Convince Me That Flying's Fun

ExpatPumpkin

I usually take 2-4 flights a month, which isn't so bad.  And I don't HATE it, but it's not exactly something I look forward to either. 

Between now and the end of the year, I'll be flying at least 60K miles and probably more like 75K.  The good news is that I'll secure my AA Platinum status.  The bad news is that's a lot of freaking flying!

Please share your coping skills.  How do you make it fun?

And for fun, a poll:

nda_roxybabe

I love it! I love airports and planes and all that good stuff. My uh, last trip kind of made me question my love for flying but oh well.

I like wearing a nice outfit to fly and packing my pashmina in my carry on for when I get cold. I also bring a few books (fast reader), hand wipes, touch up makeup and some chapstick.

I like people watching so of course airports are good for that..

npasquale16

Ipod and book.  I can never fall asleep on a plane, so that's not an option for me.  Also, I bring moisturizer because my skin gets dry.  Other than that, there's not much you can do on a plane.

opalsky007

I hate the hassle--the fussing with bags, security, getting bumped off flights, feeling smooshed and whatnot. But I also like to treat myself to a new novel each trip to pass the time on flights (I find reading calming during takeoffs and landings), and get a latte and then browse through the shops in large airports. So if everything goes smoothly, I'm actually kind of treating myself to something fun. If it doesn't go smoothly, then at least I've got plenty to read.

SarahPLiz

Ipod, crossword puzzles, and my own snacks are key. 

nda_roxybabe

In Response to <a href="http://forums.theknot.com/Sites/theknot/Pages/Main.aspx/wedding-boards_snarky-brides_convince-flyings-fun?plckFindPostKey=Cat:Wedding BoardsForum:17Discussion:1d1fcb78-5b0d-4cb3-8c96-7e0d68bef6b3Post:29536942-8ed2-4c1d-b103-ce82119d05b4">Re: Convince Me That Flying's Fun</a>:
[QUOTE]I just take my iPod and book/magazines. I always pray I don't get a chatty person next to me.  I can't stand making small talk on a flight.
Posted by ILoveMilkDuds[/QUOTE]

On my way to NC, I had a guy my age sitting next to me and he was super chatty but for once, I acutally enjoyed it. It helped kill the time. I know what you mean though.

AllAboutTheBenjamin

I gradually hate flying a little more every single time I do it.  I don't travel as much as you do - I only fly maybe once or twice a year.

I hate taking off, and I HATE landing.  During the flight I'm usually okay - except when we flew to Hawaii when I was 17.  Several hours flying over nothing but water stressed me the hell out.

I also always pray I don't get stuck to a chatty person if I'm flying alone!  Or someone who smells funny, or falls asleep and breathes in my face for an hour.  Or get the window seat, and the person in the aisle is larger, so you feel like an ass for asking them to get up when you have to use the restroom.  Bah.

tonyscutieest09

My friend Xanax and I have a nice long nap with our friend Mr. Ipod.

I am actually a terrible flyer, I'm not scared of flying but I am claustrophobic and do not handle large crowds of people very well. I am also a little paranoid (I always think worst case scenario) so it always makes for a fun trip.

ExpatPumpkin

The iPod definitely helps.  And sometimes I don't mind chatting with my neighbor - I've actually had some pretty pleasant conversations.  Just a few months ago I was next to my Congressman.  He's pretty extreme in his beliefs, so that was interesting!

Vodka's a nice companion, too

kd.joseph

I wear my most comfortable clothes,and shoes. Pillow, Ipod, and book. And I always have to have a sweater.I freeze to death on flights.

On our flight to Paris I had on sandals and my feet were freezing. I put DH round head pillow around my feet.

stephl3055

I hate flying.  Like I have irrational thoughts about horrible things happening to the plane the entire time. 

For me, the biggest thing is to be extremely distracted the entire time.  So I'm a big fan of an iPod or even a portable DVD player.  I need to have at least a sound distracting me so that I don't hear random, but completely normal noises that the plane might make. 

I also like having my eyes distracted, so that's where the DVD player comes in.  I can't read while I fly because it gives me a headache for some reason.  But I find that just closing my eyes works well too. 

Steph0871

KINDLE.  Flying was one of the biggest reasons I bought mine   Between my kindle, ipod, and a neck pillow, I'm good to go.

J&K10910

In Response to <a href="http://forums.theknot.com/Sites/theknot/Pages/Main.aspx/wedding-boards_snarky-brides_convince-flyings-fun?plckFindPostKey=Cat:Wedding%20BoardsForum:17Discussion:1d1fcb78-5b0d-4cb3-8c96-7e0d68bef6b3Post:29536942-8ed2-4c1d-b103-ce82119d05b4">Re: Convince Me That Flying's Fun</a>:
[QUOTE]I just take my iPod and book/magazines. I always pray I don't get a chatty person next to me.  I can't stand making small talk on a flight.
Posted by ILoveMilkDuds[/QUOTE]

This.  I hate talking to random strangers.  I'm not friendly most of the time.  So I usually put my iPod on right away and open a book so no one is tempted to talk to me.  I can't sleep on flights, which sucks.  The worst parts for me are take off and landing, other than that I do fine.

