Life-Changing (And Genius!) Plane Hacks That Have Been a Complete Secret Till Now
Stretch To Avoid Swelling
Air travel affects our blood circulation, which is why we experience swelling. Don’t worry; it’s totally normal and generally harmless because sitting for a long period causes the blood to somewhat pool into the veins of your legs. Hence, the leg position is also a factor in increasing pressure in the veins.
If it does bother you, there’s a relatively easy hack you can do before your flight. Stretch before the takeoff; be it at the airport or if you’re already seated. Make sure that you move your legs during the flight, so taking a stroll around the plane will help the circulation flow.
Phone’s Got No More Juice? Take Advantage of Airports’ Charging Ports
Raise your hand if you ever woke up 15 minutes before a flight and ran like you were in a catching-up boarding marathon. The truth is, many of us have had the misfortune of running late; hence, we end up forgetting about a lot of things we need, including charging our gadgets.
While some prefer to sleep mid-air, others want to kill boredom by scrolling their social media feeds. Luckily, most, if not all, airports have charging ports, just like in the image, free of charge. They usually come in USB ports, which work well for most gadgets.
Pack Smarter, Not Lighter
One of the most challenging parts of traveling is making sure that clothes fit into your luggage. Others advise traveling light, which means packing only the necessary things to avoid extra baggage. However, there are times when there simply is no way to bring everything on the flight.
One nifty trick is to pack smart by laying the big and heavy clothing at the bottom of the bag before rolling up everything else to save space. Just like in this picture, it is best to keep things organized. Reminder: do not bring any animal in your luggage, no matter how tempting it might be!
Layer Up For Unpredictable Temperatures
Especially when not flying for leisure, people don’t usually check the weather of their destination. The temperature can change even when on the plane, and to be safe and sure, it is best to layer clothes when flying so that when it becomes colder, you’ll stay comfy. And when it gets hotter, just remove some of the garments.
Remember, there’s no harm in dressing too much for a flight. You may even spice things up and mix and match them before you reach your destination. You’ll never know when you will bump into your ex or enemy!
The Secret To Avoiding The Middle Seat
It is safe to say that everyone hates the middle seat and prefers the window seat. However, luck isn’t always on our side, and we sometimes get squished and sandwiched by strangers who may or may not irritate us with their habits. It’s not a comfortable situation, especially for long flights.
There are certain websites like Expertflyer.com where you could create a seat alert, which will send you a notification should somebody cancel or make changes on their flight. If the person has booked the middle seat, you can switch, which is a win-win situation for everybody!
Stop Queuing, Start Calling!
Traveling itself is an exciting journey; what isn’t are the long lines at the airport. Moreover, rebooking can be extremely stressful because of the fellow irked passengers venting out. Well, you’re never going to make it in time for your flight if this is the case!
You’re going to likely feel disappointed with the long hours of waiting, not to mention the cramped-up space and loud conversations around. The least you can do is give yourself a break and call customer service instead. Let them help you with the rebooking process so that you won’t have to queue again!
Avoid Any Beverage With Ice
Avid travelers already know that ordering ice on the plane is a big no-no. According to an International Journal of Environmental Research and Public Health study, the water supply tanks are conducive to bacterial growth. As such, passengers often opt for beverages at room temperature.
Therefore, it goes without saying that tap water is not 100 percent safe, too, because the tap water comes from the aircraft’s tank. As per the research, this is because the container is rarely cleaned and emptied, only being refilled when it is being serviced or if the water runs out.
Keep The Air-Conditioner On
Wearing layers of clothes has another benefit: keeping you from getting sick. It might be far-fetched, but thick covers can help you stay warm when the air vents are open in planes. Well, there’s a simple solution to the cool breeze by simply turning the air conditioner off, but you might not want to do this.
It is advisable to keep the vent open will work to your advantage because it allows fresh air to flow. Hence, you will be breathing filtered air rather than inhaling the air accumulated inside the plane. This way, you’re keeping yourself safe from air-borne diseases.
Disinfect All The Way!
Well, it’s not enough for ventilation to protect you from catching diseases when flying. No one wants to get sick when they’re on their much-needed trip, so it is always best to be prepared. One way to stay safe during travels is to bring disinfection wipes at all times.
Planes are usually disinfected after every flight, but it is easy to spread diseases; even clothes can carry organism-causing illnesses. This isn’t limited to flying because bacteria can be found everywhere. Because of this, the rule of thumb is to always bring with you disinfecting wipes to sanitize your seat.
Dress Appropriately
Some people wouldn’t let go of the opportunity to get dressed to the nines when traveling. These days when crop tops and short skirts are in, it can be complicated to keep up with the trend while flying. Because of this, on top of layering up, we suggest choosing comfortable clothes during the trip.
Heels aren’t an excellent choice for long flights, but this is forgivable if it’s just an interstate trip. Remember, sitting in a tiny space for an extended period can never be comfortable, so the least you can do is choose garments in which you can move freely.
