12 tips for a better flight

By James Wysong

Travel columnist

Want to have a better flight? Of course you do.

And who better to give you some in-flight tips than a flight attendant whose favorite hobby is passenger-watching? I observe in amusement as travelers make the same mistakes, flight after flight.

So what makes the difference between a “horrible” and a “not so bad” trip? Here are 12:

1. Plug ‘em up
Earplugs are a wonderful invention, but seldom used. They can be bought for less than $1, and I can’t stress their importance enough. Just think— no more crying babies, annoying seat chatter, or startling pilot announcements. The whole world seems a lot more tolerable when you use them. They work great in hotel rooms as well. I never leave home without them.

2. Don’t be part of a smelly situation
A small tube of lavender lotion can be your saving grace when it comes to the in-flight body odors swirling around. A dab under your nostrils will leave you smiling while others gag at the nearby passenger with foot rot.

3. Have some taste
If you have the unusual experience of being fed onboard, skip the special meal unless it’s a medical necessity. “Special meal” usually means a not-so-special taste.

4. Bag it
Don’t check out your common sense with your check-in baggage. For example: heart medication, priceless heirlooms, passports, or items resembling weapons. Being reunited with your bags is not always an immediate guarantee. US Airways made this point abundantly clear during the holiday season.

5. BYOA
Bring your own amenities. Whether it’s pillows, food, blankets, special requirements, magazines, antacid, or whatever, bring your own because airlines are slimming down on all amenities.

6. Be a pessimistic optimist — or is it the other way around?
Don’t expect every detail to go as planned. Delays, misconnects, and seat problems are just a few hassles associated with flying. It’s unusual to make it through an entire journey without something going wrong.

MORE FROM BUSINESS TRAVEL

Business travel Section Front

Southwest CEO sees no return of road warriors Continental Airlines sets upgrades at 100K miles The case for private jets Continental shifting toward cashless cabin DOT fines airlines for six-hour tarmac delay Airlines: No review for frequent flier programs Holidays will again test N.Y.-area bottleneck The best airport lounges in the U.S. World’s best business hotels 2009 Continental matches peak days fee hike Business travel Section Front   Add Business travel headlines to your news reader: