In-Flight Relaxation Tips

I love to fly. I know, I might be one of the few who actually looks forward to it. I love the excitement of the airport, all the people rushing to their next destination. I even enjoy the in-flight movies, the miniature snacks, and hearing the pilot announce the weather and our arrival time. However, I do provide myself with plenty of distractions, which has helped make my flights much more enjoyable. Here are a few tips:

#1: Embrace technology When preparing my carry-on bag for my flight, I make sure the my iPod and iPhone are charged and ready to use. I love listening to music and enjoy shuffling through my favorite songs, and this distracts me from any in-flight chaos. Be sure to respect those around you and watch the volume on your headphones, and be careful of your cell phone use when on the plane. Some airlines allow you to use cell phones during the flight, but remember that others can hear your conversations and may not appreciate them.

#2: Read to relax The first time I ever flew, it was to Las Vegas from Indiana. I was by myself, as my husband and I could not coordinate flights. I was nervous, but planned ahead and brought a good book and a few magazines. This gave me the opportunity to have different things to read depending on my mood at the time, and I was surprised how quickly the time passed after I got caught up in the story I was reading. Although not all flights are quiet and allow for the concentration to read, it still helps me relax and the time fly by (no pun intended).

#3: Strike up a conversation Sure, some people just want to sleep and don't want to interact when on a flight. However, whoever you're sitting next to during the flight will be your companion for the duration of your trip, so it doesn't hurt to make a joke, offer a friendly smile, or ask a question. I've sat next to passengers who clearly don't want to interact, and that's ok too. However, when I feel like I've been polite to the person next to me, I am able to relax without facing an awkward situation.

#4: Plan ahead The first time I flew, I created a travel folder. I knew I would be navigating the airports by myself, so I came prepared with printouts of each airport where I had layovers, along with my flight details. Knowing where I would be and how I would get there eased any travel anxiety, and I was able to have a game plan. I was amazed at how smoothly my flights and layovers were, and I knew it was due to the fact that I had planned ahead.

#5: Stretch My longest ongoing flight has only been four hours, but that's a long time for anyone to sit and not have the opportunity to stretch. I went to the bathroom and stretched in order not to disturb anyone else, and it helped me feel more refreshed and relaxed. I stood on my tiptoes, and stretched my arms to the ceiling. Ideally, you should get up every hour if possible, and it will help you feel more at ease.

Keep in mind that flights can be enjoyable, and that they don't have to last forever. If you plan ahead and come prepared, you'll be able to relax and make your travel experience memorable.