By Jessica Russo
Do: get out of the aisle ASAP when boarding.
Okay, boarding is frustrating. It kind of feels like a parade of people rolling their eyes at the people in front of them. But hey, you're all in it together! Once you find your seat, stash your larger carry-on luggage up top and put everything else on your seat. If you see someone around you struggling, lend a helping hand! Don't, however, hog the aisle for things like taking off your sweatshirt or finding your headphones. Wait until perople are generally seated, then feel free to do your biz'.
Don't: be the guy who hogs the arm rests.
C'mon now. Are we really having this talk? It's an arm rest, not an arm wrestle! If possible, give those precious arm rests to the brave people who agreed to sit in the middle. They're doing you a favor by sitting there; they deserve it, PLUS a trophy.
Do: bring gum.
Chew on this! No really, chew it. You do not want to be that guy who whines to everyone around him during landing, like, OMG, my ears hurt sooo bad. Hate to break it to ya, but so do everyone else's. Unwrap a few pieces of gum and chew real big, making sure to stretch your jaw open and swallow regularly. Those motions will help to de-pop your ears during landing. And hey, minty fresh breath is always a plus.
Do: wear layers (that are easy to take on and off).
Planes love to play the hot and cold game. One minute, you might be freezing, and the next minute, you'll feel like you're flying over the equator. Yes, it's annoying, but it's no problem if you're dressed properly. Try your best to wear zip-ups and bring a blanket. The last thing you want is to accidentally whack the sleeping passenger next to you while you're peeling off your crewneck.
Do: drink, but don't drink too much.
Sit back, relax, and enjoy the ride. Who doesn't love a little spirit to calm their nerves? Go ahead and indulge in a lil booze, but don't overindulge. The last thing you want is to sip down the slope from fun to feeble.
Don't: be the guy who brings a tuna sandwich.
Just don't.
Don't: take your shoes off.
Again, just don't.
Do: shower, but don't drench yourself in cologne or perfume.
It's only considerate to not smell bad on a plane. I mean, people are forced to sit around you for hours; give 'em a break! I don't know which is worse, B.O. or heavy cologne that gets stuck in your throat. Here's an idea: aim for being generally clean, and everyone will get along juuust fine.
Do: move around a little if you're on a long flight.
Okay, I don't mean to start dancing or doing your newest yoga move, just move around a bit! Do a little in-seat stretching or take a walk down the aisle (no, not the marriage kind). Sometimes just a few minutes on your feet can get your blood flowin'.
Do: take advantage of any free snacks or drinks.
Not hungry at the moment? Save those chips or cookies for later! You never know when hunger may strike, especially on vacation. Remember, you won't have 24/7 access to a snack-stocked pantry like the one in your kitchen, so it's always nice to keep some snacks with you. Not to mention everything tastes better when it's free.
Do: pack your go-to items in your underseat bag.
Your phone charger, your book, your headphones, your gum - pack all those common necessities in your smaller carry-on. You don't wanna be that guy who keeps opening the overhead compartments and rummaging through everyone's luggage just to get your chapstick. Plan ahead, not overhead.
Do: drink lots of water.
H-2-oh yeah! Do your best to finish at least one water bottle during the flight. The air inside a plane is super dry, so it's not hard to get dehydrated. Sipping water will make you feel way more awake and energized, and it will dimish any dizzyness or lightheadedness you may experience. Staying hydrated is also great for your skin, especially when the air around you is so dry.
Don't: worry about what you look like sleeping.
Everyone looks weird; just snap on that neck pillow and start snoozin'.
Don't: go to the bathroom with filled pockets.
What's worse than using the bathroom on a plane? Using the bathroom on a plane and then dropping something in the toilet and fishing it out. I mean, that just sounds like a whole lot of unpleasant. Once in a while, turbulence will cause the plane to shake, which may throw off your balance. If your pockets are stuffed to the brim, there's a good chance of something landing in the toilet. The toilet does not deserve souvenirs. Leave your stuff.
Don't: try to prematurely exit the plane.
"Patience you must have, my young Padawan." Listen to Yoda! Yoda is always right.
