Airplane Travel Tips You Should Know

Long airplane flights can be nerve-wracking experiences. From feeling as though time will never pass to always having someone screaming babies next to you, a flight can seem endlessly long and exhausting.

Flying can be daunting, but with these airplane travel tips you can relax and arrive at your destination feeling rejuvenated. Cathay Pacific offers flexible fares right now. 

Pack Your Own Snacks

Long-haul flights require careful consideration and planning. Because airplane food can be costly and unhealthy, packing your own snacks can save money while keeping you comfortable during your journey.

At your discretion, it is perfectly legal to bring snacks that don’t require too much assembly such as granola bars, protein shakes, crackers, fruits and vegetables salads as well as dried or frozen food into a plane cabin – as long as these are kept in sealed containers or bags for security and any possible spills wouldn’t upset other passengers on board.

Focus on nutritious and accessible options such as fresh fruit. Eating on-the-go without creating a mess, you could also pick up premade sandwiches at airports or purchase healthy wraps or bagel from places such as Starbucks (one nonfat tall latte contains just 90 calories and lots of fiber!).

Solid cheese such as string cheese or Babybel won’t count as liquid and pairs perfectly with crackers for an easy snack. Hard-boiled eggs also make an ideal quick and filling snack that are relatively straightforward to enjoy during turbulent flights.

Instant miso soup can also provide warmth while helping with dehydration during flights; just be sure to fill your cup about 3/4 of the way full to avoid burnt soup due to turbulence.

Don’t Worry About the Meal

Airlines food can be pricey and subpar, so bringing snacks is often cheaper and better. In addition, plane air is dry, which may leave you parched – bring along something to drink for thirst relief – such as your own water bottle so that it is easy to refresh in the bathroom before your flight – many airports now even provide filtered water systems!

Once your plane has landed at its arrival gate, it is essential that you are patient while leaving the plane. Even though many will stand up and begin retrieving their bags immediately upon landing, remember that your row must first be called before trying to retrieve yours as otherwise you risk running into someone or colliding with their bag accidentally.

Stretch out before getting off of an airplane to avoid stiffness or aches post flight. Another tip for first time flyers would be to always show respect towards other passengers by following all rules of etiquette while flying, including staying seated during turbulence and putting your carry-on luggage away when safe to do so – this will make the flight more enjoyable for all involved and should any confusion arise ask either the flight crew or other passengers for guidance – they’d be more than willing to assist!

Don’t Be Afraid to Take Your Shoes Off

One of the more controversial topics in travel is whether or not passengers should remove their shoes before entering a plane. While most experts recommend leaving shoes off when sitting down, taking off your shoes allows your feet to wiggle around more freely while stretching and flexing for better circulation and reduced swelling/cramps on longer flights. Some airlines even provide storage nets to make retrieving your shoes easier when needed!

The Shoe Bomb incident saw Richard Reid attempt to detonate explosives hidden inside his shoes during a flight, leading airports in the U.S. to require passengers remove their footwear at security checkpoints while those traveling in other countries can sometimes keep footwear on.

Flimsy flip-flops or sandals may not provide adequate safety in an emergency evacuation, may trip you up on escalators and moving walkways, and trap dirt from the airplane bathroom floor on your feet – something nobody wants! Instead, opt for stretchy casual sneakers or trainers which provide maximum comfort throughout your flight – opt for those that feature either flip-up heel areas that can easily be folded out of the way, or laceless slip-on shoes without the fussing around with laces to ensure easy on/off use and takeoff/off without hassles or fuss with laces requiring fussing.

Ask About Seating Options

SeatGuru can help make selecting a plane seat easier – simply enter your airline, flight route and class of travel and see a color-coded map of its interior!

If possible, it’s advisable to choose seats over the wings as this position reduces air turbulence, making travel less likely and providing relief from travel sickness or fear of flying. Bulkhead seats – located close to one of the vertical walls that divide sections in an aircraft – also allow luggage stowage without it in front or behind, though many such seats have limited or no recline functionality.

If the seats you prefer were unavailable when booking, make sure to inquire if any are available upon checking in or during boarding. Airline staff often will accommodate this request to improve passenger comfort during flight – it could even save a stressful journey! Leaving earlier might make for a longer airport wait but will ultimately pay dividends later.

Don’t Be Afraid to Pick a Window Seat

Your airplane seat choice reveals much about who you are as an individual traveler. A recent study conducted by a website concluded that which seat type you prefer reveals something about how you travel.

If you are an introvert, chances are you appreciate privacy and solitude during flights. On the other hand, adventurers might like daydreaming of all of the exciting places they will see while sitting in their window seat.

As part of your considerations when booking an aisle seat is how much mobility you require during the flight. If you plan on moving frequently throughout the flight, an aisle seat provides greater freedom. You’ll find accessing overhead compartment easier without disturbing anyone nearby.

Seats near the front of a plane tend to be quieter, closer to exit doors, and less susceptible to turbulence than those at the back. If you miss out when booking your ticket, arrive early at the gate and politely ask an agent whether she can switch your seat – she might know if any passengers didn’t show up, resulting in extra space available or could offer assistance immediately – giving yourself every chance for success on this endeavor!

Don’t Forget to Sleep

Preparation is key to an enjoyable flight experience, and that starts well before boarding the aircraft. You can help ensure a restful flight by packing earplugs and an eye mask to block out distractions; eating a nutritious meal or snack before your flight; and forgoing alcohol or caffeine which makes adapting to altitude more challenging.

Consider taking advantage of the complimentary headphones offered at your gate (though an adapter may be necessary if your airline uses two-pin connections). If your flight doesn’t offer entertainment systems, bring along something to read or listen to on your phone; noise-canceling headphones may come in handy here as well. Ensure you stay well-hydrated as sleep deprivation may lead to unpleasant side effects while airborne.

Finally, when possible, travel first class to ensure a lie-flat seat; this could make the difference between an exhausting nap and an uninterrupted night’s rest on your trip. Be sure to inform the crew that you intend on sleeping during your flight so they will not disturb it with meals or other announcements; an alarm on your phone can help ensure you wake up on time!