by Danielle Andrews, President and Co-founder of The Wedding Planners Institute of Canada Inc.
Did you know that only 5% of the worlds population has been on a plane? (Source: DailyMail.co.uk)That statistic was very humbling to me. I’ve been on at least two flights per month for the last 15 years (except during the pandemic, but even then I was still on 15 different planes).
Most of my trips are work-related and I’m usually travelling with other Destination Wedding Pros, most of whom are well-travelled too. We all love travel and it’s second nature to us, but the last couple trips, I have travelled with less-experienced travelers and it’s reminded me that frequent travel is not so common.
As Destination Wedding Professionals, our clients are usually veteran travelers, but their wedding guests may not be, so they are going to need a little extra care. The unknown is scary, so it could be a great practice to have tips and information emails to share with your couple’s wedding guests. Its an easy way you can help to improve their guest experience.
Here is an example of something you can send to the wedding guests:
7 Ways to Improve Your In-Flight Experience
From foot-kicking neighbors to an overly-talkative seatmate, it’s always a gamble when you step aboard an aircraft. Flying can be exhilarating, stressful, boring, and downright scary at times.
I’m here to give you a few simple tips to ease the burden when you take to the skies and possibly even make your travels downright enjoyable!
Prioritize Comfort
Sure, you may want to step off the plane looking fabulous in your jeans or new dress – but you don’t want to sit for an extended period in them. Think comfort and ease, whether it’s your favorite wrinkle-free trousers, yoga pants, or t-shirt. Don’t discount comfortable footwear either. You may have a lot of walking to do. It’s also very common to retain water weight on planes, puffing up in the ankles and feet, so sneakers or flat footwear with some room are best.
Don’t forget to layer! Consider the air-conditioning of the airplane, and then your arrival destination. If they’re vastly different, pack a spare outfit in your carry-on to change into prior to landing.
Set the Mood – For Sleep
If you’re on an overnight flight, increase the odds of getting some shut-eye with a good sleep mask, neck pillow, and earplugs. I always try to bring a travel blanket, which can be used as a pillow or a blanket.
Pack Provisions
Bringing extra snacks means you’re not at the mercy of the busy flight attendants, and you can stay satiated (and hydrated) on your own timeline. This will also keep the impulse purchases to a minimum, saving both your credit card and your sodium levels. For liquids, buy them after you clear security, or carry an empty bottle and fill it up at a fountain before boarding the plane.
Hydrate, Hydrate, Hydrate!
And I’m not talking about drinking water. Bring moisturizer, and even Vaseline for your lips and the inside of your nose. The recirculated air on airplanes is notoriously drying, and between that and the decreased blood flow thanks to your 30,000ft altitude, your skin will suffer. One of my personal favorites is the mini bottles of Evian facial spray, for a quick and refreshing pick-me-up mist.
Listen Up
Bring your own headphones, not only to be able to connect to the inflight movies (if your headphones are still compatible with the in-seat port) but to fend off chatty neighbors. Are the headphones even plugged into anything? Only you know, but it sends a clear message that you’re not available for conversation.
Clean it Up
Bring your own travel set of Lysol wipes and hand sanitizer, and ensure you give your seat tray and armrests a thorough wipe down before settling in. There’s often a very short time when turning around a plane, and rarely do they receive deep cleaning treatments.
Tried, Tested & True
Now is not the time to break the mold and try that new mask (if your airline mandates wearing them) or skin cream you’ve been trying. Stick to your favorites and well-used versions of everything, so you have no surprises at 30,000 feet.
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