Happy Tuesday, friends!
Today, I’m taking two of my favorite topics TRAVEL + SAVORING LIFE and putting them together in this one blog post 🙂 .
Because if any two topics should go together, it’s these two.
Last week, I shared the post 52 FLIGHTS, 8 MUST BRINGS and in the comment section, there were some of you who asked me how I get over my fear of flying/how I enjoy it so much/etc. These are all very common questions that I’ve been asked over the years, so I thought why not write about it.
So here we go…
…HOW I SAVOR AIR TRAVEL (because I really do!).
Now, before we get started, let me say this first and foremost, these thoughts and ideas are NOT for those of you who are really struggling with the anxiety of flying. I certainly have compassion for you. Anxiety is real and should be addressed by a healthcare professional…not your friendly blogger. I think there is a BIG difference between “I have anxiety around flying” and “I don’t like to fly”. The former should be addressed by a clinician (because there are real ways to address this!) and the latter can read on and *hopefully*, I can encourage you to make your next flight a bit more enjoyable.
Because hi, my name is Shay, and I LOVE TO GET ON AIRPLANE.
Truly, it is one of my favorite little indulgences in life.
Love it.
I shared this photo last week of me on board my very first flight at the age of four. I sat down with my book (some things never change), took off to Walt Disney World (seriously, some things NEVER change), and was energized/excited/thrilled by the whole experience.
I’m going to share a few ways I crank up the enthusiasm, and I’m hoping it encourages you to step on board with a bit more pep in your step on your next flight.
HUGE DISCLAIMER ALERT.
HUGE.
HUGE.
HUGE.
I have enjoyed flying every single time since the age of four. I’ve found it to be one of my favorite ways to pass time. I adore it. From childhood through my teens and early 20s into adulthood with the exception of…
…those years that I flew with small children.
You guys, that’s not enjoyable. That’s survival.
Nothing, I repeat, nothing I say below has anything to do with flying with small children. That’s a whole other animal.
And should you be in this wonderful stage of life, ignore my nonsense here and perhaps instead read THIS POST ON TRAVELING WITH KIDS. Godspeed.
Okay, back to the fun stuff…
You guys, it CAN BE ENJOYABLE! I really feel like it can be!
THE TRIP STARTS WHEN YOU WALK OUT THE FRONT DOOR
I have refined and finessed and fully embraced this the older I have gotten…the trip starts when you walk out the front door. I said “trip” not “vacation” in case you are flying for reasons other than a vacay.
In my opinion, if you shift your mindset and start to think of it beginning the moment you leave the house, you will set yourself up for more success than if you’re waiting to arrive at the final destination.
How?
Because if you’re waiting until arrival, you’ve already changed this portion of your day from “travel fun” to “a big fat chore that gets you to the travel fun”. As silly as it sounds, I think that perspective sets you up for a much better start.
Since we’re treating this like the beginning of your trip, it’s imperative to give yourself extra time to get from your home (or wherever you are) to the airport. Think of the time from your front door to the gate (so the drive to the airport, parking, checking bags, going through security, and walking to your gate) and if you think it will take you two hours, give yourself at least two and a half.
Why?
Because no good FLIGHT ever started with you feeling rushed, sweaty, panicked, behind schedule, needing to potty, wishing you would have stopped for a snack, and frazzled.
Don’t rush, go early.
Boarding NOT feeling rushed and frazzled is the best way to begin to enjoy your flight.
UPLUG
Back in ye olden days, when you boarded a flight, you were forced to unplug. Now you have options. I personally always opt to NOT connect my phone to the WiFi. I find my time in the sky so much more enjoyable if I’m unplugged. Maybe that would add stress for you, if so, connect away, but for me, a BIG part of savoring that time is not being plugged in. My phone isn’t ringing, there are no notifications, social media isn’t connected…my brain has time to just be without the constant interruption of my phone.
Whether my flight is 45 minutes or 17 hours, I unplug. I will connect my MacBook to WiFi to work (see below), but I don’t connect my phone.
USE THIS TIME TO DO THINGS YOU’RE EXCITED ABOUT
Okay, so you’re not frazzled and sweaty and you’re unplugged…now, you sit back and savor this time to do something you’re excited about.
