How to Keep from Going Crazy on an International Flight in Coach

As I walk onto the plane, I’m greeted with champagne and the flight attendant helps me store my Tumi carry on . She is pleasant and assures me that this long overnight flight back from Rio de Janeiro will be wonderful. I take my seat. After the plane takes off the lovely flight attendant returns to ask what I would like for dinner, pasta primavera or the steak. “Being a vegetarian I choose the pasta.” Real silverware, real plates and real glasses filled with wine. Perfect. Now it’s time to watch my personal in-flight entertainment system. Let’s see Entourage or a documentary on Blonds , choices, choices. A few hours later, another flight attendant approaches, sees that I am sleepy and asks if I would like to see the ice cream sundae cart early so I can go to bed early. My answer, “Yes please”. After my sundae but before I go to bed, the flight attendant approaches one last time to ask what I would like in my omelet in the morning and if they should wake me. I ask them to allow me to sleep in a little. They oblige.

You’re wishing that was a coach experience aren’t you. Nope sorry, definitely first class. But just in case you get stuck in the back of the bus here’s some tips on how to survive.

#1: Choosing a Seat

Your seat can make or break your trip. If you have a preferred status then you may be able to land the bulkhead or the exit rows. This is great because both offer extra leg room. The only down side is that you may be near a bathroom. In that case, it’s the worst seat in the house. Use Seat Guru to check your seat rating and the pros or cons about your specific seat. Yes, I know that you can often see the plane configuration on the airline’s website, but they are not always correct as to bathroom placement, galley etc..

What you’re looking for is:

a. The most leg room. Even for shorter people it’s nice to be able to stretch out.

b. No middle seat. No one wants to be riding the hump seat for 9 hours.

c. Front of the plane. There’s a reason first class is in the front. They closer you are to them, the better. Easier to get on and off the plane.

d. Not near a bathroom or galley. You don’t want the banging around, flushing or weird plane food smells all night long.

#2: Entertainment

Don’t fall prey to the in-flight entertainment choices. Nothings worse than sitting through a movie you’ve already seen or one you never wanted to see. Simple solution, an iPod , headphones and laptop can easily convert into your own mini-entertainment system. Load your iPod with a TV show series that you’ve always wanted to see, but didn’t or you can even rent movies on iTunes now for $2.99-$3.99. Just remember to load enough to watch for both the plane ride to and from your destination.

#3: Food

Let’s face it, the chips, cheese crackers or Biscotti cookie cart gets really boring after a while. Some airlines are offering food for purchase, but who knows what the selections will be and how much they’ll cost you. An easy fix is to bring some food with you. We like to head to Whole Foods before we leave and bring cheese and crackers, grapes and other easy to eat items with us. It doesn’t take up much room and you’ll be thankful when you see the guy across the isle munching down on his third granola bar.

#4: Sleeping

Sleeping in flight is difficult and those uncomfortable pillows, itchy blankets and lights don’t help. This is why I never leave for an overnight flight without my n-a-p travel kit . They have multiple colors and styles. But for me, I love my pink soft cuddle blanket, my eye mask and neck pillow. I sleep like a baby.

#5: The Morning After

There’s nothing like going to sleep and waking up with the taste of sweaty socks in your mouth, knowing you now have to get off the plane and talk to someone in customs about why you’re visiting. Do both of you a favor and at a minimum bring a travel toothbrush, toothpaste, brush and a packet of baby wipes to help you freshen up just a little before you land.

Well, there it is, how to survive an international flight in coach. I hope you never have to use this and may you always fly first class.

The next post will be from The Belvedere Hotel in Mykonos, so stay tuned.

Kimberly