Some people don't fly on airplanes just because they've never done it before. This is not a fear of danger, not a fear of heights, but simply panic in front of something unknown. And many do not understand what pleasure they are depriving themselves of, because flying is very pleasant and interesting, and most importantly - fast. And in many cases, this is the only way to get to the right place. Do not neglect technical progress, because horses and carriages, weeks and months of travel are already far in the past.
Personally, at first it was not the planes that scared me, but the airport. How to get into it, where to run, how not to confuse anything, and in general... Let's imagine that you find yourself at the airport for the first time. The procedure will be approximately the same, except that inspection and passport control in some cases change places.
First time at the airport
What time should you arrive? Check-in for the flight begins two hours before departure. Why so early? Need to get through a large number of procedures that require time. You can arrive even earlier just in case. But it’s better not later, especially if you’re flying for the first time.
Entrance
In our country, unlike many others, anti-terrorist security has been strengthened. Therefore, try to budget for the time you will spend... going inside the airport. There are often queues there. You will already be examined there and your things will be scanned, even if you just came as a guide. You can go back out, but you can only get back to the airport through security again.
Scoreboard and registration area
The departure and arrival board is perhaps the most romantic object at the airport, and it has even been praised more than once. The board indicates the number, destination, and departure time of the flight. Be sure to check your flight number. Once we almost got confused with flights that departed 15 minutes apart.
Sometimes several flights may depart at the same time, so keep an eye out. What makes it even more confusing is that airlines often operate codeshare flights. Do not rely on the name of the airline, and even sometimes time is not an indicator. The direction and number are what you need to see. The board also indicates which registration desk you need to go to and what state the registration is in: whether it is open or, God forbid, has ended. Check-in for the flight, as I already said, begins 2 hours before departure and ends 40 minutes before it.
Baggage preparation
I haven’t found any useful information about preparing luggage on any “good” portal.
Usually, “smart” life hackers write about prohibited items and the weight of luggage somewhere in paragraphs about inspection, not taking into account the fact that we part with luggage much earlier, and this implies a completely different sequence of actions.
Your luggage flies separately from you
You can fly without luggage and put all your items in hand luggage if the airline allows it. This is what I usually do, it significantly speeds up leaving the airport upon arrival. In this case, your suitcase or backpack must fit certain dimensions and not exceed the weight limit.
Oversized and oversized luggage
Dimensional - suitable for standard sizes. In Russian, a standard suitcase or bag. Oversized fits in weight, but not in size, and is issued separately. By the way, it is oversized luggage that is most often lost.
If you are concerned about this topic, then feel free to go to the airline’s website and check what they can and cannot do. No other way. Because different airlines treat luggage differently. It is clear that objects such as a guitar, a huge box or plasma TV It’s hard to call it oversized luggage. For handling oversized baggage separate money they won't ask.
Extra bed
You can purchase additional luggage space, it costs extra money. But no one has canceled cheating, for example, the Aeroflot gold card allows you to carry two pieces of luggage at the same time for free, and, in principle, such a card is rubbish and envy.
Package
Suitcases are usually thrown onto planes in a rather barbaric manner, so if you want to extend the life of your traveling friend, you can pack it for a fee. The luggage will be wrapped with special film by specially trained people in special places. They are not difficult to find.
If you are carrying something valuable, it is advisable to wrap your luggage. At the airport there are usually several packages with different prices. Naturally, the most expensive ones are located closest to the main entrance. They will wrap you for about 700 rubles, or 10–15 EUR. In addition to official packers, there are also “spider-men” who will offer the same service at 2-3 times cheaper. Wander around the airport a little, looking meaningfully at the packing sheds, and these enterprising cunning people will find you themselves.
Overweight
If you (oh horror!) have an advantage, then prepare some money. Well, the time it takes to check in additional luggage and overweight will take from 20 to 40 minutes for sure.
Your luggage should be of the dimensions and weight, as I already said, acceptable in a particular airline, and it is also advisable to put in it everything that cannot be taken on board, that is, liquids, aerosols, and sharp objects.
Feel yourself. Money, passport, other documents and boarding pass must be literally glued to yourself. Under no circumstances leave money in your luggage (there are such cases), and without a passport you, in principle, will not fly far. It is best to keep such necessary items in a small bag or pocket, generally with you.
Registration
You can check in for your flight from home in advance. This provides certain advantages. For example, you can choose best places in airplane.
Registration is easy, Watson. When checking in for a regular flight, they usually don’t ask for anything other than a passport: the employees already have all the data, because Big Brother has been watching you for a long time... One the only time The Spaniards asked for a printout of my electronic ticket because in their database they spelled my name with the wrong letter. But this is the exception rather than the rule. At check-in you temporarily say goodbye to your luggage. The luggage is placed on the belt and weighed. After all this, you are given a boarding pass indicating your gate (exit), your seat on the plane and a baggage claim tag. Never lose your boarding pass. Now he is your king and god.
