Having been around 20 years since I had last flown, I had a few things to learn when it came to flying again. Was I scared? Not in the least. I had remembered enough about the flights to know I would be fine. The hardest part on that aspect was convincing my family that they would be OK.
I’m talking about the amount of people crowded into a small space. With a number of who knows what germs in an even smaller radius making their way to a zebra who has an immune deficiency among other conditions. How does one stay healthy in that environment? Especially zebras?
I set to work research tips and found it lacking. Thankfully, my cousin had a few tips and I discovered a few of my own on this journey. So here they are, my 5 tips for the plane ride:
1: Hand Sanitizer and/or Disinfectant Wipes
Always pack these two when traveling. The wipes come in quite handy to wiping things down. Wipe the air knob down; the tray, seatbelt…anything you can think you might touch. Use hand sanitizer before eating the delicious cookies they hand out (or whichever snack you choose). And obviously, after you use the restroom. Yes they have soap and water but we ended up with a bathroom on one plane that was pretty gross.
2. Air flow
Remember those air knobs I talked about in the 1st tip? Well, you want to turn that knob on full blast and pointed directly at you. This helps keep air going. Any potential germs will (hopefully) stay away with the air push that’s going around you. I am not a medical advisor so I have no way of knowing if it does keep even a fraction of germs away, but it DID help me breathe better (which was good for the TBM) Be warned: it might make you a little cold, so layer up if needed.
3. Drink Water
Staying hydrated is essential. Since you can’t bring in fluids (except in minimal quantity) through security, get yourself a refillable water bottle like the one in the above picture. Leave it empty while going through security then fill it up at a refill station prior to boarding. Sip on it throughout the flight and when the flight attendant comes offering free drinks: get a cup of plain water. No ice. Then simply top off your bottle with it. (Yes, you can still have coffee or whatever you prefer).
In staying hydrated, you’ll avoid the dry throat feeling as well as getting the proper fluid intake for the day. With the air on full blast, it’s actually a good thing to be sipping on water. And SIP! Don’t guzzle or you will have to use that tiny bathroom that may have a clogged sink.
4. Compression Socks
Yep, these little cuties! When I heard that compression socks help with POTS, I wanted to cry. All I could think about were those ugly black socks my uncle wears. “I’m supposed to wear THOSE?” Ugh… But, my mom found some really cute ones for me. I do admit, they have worked wonders.
Sitting for periods of time, especially for a few hours can increase risk of blood clots. We don’t need that on top of everything. Not only do they work for those suffering from POTS (helps circulate blood better) But those with immune deficiencies that infuse. One of the side effects that can result from my immune boosting medication, is in fact, blood clots. This one is definitely a win win. Especially if you’re like me and really just don’t want to bother getting up to stretch.
5. Gate Check Your Carry-on
This one could be controversial, but I found it helpful. Especially since we had a larger group (9 total) including two five year olds to keep tabs on, a stroller for each family and a personal bag each for all of us. That’s a lot to try and juggle. Even for a group of 9.
So when they needed some volunteers to gate check the carry ons for free due to lack of overhead storage space, we jumped at the chance. It freed up hands and unloaded some stress. (Let’s say we won’t be taking near the amount of bags next go round). Just make sure you take out any medication and any electronic items prior to checking. Leave space in your personal bag to shove them in.
There you have it. 5 tips lumped into one setting. If you have done some of these, what were your experiences? Have you tried, or done something different that worked for you? I would love to hear it! Just comment below and tell us your experiences on the airplane.