when you ask for the upgrade, a polite, well dressed pregnant woman usually will get bumped up.

5. At the airport.

Arrive early and bring a book. Try hard not to work when travelling on long haul flights. If you can relax at the airport beforehand you are more likely to sleep on the plane.

6. Boarding.

As soon as they call your plane boarding, use the restroom. This reduces the amount of airplane washroom trips. tthen just relax until the line is finished. Why rush to get on the plane and sit in those cramped seats before you have to? Stay in the boarding lounge and watch the line and get up when you see half a dozen people left to go through. There is no need to rush, everyone gets there at the same time.

7. On the plane.

Before you even sit down get out everything you want for the flight and put it within your grasp. Book and bottle of water can go in the pocket in front of you. Laptop,if you must work, can go under the seat in front of you.

8. Dinner service.

Hopefully you pre-ordered your special meal and you will eat first. This is perfect if the middle seat is free. You can finish your meal; put the tray in the middle seat and watch a movie and drift off to sleep.

9. SLEEPING.

Put on your headphones even if you aren't watching the movie, to ensure that people won't talk to you. Put your seat back as far as possible. Don't worry about the guy behind you; the guy in front of you isn't worried about you. Pull out the foot bar from under the seat in front of you. Find a comfy position, pull the blanket up to your chin and head off to dreamland before the fellow beside you starts snoring.

10. Arriving.

Here it pays to get off the plane quickly. If you can walk fast - do it! You have to get ahead of all those passengers or you will be stuck behind them at passport control/customs. Use the moving sidewalks and walk on them.

11. Passport Control/Customs.

Your journey is almost over. You have made it this far. You are well rested, well fed and just got some great exercise racing to customs. All you need to do here is have your documentation ready, be courteous and be polite.

The next time you have an overseas or other long haul flight try these little tips and maybe you can find a little of the magic that just may exist above the clouds.

Learn more about this author, Minnie Chatterfield.
Click here to send this author comments or questions.

• << previous page
• 1
• 2

---

Add your voice

Know something about Tips for easier travel?
We want to hear your view. Write now!