Comments
iaincaradoc t1_iug5ogf wrote
For #3, I find that a pair of good noise-cancelling over-the-ear headphones works pretty well, too - and you don't have people realizing mid-sentence that you can't hear them.
[deleted] OP t1_iug6dyq wrote
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tenuptwelve t1_iug6gbd wrote
Compression socks and walking during layovers.
Good water bottle (I have Contigo that I love)
Learn your best healthy snacks to pack or buy. Shorter flights, I just buy a cheese stick at airport to go with pretzels they give on plane with bloody Mary mix. Quest protein cookie and coffee good too.
[deleted] OP t1_iug6j9b wrote
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falconuruguay t1_iug6qbv wrote
Favorite chewing gum to help with the pressure in your ears
Dramamine, or one of those motion sickness bracelets you find at the pharmacy.
Silicone earplugs, or noise cancelling headset to drown out cabin noise
Eye mask to help you sleep
Avoid any stimulants before boarding
Device with favorite movies or music
And know that statistically, you are 100x safer in an aircraft, than in a passenger vehicle.
deputytech t1_iug6qut wrote
Sony wh-1000xm4 are the best on the market
Dorkus_Mallorkus t1_iug7bfm wrote
Pick one airline and stick to it, and get loyalty status that will get you upgrades. Flying first class, or even just extra legroom economy, makes a big difference. Once you have status, it's easy to get at least extra legroom.
If your company books with a travel management company, ask if they have a sales rep for your chosen airline that can get you a status nomination to start off, since you won't have status until you fly enough.
I flew a lot for a couple years (before covid) and actually grew to enjoy it quite a bit.
Viewtiful-Scotland t1_iug7gbu wrote
Most higher end/flagship phones don't have a headphone jack anymore. You could have a phone by Google, Apple, Samsung, Huawei, Xiaomi, One Plus, Etc
deputytech t1_iug7kt3 wrote
- Get tsa precheck
- fly a single airline and stick with it, you’ll get status faster.
- southwest has a second seat refund policy for larger people https://www.southwest.com/help/booking/extra-seat-policy ( this solves a lot of your gripes)
- if you fly international, google flight search is the best to find the ticket with the most room, I am lucky enough to work for a company with a generous international travel policy
[deleted] OP t1_iug86gf wrote
[deleted] OP t1_iug8cgd wrote
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[deleted] OP t1_iug8i6l wrote
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Turk-February t1_iug8y1m wrote
I traveled for years and hated every minute of it.
Here’s what took me too long to learn, now I quite enjoy traveling.
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Get TSA pre check, it will make your life better. Global entry if you’re doing international travel.
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Pick and airline and be loyal to it, get their cobranded card and put your travel expenses on it, you’ll have status faster than you think.
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Cards are also a good way to get access to lounges. Layovers are better in lounges.
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If you rent cars, pick the same company every time and join their rewards program. Getting status with rental companies is worth it.
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Hotels, join their rewards program. Status has benefits in room selection.
All of these make the trip just a little better in their own way, combined it makes a huge difference, almost makes business travel enjoyable.
[deleted] OP t1_iug96r7 wrote
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ZehPowah t1_iug99ee wrote
>- even if it's a short flight, it usually takes up your entire day
I've been flying really early or really late to get around this. Another bonus of that is fewer people at the airport, less traffic, and most people are quiet and sleepy on the plane.
>- check in line...luggage pick up
As much as possible, bring just a small backpack or duffel that fits under the seat? Then you can also skip the check-in line and just use your phone for check-in and boarding passes.
>- People stand in the aisle the second the plane lands and the seatbelt light comes off
Unless you have a quick connection, who cares? If you do, tell them, they might let you out first if they aren't horrible.
>- People bring way too big and too many carry on bags
>- People line up at the boarding gate when their zone has not been told to line up
I think these are related. People pack too much stuff, carry it on to not pay to check a bag, then need to compete for overhead bin space. If you have an assigned seat and don't need to worry about fitting a bag in the overhead bins, who cares, let them stress.
Redhead_pnw t1_iug9f4x wrote
I have a pair of Bose canceling headphones I got on Amazon during Black Friday. I tested them out with a friend at Best Buy before to see which I liked better (sony or Bose) I would wait a couple more weeks for them to go on sale!
dataminer-x t1_iug9h8x wrote
I used to travel a fair bit, and don't miss it at all.
It sounds like most of your downsides are from other people. Visible headphones serve two purposes; decreasing noise (which is surprisingly fatiguing) and sending a message that you don't want to talk that much.
I've used eye covers as well and generally just try to sleep for the flight.
As for boarding and de-boarding, you can try to be last on, last off, or if you can get towards the front, last on, first-ish off. But you can only have a personal item, not a carry on if you try to do this.
osten205 t1_iug9xm6 wrote
Plus one for this. These are the best.
osten205 t1_iuga5gp wrote
Pre-check is worth it. I’d pay three times what it cost. Easy.
turbo_mc_turbo t1_iugabf3 wrote
Pick your seat in advance depending on what's important to you.
