Dive Diva
Telling it like it is
May 20th, 2017
Flight Travel Tips
When it comes to air travel, most of us are stressed before even making it to the airport. Because let’s face it, we already know exactly how the day will go before even making to our destination. Over priced plane tickets, high baggage fees, over priced airport food and drinks, crowded terminals, over booked flights. And if you’ve put off your yearly physical at your doctor’s office have no fear, because the TSA is more than happy to accommodate! Complete with a full body scan and for some lucky few, a complimentary colonoscopy. Some call it “Homeland Security” others call it “Obama Care”. With the snap of a glove, passengers are instructed to drop their belongings and constitutional rights into a plastic tub. Freedom of speech is literally nonexistent while in the TSA security checkpoint.
So now that you’ve managed to make it through security, it’s now time to find your gate and board the plane. If you're super lucky and with fingers crossed, you won’t get kicked off an overbooked flight. For those of us lucky enough to keep our seats, the fun has just begun. Now you’re trapped on a plane with cramped leg space, crying kids, angry passengers, the person sitting next to you is taking up both of the arm rests, and the woman in front of you has just flipped her long ponytail over the seat back. Her long hair cascading over your tv monitor, laptop, or even into your food and drinks. After a long miserable flight, all you want to do is gather up all your luggage and get out of there. If ANY of this sounds like a past flight experience, you’re not alone. In this article, I will give you my tips to having a better flight the next time you take to the skies.
Tip # 1
This is a tip that requires taking some action the week before you fly. Start taking echinacea and other immune support supplements a few days before flying and through to the next few days after your flight. When you think about how many people could be carrying contagious germs in such a confined space during the flight, it’s no wonder so many of us get sick after flying and usually while on vacation. Help boost your immune system as much as possible before and after a flight to keep you going healthy and strong.
If you plan to travel outside the country, taking a bottle of Acidophilus is my MUST HAVE! Foods in other countries can sometimes disagree with someone, so to keep you out and enjoying the vacation rather than riding the porcelain thrown during your whole trip, keep these on hand. This handy probiotic will help your digestive system stay strong and healthy!
Also, pick up a small bottle of hand sanitizer to put in your carry on bag. If you like to read the magazines that most airlines provide, you can bet there’s germs on those too. In my opinion, planes are just a disgusting canister of recycled germs and farts! So wash your hands often, avoid touching your eyes, and stock up on some immune support supplements. You’ll be glad you did and your body will thank you!
Tip # 2
Before heading off to the airport, make it a point to either buy a security wallet or wrap your credit/debit cards and ID in tin foil. If you haven’t already heard about how easy it is for someone to scan your purse or wallet while at the airport without you even knowing, then listen up! It is incredibly easy for someone to steel your card info and drain your accounts, all before you even make it to your flight. I know, because this happened to my husband while at the airport. The thief made off with over $2,500 without even taking my husband’s wallet. Though the bank was great about recovering the stolen funds, it took a while to get it back because the claim had to go through the fraud department.
Also, another helpful tip on this subject. If you have to buy ANYTHING in the airport using your card, be sure to NEVER let the cashier walk away with your card or say they need to run it on a machine below the counter. It is possible for them to steel your information in a matter of seconds, even with you standing right in front of them. Again, this is something my husband found out the hard way. And if you’re wondering, these were two completely different thefts taking place five years apart. However, I figure I can take this negative experience and try to turn it into a positive. My hope is that this could be valuable information that could help save someone else the headache in the future. If the credit card machine isn’t working, opt to use cash. Should you have to use your card for ANYTHING in the airport, including the ATM, ALWAYS ask for a receipt.
Tip # 3
Dress comfy! If you don’t have any place special to be after your flight, then plan on your comfy clothes. Try to steer clear of yoga pants. This isn't a security issue, however after making it through security some airlines are calling these pants “inappropriate” and may get you kicked off the flight. I swear, some people have nothing better to do than to find ways to ruin someone else's day. So go for sweat pants or loose fitting leggings, a comfortable loose fitting shirt, and sandals! This will eliminate having to take a belt on and off and having shoes to tie. Once through security gather your stuff, slip on the sandals, and you’re off to your gate.
Tip # 4
Try to only take carry ons. This will save you the money it would cost to check a bag and the hassle of possibly dealing with the dreaded lost luggage. A small carryon suitcase and backpack should be more than enough space for your things. If you are visiting friends or family, opt to use their hair dryer and do some laundry while there to avoid over packing. You can always buy what you need once there to save on space in your bags.
Tip # 5
Kill them with kindness! When going through security, I go out of my way to be over the top polite. Think Toy Story’s tour guide barbie, yup that’s me! I’ve found by smiling big, being overly nice does one of two things. It either puts the TSA agent in a good mood and they’ll tend to treat you with more respect, or they’ve had a long day and are more annoyed than anything and want nothing more than to send you on your way as quick as possible.