I purposely save movies or TV shows I want to binge for the air. I do this all the time because it’s WAY more fun to “nest” in my seat with a film or TV show that I am SO excited to watch. This doesn’t just make the flight go by quicker (which it does), but it makes me HAPPY to sit down on the flight.
I personally also get excited to read new books, new magazines and work through a Sudoku book too. These are activities I very much enjoy, so having uninterrupted time to just savor them makes the flight feel more elevated. I’ve sat next to many passengers before who were knitting or working on a foreign language or reading the paper…you know, things that seem to be bringing them joy.
If you don’t enjoy flying, bring things on board the flight that give you JOY.
USE THIS TIME TO BE PRODUCTIVE
You’ll never see me busier than when I’m on a flight. I can get twice as much work done, emails sent, etc with the forced unplugged/uninterrupted time. I will sometimes save big projects or “to dos” for when I’m on a flight. I sit down and power through them at a rapid pace which always makes me feel so productive and accomplished.
One year, I sat down on a flight with my Christmas list and did all of my holiday shopping from 30,000 feet. I had my headphones in and listened to Christmas music and shopped away. That was such a festive way to savor my air travel.
USE THIS TIME TO REST
I do not think there is anything wrong with using this time for rest. I am not a good napper, but I am a really good “sleeper” and on long flights, I settle in and SLEEP. I did an entire post on it HERE.
If you enjoy savoring a good nap, bring whatever you need to make sure your flight time is right for nap time.
DO ALL THE LITTLE THINGS
There are a bunch of “little” things that fall into Tip #6. I try and “do them all”, but you do what works for you to help you savor your air travel…
#1: Don’t look out the window. If you’re next to the window, close it up. A closed window allows you to be anywhere else but in the air. It keeps it dark, and it keeps your focus on what you’re doing…not outside.
#2: Find the right seat for you. We don’t always get to pick our seats, but when we can, select the one that works for you. I personally love an aisle seat because I want the option to stand up without bothering my seat mates. My mom always picks the window because she never stands up on flights and wants to be able to nap/nest without anyone asking her to move. Figure out what works best for you and try to grab that option.
#3: Wear the right clothes. I don’t think we all need to wear our pajamas to the airport, but we can certainly wear things that make us feel comfortable. I like to wear layers because I want to control my body temperature. I can’t savor anything if I’m really hot or really cold. I also consider if my clothes will be easy to remove in the tiny bathrooms, will make me feel wrinkled and frumpy or pulled together. Wear the right clothes and you won’t think about them…wear the wrong clothes and that’s all you’ll think about.
#4: Have your items handy. I like to sit down with everything I need right there with me. I don’t want to have to get back up and get into the overhead bin for my Kindle or headphones, so I sit down with them and put them in the seat pocket in front of me right away. I won’t need my wallet while I’m on the plane, so that can go in the bin. I might need my snack though, so that needs to be in the seat pocket. Little details like this make the flight way more enjoyable.
#5: Want to get away? Put your headphones on. I shared this in my 52 FLIGHTS, 8 MUST BRINGS post, but one way to really “get away” while also being on a flight is to put your headphones on. Call me crazy, but this instantly gives you space (weird but true). Having headphones on drowns out all the sounds and noise from other passengers, from the aircraft…it just makes you feel like you’re in your own little bubble. Sometimes, I put mine in and just listen to white noise (if I’m trying to work and don’t want to hear the noise around me). Put ’em on. It can create this whole serene space for you 🙂 .
Go early, don’t be rushed, bring something on board you’re excited about, unplug, dress comfy, and create a little “nest” that is giving you all sorts of things to indulge on while you’re in the air. Sure it can be a little cramped, a little boring, a little stuffy, a little long…but choose to be a half glass full kind of traveler and embrace all the “good” things you can do/accomplish/enjoy instead.
Unless you have small kids with you. If you have small kids with you, I’m sorry. Ha!
Okay, I want to know YOUR best tip for actually ENJOYING your air travel! Please comment and share! I want to know!
