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November 13, 2005
Miscellaneous things that make a plane ride easier
My flight to London was probably the last out of JFK at night (11:30 pm). It's a fast flight; the winds were on our side and it was just six hours, so it's bearable under most circumstances, but there were a few things I did this time that made it even easier.
Because I have elite status on AA I can book an exit row, but as the flight was relatively light (that flight often is, I believe) I changed it before leaving for the airport for an empty middle row. It remained empty and I was able to sleep lying down. Most airlines have seat maps on their website where you can check for empty seating. Another essential site is Seat Guru, which has seating diagrams for many planes and airlines along with advice on which seats to choose and avoid.
I wore a T-shirt on travelling days even though it was cool weather. With luggage in tow, even with wheels, I'm always overheated. When I got to the airport I folded up the nylon coat I always take on trips and packed it in the roll bag I was checking (I bring a rolling garment bag and a light roll bag that loops over the handle - that gets packed with light items) and took out a hooded sweatshirt and sweatpants. Once on the plane I changed into sweatpants in the lavatory, and back to regular pants close to landing. I also tucked a second T-shirt into my carry on in case I felt the need to change that as well.
Before I got on the plane, I had a drink so I could get some sleep. Your mileage may vary on this, but because I'm not a drinker it doesn't take much alcohol to get me drowsy. I didn't get more than 3.5 hours sleep - with takeoff, meal services and landing it would have been hard to get much more, but it helped.
Posted by Leigh Witchel at November 13, 2005 11:55 PM
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