Mastering Comfort in the Air

#TravelNotes for Beginners

I travel at minimum twice a year these days. But often, I am in the skies 6 or 7 times a year due to work, and there was a time when I had to fly twice a month minimum. So over time I’ve learned a thing or two about making traveling a little bit easier. 

If you don’t travel often and want to make an upcoming flight a little less stressful, then this post is for you! 

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Pack to optimize leg room  

It’s pretty common knowledge at this point that you should carry any valuables, medications, and electronics in your carry on suitcase. But too many people make the mistake of bringing way too much on to the plane, and have to shove items under the seat in front of them. 

To maximize the very little leg room you will likely have, have a seat pocket bag ready to go. This bag should include anything you need quick access to, that can also fit in a bag small enough that it fits in the seat pocket in front of you, versus on the floor. This will also make sure you don’t leave anything behind in the seat pocket, or have your things touching trash that may have been left behind there. 

My seat pocket bag usually includes a mini wallet, extra masks, hand sanitizer and wipes, face wipes, a mini pill holder, a portable phone charger, a pen, chapstick, tampons, gum, my mini tablet, and hair ties. This is a good place to also keep wireless headphones or ear plugs if you have them as well. 

These bags don’t have to be tiny, since those pockets can hold quite a bit. Look for a flat toiletries bag or a wide crossbody bag - even a laptop case could work too.

Dress for comfort and access

Navigating the airport can take some practice. This post is for beginners, but if you want to learn more about special lines, members clubs and getting through quickly, check out the Travel Notes section for more. At minimum, here is what you need to know about your time in the airport. 

Wear comfortable, layers. The airport can be really hot or really cold depending on your departure and arrival destinations. Wearing layers can help you be prepared for sudden temp changes comfortably. For example, when traveling to an island I always wear sweat pants and a hoodie, and when I arrive I pull those off so I can comfortably ride to a resort in my biker shorts and my t-shirt/tank top. 

Also, you’re asked to pull out your ticket and ID a lot. Having a small crossbody bag (that can also be the seat pocket bag if you want) makes having access to those things quicker. 

Know your seat and prep accordingly

Where you sit has more implications than just leg room. For example, the emergency exit rows are always the coldest seats. So you’ll want a blanket if you sit there. 

The seats near the bathroom are usually the noisiest and at the back, so you may want ear plugs or headphones. But I’ve also heard parents say they’re also the emptiest, and thus good spots if you have small kids that need to crawl around multiple seats. The back of the plane also usually gets served snacks and drinks last, so bring your own in case things run out or just take forever to get to you. 

In general, I like to have my over the ear wireless headphones for entertainment and to keep my ears from popping. And a small blanket I can use as a pillow or to keep warm. I like this one that works as both and has a strap to slip over my carry on.

Stand out to get out fast

To spot your suitcase quickly at baggage claim, mark your suitcase. If you want something extreme or permanent, consider luggage options that are bold colors or patterns. 

But, you can also do little things to make your bag stand out like a temporary cover (that can also help prevent scratching) or even just a bright fabric bow around the handle. 

The quicker you can spot your suitcase in the pile up at baggage claim, the quicker you head to your final destination.