You may be asked what you take on the plane. Any belongings you bring on board are called carry-on luggage. Here's what shouldn't happen hand luggage:
- Liquids. Some people think that in principle nothing liquid can be brought on board, but this is not true. Up to 100 milliliters of any liquid substance You can easily take it with you.
- Sharp, piercing and cutting objects. If you have scissors, corkscrews and knives in your hand luggage, then most likely you will be asked to part with them at security. We learned about diabetics. Syringes are possible. But if you have (quote) “a free-form doctor’s certificate.”
- Aerosols. All varnishes, sprays and sprays must fly in the luggage compartment.
Hand luggage can weigh up to 10 kilograms. All airlines have approximately the same size requirements. There are even special suitcases that fit the size of hand luggage. In fact, if you're flying on a scheduled flight, you can bring almost anything on board. One day we were carrying a huge basket, a giant hoop the size of a hula hoop and... sheaves of straw. They were light, but voluminous, and we were almost invisible behind them. However, Aeroflot employees treated the sheaves with loyalty and even wished us to have a good event.
In addition to a special suitcase, you can take a fairly large bag or backpack on board. Since we carry a lot of props on business trips, all personal items usually fit in a small handbag.
Search
You can lose quite a lot of time at the security check, as there will be people there who are not only in a hurry to catch your flight. You take a special tray and put everything on it: hand luggage, things, gadgets, a laptop (in Europe they ask you to take it out of your bag and call it a laptop, for a moment!), all metal objects and shoes, if they have thick soles or heels. It is easy to part with liquids or aerosols here if their volume exceeds the norm. For example, you are trying to smuggle a liter of shampoo - most likely it will be confiscated. Creams, gels, toxic substances, sharp objects - tell them “adios” if you haven’t put them in your suitcase. So we parted with Enterosgel at Heathrow airport, it was very strict there.
This whole story is connected, again, with anti-terrorism security, similar rules were introduced in 2007. On board (once again) - no more than 100 milliliters of liquid in total, that is, you can take with you a small cream, a spray for a runny nose, a perfume sampler and liquid for lenses, in general, a bunch of liquids, but the main thing is that there is not a total of them more than a hundred ml. Yes, and it is advisable to forget about jokes about drugs and weapons. They don't understand jokes at the airport.
If you don’t want to waste a lot of time and make yourself nervous, and also embarrass women with sad faces and scanners in their hands, then, in principle, you shouldn’t hang all the iron jewelry left over from your gypsy grandmother, belts with massive buckles, and put on shoes thick soles or heels: they will strip you and take them off like there’s nothing to do. And this, you see, is not the most pleasant procedure. Here, by the way, is a link to a wildly funny video where a friend did not understand what they wanted from him and was scanned along with his luggage.
Passport control
Keep your passport and boarding pass with you, preferably in your hand. It is also better to avoid stupid jokes at passport control. Taking photographs of the passport control area is prohibited. Therefore, if something suddenly seemed funny to you (for example, your own face and you sawed yourself), you will be asked to delete the photos.
The official in the booth may ask questions. For example, about the purpose of the trip. He will leaf through your passport looking for visas and stamps. I have been reprimanded several times that, they say, I do not look at the border guard all the time, but fiddle with my phone (it is better not to be distracted by anything extraneous from this important process), and about the fact that the passport was stained (yes, I once dropped it in the Kura River, and several seals blurred). And you just might not like you. By the way, if you have a biometric passport or visa, you may be asked to place your finger on an infrared reader.
The waiting area
When re-reading my own text, I quickly replaced the word “desirable” with “required.” You absolutely must immediately find your gate (exit). Sometimes it can be difficult. Sometimes special trains run between gates, as in Madrid Barajas or London Heathrow. Sometimes they write scary numbers: how long to get to the exits. Sometimes this is the number 15, that is, minutes. But breathe out: this has never happened at Russian airports. Your ticket will indicate the gate number and boarding time, that is, the start time of boarding. It’s better not to go too far from the desired exit, otherwise you might miss important information. The gate may change, the flight may be delayed, or who knows what else. Take control of the situation.
There is usually something in the waiting area. For example, Duty Free. What “Duty Free” is does not need to be explained to the Russian tourist, who usually begins to prepare for his vacation by drinking alcoholic drinks from this shiny, delicious-smelling and shining market. The belief that it is cheaper at Duty Free is just a belief. For example, alcohol and snacks are often more expensive than in supermarkets, cigarettes are sold only in blocks, and cosmetics correspond to the market price. However, what should not be doubted is the quality of the products. Buy good perfume, professional cosmetics, gift packaging The best candies are at Duty Free. By the way, when purchasing you will be asked to show your boarding pass, so don’t take it too far away.
