With a bit of planning, you can fly in total and complete comfort. Here are five items that are easy to gather and will facilitate your next air-travel experience.
As airlines continue to look for ways to economize, passengers can provide for many of their own on-board needs by packing an air-travel comfort kit.
The noise level on an air plane is quite high, and an unhappy infant or a snoring passenger can add distractions that seriously affect your ability to relax. Foam earplugs are inexpensive, comfortable to wear, and very effective at providing you with a peaceful flight.
Even if your flight is only an hour or two long, unexpected delays can occur at any point. Most types of food can be brought through security check-in without a problem, as long as you avoid semi-liquid items like yogourt. Nuts and trail mix, string cheese, and dried fruits are excellent choices for your air-travel comfort kit.
Once you have passed through security, you'll almost always find a shop selling bottled water. These bottles may cost more than you expect, but it's usually worth the few extra dollars to have control of your own drinking water. Flight attendants can be very busy, and turbulence in the air can keep them in their own seats —regardless of how thirsty you might be.
Air plane cabins can turn out to be much warmer or cooler than you'd like. While international flights still usually provide blankets, it's good to have something available to keep you warm on shorter trips. A big sweater or coat is great to carry on board and drape over you for that extra bit of coziness.
Staying comfortable on an air plane often requires some twisting and turning in your seat. Wear comfortable knitted tops and pants with stretchy waistlines. Several layers are also important, in case the temperature becomes too hot or cold.
Slip-on shoes are also very helpful. Not only do they make moving through security check-points easier, but they can be slipped off mid-flight if you have to cross your legs or engage in other in-seat gymnastics for comfort.
In the confined space of an air plane seat, many components of your comfort are beyond your control. A few preparations can help you meet your own basic needs for food, water, warmth, quiet, and comfort, and can make your air travel experience much more enjoyable.