Avoid Fizzy Drinks At All Cost
If you are big on fizzy drinks, hold the cravings while you’re flying because this can cause burping, gas, and abdominal discomfort. You certainly don’t want strangers to take the brunt of your beverage choices when they get a whiff of something awful!
That’s because carbonated drinks can make one feel unwell. After all, the air high above the ground is quite dry. It can also cause heartburn, which causes major discomfort if you ask us. This feeling is usually heightened due to the altitude, so it is best to avoid them if you’re unsure if your stomach can handle them while flying.
The Way To Get A Free Seat
Have you ever had the luck of having no seatmate at all during a flight? The feeling is heavenly, especially because you wouldn’t need to keep your body in the allotted limited space. However, this happens once in a blue moon; but there is a great hack you can try.
Note that this may work if you have a travel buddy. Although there’s no assurance that it would work, try booking an aisle and window seats for you and your pal. Chances are, the person in the middle will find it awkward to come in between two friends and therefore find another vacant one.
Don’t Sleep Yet Prior to Takeoff
Some people who suffer from motion sickness try to fall asleep before the plane takes off. However, this is the perfect time to check your ears because they will be affected as the aircraft ascends. You may suffer from ear barotrauma, which is where the air pressure of the environment and the ears lose balance.
Monitor how you will do when the plane takes off and try to address this issue by yawning, chewing gum, or swallowing. It can happen to both ears, and some signs include pain or discomfort in the ears, feeling of stuffiness, and/or temporary hearing loss.
The Seat For A Smoother Ride
One of the biggest anxiety-inducing moments onboard a plane is turbulence. Most people don’t like this as it can cause headaches, stress, nausea, and even dizziness. Don’t worry; this aircraft is designed to go through this type of bumpy ride, but there is one area that could help you have a smoother journey.
If you tend to be anxious during turbulence, book a seat over the wings because it is where you won’t feel much of the sensation of the disturbance. This is because it is the most stable area of the plane as it is near the center of the mass.
Stretch To Avoid Swelling
Air travel affects our blood circulation, which is why we experience swelling. Don’t worry; it’s totally normal and generally harmless because sitting for a long period causes the blood to somewhat pool into the veins of your legs. Hence, the leg position is also a factor in increasing pressure in the veins.
If it does bother you, there’s a relatively easy hack you can do before your flight. Stretch before the takeoff; be it at the airport or if you’re already seated. Make sure that you move your legs during the flight, so taking a stroll around the plane will help the circulation flow.
Never Forget These Essentials
Unless you’re one of the Kardashian-Jenner clan or are a millionaire, then we think you won’t really have a choice in flying solo. Needless to say, a commercial flight is more practical and environment-friendly than a private jet. However, it does come with a caveat: a jam-packed flight may mean a chaotic trip.
Passengers usually don’t like it when there are babies on board because this means a rowdy and noisy flight. Add to this, other travelers aren’t considerate of others and would converse loudly. As such, never forget to bring silicone earplugs or ask for a set from the stewardess.
Bring Extra Intimates
You’ll never know what to expect during long flights, and there will be moments when you’ll feel sweaty and icky. In case this happens, one of the best ways to be refreshed is by changing undergarments. As such, remember to bring extra undies and even socks in your handbag.
Remember: not all airlines have showers, and those that do have this feature are usually more expensive than the others as they are considered premium planes. Bring an extra change of clothes or, if allowed, a deodorant to stay fresh and smell good for the rest of the flight. You’ll never know who you’ll bump into!
Dryer Sheets
If you’re a frequent traveler whose luggage is almost always never unused, then you may have experienced having a smelly bag. Spending more time on the go than in the house means there’s a big chance that you don’t have the time to clean your case.
There’s a special trick to address this: pop a few dryer sheets with your clothes to keep them smelling fresh. However, this is just a remedy and you will need to find time to clean your luggage after your trip. This isn’t only to keep the bag in its pristine condition but to also avoid growing mold.
Be Your Own Tour Guide
Flying alone can cost hundreds of bucks, so why do you need to spend so much more on tour guides? If this is a much-awaited vacation, it would be beneficial to learn about the destination beforehand. Know your way around the place through apps that provide a local’s viewpoint.
If you get lost, you can resort to your gadget or ask the citizens around. Plus, it might be more fun to explore a new place on your own and see undiscovered gems. If taking pictures is a problem, bring your own tripod or ask other tourists to capture your photo.
Don’t Forget Rechargeable Batteries
For most gadgets that require batteries, it could be costly to frequently buy a new set once the old ones lose their juice. As such, rechargeable batteries can come in handy during travels, especially in places with little to no availability.
However, not all types of batteries can be brought on the plane. Uninstalled ones or spares must be kept on the carry-on bags only. Chargers must also be kept by the person and not on the luggage—specifically, terminals. Or the ends of these items must be protected and must not come in contact with metals.
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