Prepare to travel with holidaymakers over the holidays

South Africans take their holidays pretty seriously.

That’s understandable after a hard year that often involves long hours and arduous commutes.

But even as many people are packing mountain bikes and suntan lotion, others will be going to meetings and presentations.

So how can you stay sane and organised when it feels like you’re the only one boarding your flight who’s not in beachwear? Dawn Weir, head of kulula work, offers some advice.

Give yourself time:

This holds true for any travel, but especially when your time is less flexible than anyone else’s, and when you have meetings scheduled.

If you’re a regular traveller you probably know about online check-in, having a valid proof of identity ready and not carrying cutlery or power-tools in your pockets. But, it’s also good for your stress levels to accept that other travellers might not be as prepared as you are.

You might arrive at the security screening area with your laptop out of its bag, your pockets emptied of keys and your boardingpass ready, but travellers ahead of you in the queue might not.

You can’t wear

Find your zone:

headphones while the aircraft’s seat belt lights are on and it’s taxiing, taking off or landing, but they can be useful in blocking out cabin noise.

You might choose to listen to music or a podcast or watch a movie on your portable electronic device.

Binaural beats are composed at frequencies to promote creativity and concentration and improve memory, and many people find them useful for eliminating distractions. So, download some before your flight, especially if you know you’ll be working on a presentation to sell your start-up to that angel investor with deep pockets and need to tune out the debate about chicken or beef.

Be patient:

The holiday season may be the only time many leisure travellers fly, so you might encounter passengers who sit in the wrong seats and are puzzled by how parts of the aircraft work, like tray tables, seat belts, window blinds and overhead baggage bins.

It may also mean you encounter travelling families, the very young or elderly.

Be prepared to sit next to the parents who’re taking their infant to see its grandparents for the first time.

They’ll be hoping desperately that the little one stays quiet throughout the flight. That won’t always be the case and showing your irritation won’t make the kid magically fall asleep.

Know your resources:

Lounge access, seat reservation and bagdrops can make air-travel easier.

And while the primary task of the aircrew is your safety, they’ll do all they can to make you comfortable.

Reserving your preferred seat can also make your flight more comfortable.