How to Survive an International Flight
My parents left earlier this week to visit my sister in Dublin. I myself traveled transcontinentally a few times a year for my old job, during which I accrued some tips that I had planned to give to my folks, who have never flown overseas before. Of course, I forgot, but here they are anyway. Most of them can apply to any flight, but make more sense for long flights where comfort is important.
Clothing. Don’t fret about looking like an idiot American who just rolled out of bed; wear something loose and “breathable.” (Anything like jeans or khakis will just seal in your bodily juices and you’ll feel all hot and nasty for half the flight.) I swear by track pants, but sweat pants are probably also a good option, with a T-shirt and maybe a sweatshirt (it can get cold on the plane and those skimpy blankets they give you only cover so much). Wear a pair of your “nice” socks (not those thin ones with dirt stains and holes) because they’re ideal for “wearing” on the plane; I bust out of my shoes as soon as the plane takes off. Much more comfortable and psychologically makes it easier for you to relax/sleep.
Food. Anything to break up the high-sodium of the airline food, and also something just in case you get stranded in an airport and don’t feel like paying $7 for a hot dog. Cliff or Luna bars, or chewy granola bars, are my top recommendations. (Avoid anything crumbly as it’ll just bust up in your luggage and get all over the place when you’re eating it.) Also nice is dried fruit (although be warned your hands can get sticky), particularly Crasins or raisins in one of those foil re-sealable pouches; avoid traditional dried fruit as the sulphur dioxide used as a preservative will give you searing gas.
Gum. I’m a big fan of sugarless gum. Freshens breath and helps your ears “pop” when you chew it.
A bottle of water. They’ll serve water on the plane but it’s always nice to have your own.
Reading material. Small paperbacks and disposable magazines are obviously best.
Toiletries. Toothbrush and a travel tube of toothpaste are a great idea, as your mouth will get all mossy if you don’t brush after dinner. A travel pack of baby wipes is ideal for wiping your hands and greasy face (or your ass if the toilet paper isn’t doing full duty).
Sleep aids. A sleep mask (those fabric ones that strap over your eyes) and earplugs really do help. An mp3 player or Walkman/Discman is also handy and helps pass the time and relax you even when you’re not trying to doze off; they’re also good if you don’t feel like talking to some chatty bastard sitting next to you or listening to the baby that’s shrieking like it’s being jabbed with hatpins.
Games. Hasbro makes travel Scrabble and Boggle (they call them “Scrabble Folio Game Edition” and “Boggle Folio Game Edition”—they’re available on Amazon.com for $20 each.) Brilliant and ultimately portable. I suppose crossword puzzle books or maybe a deck of cards might also be up your alley.
Storage. In coach, your space is at a premium; maximize it. The first thing I do upon taking my seat on the plane is take all the crap that’s in my seatback pocket and throw it up into the overhead compartment. The pocket is now yours for all your stuff; you don’t want to read any of those magazines or airmiles catalogs anyways, believe me.