Flying to Your Next Conference?

Airline Travel Trips

If you're flying mid-day, wear your sunglasses because ultraviolet rays from the sun are more potent--especially if you're flying above the clouds. To read, lower the window cover and use the overhead lighting.

Carry your own small water bottle on board to avoid having to ask flight attendants for drinks. Also, when the meal is served before the beverage, you're able to wet your whistle while you eat. Half the battle of flying is remaining hydrated. It's better to go to the restroom four times
because you've been hydrating yourself than to land exhausted and need four days to catch up.

Bring your own snacks (carrots, sliced cucumbers, other watery vegetables; apples, pears, and other fruits), but not candy or dead carbohydrates such as chips, crackers, or dehydrating foods. Even the worst of airline meals will go down more easily if you eat your own nutritious snacks before or after. These will help keep you regular, and your whole trip will go better.

America's Healthiest Airports?

Health Magazine has picked America's top ten "Healthiest Airports," but you'll have to decide the merits of the selections.

Rising Air Travel Costs

Air Travel Costs Take a Jump: MeetingsNet reports that the Air Travel Price Index, released last week by the U.S. Department of Transportation, rose 10.3 percent in the first quarter of this year compared to the same period last year – the biggest year-to-year jump since the index numbers were first published in 1995.

US Airways for Your Attendees?

This appeared in today’s news and is either an indication of capitalism run amok or simply the inability of management to contribute to passengers’ sense of breathing space.:

“US Airways to place ads on barf bags”

PHOENIX, Arizona (AP) -- US Airways wants to make the most out of a nauseating situation. The Tempe, Arizona-based airline plans to sell advertisements on its air-sickness bags -- those pint-sized expandable envelopes tucked between the in-flight magazines and safety cards.

"They're in every back seat pocket," said spokesman Phil Gee. "We figure while it's there, why don't we make it multipurpose?

– what’s next? Toilet paper rolls with ads on each sheet?

Survive a Plane Crash

Here is advice extracted from Mens’ Health on how to minimize the chance of, or survive, a plane crash…

1. Favor nonstop flights: The fewer takeoffs and landings, the safer. Check the weather, including in places you'll land; if the weather could be severe, delay your departure. Call the airline or your travel agent to help you.

2. Reserve the seat next to the emergency exit. If taken, choose an aisle seat in the rear half of the cabin.

3. Pay attention to the safety demonstration, including the instructions on opening the emergency exit. Count the rows between you and the exit in ease the plane fills with smoke. Eyeball an alternate exit as well. Practice opening your seat belt.

To Prepare for Impact

1. Ensure your seat belt is tightly fastened and your seat is fully upright.

2. The best impact position according to the Flight Safety Foundation is the feet-flat-on-the-floor position.

3. Put your forearms across the top of your forehead. If you can lean forward from this position and brace yourself against the seat in front of you, do it. If you can't reach the seat, bend forward, wrap your arms around your shins, and put your face in your lap.

4. If you're over water, loosen your shirt (and tie) so your movement isn't restricted – you could be swimming soon. Be ready for two jolts: when the plane first hits water and when the nose hits.

5. Be ready to help yourself. Most survivors get out of a plane under their own power.