Wednesday, May 7, 2008

Tips for Flying to your Honeymoon Destination

Whether you are afraid of flying or a frequent flyer, there are plenty of ways to make your honeymoon flight enjoyable.

Check in as early as possible so you can get a seat with your new spouse, and request an exit aisle seat for more leg room on your flight. You can also request a window or aisle preference.

If you do not have one yet, fill out an application for a frequent flyer card at check-in to get credit for the round trip flight you are taking. Although you may not fly frequently, you can get credit on your card for non-flight activity, depending on the airline carrier (i.e., hotel stays, car rentals, airline credit cards). This way, perhaps your next flight can be free!

Be sure to keep yourself hydrated during the flight. Have water on hand in case you are on a short flight that does not have time for beverage service. Try to avoid soda, as carbonated beverages can get you bloated.

If you are fearful of flying, bring a novel and Walkman with you on the plane. A novel is preferred to a magazine, as you can get more involved in the story of a book rather than flipping through the pages of a magazine. The music from a Walkman helps to drown out the noise of a plane.

Sitting for extended periods of time can cause neck and back discomfort. Bring a special cushion to tuck beneath your head, and ask for a pillow to fit in the small of your back. Get up and move up and down the aisle every hour or so to keep your circulation flowing and give your back a break. Alternate body postures frequently in your seat and stretch your arms, neck, and legs.

Though you are probably traveling to a warm climate, be sure to dress in layers for the plane, as it tends to get cold as the elevation of the plane increases. Ask for a blanket on the flight to cover yourself and keep warm.

Be aware of precautions you should take for safety reasons. For example, you should wear long pants and closed-toed shoes on the plane. Be sure to locate the nearest exit door to you by counting the number of seats it is away from your row (the nearest door may be behind you).

If you have any special dietary restrictions (diabetic, vegetarian, low fat, etc), be sure to call the airline ahead of time to request a special meal.

Be sure to pack a change of clothes, nightwear, medication, and cosmetics into your carry-on luggage just in case your own luggage gets lost. Carry-on luggage can get quite heavy, so try to get a piece that has a handle to pull so that you don¡¦t have to hand carry it.

If you have connections, take the opportunity to move around and stretch by walking through the terminals between flights.

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