Of course, I have other blog posts on traveling you might enjoy today too like…
TRAVELING WITH KIDS
Top Five, Bottom Five: TRAVELING BY AIRPLANE
MY 13 KEYS TO MANAGING JET LAG
HOW I TRY TO STAY HEALTHY WIN I TRAVEL
MY 18 KEYS TO PREPPING FOR A TRIP
MY 9 KEYS TO RETURNING FROM A TRIP
MY 7 KEYS TO REDUCING/AVOIDING MOTION SICKNESS
MY TIPS FOR KIDS CARRYING ON
Speaking of air travel, I’m heading back to Dallas this morning. I had the best two nights on Nantucket, but fun things await in McKinney too. I’ll see you back here tomorrow from the sunshine. xx
Elspeth Mizner says
I love to fly! One of my favorite things is to walk around the airport and see all the different destinations! I also love to read without interruptions on the plane!
http://www.elspethsdaybyday.com
Mix and Match Mama says
We play a game in our family. When we’re walking to our gate, we say “okay, the next destination is where you’re going today” and we go in order Andrew to Mades (oldest to youngest) to see where the six of us are “going” and then we decide who won/who lost. 🙂
Elisabeth says
I’m leaving on SATURDAY for 3.5 of living/working in various spots in Europe (with my husband and teen and tween – set to visit 15 countries!!!), so this post was perfectly timed.
I am feeling ALL THE FEELINGS right now, and this reaffirms that travel is worth the stress and that we will all learn SO much.
Mix and Match Mama says
Wow! That will be EPIC!!!! I hope you have the very, very best time. A trip of a lifetime!
Jenn Workman says
Elisabeth, do you have room for a fun, well-behaved 53-year-old?!
This adventure sounds SO RAD!
Lindi says
I’m not sure anything can be done to make me enjoy air travel. I think right now I’m tolerating it, and that’s about the best I can do. Lol
I find it so dirty, stuffy, germy, so many people. Even in business class. There’s more room, but still just so many people. We’re at the mercy of the airlines with delays and cancellations. I wish I enjoyed it like my husband, but I’m gritting my teeth through the whole thing!
Erin says
I feel the same as you, Lindi! Dirty, stuffy, nothing is ever on time, people are rude, etc etc. I tolerate it too….and mostly only go places that are not long flights. 🙂
Allison says
Oh how I wish I wasn’t terrified of flying. I wasn’t always this way, I grew up flying and taking several trips/vacations a year, every year. Then when I was 22 and on a flight, BAM! It came out of nowhere. Houston to Kilimanjaro and I was in my parents laps nearly the whole flight lol! Full panic and anxiety and now that I’m 42, I’ve learned to adapt but it’s still hard. Close the window? Hilarious! I have to see if we’re falling out of the sky. If I’m ever next to you on a flight and you have the window closed, I will politely strike up a conversation begging you to at least crack it so I can see the horizon. Sleep? Even more hilarious. I’m saying my God ABC’s on repeat… God is Amazing, God is Beautiful, God is Caring… and yep, God is always Xylophone. It’s an inside joke between us. I make jokes to mask the tears.
Mix and Match Mama says
Anxiety is real, real, real. I don’t take that lightly at all. I think it’s awesome that you do what you can to push through and travel regardless.
Jennifer says
Reading this post and you comment especially helped me feel less alone. We are planning a short trip to Key Largo / Miami in a couple weeks and I’m excited about it (first solo trip without our kids in tow) but, like you, I panic. Any bump or shimmy of the plane and I immediately think the worse. I can’t sleep, I can read a bit on my Kindle, I can try and focus on a movie. I have my little rituals I do before boarding and as well as my onboard mantra I repeat when it gets bumpy. My husband sings the Air Force theme during take off which always helps make me giggle but I typically fight back tears during that as well. The struggle is indeed real!
Paula Hobbs says
Baby K and S made me laugh out loud!!! Great tips! Thank you for sharing!
Emily says
You forgot a couple glasses of wine don’t hurt to make the experience better😜😜
Mix and Match Mama says
See? Everyone brings their best tips to these posts 😉 .