Anysunrise

iPod and several books, depending on how long it is. I like travelling.

ExpatPumpkin

In Response to <a href="http://forums.theknot.com/Sites/theknot/Pages/Main.aspx/wedding-boards_snarky-brides_convince-flyings-fun?plckFindPostKey=Cat:Wedding BoardsForum:17Discussion:1d1fcb78-5b0d-4cb3-8c96-7e0d68bef6b3Post:8f62952e-dc9f-4e78-afa9-060f20b16416">Re: Convince Me That Flying's Fun</a>:
[QUOTE]My friend Xanax and I have a nice long nap with our friend Mr. Ipod. I am actually a terrible flyer, I'm not scared of flying but I am claustrophobic and do not handle large crowds of people very well. I am also a little paranoid (I always think worst case scenario) so it always makes for a fun trip.
Posted by tonyscutieest09[/QUOTE]

Yes, I'm think sleeping pills are definitely in order for the long-haul flights.  I have mini-panic attacks when there's bad turbulence, so that would probably help.  A lot.

pooh8402

I love flying. I have to have gum because I have a hard time popping my ears (allergies/eustachian tube issues). I wear comfortable warm layers and pack socks in my purse because I am really cold natured and always freezing. for the honeymoon, my "plane socks" were actually my old softball tube socks, the ones that went up to my knees. they kept my legs warm. I have my ipod and listen to something that I'm not completely familiar with yet, and at least 2 books depending on the length of the flight. I don't usually pack a pillow because I always forget, but every time, I say I'm going to pack a pillow. of course, flying with someone you enjoy being with helps--I've never flown by myself, but always with family or friends or H.

deepcovejackie

When there's turbulence, think about it like being on a boat (if you're not nervous in boats).  Air turbulence and water turbulence are very similar, it's all just waves...

Having said that, I was always a little bit nervous landing.  My "home" airport is right near the ocean and you kind of have to skim the surface of the water while landing.  FI is a pilot though, so I just look at him to see if I should be worried.  He's usually sleeping.  :  )

sarahmk5

I prefer flying to driving, mostly because I don't get car sick.  Ipod, books, magazines, snacks, and a pillow always make it much easier for me.  I like to dress in black yoga pants with a nice top, because then I'm comfortable, but don't look like a mess.

ExpatPumpkin

In Response to <a href="http://forums.theknot.com/Sites/theknot/Pages/Main.aspx/wedding-boards_snarky-brides_convince-flyings-fun?plckFindPostKey=Cat:Wedding BoardsForum:17Discussion:1d1fcb78-5b0d-4cb3-8c96-7e0d68bef6b3Post:4a5a0395-a23a-48f6-8306-52502558cac8">Re: Convince Me That Flying's Fun</a>:
[QUOTE]I love flying. I have to have gum because I have a hard time popping my ears (allergies/eustachian tube issues). I wear comfortable warm layers and pack socks in my purse because I am really cold natured and always freezing. for the honeymoon, my "plane socks" were actually my old softball tube socks, the ones that went up to my knees. they kept my legs warm. I have my ipod and listen to something that I'm not completely familiar with yet, and at least 2 books depending on the length of the flight. I don't usually pack a pillow because I always forget, but every time, I say I'm going to pack a pillow. of course, flying with someone you enjoy being with helps--<strong>I've never flown by myself, but always with family or friends or H.
</strong>Posted by pooh8402[/QUOTE]

Thanks for the tips.  A few of the flights will be with DH, but most of the time I fly solo.  I'm actually kind of excited about the flights with DH.  

pooh8402

Expat, the Congressman you flew with, was that the one from Texas? if so, who?

ExpatPumpkin

In Response to <a href="http://forums.theknot.com/Sites/theknot/Pages/Main.aspx/wedding-boards_snarky-brides_convince-flyings-fun?plckFindPostKey=Cat:Wedding BoardsForum:17Discussion:1d1fcb78-5b0d-4cb3-8c96-7e0d68bef6b3Post:3333cf38-1db1-44b8-9afa-7435dd6a0f0d">Re: Convince Me That Flying's Fun</a>:
[QUOTE]Expat, the Congressman you flew with, was that the one from Texas?
Posted by pooh8402[/QUOTE]

Yes, but he's really a Representative.  So a Congressman from Dallas, not the entire state.

ETA: Oh, this one:  <a href="http://sessions.house.gov/">http://sessions.house.gov/</a>  I thought his views were a little extreme, but he was really nice.

pooh8402

ahhh, okay. the one I know of with really weird views is from my old district, Chet Edwards. interesting to listen to him sometimes. now my representative is Sheila Lee Jackson. now she's a character. *rolling eyes*

ExpatPumpkin

In Response to <a href="http://forums.theknot.com/Sites/theknot/Pages/Main.aspx/wedding-boards_snarky-brides_convince-flyings-fun?plckFindPostKey=Cat:Wedding BoardsForum:17Discussion:1d1fcb78-5b0d-4cb3-8c96-7e0d68bef6b3Post:d251ad4f-4d45-4c5d-a3da-bba287e8c1a2">Re: Convince Me That Flying's Fun</a>:
[QUOTE]ahhh, okay. the one I know of with really weird views is from my old district, Chet Edwards. interesting to listen to him sometimes. now my representative is Sheila Lee Jackson. now she's a character. *rolling eyes*
Posted by pooh8402[/QUOTE]

<a href="http://sessions.house.gov/">I</a> went back and answered your question above.

deepcovejackie

Expat--did I hear you say somewhere that you live in Mexico?  Or am I wrong, it might be somemone else I'm thinking of.  Reason I ask is that FI and I are thinking to relocate to MX in awhile.  We're having out wedding there.

