I really like airplane travel, despite the hassles.
I remain amazed at how we can be on the other side of the world in just a day, or across the country in a couple of hours. Airplane flight is a modern technological and engineering marvel. I am almost always excited to get on a plane and get to the new place, wherever that may be.
I’m taking off for Los Angeles soon for a business trip and I’m getting psyched to get in the air!
To make the most of my airplane experience I prepare:
-
by wearing comfortable clothing that still looks nice enough if I get the upgrade to first class.
-
layers in case the plane temps are too hot or too cold.
-
I have noise cancelling headphones made by Bose that I will put on even if I’m not listening to anything.
-
For long haul flights I change into pj pants and wear compression socks.
-
I have a new neck pillow that is pretty comfortable.
-
I snag an airplane pillow and use that for lumbar support.
-
I carry a pashmina shawl to stay warm if needed.
When I board the plane
my first travel ritual is to work on the in-flight magazine crossword puzzle as soon as I sit down-can I finish it before the plane takes off?
During the flight:
-
I make sure I have some books on my phone-both audio and digital.
-
I download some podcasts and maybe a couple of shows from Netflix or Amazon Prime to my phone.
-
If there is a TV screen in the seat back I will watch movies. If I have to use my own device to watch a movie, I usually don’t because it uses up a lot of battery in a short amount of time.
-
I also always have a journal and some art supplies.
-
I like to have all these options -sometimes I even bring knitting (the knitting needles have not been a problem, but check with the airline)
An airplane ride brings me a welcome escape from my every day world.
I think of my airplane seat as my own personal cocoon-I hunker down and get into my books or my music or even my work and just enjoy the time away from my every day routine.
I think about where I’m going and what I will do when I get there.
The Butterfly Affect
When I get on the plane I am a caterpillar, just going along with my day. While on the plane I get in my cocoon-making use of this personal time however I want to. When the plane lands and I finally get off the jet bridge, I emerge transformed into a bad ass butterfly. This butterfly is ready to take on the persona I need for the destination: business person, curious traveler, dutiful family member, excited explorer, whatever… Thinking about the airplane as my personal cocoon allows me to reframe the travel experience into one that I enjoy and appreciate. How can you make the most of your airplane travel?