Natasha says
I actually love sitting by the window and getting a view from above. This past summer we flew over Greenland and it was so cool to see from the air! I also find that sitting by the window helps me with a small bit of anxiety about landing and take off because I can see the descent and how far we still have to go.
Marti says
Yes! I love a window seat–I WANT to look out and see below!
Valerie Potts says
I love to fly too Shay! I get excited any time I’m preparing for a trip and I do all that you suggested. I want to have options of things I can do that I enjoy whether it’s watch a movie, look at Pinterest, read, quilt or color in one of my adult coloring books. I try to always have a small quilting project with me, and a set of fine tip markers and a postcard size coloring book along with the other things I listed. I also always bring earplanes for my ears. It’s all so much better if I’m not dealing with painful ears. The other big thing for me is a meal or snack that I am looking forward to on the plane. I love packing my carry-on!! As of now, my next flight isn’t until May 4th but that’s ok because I get to go spend 3 1/2 weeks with my mom and for a week of that we get to go on a trip together. 🙂 The one thing I have not perfected yet is my carry-on bag. I am still looking for one that stays organized and is easy to get into. If you’ve found that perfect bag for the plane I would love to know what it is. Have a great flight home and thanks for this post!
Martha says
I agree about loving to pack my carry-on. It’s like I’m packing a care package full of treats just for me – a new book, a new show to watch, a special snack, my favourite wrap/scarf, the next chapter of my audio book. I look forward to being in the air (I make myself wait) and then opening up my bag to see which treat I want to start with. While raising my children I would always have special “trip” bags packed for each of them on long road trips and now I do an adult version for myself.
Angela G says
Hi Shay!
At what age(s) did you find flying got easier with kids?!
Mix and Match Mama says
FOUR! I found that four year olds understood more/had more patience/were more content with an iPad and movie/were excited about the destination/excited about the flight/just “got” it more.
Jess says
Years ago I traveled from PA to FL with my aunt and her twin two year old boys. THAT was fun 😅 I was in charge of packing entertainment for them. I had a whole bag of fun things… and the thing they liked the most was a plastic spice jar with the wide holes and qtips to poke through the holes into the jar. That kept them entertained for so long!
Angie says
I appreciate this post so much! I don’t love travel, so I’m constantly looking for ways to TRICK my brain into thinking it’s enjoyable, ha! I love that you’ve made it into something you ACTUALLY enjoy! I will come back and reread this post next time we go somewhere, thank you for putting this all together!
Dana P says
This is just the post I needed! We just got back from a quick trip to the US and it about did me in. My husband got very sick the day after we landed and then I picked that up from him. We made it home 2 days ago and our son apparently picked up a stomach bug, too. BUT this post reminded me that not all trips are bad and I CAN enjoy the process and the destination. I did enjoy the stack of magazines on sale at the airport and many of the things you listed here, including that wonderful Vuori matching set that you posted a while back. It was perfect for flying! THANK YOU, Shay. You have no idea what a difference your little old blog (and YOU!) has made in my life!!
Joanne says
I used to love to fly too but lately airlines are just taking all the fun out of it! I get so annoyed that as my trip looms closer and closer often times the flight times change, my layover gets shortened, my seats get changed… or (as was the case last week with severe weather) dropped entirely and I’m left scrambling for my own solutions. Not fun. The actual actual act of sitting on the plane is mostly enjoyable to me as long as I don’t have a real turbulent flight but I am really starting to dread airports and air travel as I just don’t feel it’s all that reliable anymore.
Lynelle says
I look forward to the flight as much as the trip! Where else can you find multiple hours where you are absolutely required to sit quietly and not feel guilty about it? I get on that plane with my Kindle (as well as a paper book just in case!) and enjoy the solitude.
Anne says
Rookie traveler here. Does everyone pay to connect to Wi-Fi? Does your kindle work without Wi-Fi? When you say you turn off your phone, is that the same as airplane mode?
Mix and Match Mama says
Your Kindle absolutely works without wifi as long as you’ve already downloaded the books (mine has about 40 downloaded on it right now!). Many airlines are making wifi free right now too (like American), but yes, you can also pay to add it in flight. Whether I turn it on airplane mode or not, it doesn’t work in the sky without actually going in and connecting it to the airplane’s wifi.