And, of course, there are all sorts of cafes in the waiting area. Unless you're in Berlin's Tegel, for example, which is more like an Ikea place to pack your groceries. It's not cheap to eat there, but I usually get water from the machine. The air on the plane is dry and you feel thirsty. Anything purchased in this area is suitable to be brought on board.
Boarding the plane
Depending on the airport, your route from the gate to the plane could be like this:
- telescopic ladder,
- bus,
- on foot.
If the airport is small then you can walk, usually short distance. Sometimes you have to wait for the bus; it’s hot and cramped. Ideal if you are walking along a telescopic ladder - this is what air bridge from the airport to the plane.
If you have a lot of hand luggage, it is better to get in line at the gate early so that you have time to occupy the luggage racks. Sometimes there may be no empty seats next to you, so you will have to look for an empty shelf away from your chair. At smart airports, there is a division into groups to avoid queues at the gate. In this case, your group number is also indicated on your boarding pass. But personally, I like to wait until the last minute: I jump at the gate when the bulk of people have already boarded the plane.
First time on a plane
And here you are, so happy, sitting on the plane and, perhaps, shaking with fear that this colossus is about to take off into the air. This won't happen instantly. You'll be packing for a while. The crew will be preparing for some time. Then the beautiful flight attendants will begin to show how and what to do in emergency situation. At this time the plane will begin to move towards runway. Previously, I always loved the moment of takeoff, when the iron bird accelerates so that it presses you into the chair, and then takes off from the ground, but now I often fall asleep even before takeoff. The main thing is, if you are scared, take a comfortable position. Good luck if you have a pillow under your head, because external and internal comfort are inseparable.
Places
When it comes to seats inside an airplane, a simple law applies: the closer you are to your head, the less you will be shaken by turbulence. Turbulence, or bumpiness, is the vibration of an aircraft caused by vortex wind flows, downward and outward. It's not scary. The usual bumpiness that occurs when flying through some types of clouds is not dangerous. The aircraft is designed to withstand the resulting overloads. In general, when a plane shakes, it is not a technical failure, and the pilot is not crazy, it is just a temporary phenomenon that needs to be accepted and forgiven. And don’t set yourself up for horror: I’ve flown many times without shaking at all. Since there is less vibration at the front of the plane, business class is located there.
As for “by the window or not by the window,” the point is controversial. If you have never flown, then it may seem to you that a fascinating picture is created in the window throughout the entire flight. However, it is not. The most interesting thing is the takeoff and landing, when you see the city that has turned into a toy city. And then the plane gains altitude and rises above the clouds. Outside the window there will be monotonous blinding white clouds if you are flying during the day, or endless darkness if at night. If you are not a big fan of sticking your forehead into the wall and snoring, then there is no need for a window. There is nothing wrong with choosing a seat near the aisle - it is convenient to go to the toilet without stepping over your sleeping neighbors. 
Great if you're flying on a half-empty plane. After takeoff, when you are allowed to wander around the cabin, look in the rear section: there may be three free seats there. I call it "reserved seat". You can stretch out on them, cover yourself with a blanket and sleep. No one will say a bad word to you - it’s been verified.
A special chic during check-in is getting seats at the emergency exit. Ask and they will give if they are still available. On most planes, the distance to the next seat is very far, and the table extends out of the armrest. Of course, you will have a great responsibility - to save passengers in case of emergency evacuation, since you will be the very first one to the exit there. But you can stretch your legs and have fun.
Food
It all depends, of course, on the airline and the specifics of the flight. If you are able to register in advance, you may also have been asked to select a menu. Major international airlines offer special menu: Kosher or vegetarian. I haven’t tried ordering the menu in advance, but I know it’s possible.
I once had a vegetarian lunch on board British Airways. The quinoa, avocado and tofu salad was much better than the usual lunch that included a stale bun with mayonnaise. However, in any case, do not expect culinary delights from economy class. Unfortunately, I didn’t have the chance to fly business class, but insiders know that it’s delicious, especially if it’s Aeroflot. Fortunately, the latter’s food is delicious even in economy, and sometimes there was also red fish.
The funniest airplane meal of my life was organized by the German subsidiary of Lufthansa, Air Berlin. Unfortunately, they stopped flying from Moscow. For the rest of my life I will remember a wonderful packed lunch consisting of very spicy chips and a glass of juice. And the worst lunch was at Air Moldova: some kind of indistinct sandwich.
If you fly during the day or evening, your chances of eating better are much greater: at night and in the early morning, you can count on a bun at most. Of course, a lot depends on the flight time. The usual proportion is that the longer the flight, the more food they will give. In any case, airplane food doesn't pretend to be anything incredible, so if you have the opportunity to bring something on the plane, grab it. There are usually no complaints about chocolate and cookies.
