Traditional methods for clearing “flier’s ear” include yawning, chewing gum, and using special earplugs for flying. However, there are other methods for preventing this painful condition, including this unusual, but effective, one:
Pack two small heat packs (they grow warm when mashed).
Use earphones to hold one over each ear.
Keep the earphones’ plug visible so flight attendants will see you’re not using an electronic device.
You’ll get a few weird looks, but it may help. (A pack may last a couple of flights if placed in an airtight bag after use.)
Before you leave, use a printable checklist of items you need to pack, and where you’ll be packing them (carry-on or checked luggage.) Include all your frequently-forgotten or last minute items: batteries, cell-phone charger, toiletries, etc, and leave blanks for the specifics about clothes, shoes, and other valuable items.
But here’s the most important part of this list: Keep a copy of the list with you. If your checked baggage gets lost, you won’t have to try to remember what it contained, and you can share the list with the airline.
One problem many fliers share is a fear of turbulence. If you fly, you’re bound to experience it at some point — but airplane turbulence doesn’t have to be scary! Bring an MP3 player aboard and, the moment the air gets bumpy, turn it to your favorite track and get groovy!
You’ll likely get some looks from the other passengers, but hey — you get to have fun and forget the fear.
When you dance in place — or “chair dance” — the dips and jolts all seem like part of the experience, and they become less noticeable. It’s tried and true advice. Don’t be skeptical; try it on your next flight!
Have you ever made an airline reservation and been told the only available seats are those in the middle? What you probably weren’t told is that airlines hold a number of prime seats for last-minute bookings to elite customers. When those seats aren’t sold, they’re released about 24 hours prior to departure.
To take advantage of this, visit your airline’s website and look for the “check-in” link. There you will see what (newly released) seats are available, and you can change yours if necessary.
If that doesn’t work, use the check-in kiosk when you get to the airport. It offers the same option.
With the new motto “Inspiration of Japan,” Japanese carrier ANA (aka All Nippon Airways) is launching a new luxury flight experience, the like of which we’ve never seen.
When one thinks of Japanese hotels, supreme convenience comes to mind — the curtains on a switch by the bed, everything from dramatic lighting schemes to room service controlled by a touchscreen panel — and ANA is bringing that personal accommodation and comfort to flying with their seating.
In the video above, I’ll give you a tour of the various seating classes, including Japan’s first 180° reclining Business Class seats. With the new floor plan, all seats in Business and First Class are aisle seats. The plane will also be equipped with the world’s first in-flight rice steamer, designed exclusively for ANA, guaranteeing the freshest rice you’ve ever had at 30,000 feet.
I chatted briefly with Gary Weiss, ANA’s Director of Market Development about the changes.
Gadling: What’s the philosophy behind these new developments?
Gary Weiss: This is a long-range investment. A lot of carriers are re-trenching; cutting capacity and cutting corners. We decided to just go for it. 2010 represents a great opportunity, with the opening up of more slots at Narita and Haneda. If we don’t do it now, we’ll probably never do it, so we decided, “Let’s hedge our bets, get the best product in the sky going, and we should be able to retain a good yield.”
G: So, rather than cutting corners, you’re making your brand more luxurious?GW: Correct.
G: Is that in response to the economy?
GW: No, this has actually been in research in development since prior to September ’08. It was a good seven, ten year plan. We wanted to be first with some of these luxurious, innovative products — and I’m glad that we have the guts to take the risk.
G: How do these changes translate to your rock-bottom, Economy Class passengers?
GW: It’s the same idea. We actually made it bigger and better. There’s three more inches of seat pitch, the distance between the rows. That intrusive seat back doesn’t come into your face anymore — your neighbor in front of you won’t hit you in the head or close your laptop.
The first flights to include these new features will be the Narita-New York route on the new Boeing 777-300ER, commencing in February 2010. Keep an eye on the ANA SkyWeb for more updates.