I love to travel. At one point I used to travel business class, but since I started my own ad agency and am paying my own bills, I always fly economy. But even in economy you can be comfortable.
1. Never carry excess cabin luggage
I never cease to be fascinated by people who lug heavy bags onto the plane. Cabin baggage is not an excuse for free excess baggage; you should only take what you need onto the flight: something to read, your laptop if you are going to need it on your trip, your cosmetics and a pair of slippers. And anything you normally carry in your handbag. Do you really want to spend the 2 hour check-in time with a bag that weighs 10kg over your shoulder?
2. Use your cabin luggage
There is not much point in carrying a cabin bag, only to deposit it in the overhead compartment and not look at it until you disembark. If that is all you plan to do, check your luggage! I have frequently hopped onto a plane for a short flight carrying nothing but my handbag and a book. So much simpler that trying to find space in the overcrowded overhead compartment.
3. Choose overnight flights for longer trips
Daytime flights leave me exhausted and out of sorts. The inevitable lack of activity and fresh air mean I arrive feeling like I have spent hours in an airless cave. But if I can settle myself, have dinner and read a book or watch a movie before I go off to sleep, the lack of activity is less noticeable.
4. Keep to your bed time routine
I can sleep anywhere, but I do understand that not everyone finds it easy. But there are things you can do to encourage sleep. Pack your cleanser and moisturiser into your hand luggage and then actually use it. After dinner, stroll off to the toilet with your wash bag and brush your teeth, clean your face and give yourself a serious dose of night cream. Don't fret about hogging the bathroom, they are usually quiet and underutilised after dinner anyway.
Planes are very dry, and using a rich moisturiser really does help. But it isn't just about looking after your skin keeping to your regular bed-time routine will keep you on schedule and remind your subconscious that it is time to sleep.
Invest in one of those nerdy neck cushions, particularly if you are a woman or a short man. The head rests are never the right height!
Don't over-indulge in the on-flight movies. If you have a personal movie screen you can obviously choose your own timing, but if you are dependent on a shared viewing, you'll often find the movie will start late and keep you awake unnecessarily.
5. Pre-book an aisle seat
You won't get to see the view, but sitting in the aisle seat means you can get up and walk around, or visit the bathroom as often as you like without having to wake anyone. It also gives you access to the overhead compartment, so you can get out your book, change into your slippers, find a jersey all without worrying about disturbing your neighbour. There is the risk that the passengers on the inside seats ask you to move, but that is far preferable that having to clamber over other people.
6. Embark early
I am not fond of queuing, and used to wait till the very last moment to embark. And that is fine if you are travelling business or first class. But if you are in economy you may well arrive at your seat to discover that there is no space in the overhead stowage and you might have to keep things at your feet a guarantee or discomfort and irritation. Worse still, the flight staff might take your bag and stow it miles away from you where you can't get at the things you have chosen to take on the plane with you.
Get in line early! Standing in a queue for 20 minutes is a very small price to pay to have everything to need where you need it on an 11 hour flight.
7. Change into slippers
Dress for the trip in style. Wear your favourite high heels and look every inch the international traveller. But as soon as you are in your seat, change into your slippers. Planes are often cold and slippers are comfortable and far better than socks since they have solid soles and you will be able to walk around without fear of standing on anything damp that might have been spilt by your fellow passengers!
I don't, on the other hand, recommend changing your clothes. You really don't want to accidentally drop them on the toilet floor and, even if that doesn't happen, your clothes will become more creased in your cabin bag than they will on your body. And you do want to arrive looking as fresh as possible. Just choose an outfit that makes sense. My personal preference? Dark jeans and a smart top. And always bring a jacket or a jersey, even in summer.
8. Face the day
Wake up and do what you always do. It's time to wash your face and brush your teeth and even put on fresh make-up. This is what you do every morning, so why not today? You might have to queue but it's well worth it. And you arrive looking fresh and well-groomed. Don't worry that you might miss breakfast, you can always ask the cabin attendant to bring it later.
9. Never buy wine in the Duty Free
I once succumbed to the lure of buying a bottle of wine to bring for a friend. Do you have any idea how heavy a bottle of wine is? Not to mention how every time you move your bag you worry in case the bottle breaks and the entire contents of you cabin bag is stained with red wine. It's one bottle of wine! You are not going to save that much by buying a single bottle in the Duty Free.
10. Consider a wheelchair
If you are over 70 or frail, pre-book a wheelchair. I have travelled with my elderly mother several times. She is not wheelchair bound, but she does walk with support and the crowds and distances at international airports are a huge source of stress to her. But now that we book a wheelchair, she finds it so much easier. She is wheeled to the front of the check-in queue and immigration control. She is allowed to embark early, and the wheelchair attendant knows exactly where he needs to go, so there is no confusion or stress. (And I, as her companion, get these benefits too!)
11. Avoid conversation with your neighbour
I know this sounds unfriendly, but I always discourage conversation. I want to do what I want to do whether it be sleep, or read or watch a movie. I don't feel a responsibility to be sociable to a complete stranger. Sometimes one's fellow passengers don't feel the same and would prefer to chatter away the entire trip. If necessary, tell them very politely but firmly that you are going to read your book now, or whatever you want to do. You do not owe them your company and it is not being selfish to prefer peace and quiet.
This is your trip and you are entitled to enjoy it. And with good planning, even economy air travel can be comfortable.