And, of course, it’s worth saying that at altitude we eat and drink completely differently than on earth; food seems tastier. By the way, there is a whole stereotype that people most often drink on a plane. tomato juice. They say it tastes better to us than on earth and quenches our thirst better. On a plane you always want to drink because, I repeat, the air in the cabin is very dry. In addition, rich tomato juice has more rich taste which we like. It is always better to stock up on a bottle of water, most importantly, not before the security check area, but after: you can bring water purchased in the waiting area on board. As for alcohol, almost all international flights have wine, champagne and beer. The flight attendants may simply not offer you this. But if you have a strong desire to get tipsy, ask, and they will organize a can of good beer for you - tested by British Airways.
Takeoff and landing
If your plane takes off and everything goes well, you can relax until you land. According to statistics, 90% of aircraft malfunctions occur during takeoff and landing. That is why singer Elka passionately wishes that the pilot “takes off well and lands extremely successfully.” During takeoff and landing, you are asked to fasten your seat belts and bring the seat into vertical position, remove the tables and open the curtains. All this is done so that in an emergency there are fewer obstacles to the implementation of the rescue program.
When an acquaintance flew with me for the first time, he really did not like the maneuvers of the plane, when the side turns and turns out to be one wing lower and the other higher. If you saw this and got scared, know that nothing terrible is happening at this moment, the plane is just turning.
If you are flying to a resort, you will most likely begin to descend directly over the blue waters. Again, panic in this case is unnecessary; the resort airports are really located right on the shore. Land will appear, don't worry!
Some people believe that the softness of a landing depends on the airline or type of aircraft. Nothing like that, everything is controlled by a pilot, or rather pilots, since control is usually divided equally between them. The best way to get me into Montenegro was the unloved, bankrupt and otherwise notorious airline Kogalymavia, when they had a contract with the operator TUI.
Important detail: time it correctly. As soon as the plane lands, it will travel along the runway for some time, circling around the airport until it stops. Something else time will pass before you are released from the plane. Passport control on an international flight and baggage claim on any flight will take about another half hour (or more). Therefore, you should not order a taxi before your arrival.
Don't immediately jump up and run out of the plane. You don't even have to get up. For some time you will wait for the “doors to a new country” to open.
At the airport of the country of arrival
Next, you will find almost everything the same as upon departure: boarding ramp or bus, passport control and baggage claim. Get in the line that says All Passports and you'll get a stamp (finally!) with the name of the airport. Next, we follow the arrows to the luggage, which probably already misses you as much as you miss it. Above the baggage belt they usually write the flight number and where the plane came from, so it’s difficult to make a mistake. In addition, it very rarely happens that two or more planes arrive at the same time, so you will probably go where the most people are standing. If the airport is very large, then there is a board indicating where to look for luggage.
If the tape has already scrolled a hundred hundred times, and your suitcase still hasn’t appeared, and all the passengers have left, then something is wrong here. Then you go to the representatives of your airline with your boarding stub (it is on it that the tag with your baggage number is on it) and most likely everything will be resolved safely. Well, then you, stamped, enriched and happy, can head to the exit (following the arrows) and begin to conquer new lands!
I hope you were able to learn something new about air travel and are now looking forward to the moment when the flight attendant announces that your plane is ready for takeoff.
Finally, you have waited for your vacation and are flying off to relax. Only this will be your first time flying on an airplane... And then you have a million questions: what to do at the airport? Where to go? How not to be late for a flight?
We decided to make a small FAQ on terms and procedures that will help newbies feel a little more confident at the airport.
The order may vary slightly, since each airport has its own sequence of security checks and registration.
Once at the airport, the first thing you must do is check-in. Above the check-in desk there is a board with the airline logo, flight number and arrival city.
This information is duplicated on the information board, where the number of the counter where check-in for your flight takes place is also indicated.
Check-in begins 2 hours before departure and ends 30-40 minutes before departure.
When registering, you must present your passport and air ticket. If you have e-ticket, then present only your passport. You must place your luggage on a transport belt, where it will be weighed, a special tag will be hung (so that the baggage handlers know which plane to put it on, and you can find it later) and sent to the baggage handlers. You will also be asked to present your hand luggage (things you want to take with you on board the plane), which may also be tagged.
As a rule, the weight of hand luggage should not exceed 7-10 kg. In addition, there are certain requirements for the dimensions of the bag, which you can check with the airline.
After check-in, you will be given a boarding pass and luggage tags (stickers that are placed on your passport or boarding pass, they will help you find your suitcase upon arrival).
You can register not only at the airport, but also at home. Some airlines practice online registration for the flight. You can register this way using a laptop, tablet, or even a phone. You can read more about mobile registration in the post “Mobile registration”. After that, you print out your boarding pass using a regular printer, and check your luggage at a special Drop off counter.
The boarding pass will indicate at which gate you will board the plane and your seat in the cabin. When checking in, you can ask an airline representative to seat you on comfortable spot, for example, near a window or near an emergency exit.
Gate (English: gate) is the gate to your plane.
