Sunday, February 20, 2011

Making the Best of International Air Travel

By Ager Sovson


After the problems that seem to stem from the Middle East, traveling after 9-11 can cause discomfort for many. Before you decide to take an international flight, understand that some discomfort will be unavoidable. You will have to maintain self-restraint, which was really no different from pre-9-11 travel.

Airport security, airline personnel, as well as other passengers who might look differently from you will probably make you nervous. Just remember that all are concerned for your and others' safety. Some annoyances like having to take your shoes off, having to have your purse checked, your bags opened, and walking through x-ray machines probably require all travelers to feel a small loss of dignity.

While on the plane, patience and restraint are required as well. Whether or not you are an experienced traveler, things may happen that will cause you to be fearful. Things like shifts in air pressure may cause oxygen masks to drop down, but this is normal and nothing to fear. Changes in altitude can make your ears hurt very badly, but there are some techniques to deal with it. Yawning, chewing gum, or deep relaxation all work for some. Another plan is to take anti-histamine thirty minutes or so before the plane takes off, and be sure your sinuses are clear before the plane lands because rapid lowering of altitude can be the most painful.

Many travelers are nervous about flying in general, and others might display a wide array of emotions for all sorts of reasons. One of those reasons might be dissatisfaction. On international flights, like all other flights, you will find that your actions are limited. There are only certain times when you can remove your seat belts or use your electronic equipment. If these times do not meet with your schedule, you are advised to be patient. Impatience will only make things worse for you and your fellow travelers will be quite annoyed should you create a commotion with an airline attendant.

Though it is unlikely that any permanent harm could come to you from your misbehavior, the worst possible scenario is that the plane could land and ask you to disembark.

To enjoy yourself more and make things more pleasant for your fellow travelers, plan some activities to calm yourself before you leave for your trip. Learn to take long, deep breaths, and learn multiple ways to keep yourself calm. Take advantage of the movies and radio available over headsets. Take your own crossword or sudoku puzzles. Plan to read a book or write letters. Remember that meals might not come at the times you expect them, and you might have to wait to use the lavatory.




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