Experience 067. Gift Ideas. World of inflight essentials.

The Seat 1A Podcast

Vinod and Geoff have taken some long flights in 2022 and have taken various items onboard. Our take-on items have evolved over the years. As we recorded this experience the 2022 holiday season is approaching, and we wanted to share our inflight recommendations for yourself - or perhaps as a gift idea for someone.

Full disclosure - these are our own recommendations, and we are not receiving any sponsorship from any of the products mentioned.

We start with headphones, earphones, headsets, and earbuds. There are various products out there but be aware that there is a difference between noise cancelling and noise reduction. You may also want to look at buying a set of audio adapters - in case an airline has a unique audio plug. And if you’re travelling with a battery powered headset, don’t forget to bring a spare battery.

We ask what does someone use to watch onboard? Tablets, phones, e-readers - what happens if there is no screen in the back of the seat in front of you. Vinod remembers back to when WestJet removed seatback screens. How do you watch your device properly - are you going to be able to view it while eating a meal, for example?

Remember as well to have a power bank for your device, since you don’t know how easy it will be to find power to recharge when you arrive. Vinod always keeps a device plugged in during his flight. Have something with you, online or offline, for the flight. Vinod has a book that is permanently tucked into his luggage.

Rest on a flight is key - we look at neck pillows, and Vinod shares a story of his unique Danish neck rest.

Vinod shares his disgust of people who walk barefoot into the lavatory and has recommendations for in-flight footwear. He also shares his experiences of hotspot passengers returning to a Canadian winter wearing only flipflops. Shoes without laces can be very useful - either for passing through security, or since your feet swell during flight.

When you arrive in your destination, do you have the proper power plug adapter? It is much easier these days than back when we needed a box of different plugs.

If you're liking this episode experience, you may also enjoy Experience 026 "More from the mailbag. The baggage above you - overhead bins." It's available wherever you listen to your podcasts.

We discuss baggage and bags. It may be useful for you to have a bag for the back of the seat to put your stuff in - also since seat pockets are often really unsanitary. If you have a rollerboard bag, it may be worth it to get the wheels changed with inline skate wheels.

What should you wear during flight. For long haul flights, you may wish to consider some loungewear. Always bring a clean set of base layer clothes with you as carry-on, just in case there’s a baggage problem, or something happens to your clothes during flight like spills. Vinod shares a dripping lime pickle story.

Packing cubes are a great suggestion for people who want structure in their bags, and also for privacy in case security or customs goes through your bag.

Water bottles - if you have one you might have to wait for service to fill it. Vinod always takes a sealed bottle of water from the flight.

If you use a messenger bag, we recommend getting one that fits over your luggage handle.

If you bring food on board, it is usually a good idea to bring something with added protein.

AirTags - after the global luggage chaos of 2022, using these can help you keep track of where your bag is.

Flying with children - "keep it simple stupid". Are you going to be able to walk the aisle or get in the lavatory with your child and the bag?

Connecting clips and lattices - a recommendation when you need to link your bags together.

News Items:

• cntraveller.com article "9 airlines with premium economy cabins worth splurging on"
• skift.com article "Boeing Getting Crushed on Trump-Era Air Force One Deal"

If you have a story about your preferred inflight essentials, upcoming trips, or other experiences that you would like to share, please email us at stories(at)seat1a.org or find us on Facebook, Twitter, and Instagram. If you wish to support the show financially, we are on Patreon. Show notes are available online at http://podcast.seat1a.org/