ExpatPumpkin

In Response to <a href="http://forums.theknot.com/Sites/theknot/Pages/Main.aspx/wedding-boards_snarky-brides_convince-flyings-fun?plckFindPostKey=Cat:Wedding BoardsForum:17Discussion:1d1fcb78-5b0d-4cb3-8c96-7e0d68bef6b3Post:048d27b7-3bc8-422b-a86a-f17507deeec1">Re: Convince Me That Flying's Fun</a>:
[QUOTE]Expat--did I hear you say somewhere that you live in Mexico?  Or am I wrong, it might be somemone else I'm thinking of.  Reason I ask is that FI and I are thinking to relocate to MX in awhile.  We're having out wedding there.
Posted by deepcovejackie[/QUOTE]

Yes, we live in Monterrey.  But only for another month - we're moving to the UK for a year or so.  And then back here. 

How nice that you're having your wedding here!  Where in Mexico would you like to relo to?  Let me know if you have any questions.

deepcovejackie

Thanks Expat!  We're thinking of north of PV, on the coast in Nayarit for relocating.  That's after my kids are done high school.  FI was married to a mexican woman, and is fluent in language and knows alot about the culture.

Our wedding is in a tiny fishing village, San Pancho.  It's already kind of home to us anyway.

Sorry bit of a tangent from the thread there...

LoriAH11

I agree with PP person that I like to dress nice for flights, comfortable, but nice. Flying has certainly gotten to where it feels more like hearding cattle through rather than a luxury experience like it used to be, so I like to take it back old school and dress up a little.

I always get a little nervous though from the time the cabin door closes until the they they OK you to move about the cabin and vice versa when landing. I don't like having the feeling that I CAN'T get up, especially if I've got to use the restroom.

ExpatPumpkin

In Response to <a href="http://forums.theknot.com/Sites/theknot/Pages/Main.aspx/wedding-boards_snarky-brides_convince-flyings-fun?plckFindPostKey=Cat:Wedding BoardsForum:17Discussion:1d1fcb78-5b0d-4cb3-8c96-7e0d68bef6b3Post:19cbab06-d7c6-40b3-a889-9c828f11125a">Re: Convince Me That Flying's Fun</a>:
[QUOTE]I love flying! I love the sense of adventure and people watching etc.  I don't even mind long layovers. That being said, I don't fly nearly as much as you do! I will be flying this fall at 32 weeks pregnant and  I am nervous about that.  I have to have an aisle seat because I need to be near a bathroom and I need to stand up every hour or so, I need to bring a doctor's note allowing me to fly, I am nervous about waddling to my connector, etc :)
Posted by mag920[/QUOTE]

Oh, you poor thing!  This is one of my real fears about getting pregnant: having to fly.  I hope it goes well for you ;)

ExpatPumpkin

In Response to <a href="http://forums.theknot.com/Sites/theknot/Pages/Main.aspx/wedding-boards_snarky-brides_convince-flyings-fun?plckFindPostKey=Cat:Wedding BoardsForum:17Discussion:1d1fcb78-5b0d-4cb3-8c96-7e0d68bef6b3Post:7a8d94a9-b761-46de-aa88-db0d92458050">Re: Convince Me That Flying's Fun</a>:
[QUOTE]Thanks Expat!  We're thinking of north of PV, on the coast in Nayarit for relocating.  That's after my kids are done high school.  FI was married to a mexican woman, and is fluent in language and knows alot about the culture. Our wedding is in a tiny fishing village, San Pancho.  It's already kind of home to us anyway. Sorry bit of a tangent from the thread there...
Posted by deepcovejackie[/QUOTE]

Nice!  Sounds like you already know what you're getting yourself into, which will make adapting a whole lot easier ;)  It's a different lifestyle, that's for sure!

sarah0725

I'm amazed that so many of you guys hate talking to strangers. I love strangers, and nothing makes me happier than sitting next to an interesting person on a plane - it really makes the time fly by.

My advice is to be as streamlined as possible - slip on shoes, light luggage, only the most necessary electronics, and slim things that are light, maybe one of those laptop cases that you can send through security without taking the laptop out - I just hate the hassle, so I try to make sure I pack carefully to avoid problems.

[Deleted User]

I take Adramamine (sp?) and spend the flight trying to control my breathing so I don't throw up (like taking deep breaths when taking off or landing, I have a weird coping system). Other than that I try to sleep. H reads the entire time and I'm so jealous of people can do that. I get sick if I try to read.