Flying tips
COMFORT IS KEY
If you’re lucky enough to be in business class chances are you’ll be given pillows, pyjamas and blankets and won’t have to worry too much about what you need to bring for your journey, but if you’re in economy it’s wise to be prepared to make yourself as comfortable as possible. From my experience the temperatures do tend to vary so I usually have a cotton t-shirt on to keep cool but will always pack a warm jumper or scarf / pashmina to cover up if it gets too cold on the aircraft. I often see so many people getting on the plane in Ibiza in a vest and 20 minutes later it’s so cold on board they’re asking for a blanket and complaining of the cold. Also when you’re tired and haven’t had chance for much sleep you’re going to feel colder anyway so it’s always best to have an extra layer to hand. Eye mask and ear plugs are a must if you plan to get some sleep and you can get a huge range in those u-shape pillows to support your head when you’re nodding off now be it an inflatable one integrated in to your hood or a luxury cashmere one you’ll never want to be without.
Always have water. If you’ve had a couple (or five) mini-bottles of wine or even if you’re tee-total you’ll be much more dehydrated at 35,0000 feet than if you were back on terra firma so take your own water then you’re not reliant on the cabin crew to keep topping you up. Also remember to get it airside just before you board as it will still be taken off you if you have any liquids over 100ml before you go through security. I always take some nuts, you never know exactly when you’re going to get some food or even if you’ll like it that much so it’s good to have a healthy snack. Also there’s always the chance you may be delayed so if you’ve got a bit of food on you you’re much less likely to get hangry J
These next items aren’t as imperative as the above but often useful so worth mentioning. I always take hand sanitiser (there’s a lot of germs on planes) and hand lotion as skin gets very dehydrated onboard too but remember these have to comply with the 100ml rule. Also a change of clothes (and sun lotion if needed) just in case your checked luggage goes astray, and paracetamol as that would be a massive headache.
ENTERTAINMENT
Chances are you won’t be bored on the flight as the majority of long haul airlines offer an amazing selection of movies, TV shows, games & music but most people will have a laptop, tablet and definitely a smartphone with us so remember to pack the charging cables and any relevant adaptors for the country you’re going to in your hand luggage. Extra power packs are often a godsend too. If you’re a DJ you’ll have your headphones with you anyway and I would recommend always taking your own as films have been ruined by that tinny sound you get on the ones they lend to you. Also if you want to get some sleep and often for your own sanity you should probably give your eyes a rest and have a break from the screen time for a least an hour before you nod off so get stuck in to that book you’ve meaning to read for months or take a journal and document your travels for future reference.
CARRY ON BAGGAGE RESTRICTIONS
So that’s quite a lot to take with you and we’re often not always clear how much we can take on board. It varies so much from airline to airline and I would strongly recommend checking the website of the airline you’re flying with to be sure of what size and weight carry on bag you will be allowed in the specific class you are travelling in. For example I usually take a carry on suitcase on board with all the above items in and some extra clothes and often don’t even need to check luggage in if it’s a short trip but sometimes now with branded fares if your ticket is in the lowest /budget fare this could be taken off you at the gate and will incur a charge. For example a ‘basic economy’ could mean you can only take a handbag / small bag on board but a ‘classic economy’ or ‘standard economy’ could mean you can take a cabin size suitcase on board. Each airline has different branded fares so check with your travel agent or the website beforehand. Happy travelling J