Flying in comfort

In the wake of tropical storm Ondoy, one of the three airport terminals in Manila had to cancel and divert flights after the heavy rains and the resulting floods affected its electrical system.

Traveling and flying are already quite stressful situations to some. So imagine how delayed and/or cancelled flights add to the stress levels. These are some of the most stressful parts of any holiday. Let me not even mention missing a connecting flight as this is certified to throw most travelers out of whack.

While there is not much we could do about cancelled flights caused by unpredictable weather, there are things we can do to make our flights comfortable if our plane manages to take-off.

Filipinos spend a good 14 to 18 hours of air travel to reach the US or Europe. With that amount of time spent inside the aircraft, you have to learn to make time fly and transform the aircraft into a flying capsulated inn.

Make your flight as comfortable and as conducive to sleep as you can. Listed below are some tips on how to put the comfort and the zzzzzzzzs to your air travel:

1. Do the electronic check-in to avoid the long queue and to get a better seating arrangement.

2. Avoid the seats at the end of the aircraft and those near the wings and toilets if you want minimal distraction, noise and movement.

3. Get to the airport early to minimize the stress. One time, I was the last passenger to check in and all eyes were on me when I stepped on the plane. Not to mention, I had to run from the check-in counter all the way to the aircraft and long after the airplane took off, my heart was still palpitating.

4. Wear a pair of shoes that’s easy to slip on, without having to tie/untie each time you go through security check and to the toilet.

5. Wear or bring a thick pair of socks. That way, when you take your shoes off, your feet are still protected from the cold. If you’re still feeling cold, you can use your blanket or in the case of women, you can have your shawl hang until it reaches the soles of your feet.

6. Wear comfortable clothes. Consider the fit and the texture, nothing silky as it gets even colder when its cold. It should be something you could wear comfortably while sleeping without looking like you’re going to sleep.

7. Bring a jacket. It may not be cold at the check-in counter but it’s worth tagging along when it gets cold up there.

8. Move around and stretch for better circulation. At the beginning of the flight, an instructional video shows easy exercises which can even be done without leaving your seat.

9. Watch inflight movies. It’s an entertaining way to pass the time. There’s one movie, which to my knowledge was not shown in local theaters here but which I thankfully watched while flying – Bottleshock. Unfortunately, not all airlines show free movies. I’ve learned that an airline company is now charging pay per view to deal with the economic crunch. If you don’t like the movie selection and the ear plugs airlines provide, then watch from your laptop and bring your own headset.

10. Read a book or a magazine. Bedtime stories are not just for the kids.

11. Listen to a relaxing music, which can help ease the tensions in traveling and can help you get to sleep. Bring your iPod or CD for your own music selection.

12. Keep the remote control in its place. You might end up sitting on it, which is uncomfortable and you may accidentally press and call the steward.

13. Bring an eye mask. If it’s part of your sleeping regimen that all lights are turned off before you sleep, then recreate that environment by using an eye mask. If your child hugs a stuff toy when sleeping at home, you can bring one.

14. For the male traveler, pull out the wallet from your back pocket. It will create an uncomfortable bulge when you sleep and it will create an imbalance on your spine.

15. Instead of drinking soda and caffeinated drinks such as coffee and tea, opt for water. Skip the sugary items, too. You can set aside your dessert for later when you wake up.

16. The ideal posture is sitting at 135 degree angle so unless it’s meal time, take off and touchdown, pull your seat back.

17. Put the allocated pillow or blanket between your low back and the seat to alleviate spinal compression.

18. Relax and clear your mind. Avoid thinking of complicated matters, which will keep your mind awake. Perhaps you can picture a serene view of the plains and hills and start counting sheep.

Sure, it is exciting to travel but it can be uncomfortable with cancelled flights and long haul trips. If not addressed properly, the start of what could be a wonderful journey may end up disastrous and ruin the trip. A good sleep will get you all set and recharged to explore and make the most out of your trip. Make your journey as beautiful as the destination.