Airplane Travel Tips and Tricks

[passinggas33]

Yea, I know this is a hunting forum, but this actually does apply. I’ve got a big trip this year that requires extensive airplane travel (overnight). I’m too cheap to spring for first class (almost 20k). So for those of us that sit at the back of the bus, besides a sleeping pill and booze, what other tips and tricks do you have to sleep on a plane? I’m not above an eye mask and neck pillow, but don’t have enough experience with any of them to know where to begin. For you world travelers or frequent ones, can you offer any recommendations?

I assume noise cancelling headphones are a must. But what else?? Thanks in advance!

 

[Mighty Mouse]

I feel like a dork wearing it, but I fly frequently for work in the cheap seats and a neck pillow similar to this one goes with me on every plane ride. Neck pillow + baseball cap over my eyes + ear buds blasting white noise and I'm out like a light. A 3 oz travel bottle filled with some quality 100+ proof bourbon helps too.

 

[NRA4LIFE]

You sound like you have it dialed in. Neck pillow, eye covering, noise cancelling head phones, booze and a sleeping pill. That'll get you where you're going. Another thing I do on really long flights is bring a pair of loose fitting slippers. Make sure you're feet don't smell too bad.

 

[AKDoc]

I've done those flights a lot.

I eat a meal on the flight and buy a drink or some wine with it. Noise canceling headphones (over the ear) are a must for me. I also bring my inflatable butt-pad that I use when glassing...that really helps with some of those aircraft seats. Pull my hat down over my eyes and I'm out...more like in and out until the flight ends. Sometimes I'll take one Benadryl tab for long overnight flights, but talk with your care provider about that. I've never used a neck pillow, but could be a good idea...just don't walk around the airport wearing it .

BTW...consuming your own alcohol that you brought on board is illegal...don't do that.

 

[passinggas33]

For those that travel way more than me, over the ear headphones or in ear headphones?

 

[NRA4LIFE]

I have Bose over the ear head phones. For some reason, I cannot do the earbud types. Just doesn't work for me.

 

[svivian]

For those that travel way more than me, over the ear headphones or in ear headphones?

In the ear for me so i can rest my head against the window if I have a window seat. Otherwise i prefer the comfort and sound of over the ear.

 

[journeyman713]

For those that travel way more than me, over the ear headphones or in ear headphones?

I like the Bose noise cancelling ear-bud style, works well and easier to carry than the Headphones.

 

[tony]

Girlfriend swears by those neck pillows.
"Cans" over the ear headphones are cheap now and pretty good as well. I prefer them to those things you stick in your ears.

You can get extra leg room seats, and I want to say she got us business economy on Delta. Had more leg room and screens in the seat backs to play games or watch movies.
The upgrade wasn't much more, maybe a $100.00 if I remember

 

[homers]

Good ol fashioned ear plugs

 

[realunlucky]

What about these crazy looking pillows

Sent from my SM-S926U using Tapatalk

 

[mthayr]

Over the ear noise cancelling headphones (Bose and Sony are best) and this. Actually holds your head up so your neck can rest. Pair them with an engaging audiobook (Campfire Stories from Rinella are good) and "steerage-class" is bearable even on the longer flights.

I've been told by a colleague from New Zealand that these work well also.

 

[Runningwater]

I like over the ear noise canceling headphones. Im not ever more than able to nod out for 5 or 10 minutes at a time. Just too uncomfortable and too many people in my personal space. So I make sure to download a variety of podcasts, some movies, music, white noise, book on tape, sleep programs, and some old comfort TV series. Since I really can't sleep proper I want lots of options either to hold my attention or zone out to. Neck pillow and butt pad can be invaluable. My other recommendation is that if you are not with you family in a seat, get the aisle so you can get up and stand/walk/pee without having to wake strangers up. God I hate long flights.....

 

[ethanbillingsley]

For those that travel way more than me, over the ear headphones or in ear headphones?

I rock my jawbones that way I can engage with people as needed but then put in my earplugs to drown out jet noise, babies crying, etc. it’s the best of both worlds.

 

[ethanbillingsley]

Also Dramamine for long flights can help with any potential motion sickness and also make you a bit drowsy. They have a non drowsy version but for longer trips the normal one is nice. Gonna sound stupid too cause you are grown and know you but I always buy a bottle of fresh cold water and some sort of cracker( cheez its for me) for immediate consumption as needed on plane. Sometimes service can be slow or backed up and that’s a quick fix. I also wear a t shirt and bring a light hoody to use as needed cause being hot on a plane is hell.

 

[MTPipeliner]

Not on the plane, but if you have a long layover at an airport with one of the airline lounges you may want to look into that. I’d never been to one until this summer- my sister was able to buy us a pass to get in for $75ish- before getting there it seemed expensive and silly, but it was actually pretty sweet. We had an overnight flight, then a long layover. I slept terribly on the plane but then we went to the lounge and I was able to sack out in their big chairs and get a few hours of good sleep.

 

[Mighty Mouse]

BTW...consuming your own alcohol that you brought on board is illegal...don't do that.

Exactly. That's why I always drink my pocket hooch in the terminal before I board the plane and the boarding pass scanner magically resets my BAC to zero. I also always put my phone in airplane mode before takeoff.


Seriously though, it's a good point of fact to make folks aware of, even if it is a depressing reminder of the nanny state we live in.

 

[kcormack]

Ambien

 

[Oregon]

I just did 15 hours Newark to JoBurg.
Was absolutely terrified of the flight.
Got me an aisle seat.
They black out the plane and leave it up to you.
I watched a couple movies, walked up and down the aisles a lot. Did stretch and push ups. Slept a little. It sucked. But, not nearly as I thought it would.

 

[displacedtexan]

I always want a window seat.

I use ear buds that are hearing protection. Either an audio book, or podcast series that I've either heard, or am only sorta interested in.

Pair with a few $12 airport beers. Lol