Ten Trips to make Air Travel more pleasant Review

I love to travel.

However, as a frequent air traveler there are some things that if more people did these things travel would be so much better for all.

Here is my list:

1. You are not the only person traveling.

This tip is seemingly obvious, but when you are in front of someone who is clearly impatient with the time you are taking to do what ever it is you are doing (re-ticketing, undressing for security, walking...) it is a real pain, not to mention rude to have to deal with this impatient travelers temper tantrum. If you are the impatient traveler, realize that everyone is going somewhere that is important to them, and cool your jets.

2. When faced with a delay that is not due to human error (or even if it is) remember your manners.

Other than the travel perks that come with working for an airline, it does not appear to be a fun job, having to deal on the people end of the traveling public, so if you plane is delayed due to weather, be calm, the desk agent can not make the storm go away. It is not their fault.

3. Be prepared for things not to go as planned.

This happens all of the time. If at all possible leave your self enough time for things to go wrong. When it happens refer back to tips 1 and 2 and be calm, it usually all works out in the end.

4. Be aware of your self and your luggage.

When you are boarding the plane, don't smack people in the face with your carry on bags while you are putting them in the overhead compartments. Don't put your heavy roller bag on top of someone's hat or fine leather coat. Additionally, no matter how much you want to get off of the plane, you can only move off once the people in front of you have moved, so there is no need to jump up once the plane has landed (when people have close connections the attendants generally make an announcement so those people can get off first) so even though it may take a few moments, there really isn't anything to be gained by jumping up into the aisle as soon as the plane lands (unless you are in the front row).

5. Once on the plane please use your inside voice.

Many people like to catch up on sleep while flying. If you are traveling with someone, or are trying to pick up the hottie in the next seat, talk softly. No one cares to hear a blow by blow of your vacation plans or memories, and certainly no one wants to hear all of your work woes.

6. If traveling with children, make sure you are prepared.

This means extra toys, distractions, clothing, paper towels or napkins, moist wipes, snacks and so on. I understand they are little people and travel is hard on them, but for the love of all that is good, please do not let them kick the back of the seat in front. I would rather hear a child cry due to ear pressure problems, than have my seat kicked.

7. Respect the flight attendants.

They are not barmaids, their main purpose is to ensure safe travel. They are not there for your entertainment, to be hit on or to be harassed. These are hard working men and women who are trained to make sure the trip is safe. All of the care and feeding of the masses is secondary to making sure that everyone aboard is safe. If they ask you to do something, like not block the space in front of your chair, do it. Its really a safety concern.

8. Read body language.

If you are the chatty type and the person next to you has ear phone, sunglasses on and is reading a book, take the hint and don't try to chat them up, they will not appreciate it.

9. Bring a good book.

I think reading on the plane is one of the few times you can sit down and read without being disturbed by the phone or other distractions. If you don't like to read (you probably have not gotten this far in my review) bring something that you can do safely on the plane that you dont get a chance to do when you are running around on the ground.

10. Pack for the security lines.

Try to wear slip on shoes, remember to take off your jacket and remove all metal from your person, pack your toiletries in their separate quart bag in an outside pocket where you can find it to put it in the tray without having to rummage around in a bag for it. Have your laptop in a position that it is easy to remove it from your bag, and if you use a c-pap machine (for sleep apnea) remember that you now have to take the machine portion out of the case and put it in a bin. If you are grossed out with the thought of walking barefoot in the security line carry disposable mesh booties with you (you can get them at a medical supply store). Have your license in a location that it is easy to access it, and if it is in your wallet they will ask you to take it out.

If at all possible try to either have a private jet, or better yet friends with one, it is by far the best way to travel (I have the friends, not the jet).