“Make” your own pillow – Airplane tip

by Gadling Staff on

If you’re unhappy with the size (or cleanliness) of the pillows the airlines provide, consider “making” your own.

Bring an empty, gallon-sized, slide-lock, plastic bag on the plane. After you’ve settled in your seat, close the bag nearly all the way, insert a drinking straw into the opening, and inflate the bag halfway. Then wrap the bag with a sweater or scarf and place this under your head.

On long/international flights, place the tiny pillow provided by the airline in the small of your back rather than under your head. The pillow provides welcome lower back support.

Know the airlines’ customer service number – Airplane tip

by Gadling Staff on

Airlines are skilled at canceling flights at a moment’s notice. Whether you’re traveling for business or for pleasure, this can be an enormous hassle — especially of you’re traveling with kids. Before flying out, be sure to program the airlines’ customer service number into your cell phone.

If your flight is canceled, you can call customer service immediately, as you head for the ticket agent line. Starting the rebooking process immediately, gives you a better chance of being re-booked on the flight of your choice.

Bring a beach ball – Airplane tip

by Gadling Staff on

Not just for beaches anymore, bring a beach ball on your next long flight, semi-inflate it, and use it as a foot rest.

The beach ball keeps your feet slightly elevated, which is good for circulation. To massage the soles of your feet, every 30 minutes or so roll the beach ball in small circles using the bottom of your feet.

Prepare for an overnight – Packing tip

by Gadling Staff on

No one wants to sleep in an airport, but it may be unavoidable if your plane is grounded. Pack the following items in your carry-on to improve an emergency overnight airport stay:

  1. a tightly folded fleece blanket and inflatable pillow will provide comfort and warmth;
  2. snacks (granola bars, 100-calorie packs) are essential since some airport restaurants close at night;
  3. prescriptions, as well as some cough drops and aspirin, should be in a carry-on because checked bags may not be accessible;
  4. include a cell phone charger and spare change for pay phones;
  5. bring something to do such as a crossword, laptop or book.

It’s unlikely that you’ll be stranded in an airport overnight, but it’s better to be safe than sorry.

Bring headphones – Airplane tip

by Gadling Staff on

Headphones are an absolute “must-have” when traveling on an airplane, for several reasons —

  1. On longer flights, it’s common to show a movie, and you probably want to hear it well.
  2. On other flights, the plane may have on-board games or on-demand music.
  3. Of course, you may bring your own pre-recorded music to help get away.
  4. The largest benefit, though, is simply to help cancel out “airplane noise.”

Airplanes can be very loud — for example, engines, crying babies, or a snoring aisle-mate can all make a flight more stressful. Headphones are an important accessory to help you relax, tune out the sounds, and pass the time.

An a pinch, you can always put headphones on to avoid a chatty seatmate (you don’t even need to turn on music to silence your talkative neighbor).

[Ed’s note: See all Gadling’s posts about headphones here.]