When your travelers go the distance at the back of the plane, they deserve some tips to ease the pain
Adjust expectations. If your traveler is used to being pampered in business class, they should recognize that in economy they won’t be. They need to forget the “Do You Know Who I Am” attitude (DYKWIA) – it isn’t attractive even among premium passengers.
At check-in, the traveler can ask if there are empty seats on the flight and, if so, whether they can be reseated to sit next to one of them – allowing room to spread out.
Travelers who have status with airlines and alliances of choice have an increased chance of getting an upgrade and lounge access before the flight.
Check out the cost of lounge memberships for travelers without status – access provides productive work space and is good for loading up on food and drink before boarding.
Check out the cost of upgrading to an exit or bulkhead seat. On a long-haul flight the extra space may be worth it for some travelers.
Seat choice is personal. If the traveler doesn’t want to be disturbed and is confident about not wanting the bathroom on a regular basis, then choose window seats. If they like to get up and stretch, then an aisle will be the better choice. Avoid middle seats at all costs.
As you’re probably aware, some airlines cram in more seats than others in economy – ten-across instead of nine-across on a 777, for instance, will be more claustrophobic. Investigate cabin layouts in advance.
If possible, choose a carrier with new seating, which will be more ergonomically comfortable.
Early boarding – either as a premium or thanks to status – can be also be a productivity booster. Getting on board early lets travelers stow bags in the overhead closer to their seats or ideally directly overhead. This lessens the hassle of getting things like laptops or papers out during the flight, and also helps when it comes to deplaning.
Advise travelers to dress in loose-fitting clothes – they’ll be sitting down for hours. Bear in mind that the temperature at departure is unlikely to be the temperature at the destination, but if the airline loses a checked bag, the traveler will be stuck wearing those clothes for even longer.
Speaking of wardrobe, travelers should wear layers. Cabin temperatures vary hugely, even during the course of a flight, so keeping warm or cooling off without a change of clothing is important for the long haul.
Compression socks are important for those travelers who think they may be susceptible to DVT – deep vein thrombosis. It’s a condition that can prove dangerous or even deadly.
Suggest travelers make up their own amenity kit – a small toiletry bag with a toothbrush, toothpaste, moisturizer, facial mist, lip balm, eye mask and maybe some eyedrops or saline nasal spray to help with dehydration.
Include ear plugs in case the airline doesn’t provide them. They should also invest in headphones – preferably noise-canceling – to plug into personal devices or the IFE. Or just to block out sound for sleep.
Pack wet wipes for hands and surfaces. Tray tables can be sticky and some people like to lean forward and sleep on them.
Invest in a good neck pillow – being able to sleep without nodding forwards or sideways is all-important.
Having some snacks to carry on makes for a nice energy pick-me-up during a long flight, and not all airline food is suitable for everyone’s taste.
Consider the carrier’s WiFi or inflight entertainment options, or a good book. And don’t count on work getting done throughout the flight; not every hour in the air is going to be dedicated to the job. For some frequent travelers, flight time is the only time for them to unwind and relax.