Try to fly first class if you can swing it with your new job. Or at least better than economy.
Take your own bottle of water onto the plane. You have to buy it at the gate though. You still can probably take a lunch pack with food.
Bring or buy a book. Most people (me too) don't have much time to read.
Travel very light. Less bags and things to haul all around.
Wear comfy clothes, like a cotton tracksuit. Do bring a hoodie, airplanes can be cold.
osten205 t1_iugadul wrote
Yeah walking is good. Especially if you have another three hour flight. Get up and stroll around where ever you are able to walk.
InterPunct t1_iugam7b wrote
25+ year flying commuter here: besides all the usual comments (water, food, entertainment) just accept that delays may be sometimes significant and are outside your control. Your client/boss needs to accept that but most importantly, so do you.
osten205 t1_iugas61 wrote
Beware Neck pillows are commonly worn backwards by accident. The opening of the U shape goes behind your head. It does not go in front.
Also sleep mask or sunglasses. It makes people stop talking to you and you won’t be interrupted six times before you land by people wanting to give you a snack cracker like you are in kindergarten.
UnsaltedGL t1_iugawoo wrote
Right there with you. Been traveling for work for 25 years. Million miler, blah blah blah. I dislike flying so much that I drive whenever I have the opportunity. I'll drive 1000 miles if it lets me avoid another flight.
420jizzMaster t1_iugbg98 wrote
Nah, Bose QC 2 earbuds best. I will fight you.
[deleted] OP t1_iugbt1w wrote
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[deleted] OP t1_iugc2dh wrote
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ZirePhiinix t1_iugc58z wrote
Forget "high end". I just got a Poco F3 for about 180 USD and that doesn't have a jack either.
[deleted] OP t1_iugcbif wrote
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DrSpaecman t1_iugckuh wrote
There's also addiction potential if you start using drugs as a crutch to get you through uncomfortable times. I'd recommend them only if you absolutely need them. Flying is a great time to catch up on reading, movies, shows, music or games you've wanted to play but have been too distracted to do so outside of travel. My most productive reading happens on planes since there's no free wifi or cell service to distract me.
Pheobe0228 t1_iugdd2e wrote
I take Lorazapam it doesnt make me drowsy
stillnotelf t1_iugdxyi wrote
Flying really early means it wastes TWO days in my experience. Knowing i have to get up early ruins the day before. Flying late is great, up to redeye which is godawful
pra_com001 t1_iuge67j wrote
My two cents -
- Dress comfortably, wear khakis instead of jeans. Carry a jacket or a blanket
- Carry 1 mg of Melatonin, take it if you have a red-eye or a flight above 5 hours
- If you bum is getting sore, get a small pillow and sit on it
- Watch up in the air and take some pointers from the movie
- Hydrate internally and externally
- Carry some cut fruits, if you feel hungry
- Carry a neck pillow and noise cancelling over the ear headphones. Bose 700 does the job for me.
pseudocultist t1_iugfn3o wrote
Recovering alcoholic here, I wish I'd have learned to fly sober when I was younger, I thought I enjoyed flying, turns out I was a nervous wreck and I just liked being drunk the whole time, and it was very acceptable for a long time to do so.
In the past 2 years I've been learning to fly sober, and it's boring and tedious, but very doable. You do need to plan in advance what you will do for 20 minutes 2 hours, 8 hours, etc. Never get surprised by idle time, which is everywhere.
I like to make up little games for myself. Create backstories for the other travelers, eye flirt with the cute guy, etc. But mostly just read.
Valuable-Ordinary-54 t1_iuggcl1 wrote
Sounds like you’re going to smaller towns. Find a motel/hotel you like and make it a habit to stay there.
I worked in the hospitality business and we remember people; particularly if they are polite. We would go the extra mile and set up the room the way you like it before you get there (extra pillow, fan, etc.).
And don’t forget to tip your maids!
Amiar00 t1_iuggqej wrote
I got a pair of Bose quiet comfort II headphones and the noise cancelling is not only insane on the plane, but also in the airport. You don’t realize just how much crappy ambient noise there is until you block it out. The battery life is also very good and they’re reasonably comfortable.