Beth Valenta says
My go to is games! I need to be doing something. I am not a movie person really, so I am always next to the person that will play trivia or word games. If we travel with our besties, she always does trivia about where we are going, which makes it fun. And yes, wine helps turbulence. LOL
Sarah Yaffe says
I love all of these tips, Shay! I love to fly but haven’t been on a plane in a couple years because we have annual passes to Disney which is within driving distance or we take a cruise out of Port Canaveral. My sister and I just booked a trip this summer to Vegas (to see the Backstreet Boys) and I’m wondering if I need a carry-on suitcase and a shoulder/under the seat bag or just one of those. The last time I flew to California and Alaska I had both but I’m wondering if I need all of that plus a checked bag this time. I really hate walking through the airport with something on my shoulder but I feel like a backpack looks a little too casual. What do you do for carry-on luggage?
Mix and Match Mama says
That’s coming up in a post! I’m updating that as well. I am SO jealous that you’re so close to some of my favorite places!
Sarah Yaffe says
And also, even though I’m not a super experienced flyer, my two must-haves that I didn’t see you mention in your post are a neck pillow and fuzzy socks. For some reason, even if I am not planning on napping or sleeping I like having the support around my neck and then if you’re not using it you can put in on your lap or let your kids or husband borrow it (because they always say they don’t want to bring one but end up seeing it and wanting one!) haha. And I hate keeping my shoes on during the flight. I’m sure some people think that’s gross, but my feet don’t smell and I love having fuzzy socks on during the flight.
Kathleen says
Just like choosing a seat that works for you, find the flight times that work best for you. I found that 8 or 9am flight is best for me. I am up early but not too early, get on the plane and fall back asleep for some/most of the flight and arrive refreshed.
Robyn says
First – that photo of you is ~ DARLING!
And, second – I absolutely agree with everything about this post. I LOVE to fly. My dad was a private pilot for a company and I know he helped with my love of flying, but even if he had not been a pilot I know without a doubt flying would have been my chosen form of travel. I love getting on a plane and having someone else do all the work for me to get to my destination. Love it!
I did have to giggle at your disclaimer about traveling with small children…it isn’t for the weak. Ha! And, now I’m traveling with small grandchildren and I absolutely think it is the best. 🙂
So, for anyone worried about flying…pack a bag, get a beverage of choice and start small…you’ll love it. I promise!
Patty Anderson says
Never again will I fly without this amazing travel accessory! It enables me to have everything right where I need it without needing to dig into a carryon in very tight space.
…https://www.amazon.com/Airplane-Tray-Cover-Travel-Essentials/dp/B07WCXP7CH/ref=sr_1_6_pp?crid=46OS9OH9NFRF&dib=eyJ2IjoiMSJ9.wB7YMmwxVjGxirq94TgOnYHTe1Fyp2vWbq51KnVgr6vi2-GB4rlrb3RndoA1vr_0Zr7HS8KDK52zE6_MjM8N5lYVzB0uZy2hSDjyLRh6OUmpwe1lMiHyuRMUfCnMFhNwKBIYwpcZFDkYTM04AXV4id1Yr3Tuj3KJ-UIMDLiQBuO8IeLfUpE4bq3gnfocrH7aJMQv8lWV-jWPQBXDIAjezzd3TdpKZrxfQV7m8KB797A1eUnaiZWyoGRyL4GVdrBzyY9Ielv7DHnTfpCUEEFwq6FkzieKmFyz-XBoQHWvNaw.uwx54la4vwTfHNHvOz7VpgxUD2kUzDMVYJMCzCut37E&dib_tag=se&keywords=airline+seat+pocket+organizer&qid=1772557934&sprefix=airline+seat+pocket%2Caps%2C255&sr=8-6
Tina says
I’m glad you posted this. I’ve looked at these on Amazon but haven’t bought one yet. I was wondering how quickly they go on so you can get situated? Have you found they fit a variety of tray tables? Also, if you have anything other than a window seat, how do you manage other passengers needing to get up? Do you have take the whole thing off?
