Airplane Travel Tips
Read these 5 Airplane Travel Tips tips to make your life smarter, better, faster and wiser. Each tip is approved by our Editors and created by expert writers so great we call them Gurus. LifeTips is the place to go when you need to know about Travel Insurance tips and hundreds of other topics.
Being Bumped For Something Big
Say you are throwing a wedding. Creating the guest list. Usually in this situation most people over-invite. This is because they know statistically at least 10% of the people will cancel or be a no show. It's the same when airlines take plane reservations. Usually they will overbook by 10 –15% since they know people will cancel their flights at the last minute. However, there are times when this does not happen and you have what's called an overbooked flight. Usually, what the airlines will do is ask anyone if they would like to give up their seat (if they were already assigned one.) At first you might wonder why you would even consider this. However, there is one big benefit that would make you think otherwise – free round trip tickets. In addition to the tickets home. Though, before you hop off the plane make sure you ask them a couple of questions:
- Are you going to be booked for the next flight?
- When will that flight be?
- If you need to stay overnight will you get an overnight stay voucher at a hotel? A free dinner?
Usually, in most of these cases the airlines should have answers to all of these questions. So ask before you volunteer.
Easy Air Access
You'll probably experience a number of different feelings throughout an 8 hour flight. You're hungry. Tired. Bored. Cold. Hot. Fortunately, you can pack solutions to all of these things. However, they aren't worth squat if you can't access these items throughout the trip. So when packing for a trip divide what you're bringing into two groups. What you need for the trip & what you need on the plane. Most of the stuff for the plane (books, DVD player, mp3 player, etc.) should be placed in your carry on bag. If your carry on is too big to fit under your seat it will need to be placed in the overhead bin. If this happens make sure the stuff you will need immediately is at the top of the bag. This will greatly reduce the rummaging factor.
BYOAF (Bring Your Own Airline Food)
Airline food. Comedians joke about it about a cajillion times a year. Some airlines have taken these comments & jokes to heart. They've employed restaurants as caterers. However, that's not a guarantee you'll like what they're serving. Especially if you only have two choices. Plus, if you're bringing little finicky eaters that could spell lots of trouble on a long flight. Fortunately, there is a solution. Bring your own food. Make sandwiches before hand. Then pack 'em in your carry on. You can even pack snacks for later. Since you're the chef you're deciding the menu. So you can eat what you want and kids will get a meal they'll love.
Can Take The Pressure
One of the body parts that goes through the most changes are our ears. Changes in pressure can cause ear discomfort. To avoid these adjustment problems here are a few helpful tips:
- Chew gum.
- Take sips of water
- Use a decongestant
Whatever suggestion you take just remember that either way your ears will experience some clogging. So don't worry. You're no different from any other flyer.
1st Class Space Without The 1st Class Cost
People in 1st class get a lot of conveniences coach people don't. Drinks when you 1st arrive on the plane. Priority boarding and leaving. Plus, most important of all -- space. Lots of room to stretch out. Though, legroom is the one thing you can also get without paying an arm and a leg. When you check in and getting your seat assignments request an Exit row. This is the one seating row that needs a lot of space because of the Emergency Exit door. Not everyone that requests this row will be eligible to receive it. The person sitting by the door will also be responsible for helping out in case of an emergency. It's because of this airlines are reluctant to assign that seat to older people. So keep this mind before you make this request.
| Guru Spotlight |
| Christina Chan |