Tip # 6
While drinks are not allowed through security, food is. Every time I fly, I’m sure to take a sandwich, bag of goldfish crackers, a can of peanuts, or some kind of easy to pack snacks. This saves on airport costs of food and I’m sure to get what I want to eat if the complimentary snack on the plane (if provided) is something I don’t like. Also a helpful tip for those who may have a food allergy!
Tip # 7
Think ahead! Some of my friends and family call me Marry Poppins, because no matter the situation I can usually pull something from my backpack. I like to hit the dollar store the day before my flight. I stock up on coloring books, small boxes of crayons, gum, tums, tylenol, ear plugs, dramamine, and crossword books. I also make sure to pack my earbuds and download a few good movies to my phone. A move or two that I like to watch and a couple of kids movies.
Now being on a crowded plane with crying kids is something most people dread. But keep calm and try to remember that if your stressed out about sharing a flight with an upset kid, chances are their parents are even more stressed out trying to keep their child from disrupting the other passengers. This is where my bag of tricks comes into play! If you notice the child is still upset after takeoff, wait till you’re allowed to move about the cabin. Take the crayons and coloring book to the parents and ask if it’s okay that they color. This may help to distract the child long enough for the flight and the other passengers will be thankful as they are able to relax. I keep gum in the even an older child is having trouble equalizing their ears. Be sure to ALWAYS ask the parents permission, but chances are they will appreciate the gesture. Should I be seated next to the child that can’t seem to sit still, I first offer the crayons and coloring book. If all else fails, I have a kids movie or two I can share during the flight.
Ear plugs help not only me should I just want some peace and quiet, but I pack a few pair and can give them to the crankiest of passengers to help them relax. My whole thought process is you can either be part of the solution or part of the problem.
Tip # 8
Keep your cool. Whether you’ve been bumped off your overbooked flight or you’re seated next to that rude passenger, keeping your cool may actually help you come out ahead. Should you be bumped from your flight, it’s best to jut deplane and accept the vouchers. In some cases, if you are nice enough you may get a full refund for the inconvenience, travel vouchers, airport food vouchers, and even hotel accommodations. The more you put up a fight, the less the airline is inclined to helping you. Also, should you get bumped off your flight, this is where it comes in handy to only have carryon items. Now you won’t have to deal with possible lost luggage.
Same concept applies when seated next to a rude passenger. If the person sitting next to you is taking up your armrest, you can first try being polite about it and make a joke about the tight seating and lack of elbow room. Some people just need to be called out on their lack of edict. There’s no need to be rude about it cause after all, two wrongs don’t make a right. If that fails, go up to the flight attendant and kindly let them know of the situation. Tell them you are not trying to cause problems, but that you are being robbed of the seat and space you’ve paid for. If possible, ask to be reseated or ask for a partial refund or flight voucher for the inconvenience. Again, being overly polite might just get you an upgrade.
Tip # 9
Sometimes we just can’t help having checked luggage. But when it’s time to claim your bags at the carousel, the luggage seems to all look the same. Chances are, by now you and the rest of the weary passengers are more than ready to get out of the airport and onto your destination as quick as possible. This last tip will help cut down on the time wasted looking at the name tags in the sea of bags and get you well on your way.
It would be easy to try and buy a suitcase that has a crazy print making it quick to spot. But luggage isn’t cheap and so to help save you some money on new bags and minimize your time waiting at the carousel, use colored duct tape to mark your bags! And if you have to check more than one bag, be sure to number your bags written on the tape and print your last name as well. For example, say you’re checking three bags. Each bag would be labeled 1/3 (your last name), 2/3 (your last name), 3/3 (your last name). Why? Well I’m glad you asked! First off, when I have to check bags I use hot pink duct tape on all sides of my bags so that no matter what side the bag is laying, I will be able to spot my luggage the second it’s on the carousel. Next, I label my bag with my last name on all sides. This way should another passenger have the same idea, mine will clearly show my name at a glance. If I check more than one, I always number each bag. Not only does this help keep track of my luggage, but every time I use this technique other passengers laugh and say how great of an idea it is. They usually end up watching to see when my next hot pink bag will arrive and sometimes bring my bags to me, often offering to stack them on a cart. Even if no one helps to pull your bags, you’ll see your luggage no problem and be on your way, while others are stuck reading name tags. Use bright colors like pink, green, print, or mix and match to help your bags stand out. This is even a good idea to use on your carryon bags. In the event that there is no more overhead space available, the airline may request that they check your bag for you. This has never happened to me, but I have seen this happen to other passengers so try to always be prepared.
So, before you take to the skies remember to stock up, downsize your luggage, label, and above all… Just be kind! Common courtesy isn’t too common any more and a bad attitude is contagious and will spread like wildfire. If someone you meet is having a bad day, just remember you don’t know their story and you could be the one to put a smile on their face. I truly believe in karma and you can choose to either be part of solution or part of the problem. I hope these tips help you on your next fight. Safe and happy travels everyone!
-Dive Diva