What are some things that travelers do, consciously or subconsciously, to sabotage their comfort and overall experience on long-haul international flights?
Trying to sleep with the chair back in the upright position. Not bringing noise-cancelling headphones (with a twin plug adapter) and a tablet with one's favorite shows downloaded. Not bringing a Kindle.
Choosing coffee when the CA comes around and then not being able to sleep.
Easy: Gettting a window seat. Sure it's nice to look at the clouds from above. But when that wears off after five minutes it's the seats that get the most engine, air, and plane structure noise, it's colder next to the hull, and one is stuck next to two other people one has to bother everytime one wants to get up.
Horses for courses. I love window seats, especially when it's on an exit row or another seat with extra legroom, and I'll pay extra to get the kind of seat I want where possible. As an aviation buff, I love watching the wings and engines operate, picking out landmarks below, and watching interesting weather. And I have a robust bladder so visits to the toilet are pretty infrequent.
Taking anything more than a small rucksack and wearing anymore than a t-shirt. I just don't get people getting on planes with carry on cases and wrapped up for cold weather! Sitting next to anybody. Flying an airline that you don't really like because its a LITTLE bit cheaper.
1: Being wholly unprepared like for example, if you've got a sensitive stomach, not packing some anti-acids or failsafe foods to eat on the plane.
2: dressing for looks, not comfort. The last thing I want is to sit for 12+ hours in clothes that aren't movable, adaptable and breathable. Wear comfy, breathable layers and loose jeans, sweats or pants.
3: packing your own entertainment. Yes, there is in-flight entertainment on many carriers but sometimes they do run into problems; so just in case, bring your tablet, Kindle, laptop, Switch etc.
4: choosing your seat. This can really make or break your flight. I also choose the aisle so i have easy access to the bathroom or to get up to take a walk to stretch my legs.
15 Comments
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JeffLee
Trying to sleep with the chair back in the upright position. Not bringing noise-cancelling headphones (with a twin plug adapter) and a tablet with one's favorite shows downloaded. Not bringing a Kindle.
Choosing coffee when the CA comes around and then not being able to sleep.
timeon
travel economy
Algernon LaCroix
Not paying a little extra and ending up with a middle seat.
Toshihiro
wearing good looking but uncomfortable clothing. dress for comfort and function during long-haul commutes, looks come second.
Ego Sum Lux Mundi
Sitting next to an obese and/or annoying person in cattle class.
Seigi
Talking to a seatmate..
Mr Kipling
Not taking full advantage of the free alcohol served onboard.
Algernon LaCroix
Horses for courses. I love window seats, especially when it's on an exit row or another seat with extra legroom, and I'll pay extra to get the kind of seat I want where possible. As an aviation buff, I love watching the wings and engines operate, picking out landmarks below, and watching interesting weather. And I have a robust bladder so visits to the toilet are pretty infrequent.
Aly Rustom
choosing an airline with crappy service
Eastman
choose AirKoryo?
just quick thought :)
theResident
Taking anything more than a small rucksack and wearing anymore than a t-shirt. I just don't get people getting on planes with carry on cases and wrapped up for cold weather! Sitting next to anybody. Flying an airline that you don't really like because its a LITTLE bit cheaper.
Peter Neil
timeonToday 10:18 am JST
On an American carrier...
purple_depressed_bacon
1: Being wholly unprepared like for example, if you've got a sensitive stomach, not packing some anti-acids or failsafe foods to eat on the plane.
2: dressing for looks, not comfort. The last thing I want is to sit for 12+ hours in clothes that aren't movable, adaptable and breathable. Wear comfy, breathable layers and loose jeans, sweats or pants.
3: packing your own entertainment. Yes, there is in-flight entertainment on many carriers but sometimes they do run into problems; so just in case, bring your tablet, Kindle, laptop, Switch etc.
4: choosing your seat. This can really make or break your flight. I also choose the aisle so i have easy access to the bathroom or to get up to take a walk to stretch my legs.