The more confined the space, the more aware and considerate we need to be of those around us.  Well, a plane is about as about as close we will get to a large amount of strangers for an extended period of time, so please consider this excellent list the next time you fly: 10 Unwritten Rules of Plane Etiquette

Jet lag from long distance flights sometimes make us wish we never left home!  It is caused by a mismatch between the time zone you are in, and the time zone your body thinks it’s in, essentially a disruption of the body’s circadian rhythmns.  Jet lag affects us all differently, but there are some things we can do to minimize the effects and get on with enyoying our trip. 

Here are a few suggestions:

1. Rest Up.  Sleep well and gets lots of rest in the days leading up to your trip.  This will help you adapt much more quickly.
2. Stay hydrated.   Airplanes are low on humidity and high on recycled air, so drink lots of water and avoid alcohol and caffeine (more…)

Occasionally, airline flight attendants make an effort to make the “in-flight safety lecture” a bit more entertaining. Here are some real examples that have been heard or reported:

“As we prepare for takeoff, please make sure your tray tables and seat backs are fully upright in their most uncomfortable position.”

“There may be 50 ways to leave your lover, but there are only 6 ways out of this airplane…”

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Ever get off a flight and start to feel ill almost immediately?

Many fliers compain of headache, fatigue, fever or breathing problems. Some of these symptoms may be due to the low barometric pressure, oxygen content and humidity in the air cabin. When combined with jet lag, sleep deprivation, travel stress, (security concerns, long lines, missed flights, delayed and cancelled flights), as well as cramped seating, motion sickness and discomfort from vibration and engine noise, we have ample reason to feel “ill.” And let’s not forget that engine fumes can, on occasion, seep into the cabin.

Of course there’s also the germs… in all their filthy, immune system-attacking microbial nastiness. I may not be able to see them, but they exist alright – in all those hands touching the tray tables, grabbing my seat as they go past, spewing from mouths and nostrils in uncovered coughs and sneezes.

Ready to give up flying? Here’s why you don’t need to:

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