Then, following the signs, you will need to proceed through pre-flight security. You will be asked to go through the gate and will be inspected for items prohibited for transportation. And border officials will check your passport and visa if necessary.
Please note that during security checks, when asked by security officers about the objects and substances you have, you should not make jokes, for example, “this is a bomb”, “this is drugs”, etc. Such answers are considered as a statement by the passenger about the presence of dangerous substances and objects and may entail removal from the flight, and further investigation and prosecution in accordance with the legislation of the Russian Federation, up to the initiation of a criminal case under Art. 207 of the Criminal Code of the Russian Federation (“Knowingly false report about an act of terrorism”).
On international flights, all passengers must go through customs control. During its passage you will see two corridors: “red” and “green”. They are indicated by inscriptions in Russian and English languages: “There are no goods subject to mandatory written declaration” (Nothing to declare) for the green corridor and “Goods subject to mandatory written declaration” (Goods to declare) for the red corridor.
Green corridor is intended for passengers who do not carry goods that are subject to mandatory written declaration.
Red- for passengers who have goods subject to mandatory written declaration, i.e. goods that are subject to customs duties, have cost and quantity restrictions, etc.
After completing these formalities, you will be taken to a waiting room where cafes and duty free shops are located.
When your flight is boarded, return to your gate and present your boarding pass and passport (not always required) to the airline representative. The boarding pass has a tear-off spine on the right, on which the basic information is duplicated. The airline representative will tear it off and give it to you. Keep your ticket until you receive your luggage upon arrival.
Boarding is announced several times over a loudspeaker; the same information is duplicated on the information board and above the gate itself.
If you get lost, go to any airport employee and they will help you find the right gate.
You will be put on a bus, which will take all passengers to the plane. Large airports have telescopic bridges that allow you to board the plane directly from the terminal.
What will happen on board the plane is no less interesting, so we advise you to read our article “Why and why on board the plane.” She will answer most of your questions, for example, why your ears clog during takeoff and landing, why turn off Cell phones and much more.
Upon arrival, you will be put on a bus again or across the bridge to the airport's arrival hall, where you will go through passport and customs control and pick up your luggage.
If you have a flight with a transfer, then read our article “Transfer at the airport”. In it we will answer the most popular questions about transplantation.
Buy cheap air tickets on the website!
And in our Telegram channel There is also useful and relevant information. We talk about places where you immediately want to fly, publish cheap tickets and tell the news.
29 Mar 2012 Anna Komok Tags:Are you about to take your first plane flight? Don't worry, now we will tell you how to prepare for the flight and what to do at the airport.
Baggage
Before your trip, you need to pack your luggage. Unlike other types of transport, on an airplane all luggage is divided into hand luggage(things you take with you into the cabin) and checked baggage, which you check in at the airport and it flies in the luggage compartment.
Thus, you need to divide all your things into 2 bags. It is better not to take heavy objects in your hand luggage, because... you will carry it with you all the time. After going through security, there are no carts or luggage storage.
What to fly in?
The answer to this question depends on the duration of the flight. If it is up to 3-4 hours, then there is no difference. If more, then choose comfortable clothes from natural materials. Believe me, sitting on a plane in tight jeans for six or more hours is very uncomfortable. Clothes should be loose.
If you need to look good upon arrival, then take a change of clothes. You can change clothes and freshen up in the airplane toilet.
Regardless of the duration of the flight, pay attention to your shoes. It is desirable that it be comfortable (not tight) and without heels. If the flight is planned in winter, then take warm socks with you, sit for several hours in winter boots very uncomfortable, it’s better to take them off and put on socks.
What to take with you on the plane?
As we wrote above, you should not take a heavy bag on board the plane. If possible, take in your hand luggage only those things that you may need during the flight. For example:
- Book (regular or electronic).
- Tablet or laptop.
- Moisturizing cream. The air on the plane is very dry, so cream will be useful, especially if you have dry skin. However, keep in mind that the volume of the tube should be no more than 100 ml.
- A mess. You can take some products on board the plane. On flights lasting less than 3 hours, as a rule, there is no food, so a small sandwich and an apple will not be out of place. Read more about transporting food in hand luggage.
How to deal with motion sickness and ear congestion?
If you get motion sickness on other types of transport, it is better to worry about this problem in advance. In many pharmacies and even at the airport you can buy special tablets or pills for seasickness, for example “Aviamore”. This drug will help you get rid of discomfort during the flight and nausea.
Many people experience stuffy ears during takeoff and landing, but in most cases this can be avoided.
Road to the airport
Think in advance about how you will get to the airport. it could be a bus, minibus, taxi, train (Aeroexpress). The fastest way is Aeroexpress. If you choose a bus or taxi, be aware of traffic jams.
You must arrive at the airport 2-2.5 hours before departure and register. As a rule, check-in ends 40 minutes before departure, but on some transatlantic flights it ends 1 hour.
