you slip your shoes off, and after passing through security, peel off those germy socks or booties and return them to their resealable bag for your return trip, while putting clean feet in your shoes.
Use the hand wipes and you're good to go -- germ-free!
by Karen Sindayen (RSS feed) on Feb 24th, 2010 at 9:11AM
Baggage fees can be pretty steep, and most people try to avoid them by packing everything in a carry-on. The result, of course, is a heavy carry-on bag for them -- and a shortage of overhead bin space for the rest of us.
Avoid the misery of fighting for overhead bin space by asking the gate attendant to check your bag from the gate. This allows you to get on the plane without having to fight for the limited overhead space. It also saves your arms and shoulders the heavy lifting and possible injury. Final bonus: there is no checked bag fee from the gate!
When the plane lands, your bag will be waiting for you when you get off the plane, right there at your gate.
by Sandy Mitchell (RSS feed) on Feb 20th, 2010 at 9:01PM
Want a little extra room when traveling with a spouse or friend? Book the window and aisle seats of the same row.
Since the middle seats are the last seats on the plane to be chosen, there's a good chance that the seat between you will be vacant if the flight isn't fully-booked.
If someone does sit between you, just offer them the window or the aisle seat. Who wouldn't exchange a middle seat for a window or aisle?
by Mary Alice Murphy (RSS feed) on Feb 19th, 2010 at 11:02AM
Don't let your kids bounce on the tray or kick the seat in front of them.
Don't.
Ever.
by Abdul Farukhi (RSS feed) on Feb 18th, 2010 at 9:06PM
If you want to fly in comfort on an international flight, but don't care for the frills of first-class (or don't want to pay for them), purchase four coach seats in a row.
A row of 4 seats is long enough to lay across and is just as comfortable as a flat first-class bed. You also get to carry four times the luggage (while saving as much as 50% off the price of a first-class seat), and you can also order four different meals. Finally, as an added bonus, you earn four times the frequent flier miles.
The only downside is that you're still in coach class.
by Rob Blasko (RSS feed) on Feb 15th, 2010 at 9:37PM
Many airlines and travel web sites (such as Expedia, Kayak, etc.) track how many times you've visited their websites. In so doing, they provide different offers and deals depending on the user.
To make sure you're getting the best prices when you book air travel online, be sure to
clear your web browser's cookies and cache. This will make it appear as if it's your first time visiting these sites, and you're likely to see much better prices for your next flight!
by Carrie Stahl (RSS feed) on Feb 15th, 2010 at 3:01PM
Blocking the aisle during boarding while you dig for gum, a book, a hand-held computer game, disinfecting wipes, or earphones will annoy your fellow passengers -- and can delay the departure of your plane.
To avoid this, pack these small must-haves in a resealable gallon-size bag (or any small, easily grabbed "day bag") and place it near the top of your carry-on bag. This will make the bag and its contents easy to retrieve as you take your seat.
Bonus: you'll have a convenient place to stow these necessities during flight and reduce your chances of leaving something behind.
by Dean Carrell (RSS feed) on Feb 14th, 2010 at 2:57AM
Traditional methods for clearing "flier's ear" include yawning, chewing gum, and using special earplugs for flying. However, there are other methods for preventing this painful condition, including this unusual, but effective, one:
- Pack two small heat packs (they grow warm when mashed).
- Use earphones to hold one over each ear.
- Keep the earphones' plug visible so flight attendants will see you're not using an electronic device.
You'll get a few weird looks, but it may help. (A pack may last a couple of flights if placed in an airtight bag after use.)
by Erik B Olson (RSS feed) on Feb 13th, 2010 at 3:05PM
Before you leave, use a printable checklist of items you need to pack, and where you'll be packing them (carry-on or checked luggage.) Include all your frequently-forgotten or last minute items: batteries, cell-phone charger, toiletries, etc, and leave blanks for the specifics about clothes, shoes, and other valuable items.
But here's the most important part of this list:
Keep a copy of the list with you. If your checked baggage gets lost, you won't have to try to remember what it contained, and you can share the list with the airline.
by Kyle Greggory (RSS feed) on Feb 11th, 2010 at 2:59PM
One problem many fliers share is a fear of turbulence. If you fly, you're bound to experience it at some point -- but airplane turbulence doesn't have to be scary! Bring an MP3 player aboard and, the moment the air gets bumpy, turn it to your favorite track and get groovy!
You'll likely get some looks from the other passengers, but hey -- you get to have fun and forget the fear.
When you dance in place -- or "chair dance" -- the dips and jolts all seem like part of the experience, and they become less noticeable. It's tried and true advice. Don't be skeptical; try it on your next flight!
by Kevin Nosalek (RSS feed) on Feb 7th, 2010 at 3:02PM
Have you ever made an airline reservation and been told the only available seats are those in the middle? What you probably weren't told is that airlines hold a number of prime seats for last-minute bookings to elite customers. When those seats aren't sold, they're released about 24 hours prior to departure.
To take advantage of this, visit your airline's website and look for the "check-in" link. There you will see what (newly released) seats are available, and you can change yours if necessary.
