A safe and comfortable flight requires adequate preparation in advance. Ms. Lin, a 28-year veteran flight attendant at a major U.S. airline, offers some suggestions when traveling by air.
4 worthwhile tips when traveling by air
1. Choose a major airline when traveling by air
People often compare prices when shopping for goods and try to choose quality products with the lowest price. However, this shopping method is not suitable for air travel. You should consider safety as a top priority and select a reliable airline.
Ms. Lin suggests choosing reputable airlines in the United States, Europe, and Japan. These airlines operate under strict aviation laws, and their fleets go through rigorous maintenance and repair standards. They take all mechanical issues, big and small, seriously.
Pilot error, mechanical failures, and weather are the top three reasons for aviation accidents. Major airlines focus on maintenance and personnel training to mitigate these risks. It is better to avoid low-cost carriers to save money because it is difficult for a carrier to invest in higher safety standards while offering cheaper fares.
2. Wear comfortable clothes when traveling by air
Flight times can last for hours and there’s not a lot of space to move around in the cabin. Be sure to wear comfortable light clothing and good walking shoes. A neck pillow and noise-canceling headphones will also add to your comfort.
Long sleeve shirts and pants should be worn for any flight length for two reasons: the cabin is usually set to a lower temperature, and inan emergency evacuation, long sleeves and pants will better protect the skin from abrasions and burns.
Ms. Lin shares what she wears on the airplane: a short-sleeved tee-shirt inside, a light long-sleeve shirt, and finally, a hooded garment. This way, you can take off a layer of clothing if you get warm.
For longer flights, wear a pair of compression socks and bring a large shawl and an extra set of clothing in your carry-on luggage. Wearing compression socks can prevent blood clots and are more comfortable. A shawl is handy when there are not enough blankets on the plane. The extra clothes are helpful if something spills on you during the flight. If you don’t use these items, you can roll them up and put them behind your back for support on long flights.
3. Carry a small pouch when traveling by air
In addition to the above carry-on items, it is recommended to wear a pouch to keep essential items such as ID, passport, credit cards, money, etc. Having these essential items in a small bag separate from your carry-on luggage is advisable. In the event of an emergency evacuation, you will not be delayed during the evacuation process. Meanwhile, the pouch is small and light.
Ms. Lin’s younger brother often travels internationally. He wears a travel pouch around his neck. Even if everything else is lost, the most essential items are still with him, and the small bag can be used for any travel by air, land, or water.
4. Bring a thermos and food when traveling by air
Water cannot be brought through the TSA checkpoints in the U.S., but you can bring an empty thermos or water bottle and fill it up at the airport terminal or ask a flight attendant to fill it up on the plane. The air on an airplane is very dry, so it’s easy to get thirsty. Having your own water supply makes it convenient, and you don’t have to worry about waking up thirsty and having to wait for the flight attendant to deliver a glass of water.
There are regulations governing the safety of an aircraft’s water and airlines are required to disinfect and flush the water tanks. Those who are concerned with the quality of the drinking water can purchase bottled water on the plane.
There are very few options when it comes to airplane food. If you are on a specific diet or don’t like the food options, you can bring various foods on board. This will help make a long flight more enjoyable.
Translated by Elaine
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