Karleigh Johnson says
Okay, I have some tips for those of who are traveling with littles. My first “tip” is merely just a mindset shift — consider traveling with little kids as a trip, and not a vacation. A vacation is when you’re traveling with older kids and/or adults. This was such an ah-ha moment for me and now my husband and I say it every time. Both trips and vacations are important and fun and memories will be made either way. But one is more relaxing than the other and if you have that expectation, then you’re already starting in a better place.
My next tip IS to find something fun or joyful for just you (and your spouse/partner/the other adult going on the trip). By that I mean maybe you both agree to get your favorite coffee beforehand, or maybe you both agree to give each other an hour of “peace” on the plane. Bring your favorite book and switch off. Romanticize what could otherwise be a challenging and chaotic experience. My husband and I do this and we communicate about it beforehand and it really does help. I really believe in most situations (as parents of young children), if you can do something for yourself (even if it’s something so small and little but still brings you joy or is meaningful), then you’re really setting yourself up for success.
Erin says
Hi Shay – travel agency question for you. My husband and I have never used a travel agency to plan our travel as we enjoy the planning and research process. However, as our careers have become more challenging, I find I just don’t have the same time that I used to for trip planning. Since you own a travel agency, I thought maybe a potential blog post could be about giving us travel agency newbies the scoop on how it works. I’m assuming there are fees to using a travel agency, but how do those fees work? Thanks so much, I love your blog!
Mix and Match Mama says
So many of our clients love to travel and plan their trips, but they are just too busy. Just like people love to do yard work and such but they just don’t have time, so they outsource. I love being able to help! Our agency does not charge any outside fees to work with us. You can connect with us today, talk on the phone, get quotes, options, have all of your questions answered and you’ll never be sent an invoice from us. We find wonderful deals and packages or can create epic, custom luxury vacations too and you always pay the supplier directly. We would love to help you!
Jessica says
As someone who does have anxiety and an extremely irrational fear of heights (seriously, it’s ridiculous!), flying somehow doesn’t bother me. Well, that is until we hit terrible turbulence, and then I get a little panicked. 😉 Seriously though, I feel as though I’m just riding a bus. In the air. I can get so much reading done when I’m in the air! I don’t fly often, but when I do, I value that down time.
Crystal says
All your tips are expert level and always very helpful. You make travel seem so accessible and I’m here for that influence. I didn’t start traveling regularly until I was an adult. Headphones are the number 1 essential for me on a flight, worse than forgetting them when going to the gym.
Just wondering how do you exactly unplug but still Christmas shop, answer e-mail etc.?
Kacey says
I’m planning to finish my taxes on my flight on Friday. Maybe not savoring, but definitely taking advantage of the uninterrupted time. LOL!
Lyssy says
I’ve got a 15m old and I was thinking it’s been since before she was born that I’ve been able to watch a movie on a plane. But this post makes me feel seen ha!
Mix and Match Mama says
You are in the trenches, friend. THE TRENCHES.
Becky says
Since Covid I was thinking you couldn’t really bring food or big drinks through but can you update on what you can bring through the security check? Water or do you have to fill it up after security check?
Mix and Match Mama says
You can absolutely bring food inside, but you still cannot bring liquid drinks.
Shannon says
Shay! This post made me so happy. Thank you for doing it. I loved every tip and will literally read this every time I get ready to board a plane.
My favorite tip? Bring things on board the flight that give you JOY. LOVE.
I will be doing this on my flight this summer for the cruise the lovely, Brooke, booked for us! 🚢
Thank you! ♥️
Kay says
Thank you so very much for this post! I appreciate how thoughtful you always are about listening to your readers-it’s amazing.
I’m one who has both terrible anxiety about flying, and! I don’t like it. But honestly, some of these tips helped me! I feel like I always picture the outside of the plane/being in the air when I think of a flight. And it’s such a good idea to focus instead on the part we can control…the seat and your surroundings. I will use these tips the next time I have to fly. And I am so grateful for other reader’s comments and helpful hints too. Love this community.
Kelly says
Love all these tips (and the recommendation to seek professional help for anxiety, too!)
