If you wanted to know the best secrets on having a great flight, who better to ask than flight attendants?
They have more valuable insights than most people realize. Their office is literally in the air, so they spend more time on planes than the most travel-worn road warrior.
You may have questions on how to make your flight a more pleasant and relaxing one, or at least not one that is uncomfortable. SmarterTravel.com recently shared some flight attendants’ secrets for a better flight that may give you the answers you need.
WHAT SHALL I BRING ON BOARD?
This may seem like a silly question, but a lot of people completely ignore it and then wonder why they can’t relax and get comfortable. Flight attendants suggest you bring the following:
- A light blanket.
- A sleep mask (if you want to sleep).
- Ear plugs.
- A good book.
- A neck pillow.
- Socks.
It can get a little cold on the plane (socks), it’s noisy (ear plugs), and you may have light shining in through the window right into your eyes (mask). Plus, you don’t want to use the plane blankets because of general germiness (be sure to wash your blanket as soon as you can; don’t reuse it). And nothing beats a good book.
HOW DO FLIGHT ATTENDANTS WANT TO BE TREATED?
Remember, flight attendants are people too, and they want to be treated well, just like everyone else.
One piece of advice is to smile at your flight attendants when you board, and give them a friendly greeting. It’s a warm way to tell the attendant that you acknowledge them and their professional service.
Another tip, think ahead and buy a piece of candy for them in the airport. Attendants love the small things their passengers give them. It helps make their day.
Finally, politeness is key! Practice saying “please” and “thank you.” You should do this anyway, but especially when you’re flying.
HOW DO I AVOID GETTING SICK?
If you are a frequent flyer, you may think that you are bound to get sick. With the hundreds and thousands of people who will be on your plane in a week, you have no idea what might be lurking on and around your seat. There are a few ways you can protect yourself.
You can start with keeping a few personal disinfecting wipes with you in a resealable bag. (Don’t use the kitchen and bath wipes, because you’re going to use them on yourself too).
Wipe your arms and hands and then wipe down the armrests and the tray table, as well as the monitor screen, if there is one in front of you.
Also, drink water before and during the flight. Staying hydrated is the key to staying healthy, so avoid coffee, tea, and soda, and drink plenty of water.
Lastly, try not to touch anything in the lavatories with your hands. Always have a paper towel in your hand when you open and shut the lid, flush, and use the door knob. Don’t go in there barefoot either. And when you come back out, even if you washed your hands — be sure to wash them with soap and hot water for 20 seconds — wipe your hands down with another disinfecting wipe.
HOW DO I MANAGE MY KIDS?
Kids get restless on a plane. They’re forced to sit still for hours, they want to run and play, and there’s a whole lot to see and do and explore, but they can’t.
According to the flight attendants in the article, let your kids use up their energy before the flight. Let them run around the house or hotel (but not in the airport), so they won’t be so restless on the flight.
Have them wear clothes in layers since the temperature tends to be different in the plane. Don’t bring a favorite blanket or soft toy though, because you can’t easily disinfect them as they get dragged over germy seats and armrests. (If you do bring them, pack them in a suitcase until you get to your final destination.)
Teach your kids how to be polite to fellow passengers as well as to the flight attendants. Also, bring extra diapers, clothes, baby wipes, snacks and food with you. And if you are breastfeeding, be aware that you are allowed to bring bottles of milk on board as well.
Are you a flight attendant or a frequent traveler? What did we miss? What else should we include? Share your tips and recommendations with us on our Facebook page, or on our Twitter stream. You can also find us on our Instagram page at @TravelproIntl.
Photo credit: SuperJet International (Wikimedia Commons, Creative Commons 2.0)