How to stop being afraid of flying?
According to statistics, every 3rd passenger experiences fear of flying to one degree or another. You are not alone in this.
But if you rely on statistics, you should also keep in mind that the plane is the most safe transport. The number of victims of accidents associated with air transport is almost 3000 times less than in road transport.
If the stress from the upcoming flight is severe, then drink and take a sedative with you.
Never drink alcohol before a flight. On a short time it may help, but on the way, passengers who have consumed alcohol feel much worse.
Flight is heavy load on the cardiovascular system and the body as a whole. Alcohol will only make the situation worse.
19 Aug 2013 Anna Komok Tags:A long domestic or international flight can often be the fly in the ointment of a vacation or business trip. These instructions can help make your time spent on the road as comfortable and painless as possible for you and your fellow travelers.
Steps
Part 1
Tips before boarding a plane- However, remember that you should never choose an emergency exit row seat if you are flying with an infant or small child.
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If you plan to sleep in, be prepared. Take a travel pillow, preferably not an inflatable one - unless you've flown with it before and are sure it's comfortable. and try to avoid using these items if they need to be inflated.
Take something to entertain yourself. Usually, movies don't start showing on the plane right away, and the choice of both movies and music can be very limited. So bring your iPod (the day before your flight, try to download the latest music and movies - it's more fun than watching old movies you already have), iPhone, iPad, Gameboy, Nintendo D.S or CD player. You can also pick up an exciting new book or handheld game.
Always have a couple of recent magazines with you. Buying new magazines at the airport before a flight - a good start trips!
If possible, use an airline that provides audio and video on demand. You can watch the video on own choice on the TV screen in front of your seat, listen to music or play a game. This will make time fly by, but first find out how much it will cost: such services can be VERY expensive.
Bring your own headphones on the flight. Headphones provided on the plane (paid or free) are usually of poor quality. If you have noise-isolating or in-ear headphones, these will work great and help muffle engine noise.
Keep carry-on luggage to a minimum. One backpack will work great for a flight, and it will be easier to find space in an overhead bin or under a seat than a rolling suitcase.
Bring a toothbrush, lip balm and other toiletries (except liquids and gels) to freshen up after a long flight.
Those who come to meet you, as well as the passengers sitting next to you, will be grateful to you for this.
Check with the airline in advance to see if on-board meals are included in the ticket price and whether special meals can be ordered.
Many airlines offer vegetarian, kosher, halal and other special meals if you order two or three days before your flight. Because this food is specially prepared, it is usually better than standard food. In addition, passengers who have ordered special meals are almost always served first. If your airline doesn't offer free food, be sure to bring something to eat from home or buy it at the airport. Bring sweets or other snacks with you.
Protein bars are especially useful during long flights. Most meals served on board tend to be low in protein and high in carbohydrates. Take steps to protect yourself from the dry air on board an airplane.
- The air on an airplane is very dry and can cause dehydration.
- Drink plenty of water. Although you can ask the flight attendant for water, it is a good idea to take your own water on board. You can buy bottled water after you go through security, or bring an empty bottle with you and fill it with water from the drinking fountain. Remember that you should never drink the tap water in an airplane toilet, as it may contain bacteria.
- Use eye drops (eye drops can be brought through security) when your eyes feel dry. If you feel really unwell, don't hesitate to tell the flight attendant.
- If your nose feels uncomfortable due to dry air, you can use a moisturizing gel for dry nasal mucosa. This gel can be found in the pharmacy next to nasal sprays. It helps keep the nasal mucosa moist and makes breathing easier. Apply the gel in the toilet and wash your hands before and after using the gel. Squeeze the gel onto a cotton swab and apply it to both nostrils to a depth of about 1-1.5 cm. You may think this is too much, but this procedure really helps prevent painful dryness in the nose.
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Take a lip balm in a small package and use it to protect your lips from drying out. Also grab a mini-pack of hand lotion or cocoa butter if your skin gets dry easily. You still won't be able to speed up time, and the flight will seem much longer if you constantly check what time it is. So there is no need to keep track of the time, nor do you need to look at the map, which displays the route and current position of the aircraft.
Find an opportunity to sleep comfortably. If you have a pillow with you, place it on the table in front of you and rest your head on it. If your seat is near a window, leaning against the wall may be much more comfortable than leaning back. If you do lean back, try to recline the back of your chair as much as possible for greater comfort.
Book a good seat. Even within the same class and fare, some seats are much better than others. Choose an aisle or emergency exit seat for extra legroom, or a window seat if you want to sleep. Try to avoid areas near toilets, as other passengers will visit them regularly. There are usually queues for the toilet on long flights, and people going there or there can bump or bump your seat. Also be aware that the noise and light coming from such areas, if the door is open, may disturb you, especially if you are trying to sleep.
- Stretch regularly during your flight. This helps avoid deep vein thrombosis and blood clots.
