How to Look Great when You Step Off the Plane

Why is it that, though doing virtually nothing during a long flight, you look like you just ran a marathon when it's over? How you look when you step off the plane is a direct reflection of how well you took care of yourself during the flight.

These carry-on essentials and travel beauty tips will prevent the tired, grumpy, sore, hungry and frazzled state oft felt at the end of a long flight.

Water

It's very important to stay hydrated on the plane. Once you pass through airport security, purchase a large bottle of water for onboard consumption. Drink frequently.

A note about alcholic beverages: avoid them. Cocktails connsumed both prior to and during the flight will speed up the dehydration process and guarantee an in-flight headache.

Ibuprofen (or similar product)

If you do happen to become dehydrated on the plane, you'll likely end up with a headache. Be prepared with ibuprofen in your carry-on. There's nothing worse than flying from Chicago to Maui with a dreadful headache.

Snacks

Bring your own snacks to either replace airplane food or supplement it.

Lip Balm

The air on a plane is dry. Combat that dryness with lip balm.

Socks

If you travel in sandals, you'll appreciate having a pair of socks on-hand. The air near the floor of the cabin is typically cold.

1^st Class Sleeper®

The 1^st Class Sleeper is an inflatable oversized pillow of sorts, designed to make a coach seat feel like a first class seat. It was invented by an airline pilot who desperately needed sleep while flying in a coach seat (not while he was flying the plane!). The pillow supports your body from your head down to your lower back.

It fits easily in a carry-on bag when deflated and is very easy to use once seated in the cramped quarters of a coach airplane seat. I used one on a flight from Chicago to Rome and slept like a baby. Most importantly, I was not sore or tired after the long flight. I won't travel without it, whether on a plane (no matter the flight duration) or for extended periods of time in a car.

Suggested Retail: $29.95. Available for order on the 1^st Class Sleeper website and other travel-related websites.

Deodorant and Disposable Toothbrush

Use both these products just before landing.

A travel-size container of deodorant will help you feel fresh after a long flight.

For that freshly brushed, minty feeling, give the Colgate® Wisp™ a try. It's only 3½ inches long and flatter than a normal toothbrush. The head of the Wisp is fitted with tiny bristles that clean the surface of your teeth. It also features a built-in freshening bead that releases minty freshness as you brush.

The best feature of the Wisp is that no water or rinsing is required. You can literally use it anywhere, be it in the airport or on the plane. Suggested retail: $2.39 for a 4-pack; $7.99 for a 16-pack. Available in the oral care aisle. Airport friendly.

Listen to the Crew

The hardworking crew who take care of you duing a flight are very experienced travelers. Listen to their advice. Eat when they serve food, whether you're hungry or not. Sleep when they dim the cabin lights. You'll arrive at your destination with your biological clock in check.

Sources

Personal Experience

http://www.1stclasssleeper.com/

http://www.colgatewisp.com/wisp/HomePage