From foot-kicking neighbors to an overly-talkative seatmate, it’s always a gamble when you step aboard an aircraft. Flying can be exhilarating, stressful, boring, and downright scary at times.

Here are a few simple tips to ease the burden when you take to the skies and possibly even make your travels downright enjoyable!

Prioritize Comfort
Sure, you may want to step off the plane looking fabulous in your jeans or new dress – but you don’t want to sit for an extended period in them. Think comfort and ease, whether it’s your favorite wrinkle-free trousers, yoga pants, or t-shirt. Don’t discount comfortable footwear either. It’s very common to retain water weight on planes, puffing up in the ankles and feet, so sneakers or flat footwear are best.

Don’t forget to layer! Consider the air-conditioning of the airplane, and then your arrival destination. If they’re vastly different, pack a spare outfit in your carry-on to change into prior to landing.

Set the Mood – For Sleep
If you’re on an overnight flight, increase the odds of getting some shut-eye with a good sleep mask, neck pillow, and earplugs. ​

Pack Provisions
Bringing extra snacks means you’re not at the mercy of the busy flight attendants, and you can stay satiated (and hydrated) on your own timeline. This will also keep impulse Pringle purchases to a minimum, saving both your credit card and your sodium levels.

Hydrate, Hydrate, Hydrate!
And I’m not talking about drinking water. Bring moisturizer and even ChapStick for your lips. The recirculated air on airplanes is notoriously drying, and between that and the decreased blood flow thanks to your 30,000ft altitude, your skin will suffer. One of my personal favorites is the mini bottles of Evian facial spray, for a quick and refreshing pick-me-up mist.

Listen Up
Bring your own headphones, not only to be able to connect to the inflight movies but to fend off chatty neighbors. Are the headphones even plugged into anything? Only you know, but it sends a clear message that you’re not available for conversation.

Clean it Up
Bring your own travel set of Lysol wipes and hand sanitizer, and ensure you give your seat tray and armrests a thorough wipe down before settling in. There’s often a very short time when turning around a plane, and rarely do they receive deep cleaning treatments. ​

Tried, Tested & True
Now is not the time to break the mold and try those new headsets or hand cream. Stick to your favorite and well-used versions of everything, so you have no surprises at 30,000 feet.
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