- Don't worry about going to the toilet frequently. Walking down the aisle will be good for blood flow in your legs.
- Keep a photocopy (or several copies) of the pages of your main passport in your luggage. If your passport is lost or stolen, having a copy of it will make it much easier to solve the problem. And if your bag gets lost, it's more likely to be returned to you
- Download a few podcasts to your MP3 player before you fly. There are tons of podcasts out there, and there should be one that suits your interests. If you're traveling alone for any length of time, a podcast or two will keep you company.
- Relax and don't think about bad things that may happen to you during the flight.
- The last row of seats, as a rule, does not recline.
- Feel free to ask for extra napkins and ice when drinks are offered. You may be given an extra drink if you ask. Drink water! Carbonated drinks are a bad choice because they contain a lot of sugar.
- Try to get a seat near a window or aisle (window if you want to sleep, aisle if you want to stretch).
- Accept antihistamine before flying to relieve air pressure. The drug will help keep your sinuses open, and it will also reduce ear pain and facial muscle pain.
- Alternative solutions to the problem of stuffy ears (whether you have a cold or not) - chewing chewing gum and mouth opening.
- Take some menthol ointment and apply it under your nose. This will help you if the plane smells bad, or the person sitting next to you smells bad.
- Pre-moistened antibacterial hand wipes are one of the best inventions in the world. This is a bathtub that you carry with you. They are inexpensive and come in small, palm-sized packets.
- Earplugs that reduce pressure ( trademark Ear.Planes) also help ease the reaction to changes in air pressure during flight.
- Bring a lollipop or mint to suck on during takeoff and landing. This will help if you have stuffy ears.
- Bring wax earplugs. They absorb noise better than cheap foam earplugs and are less expensive than custom-made earplugs. If you are concerned about noise, try sitting further away from the engine.
- Buy a “chair-corset” for the back NadaChair S "portBacker. It allows you to sleep while sitting. This prevents slouching, which causes deformation Bottom part backs. Put on the “corset chair”, raise the seat to an almost vertical position, fasten the belt tightly to your knees, and you can sleep for hours without experiencing discomfort. NadaChair S"portBacker folds into a small handbag, about the size of a paperback book. Sitting with a more comfortable posture in lumbar region spine, which is what NadaChair S"portBacker helps with, can also reduce arterial pressure(NadaChair's BackUp, which is not as compact, is recommended for even more support).
- Short flights can take longer than if you drive to your destination when you factor in: airport parking, going through security, waiting to board, waiting for luggage, car rentals, etc.
- This may sound obvious, but sometimes it happens. Don't try to shave on a plane! Don't try to improve your beauty by shaving in the toilet. Not only is it disgusting, but you can also cut yourself during turbulence.
- Some flights have footrests, so put your feet on them and relax.
- Some airports have kiosks where you can rent portable DVD players and movie discs. Just hand them over at your arrival airport.
- If you're not in a rush, consider taking the train to your destination. You will have a horizontal bed, food and other benefits.
- If you have a severe fear of flying or can't sleep during a flight, you can ask your doctor to prescribe benzodiazepine medications. They will reduce anxiety and are also sedatives. Don't use alcohol to fall asleep.
- Bring a bag of candy or fruit with you.
- If first (or business) class tickets are not fully sold out, a crew member is sometimes invited to take economy class passengers to occupy such seats. Your chances of getting this spot will be better if you dress appropriately. This means no jeans or sweatshirts, no open sandals, and no backpack or other bulky carry-on luggage.
- The armrests can be raised (even if you're sitting next to the aisle), but some armrests have a hidden latch. Check with crew members.
- When you are tired or sleepy, ask the passenger behind you (ask a parent if there is a child in the back) if you can recline your seat back a little and rest or sleep.
- If you start to feel seasick, drink more water and stay calm. If you keep experiencing discomfort, simply vomit into a specialized disposable bag.
- If the airline you are traveling with provides blankets - good idea sleep with a blanket over your head to block light and also if you want some privacy.
- Sudafed helps relieve pressure in the ears during takeoff and landing. However, please note that if you are flying to Japan or New Zealand, cold and cough remedies containing pseudoephedrine are considered controlled substances and are illegal to import into the country. Medicines containing pseudoephedrine may also prevent you from falling asleep.
- Also plan for plane transfers, they can take some time but are a good opportunity to stretch your legs.
- To relieve pressure in your ears, read about the Valsalva maneuver (pinch your nose and blow) in advance so you know how to use it correctly.
- Turn off all Wi-Fi/Bluetooth/Cellular features on your phone. Most smartphones have an "offline mode".
- If you want to use earplugs but don't bring them with you, use paper napkins.
- Go to the toilet right before your flight. This will reduce your chances of going to the bathroom on the plane. Airplane toilets are small and don't smell the best.