One idea that can be a little “extra” but has made flying really fun for our family recently is taking along little gifts for the flight attendants and airline crew. There’s something about having an attitude of blessing others that helps set our hearts in the right place… and sometimes they’ll give us a little thank you on the PA system or spend a few minutes talking to my kids, which is really sweet too!
We’ve done little gift bags with Liquid IV, instant coffee, candy, airplane themed stickers… just simple little things to pack up ahead of time.
Mix and Match Mama says
I bet they LOVE it so so much!!
Tina says
I’ll admit that I tend to look at flying as just the means to the end but I’ve been trying to change my mindset closer to yours, that the trip begins the moment I leave the house. For me that starts with (obsessively) packing my carry-on bag. I HATE having to stand up to get stuff out of the over head compartment so I need to make sure everything I want/need is within easy reach. If I’m traveling domestically I have a great, wheeled, bag that fits under most airplane seats (except a lot of aisle seats on AA…what’s with the weird extra bar under those seats AA?? LOL). But traveling internationally is a bigger challenge with tighter dimensions (I’m looking at you, Iceland Air! UGH!). In those instances I make sure I have a gallon zip lock bag that I can easily (and quickly) pull from my main carry-on and pop into the seat back pocket. I always make sure I have something to read, something to do (like logic puzzles), something to snack on, headphones and lip balm. Airplane air is so dry! I try to set myself up for success from the moment I sit down. I tend to have either super short (40 minutes) layovers or super long (5+ hours) layovers. Anything longer than an hour I’m walking the terminal…like as much of the entire terminal as I can. I wander down each corridor and past all the gates to the end and back. I really rack up the steps! I do enjoy hanging out in the various lounges when I can but I try to just walk as much as possible. Oh and whenever I have time on a layover I skip the fast food, Starbucks, etc. and treat myself to a real meal at a sit down place…something I would rarely every do on a normal day By myself.
Michele says
I always order Bloody Mary mix with no vodka on a flight. It just tastes different. I always ask what brand it is….I buy it and it just doesn’t taste as good at home. The other day I was reading an article that was saying how so many people order tomato juice on flights and it just tastes different. I spent the next 2 hours down a rabbit hole as to why this is. It’s scientific!
Mix and Match Mama says
I am totally ordering that next time!!
Michele says
It makes me just want to book a flight right this second to have some! That’s how good it hits
Bren says
Michelle, I do this too! Literally got home last evening from a flight and was thinking to myself also “Why does this Bloody Mary mix hit differently when I am flying?!”
A little something I save for flights is cleaning out pictures on my phone. At home I get distracted, but on a plane, I can’t go anywhere, I can’t change a load of laundry around, and it basically makes me tackle this task! And I love it, because 9/10 I am planning to add many more pictures to my camera roll once I hop off the plane!
Great post, Shay, thank you!
Elizabeth Dempsey says
Do you have a favorite travel pillow? I am flying to Africa next month and I was told to make sure to sleep on the plane! I usually can’t sleep, so looking into what will help! Any suggestions appreciated!
Mix and Match Mama says
Wow! What a trip!! I don’t personally have one, but maybe someone will recommend one here for you!
Erin H says
I don’t have a travel pillow, but I highly recommend a sleep mask to block out light! I used that and some melatonin patches that I found on Amazon (the pills have never worked for me, but these you put on your wrist and I find them super effective and they do not leave you groggy) on a flight to India last year and I managed to get a good few hours of sleep in a row.
Erin H says
Definitely comfortable clothes and backups in a carryon. I used to fly for the destination and that’s how I ended up having to drive to Florida over 2 days in jeans and a tee and no change of clothes after our flights got cancelled and we had to quickly pivot to driving to Florida from Illinois. I was never so jealous of my then-toddler who was still in her pajamas.
Tabitha says
Thanks for this fun post, Shay!! We have two littles and have flown our fair share, but I do dream of a day of reading uninterrupted 😉 Speaking of littles, if you needed any more “Savor” topics, I’d love to hear any ways you remember savoring those little years. I feel like I am trying hard to, but always love to hear new ideas and soak in wisdom from those a few seasons ahead!! ❤️
Mix and Match Mama says
I love this suggestion! Thank you, Tabitha!