| As I walk onto the plane, I'm greeted with | | | | want the banging around, flushing or weird plane food |
| champagne and the flight attendant helps me store | | | | smells all night long. |
| my Tumi carry on. She is pleasant and assures me | | | | #2: Entertainment |
| that this long overnight flight back from Rio de | | | | Don't fall prey to the in-flight entertainment choices. |
| Janeiro will be wonderful. I take my seat. After the | | | | Nothings worse than sitting through a movie you've |
| plane takes off the lovely flight attendant returns to | | | | already seen or one you never wanted to see. |
| ask what I would like for dinner, pasta primavera or | | | | Simple solution, an iPod , headphones and laptop can |
| the steak. "Being a vegetarian I choose the pasta." | | | | easily convert into your own mini-entertainment |
| Real silverware, real plates and real glasses filled with | | | | system. Load your iPod with a TV show series that |
| wine. Perfect. Now it's time to watch my personal | | | | you've always wanted to see, but didn't or you can |
| in-flight entertainment system. Let's see Entourage or | | | | even rent movies on iTunes now for $2.99-$3.99. |
| a documentary on Blonds , choices, choices. A few | | | | Just remember to load enough to watch for both |
| hours later, another flight attendant approaches, sees | | | | the plane ride to and from your destination. |
| that I am sleepy and asks if I would like to see the | | | | #3: Food |
| ice cream sundae cart early so I can go to bed early. | | | | Let's face it, the chips, cheese crackers or Biscotti |
| My answer, "Yes please". After my sundae but | | | | cookie cart gets really boring after a while. Some |
| before I go to bed, the flight attendant approaches | | | | airlines are offering food for purchase, but who |
| one last time to ask what I would like in my omelet | | | | knows what the selections will be and how much |
| in the morning and if they should wake me. I ask | | | | they'll cost you. An easy fix is to bring some food |
| them to allow me to sleep in a little. They oblige. | | | | with you. We like to head to Whole Foods before |
| You're wishing that was a coach experience aren't | | | | we leave and bring cheese and crackers, grapes and |
| you. Nope sorry, definitely first class. But just in case | | | | other easy to eat items with us. It doesn't take up |
| you get stuck in the back of the bus here's some | | | | much room and you'll be thankful when you see the |
| tips on how to survive. | | | | guy across the isle munching down on his third |
| #1: Choosing a Seat | | | | granola bar. |
| Your seat can make or break your trip. If you have | | | | #4: Sleeping |
| a preferred status then you may be able to land the | | | | Sleeping in flight is difficult and those uncomfortable |
| bulkhead or the exit rows. This is great because both | | | | pillows, itchy blankets and lights don't help. This is |
| offer extra leg room. The only down side is that you | | | | why I never leave for an overnight flight without my |
| may be near a bathroom. In that case, it's the worst | | | | n-a-p travel kit . They have multiple colors and styles. |
| seat in the house. Use Seat Guru to check your seat | | | | But for me, I love my pink soft cuddle blanket, my |
| rating and the pros or cons about your specific seat. | | | | eye mask and neck pillow. I sleep like a baby. |
| Yes, I know that you can often see the plane | | | | #5: The Morning After |
| configuration on the airline's website, but they are not | | | | There's nothing like going to sleep and waking up |
| always correct as to bathroom placement, galley etc.. | | | | with the taste of sweaty socks in your mouth, |
| What you're looking for is:a. The most leg room. Even | | | | knowing you now have to get off the plane and talk |
| for shorter people it's nice to be able to stretch out.b. | | | | to someone in customs about why you're visiting. Do |
| No middle seat. No one wants to be riding the hump | | | | both of you a favor and at a minimum bring a travel |
| seat for 9 hours.c. Front of the plane. There's a | | | | toothbrush, toothpaste, brush and a packet of baby |
| reason first class is in the front. They closer you are | | | | wipes to help you freshen up just a little before you |
| to them, the better. Easier to get on and off the | | | | land. |
| plane.d. Not near a bathroom or galley. You don't | | | | |