What you will need
- Books, magazines
- Sudoku, logic puzzles
- Toothbrush
- Antibacterial wipes
- Clean shift underwear, a clean pair of socks and a clean T-shirt
- Napkins in mini packaging
- Deodorant
- Chewing gum, mints, breath fresheners (to chew when your ears are blocked)
- Laptop
- Movies to watch on your laptop
- iPod/mp3 player
- Batteries
- Pen and paper if you want to draw
- Snacks, chocolate or candy
- Small hair comb, hair clip
- Water bottles (purchased or filled with water after security check)
- The latest information on the list of items that can be brought on board
- Hand sanitizer
- Painkillers, cold and ear tablets, antacids
- Soft pillow, blanket (if the airline does not provide them for hygienic reasons)
- Footrest or travel bag to rest your feet on
- Eye mask for sleep, noise-isolating headphones, earplugs
- Adapter for connecting headphones to watch entertainment programs on board. Airplane headphones typically come with two prongs, so you may not be able to connect your regular headphones without an adapter.
- Compression socks, shoes without screws
- A small tube of facial moisturizer, lip balm
- Mouthwash
- Sanitary napkin
- Comfortable clothes
The journey begins with air travel. And how comfortable it will be depends not only on the airline and the well-coordinated work of the flight attendants. Think about what you can do on a plane for 4 hours or longer. Then time will fly by unnoticed.
What to do on the plane: 12 hours flight
If the flight is a short distance and lasts from an hour to three, then you may not even have time to get tired. But when flying to distant countries, you will have to think about what you can do on the plane:
- Sleep. If you have chronic sleep deprivation, a long flight is a great opportunity to correct this misunderstanding.
- Read an interesting book.
- Meet new people and start conversations with them. The conversation can turn out to be so fascinating that the question of what to do on a plane for 9 hours will disappear on its own.
- Think over a vacation plan. Research the country you are flying to. Pull up foreign language. These useful activities will not be in vain.
- Watch a movie or TV series. Modern airplanes are equipped with special screens on the back of the seat in front.
- Play tic-tac-toe, crossword puzzles or sudoku.
How to choose a comfortable seat on a plane
How your air travel will go depends largely on the location you choose for your air travel. All seats on board can be divided into two classes:
- Economy class takes most airplane. Usually these are three rows of seats with three seats each. The disadvantages of such places are the possible unpleasant proximity and the minimum distance to the seats in front, that is, there is very little legroom. The advantage, of course, is the cost of tickets in economy class.
- Business class is separated from economy class by special curtains. In large aircraft it is located on the upper deck. It is distinguished by more comfortable seats, the presence of additional services (alcoholic drinks, smoking) and its less crowded environment. However, the ticket price here is five times higher.
The most comfortable seats are considered to be those in the first row, where there are no other seats or passengers in front of you. You will be able to stretch your legs, which will undoubtedly add some comfort on a long flight. Well, the most worst places, according to the majority of air passengers, are located in the tail - the view from the window is blocked by the wings of the plane, the seats are located next to the toilet, and the noise from the engines can even interfere with sleep.
Three reasons to sit near the window
1. The bird's eye views are simply mesmerizing. You will be able to look at the city from a completely different perspective, see seas and lakes, historical monuments and other things.
2. If you like privacy and are not in the mood for conversations during the flight, then a seat near the window is a great way to be alone. All you have to do is turn your face to the porthole and retreat into yourself.
3. Seeing clouds passing by is calming. I just want to touch them with my hand.
However, if you're afraid of heights, get motion sickness, or just don't want to sit by the window, ask check-in for a different seat and think about what to do on the plane.
What to do for children during a flight
Children on an airplane can be fussy and cry. And not only because they may be uncomfortable or afraid. In flight, they may experience discomfort from constant ear plugging when changing flight altitude. To do this, grab a handful of small candies with you. Don't forget to bring your children's favorite books on board. While reading them, they can even fall asleep, so the flight will be faster and calmer. Coloring books and markers can also keep your child busy for a while. An album with stickers of your favorite characters will also help out. If there are monitors on the plane, you can turn on cartoons or an interesting program for your children. If you don’t know what to do with your children on the plane, take a toy with you into the cabin, preferably a new one, in order to interest the child for a relatively short time. long time. And of course, the food served on airplanes also captivates children. Let them choose their own selection of drinks and dishes.
To sleep or not to sleep
This is a personal matter for everyone. At the beginning of the flight, some people ask not to be disturbed even with food, put on a special dark mask over their eyes and fall asleep for the entire duration of the flight. This is done not only by those who really want to sleep, but also by those who are very afraid of flying and thus relieve their stress. If the flight is long, then all passengers should try to sleep. For greater comfort, flight attendants offer special sets for sleeping, as well as pillows and small blankets. The seat backs recline for a comfortable position, with the exception of those located near emergency exits. Take this into account when choosing seats on the plane.