Milnoc t1_iugh9p4 wrote
I have a uleFone Armor 14 equipped with a 10,000 mAh battery and a headphone jack. This phone will last for days, not hours. 😁
Rushledzep16 t1_iughaue wrote
I’ve been using earplugs under my noise cancelling headphones and I swear by it. Who’d have thought sitting near a jet engine for hours at a time is LOUD
rutheman4me2 t1_iughl6i wrote
U just need an adapter for it to work tho
rutheman4me2 t1_iughv0g wrote
Make sure u have signed up for the rewards program for all those flights / hotels. I know when I was traveling like every other week it was nice cause u can use those points for vacay. I used to stay a night or two over so could enjoy some relax time and many times it’s feee with the hotel points.
spastical-mackerel t1_iughwyz wrote
Status is the only thing that makes regular business flying tolerable
Sweet-Berry-Wiine t1_iugi5j7 wrote
TSA pre check if you’re in the US. $99 for 5 years, let’s you absolutely breeze through security at most airports with your shoes on and electronics tucked away.
Neck pillows and noise canceling earphones are things I never leave without. If you’re on a long flight, pop a Benadryl about an hour before you take off so you sleep easily.
Download games and movies to pass the time. Get a window seat if you can, sit behind the exit row (because those seats don’t recline) and don’t be afraid to recline. You paid for those 3 inches! I also use a sweater for lumbar support when my back starts to hurt.
Bring snacks and an empty reusable water bottle. Pee before you board the plane. Ignore everyone but the flight attendants.
AmericanSamosa t1_iugiibg wrote
Somebody said pick an airline and stick to them for the loyalty rewards. I'll take it a step farther and get a credit card that has rewards points you can use with that airline. You can get access to lounges in most large airports which will make your layovers infinitely more enjoyable.
Is your work sending you on these flights? If so they should be reimbursing you for first/business class flights with early boarding. You get on the plane before most of the people lining up, always have overhead space, larger seats with more legroom.
TSA pre check is a must. In fact look into Clear. You can skip to the front of the security line as well. Global entry if it's international flights.
vortigauntblade t1_iugj3tb wrote
How does that work
IsureamMunsoned t1_iugj5d9 wrote
Alcohol and drugs?
melodien t1_iugj7om wrote
I'm not a fan of air travel, and I've done far more of it than I ever wanted. Things that help:
Moisturise and hydrate, and consider your eyes and your sinuses as well. Get the type of eye drops sold for people with dry eyes, and find a basic saline nasal spray (I use Fess, which may not be available in your location).
Noise cancelling headphones are good, but a pair of the basic noise-occluding plugs sold for use in noisy environments is also useful. Pharmacies usually sell them.
A good, comfortable eye mask.
A scarf - nothing heavy, but just something that you can wrap around your neck or wad up as a pillow.
I always travel wearing a ScotteVest, so that all my small items are in easy reach. Also makes getting through the security circus quicker.
I knit on planes: a small set of circular knitting needles and a ball of yarn will keep me calm for hours.
dodsferd22 t1_iugjebs wrote
Spend some money on nice travel gadgets and goodies to make traveling more comfortable. Search YouTube for travel EDC, flight essentials, Pack Hacker, and then dive into the rabbit hole.
Daaanger05 t1_iugjrov wrote
Stick with an airline. Maximize all their benefits for booking optimal routes for mileage. Make sure you book the best class ticket for upgrades one you get status. If you can, book with your personal card and get reimbursed. Get a mileage credit card (not airline specific). Same goes for hotels.
I hate to run when home but found bringing running gear and running outside (even in light rain) was a great way to feel more connected to an area when traveling, even if it’s only a night or two.
Eater is a great website to explore a city’s food scene. Always cool to find a local gem and take colleagues / clients / customers while you’re the out of towner.
I also follow a few small bands that tour and have a local sports franchise (Go Blazers!). Checking your destination for some of those things is always fun too!
Make the best of it!
JADW27 t1_iugjs0c wrote
I've started to hate flying as well. But one thing I've always liked about flights is that I can turn off my phone and ignore it entirely.
I always travel with a deck of cards, a pack of gum, and an MP3 player. I have a flight playlist, I play solitaire, and I chew gum (I have ear pressure issues, and gum is hit or miss). I will also occasionally bring a book to read.
Recently I've started buying the Delta snack boxes. They're pretty good.
I hate take-offs because I'm keenly aware that I'm hurtling through the air way high up in a small metal tube. Music takes my mind off of that.
JADW27 t1_iugkcku wrote
Get pre-check. Best money I've ever spent.
If you can travel light or check (or even gate-check) a bag, make sure you're one of the last people on the plane. You won't need to bother with the eager masses. If you don't need overhead space, your "reward" for boarding early is just that you get to sit in your small, uncomfortable seat for a few extra minutes. Board at last call.
samtherat6 t1_iugkmc7 wrote
Good on you for reducing e-waste.
TheAvocadoWhisperer t1_iugkohl wrote
And you can collect mileage points even if your company does the purchasing for you. You just have to add your mileage number in.