If that doesn't work, use the check-in kiosk when you get to the airport. It offers the same option.
by Ally Ramos (RSS feed) on Jan 21st, 2010 at 6:53PM
We all know there aren't enough power outlets in airports, so pack a power cord splitter for long layover.
For roughly $5, you can purchase a cord that allows two or more plugs to access the same outlet. You won't hog an outlet yourself, or -- even better -- it might work to your advantage if all outlets are otherwise occupied: you can share someone else's power.
by Jenna Knight (RSS feed) on Jan 21st, 2010 at 12:49PM
Make your luggage stand out! Customizing your luggage prevents others from mistakenly picking it up and helps you spot your luggage faster.
Customizing your luggage need not be expensive. Inexpensive options include:
- tieing brightly-colored ribbons to the handles of each piece of luggage;
- affixing bumper stickers to the hard, external parts of bags;
- wrapping multi-colored duct tape to the outside of a piece of luggage;
- monogram-stenciling the bag with paint;
- attaching unbreakable holiday ornaments to a bag's handles.
by Robin L. Ingle (RSS feed) on Jan 20th, 2010 at 11:03AM
If you want to eat a better meal on your next long-haul flight, request a vegetarian (or kosher) meal when you book your tickets.
In addition to being fresher, the vegetarian and kosher meals on airlines -- which are often the same -- are often tastier than their meat-based meals. In addition, on U.S.-based flights, the meals often are less mixed together, making them easier to dissect/remove parts that don't appeal to you.
by Claire Daniel (RSS feed) on Jan 19th, 2010 at 9:00PM
Airline crews are probably some of the least appreciated folks in the airline industry. Next time you fly, say thank you as you board the plane ... with a treat.
Most
flight attendants love pre-made cakes and pies from Trader Joe's (from $6-$12), and everyone appreciates homemade cookies.
You'll be surprised at what your treat can give you in return. On a European trip, I was upgraded to first class after presenting a key lime pie and chocolate cake. If the first class or business class is fully booked, the least you'll get is smiles and first-class treatment from the crew.
by Jane Asper (RSS feed) on Jan 19th, 2010 at 12:36PM
If you're unhappy with the size (or cleanliness) of the pillows the airlines provide, consider "making" your own.
Bring an empty, gallon-sized, slide-lock, plastic bag on the plane. After you've settled in your seat, close the bag nearly all the way, insert a drinking straw into the opening, and inflate the bag halfway. Then wrap the bag with a sweater or scarf and place this under your head.
On long/international flights, place the tiny pillow provided by the airline in the small of your back rather than under your head. The pillow provides welcome lower back support.
by K Grady (RSS feed) on Jan 17th, 2010 at 12:56PM
Airlines are skilled at canceling flights at a moment's notice. Whether you're traveling for business or for pleasure, this can be an enormous hassle -- especially of you're traveling with kids. Before flying out, be sure to program the airlines' customer service number into your cell phone.
If your flight is canceled, you can call customer service immediately, as you head for the ticket agent line. Starting the rebooking process immediately, gives you a better chance of being re-booked on the flight of your choice.
by Marilyn McAndrew (RSS feed) on Jan 17th, 2010 at 12:46PM
Not just for beaches anymore, bring a beach ball on your next long flight, semi-inflate it, and use it as a foot rest.
The beach ball keeps your feet slightly elevated, which is good for circulation. To massage the soles of your feet, every 30 minutes or so roll the beach ball in small circles using the bottom of your feet.
by vivasuzi (RSS feed) on Jan 10th, 2010 at 2:55AM
No one wants to sleep in an airport, but it may be unavoidable if your plane is grounded. Pack the following items in your carry-on to improve an emergency overnight airport stay:
- a tightly folded fleece blanket and inflatable pillow will provide comfort and warmth;
- snacks (granola bars, 100-calorie packs) are essential since some airport restaurants close at night;
- prescriptions, as well as some cough drops and aspirin, should be in a carry-on because checked bags may not be accessible;
- include a cell phone charger and spare change for pay phones;
- bring something to do such as a crossword, laptop or book.
It's unlikely that you'll be stranded in an airport overnight, but it's better to be safe than sorry.
by Paul Ruth (RSS feed) on Jan 9th, 2010 at 7:43AM
Headphones are an absolute "must-have" when traveling on an airplane, for several reasons --
- On longer flights, it's common to show a movie, and you probably want to hear it well.
- On other flights, the plane may have on-board games or on-demand music.
- Of course, you may bring your own pre-recorded music to help get away.
- The largest benefit, though, is simply to help cancel out "airplane noise."
Airplanes can be very loud -- for example, engines, crying babies, or a snoring aisle-mate can all make a flight more stressful. Headphones are an important accessory to help you relax, tune out the sounds, and pass the time.
An a pinch, you can always put headphones on to avoid a chatty seatmate (you don't even need to turn on music to silence your talkative neighbor).
[Ed's note: See all Gadling's posts about headphones here.]← Previous Page|Next Page →
