Top tips to make your flight more awesome

I love to travel.

But I hate to fly.

The thought of hurtling through the sky encased in a metal tube, 1000's of feet above the ground terrifies me. I hate knowing that my life is in someone else's hands, and if something goes wrong, there's not a lot I can do about it.

I know statistically that if anything were to go wrong, it's most likely to happen during take off. Once we are at cruising level and the seat belt sign turns off - my anxiety returns to a somewhat normal level.

I recently read Travis Barkers autobiography which detailed his experience of surviving a plane crash where he lost four friends. Amazing book from one of the worlds best drummers – but as I am flying home this weekend, I wish I'd chosen a different week to pick it up.

Many people love flying, I'm just not one of those people. So this blog post is all about the little things I do to make the flying experience as stress free as possible.

Seat Guru

Enter your flight details on this website and you can view the seating plan for your plane, and read individual reviews for each seat. Reviews include details of the proximity to the toilets and gallery, missing windows, and compromised leg room – all aspects that may decrease your flight enjoyment. With this information, you will never pick a bad seat again. Unfortunately there is no prediction where the screaming babies will sit - or where the single hotties will be. They should look into this...

Unfortunately it doesn't show who you will be sitting next to

Upgrade Yourself

If you are flying long haul, then business and first class are the best ways to fly. If you have yet to make your millions or your company is on the cheap side you can always try your hand at 'blagging' a free upgrade. I followed this advice and got upgraded to business class on my flight from Dubai to Bangkok. #score If economy is full, they will start bumping people up to business class. Make sure you always collect your air miles as frequent flyers will always be looked on more favourably – it also helps to dress the part. Not convinced? Just ask Jennifer Aniston...

The Airport Lounges

I am a member of Priority Pass. This is a subscription service that gives you access to over 850 airport lounges world wide. The lounges are the perfect place to relax and refresh before a flight and take advantage of the complimentary drinks and food. As a nervous flyer I find a drink (or two) helps relieve my air plane anxiety and tones down the feeling of impending doom. I'm not a fan of airplane food either so having a tasty meal before I fly means I don't have to play Russian roulette with the in flight meal menu. The lounges are also a great place to shower if you've had a long journey to the airport or just want to take advantage of the spa and beauty treatments on offer. 

Facial Wipes

As soon as I get on a flight I like to take my make up off. The air craft atmosphere is incredibly dehydrating so this allows your skin to breathe and ensures you don't touch down with dried out 'cake-y' make up. The wipes are also great to have to combat sticky fingers, or any spills that occur during turbulence.

Herb Day Cleansing Tissues, The Face Shop

Facial Mist

I always like to have a facial mist handy. It keeps your skin from drying out as well as a welcome 'pick me up' during long flights. This L'Occitane spray is my favourite as it has a lovely aromatic smell. 

Angelica Hydration Facial Mist, L'Occitane

Comfy Clothing

If you are going to be sitting down for an extended amount of time, comfortable clothes are a must. My flying uniform is leggings and a comfy top. I get cold very easily so I always bring a cardigan in case the air con is overpowering. Thick woolly socks are a favourite of mine too as they keep my feet toasty and I find sitting without shoes more comfortable. I bring the socks in my handbag and put them on once airborne, just in case flight socks aren't provided. 

Falke Ladies Striggings Cable Knee High Socks

Coconut Water

I love coconut water. It's even more hydrating then regular water so perfect to replenish your liquid levels whilst flying – think about it – less time will be spent in the airplane lavatories or queuing for the lavatories – plus it tastes great I always pick up a few cartons before boarding. Don't do it before security or you will be asked to toss your coconuts. 

Vita Coco, Coconut Water

If you have any other flying tips then please comment below. I am wishing you a safe and pleasant flight for all those travelling home for the holidays.

EHH

xxx