Pro tip: keep your mask AND your shoes on at all times!
As Americans start to dip their toes back in the water of air travel, it is important to find a balance between safety and comfort. Under normal conditions, traveling and navigating your way through an airport can be stressful. Understanding how the addition of COVID-19 safety precautions will affect you can be nerve racking! Still, there are things we all can do in order to feel better prepared, and turn flight travel back into a positive experience.
Seasoned flight attendant and my good friend, Charlene Schultz, has logged thousands miles across the U.S., and I’m so excited share some of her best tips on how to create the more comfortable and safe experience:
Wear layers - It is always important to dress comfortably on a plane, but this is even more important now than ever before! You do not want any uncomfortable clothing adding to the stress you are already experiencing. Additionally, airplanes are not supplying any added comforts such as blankets and pillows, so if you are someone who gets cold easily, pack your favorite travel pillow or throw blanket! Wearing multiple layers is the easiest way to be prepared for any warm or cool temperatures on the plane. Make sure comfortable shoes are included in this outfit too, and keep them on!
Be prepared - Being prepared for a flight has always been important, but the term takes on a whole new meaning in 2020. Flying looks different, and personal conveniences you previously enjoyed at the airport may not be available. Some airport restaurants and vendors are closed, so it might be helpful to call ahead to check if your favorite eatery is open. In flight, snacks and drinks may not be part of your service, so try to bring an empty water bottle to fill up after security. Don’t fill up on liquids too much though! The lavatories on flights can get busy. It’s best if you try to use the airport restroom before the flight.
Bring a comfortable mask - Masks are a non-negotiable when it comes to air travel. You will be required to wear a mask from the second you enter the airport until the second you get to your destination. Since you will be wearing a mask for an extended period of time, make sure it’s not only designed to provide protection, but are made of materials that are personally comfortable to you. If you forget your mask at home or lose it along the way, ask a flight attendant or other airport employee and they will happily provide one.
Do not be afraid to ask for help - Airport employees including flight attendants are there to make your experience as safe and comfortable as possible. If you have questions, or need something that would improve your experience, do not be afraid to ask for assistance! If you need a mask, sanitizing wipes, hand sanitizer, or other supplies, you have resources everywhere! Flight attendants’ main priority is safety, and they will be happy to help.
Book the first flight of the day - Due to the additional precautions taken to fight COVID-19, airports and airplanes are cleaner than ever. However, there are some benefits to taking the morning flight including fewer passengers which may make sensitive passengers feel more comfortable.
Be considerate! This is just a good rule to live by at all times, however it is even more important than ever to be cautious of your actions and how you are affecting others. Listen to your flight attendants, continue to social distance whenever possible and always wear your mask. The experience will be much more enjoyable for everyone if we are all considerate and refrain from pushback. Remember, flight attendants are just trying to keep you and all other passengers safe, so let’s do what we can to make their job even easier!
Charlene’s life in the skies has her crossing time zones on a regular basis, so when she can, it’s critical for her to get a great night’s rest. What’s her favorite sleep products to help her rest and recover from a trip? “I love a quality pillow and fun comfy pajamas, especially sleep shirts with big cats and dogs printed on them!”
About Inventive Sleep, Inc.
Inventive Sleep is dedicated to helping people realize their dreams and goals starting with a great night’s sleep. Its founder, Sleep Products Innovator Tracy Laskowski Miller, is one of the most engaging and creative sleep wellness product inventors in the industry today. She is known for applying her unique perspective on sleep materials research to create and help people find their favorite bedding products. With more than two million sold since 2006, her engaging brands and sleep solutions are in homes and hotels across the country. The company is a leader in designing, inventing and marketing innovative combinations of comfort and technology to create brands and sleep products including sheets, pillows, comforters, blankets and mattress pads. Tracy is also the author of the weekly sleep blog Sleep Secrets and Inspirations. In it, Tracy is sharing her expertise on sleep materials research and design, and demystifying the sleep experience with an informative and fun-filled conversation on how sleep helps people with everyday living, as well as some of her tips and tricks on picking your favorite sleep products. For more information, visit www.inventivesleep.com Sleep Tonight. Create Tomorrow.™