Are you in it for the LONG HAUL? Pt. 2

Flight Preparation. 

Your client has chosen a direct flight to Asia which will last 12-14 hours.  How can you help them prepare for this experience?  Here are some tips:

Bring a small bag on board containing your flight essentials.  This may include

• Aspirin (or similar) 
• Any medication that you usually take (properly labeled).
• Toothbrush and travel size toothpaste (it is refreshing to wash up during the flight)
• Wet/dry towel 
• Facial Tissues
• Pen/writing pad (for any creative thoughts and reflections as you embark on an adventure)
• A great book or magazines to read
• A media player full of your favourite tunes or podcasts or movies
• A map and guide book of your destination 
• Emergency snacks (nuts, candy, energy bars—any comfort food you like).  Munch whenever you choose!
• Extra socks, underwear, T-shirt (always fly prepared with a change of clothes)
• Ear plugs (Just in case the person next to you is either a constant talker—or a sniffer, or a snorer)  See http://www.citc.ca/content/en/travel-humour-e.asp

Arriving at the Airport

Airlines recommend the best time to arrive at the airport, usually ranging 2-3 hours prior to departure for an international flight. Arrive early to check your bags and start to relax. Check out the shops or have a snack. If you have a new expensive camera or laptop, you might wish to go to Canada Customs to have it registered so there will be no question that you purchased it before your travels.  

Go through security early to avoid the last minute rush. Find the departure gate. Some people prefer to sit and wait for the flight to be called. Others enjoy walking around—knowing that they will be sitting for many hours on the flight. Remember that once you board, you may not be able to use a washroom for an hour, until the seat belt signs are turned off—but then the beverage service will start—so again, you may not be able to use the aisle. If it is permitted, buy bottled water once you enter security, so you can have your own supply of water on board.

Boarding the flight 

The flight boarding time will be printed on your ticket, but that is only a rough guideline. Travellers should relax and wait for the boarding announcement.  Most flights will board in the order of

• Pre-Boarding for those requiring assistance and for those in Business Class
• Boarding by row numbers

There is no need to line up in advance.  Unfortunately there are a lot of people on the flight who want to get on as soon as possible. A good airline gate crew will not allow people to board unless their row has been called.  

Once your row has been called, you may wish to board as quickly as possible to avoid the latest bad habit in flying, where passengers place their carry-on luggage in the first available compartment they see, rather than the compartment over their own seat. If you aren't quick, when YOU arrive on the plane, your compartment may already be full. This is annoying, but there will be other compartments in the nearby area.

Getting settled

One of the key times on the long-haul flight. You might want to wait until your seat mates are settled, (unless you are sitting by the window).

• Get comfortable
• Loosen your belt
• Take off your shoes (to promote better circulation)
• Put your reading material, your music, your water and your snacks in the seatback in front of you
• Have a sweater or jacket handy in case it gets cool during the flight

Stay tuned for more tips on surviving the long haul in Pt. 3, coming later this week!