Tips to Help You Travel and Fly Comfortably

Some of us have to take flights for work, some for pleasure, and most of us for both. Flying can be, without a doubt, one of the most aggravating experiences in life. Will the flight be on time? Will the person sitting in front of you recline fully, removing what little personal space you had? Do you get the armrest or does the guy next to you? So, how do you make the flight more bearable? How can you fly comfortably?

Unless you have the money for a first class ticket or a chartered flight, there is not much you can do about the situation. It is what it is. You're better off trying to alter your reaction to the situation. Here are a few tips that I've picked up over the years.

Fly Comfortably Tip # 7 - Don't drink too much before the flight

I'm sure this tip seems a little silly, but it's always a good policy to avoid airplane bathrooms when you're able to. If you are sitting in the window or middle seat, you have added incentive. One of life's great mysteries is how to smoothly exit a row if you're not on the aisle.

Fly Comfortably Tip # 6 - Bring a book

Bring something to read or do, even if you don't think you'll use it. You never know when you'll be stuck at the gate or in the plane. It's nice to have a book, magazine, or Sudoku to help pass the time before or during the flight.

Fly Comfortably Tip # 5 - Bring headphones

The headphones can play your own music, or simply cancel out the outside noise. Believe me, you'll want to have a way to be able to block out the chatter of the other passengers on the flight and the screaming/crying of any nearby kids.

Fly Comfortably Tip #4 - Don't check baggage

If at all possible, attempt to carry-on your baggage. This may mean packing a little lighter, but it's very much worth it. Baggage claims are a pain and some airlines are beginning to charge for checked luggage. The only problem with this tip is that carry-on space seems to be at a premium these days and can be difficult to obtain.

Fly Comfortably Tip #3 -Try to fly the first flight or two in the day

It's a well-known fact that flights later in the day are more likely to be delayed or canceled. If you think about it, it makes sense. Any delay will have a ripple effect on the flights after it. And a delay at one airport can cause a later delay at a separate airport. Hedge your bets and try to take the first flight out.

Fly Comfortably Tip #2 -Sign up for mileage programs

You don't have to like the experience, but you may as well get something out of it. Most airline carriers provide some sort of a "frequent flyer" program. Sign up and get the miles. If you fly enough, you may even get a free flight. While that ensures that you'll again have to go through the torture of air travel, at least it's for free this time.

Fly Comfortably Tip #1 -Relax and realize what is out of your control

Flight delays, rude gate agents, rude passengers, uncomfortable seats, dirty bathrooms, stale and germ-ridden air, and plugged ears are all a part of flying. There is very little you can do about it. So, try not to get too worked up and upset. That will only make the experience worse. Try instead to buffer some of these inconveniences using the tips in this article.

If you follow these tips, your flying experience may be a little better. It is very difficult to fly comfortably. The deck is stacked against you at every turn. But, you might as well make the best of the necessary situation. I doubt you want to spend the gas money to drive, or take the time to ride a train across country. The only alternative left is to take a flight, so try to fly comfortably.