by Marian Huyck Grossi

Created on: January 22, 2009

BEST WAYS TO PASS TIME ON A LONG FLIGHT

Flying can be a super experience if you travel prepared. Before you ever step foot on the plane make sure you have on comfortable clothing. You can take along a few snacks, but the flight attendant will bring you something to eat and drink at no cost to you.

You're seated, buckled in and the plane is taxiing down the runway. Upon takeoff the sight is overwhelming. Rest assured, it will only get better! The awe of seeing something as great as the sky, clouds, sun, stars and moon is absolutely breath taking. Remind yourself that less than one hundred years ago man had not flown this high.

A short book or magazine of trivial information about traveling by plane is a plus to take on your long flight. Better yet, go on the Internet and you will find a lot of things to do on a long flight. These are a few of the great Internet sites for trivia with regard to flying. I have given you an example of what awaits you. Print them out and make a booklet you'll enjoy your flight more and so will those around you.

http://www.airlinequality.com/main/facts.htm (What is written on a package of peanuts?)

http://www.funtrivia.com/quizzes/world/tran sport/aviation.html (Remember the names of airplanes?)

http://www.arcamax.com/travel/q-1168 (Which was not a requirement for the first female flight attendants in 1930?)

Taking your favorite magazines or book along is a good idea or a small game that is small enough to fit in a purse or overhead bag. Watch a movie airlines have on or listen to music, both with headphones provided by the airline. Taking a nap or a long sleep is good, but if you are like me you are usually too wound up to sleep!

If you have your laptop along, then you will be entertained for hours. Your Ipod will play all of the songs you pre-recorded. When you don't have either of those, like me, there are plenty of things to do on a long flight.

Taking a walk up and down the aisles is good, just be careful of other passengers. On a flight I was taking a woman with a baby and a little boy about two years old was in the seat in front of me. Her baby was fussy and at the same time her little son was getting antsy. I asked her if she would like me to hold the baby and she was relieved. She had to go to the restroom and didn't know how she would accomplish that feat with two small children. I played with the little boy during the trip until he fell asleep. The flight wound up being a good one for me, and most especially when the flight attendants gifted me with a bottle of wine for helping a fellow passenger.

Being as nice as you can sure makes for an easier flight. There are always people who grumble about nothing, but we never know what they are going through or why they are flying.

Travel wearing comfortable clothing; take things to do along with a good attitude will help ensure a good and memorable flight!

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