Tips for air travel
AIR travel is not fun anymore now that there’s a security check every 10 paces and planes are so crowded that you end up with your knees against your nose. If you have to get on a plane, here’s a list of suggestions to help keep you comfy and (relatively) hassle free.
Dress for the cold
Lounges and planes tend to over-cool so avoid wearing opentoed sandals and short-sleeved Tees. Prevent cold feet by wearing shoes with socks (which you can take off if your feet swell on long journeys), avoid cold legs by ditching shorts for trousers or tights/leggings, and pack a scarf in your bag to throw over your shoulders just in case.
Watch for metal
These days a belt buckle means beeping every time you walk through one of the security portals so opt for a woven belt instead of a leather belt with a buckle, and ladies, mind the wired bras and hair pins! Jewellery can also be a problem with some security people demanding you take off even plain wedding bands.
Keep it loose
As you now have to turn up several hours before a flight, a two-hour trip turns easily into a four-hour trip plus car time to and from the airport. And then there is the possibility of a delay. As such, dress in clothes that you know are comfortable if you end up having to wear them all day long. Loose skirts, loose collars and natural fibres that keep your skin breathing are the best.
Plan to relax
There are cafes and shops in every airport but if that’s not your cup of tea, bring a book you love and look for a lounge with comfy chairs or plan for a foot massage (now widely available at many airports) so that you take some of the stress out of your travel time. Do set your phone alarm for the gate time in case you drop off.