Putrid_Ad155 t1_iugkvxq wrote
T 👏 S 👏 A 👏 Precheck 👏
CheCazzoFaciamo t1_iuglhip wrote
I have been using Bose, love them. I fly about 150k miles a year. Make sure to use the same airline and sign up for their loyalty program, lounge passes pay for themselves if you drink at the airport often.
slipperyzoo t1_iugljl6 wrote
Bose noise-cancelling headphones are life-changing. Also get a kindle and/or portable game system like 3ds/switch if you like gaming. Also a good messenger bag/briefcase for laptop + accessories. And the samsonite hard body expandable luggage with rotating wheels. And loafers.
G0-N0G0-GO t1_iuglm5j wrote
Clonazepam.
But be careful, as being too sedated can be its own Hell.
Voodoodriver t1_iuglu96 wrote
Bose QC earbuds II. I slept through takeoff yesterday. Also a wool buff. LV Avenue Sling Bag.
Own-Salad1974 t1_iugm2tc wrote
Perhaps talking to the people around you
PotatoFi t1_iugmdf9 wrote
I have the XM3’s and they are great. Plus they scream “don’t talk to me” at the airport and on the plane.
SP3NGL3R t1_iugmf0w wrote
Noise cancelling headphones (good ones, don't skimp), and being shorter helps. Work up those miles, always ALWAYS play with your seat assignment as the date approaches. Get yourself exit row every time.
If returning to the same hotel constantly, leave big luggage there (the bellhops got you), use dry cleaning, and travel only with a small overnight bag with basically underwear and toiletries.
spastical-mackerel t1_iugmgq1 wrote
Those folks that get to pre board early? You want to be in those. Automatic upgrades to first class are not uncommon at the 1k level on United. You get a separate phone number to call and almost never have to wait on hold. Free food in economy. Dedicated, much shorter lines at the ticket counter. Staff really do go out of their way to treat you better
The other thing you absolutely must do is get TSA Pre, or Global Entry if you fly internationally.
The above make flying tolerable and mitigate some of the worst frustrations and anxiety.
PotatoFi t1_iugmjvu wrote
Fly with the same airline as much as possible, always using your frequent flyer number or account when booking. Soon you get better boarding positions, then they start randomly upgrading you to better seats, then they start prioritizing you for standby in flights, then moving heaven and earth to get you where you are trying to go when problems arise. It’s seriously worth it.
TheReverend5 t1_iugmvrg wrote
they're just so much less practical if you like to travel in a space-efficient manner.
BeachedBottlenose t1_iugmx4s wrote
I just think about the millions of people that fly every day without incident. And think of the places you’ll get to visit. Can you save flyer miles for trips with family or spouse?
I never rode a roller coaster until I was in my mid 30s. I just put the same thoughts in my head: thousands of people do it every day without incident.
Flying is amazing today and the technology is so advanced it can be a luxury.
Boredummmage t1_iugn5xe wrote
I have a dumb add to the conversation as you likely already know this, but one thing I learned is to always chew gum it causes you to salivate more. This in turn causes you to swallow, so less ear pressure. Swallowing pops your ears. If you know this already, no harm done but if not, I hope that helps.
Good Luck!
TheReverend5 t1_iugn6ky wrote
>Pick and airline and be loyal to it, get their cobranded card and put your travel expenses on it, you’ll have status faster than you think.
This is generally not as good as getting a legitimate multi-purpose travel card (e.g. a Chase Sapphire Reserve), since Ultimate Rewards and Membership Rewards points are much more flexible for premium redemptions.
The rest of your advice is spot on though.
TheReverend5 t1_iugnd9e wrote
>As much as possible, bring just a small backpack or duffel that fits under the seat? Then you can also skip the check-in line and just use your phone for check-in and boarding passes.
What? You can bring a full-size carry-on suitcase AND a backpack (or personal item) without dealing with any check-in lines for checked bags. You don't need to downsize this minimally for carry-on benefits.
And if OP is flying frequently, they are going to get status in a month or two and carry-on access is going to be a non-issue.
[deleted] OP t1_iugnosf wrote
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paychul t1_iugnvui wrote
It's not about redeeming points; it's about earning status. Upgrades on seats and rooms. Priority check in. All of that makes traveling easier. As far as I know the Chase card doesn't earn you status anywhere.
paychul t1_iugoeaq wrote
By accident? Literally every neck pillow I've seen shows it being worn with the U in front. Why would anyone think to wear it the other way?
swimsinsand t1_iugpact wrote
First/Business Class.
Roseblanch28 t1_iugpsy6 wrote
Pay for a better seat. Noise canceling ear phones.
Bitter-Heat-8767 t1_iugqfbb wrote
Compression socks are so worth it. Get the ones that go up to your knees, they make a huge difference.
TheReverend5 t1_iuhkiqn wrote
AmEx Plat gives you both Hilton and Marriott status. But yes, the cobranded hotel cards also give status with fewer benefits.
Which cobranded Airline cards give status?
keepthetips t1_iug4jr3 wrote
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