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Travel + Leisure
an hour ago
- Health
- Travel + Leisure
These Flight Attendant Hacks and Off-menu Perks Could Make Your Next Long-haul Flight More Comfortable
Let's face it. Long-haul flights can be rough, especially if you're sitting in economy—but they don't have to be. In fact, there are ways to turn that next hours-long flight from a miserable experience (into dare we say it?) a pleasant one, and those strategies go beyond booking the right seat or bringing a neck pillow. And who knows more about flying than the professionals who spend their working lives in the sky? Their insights come from thousands of hours of observing the things that work for themselves and for passengers. We recently tapped a few flight attendants who work long-haul routes to learn their insider tips on maximizing comfort at 35,000 feet. The next time you fly a long-haul, try incorporating some of these flight attendant-approved strategies. You may just find that the time passes more quickly and comfortably. A passenger drinking tea after ordering hot water on a flight. Margot Cavin/Travel + Leisure Flight attendants can provide more than just the standard beverage service. According to Larry Holcombe, an American Airlines flight attendant, passengers can request first aid supplies like Band-Aids or over-the-counter pain relievers. Parents of infants can even ask crew members to warm up baby bottles by placing them in hot water. Holcombe says passengers can also request hot water. While hot water on its own doesn't sound too exciting, it can help make your trip more enjoyable if you've packed your own tea or an instant meal. Anne-Marie Miller, a flight attendant for Air New Zealand, points out that on long-haul flights, passengers can use the in-flight entertainment system to order snacks and drinks—but you can also do something else with them. "A lot of people don't realize you can also order items like dental kits and eye masks,' she says. 'We have these available on request for customers in economy." Miller also says that if you feel chilly in the cabin, don't hesitate to request an extra pillow or blanket. 'We usually have a few spares tucked away, and a little extra support can make a big difference to your comfort," she says. A passenger opening a water bottle. Margot Cavin/Travel + Leisure The cabin environment can be surprisingly dehydrating, and cabin humidity usually hovers around 20 percent. In comparison, average indoor humidity usually measures in at around 40 to 60 percent. To counter the effects of the dry atmosphere, it's important to plan accordingly. "Airplane cabins can be quite dry, so hydration is important," says Holcombe. "Some customers bring a refillable water bottle and ask the flight attendants for refills. We're happy to provide them with water during beverage service and at other times." Miller agrees, emphasizing that staying hydrated is one of the most critical factors of in-flight comfort. 'Cabin air is extremely dry, which can cause fatigue, dry skin, and headaches,' Miller says. 'Try drinking eight glasses before boarding, and keep sipping throughout the flight. It's a simple habit, but it can leave you feeling so much fresher when you land." For those looking to level up their hydration game, Holcombe mentions that experienced travelers often bring their methods of sprucing up hydration, from a tea to individually packed hydration supplement packets. Little touches like those can make the flight more enjoyable and staying hydrated less tedious. An empty airplane seat. Margot Cavin/Travel + Leisure Timing matters when it comes to in-flight requests. Holcombe suggests waiting until after takeoff to ask about switching seats—never make a request during boarding when the crew is trying to get everyone settled. Once the plane is in the air, though, flight attendants are generally happy to help you move within your ticketed cabin as long as it doesn't disrupt the flow of the flight. As for getting a drink refill or asking for help? You're good to go when the seatbelt sign is off, but just avoid doing so between door closure and takeoff. 'The only times we ask customers to hold off on the call button are during takeoff and landing or when the captain has asked us to be seated during turbulence,' says Miller. A passenger listening to noise canceling head phones. Margot Cavin/Travel + Leisure Flying-related anxiety is extremely common. 'If you're feeling anxious or unwell, don't hesitate to let the crew know—we're here to support you however we can," Miller says. For those who struggle with anxiety or fear of flying, Holcombe recommends deep breathing exercises and distraction techniques. "Nervous travelers might be interested in the Calm Channel, which features soothing music and relaxing soundscapes and is available through our Wi-Fi streaming," he says. Holcombe adds that ginger candies or over-the-counter medication like Dramamine can help with motion sickness, and that customers can ask crew members for cold, damp towels to put on the back of their neck. Passengers wearing noise cancelling head phones and eye mask. Margot Cavin/Travel + Leisure Flight attendants can often spot frequent travelers by what they bring, and Holcombe says experienced fliers usually use noise-canceling headphones to block out cabin noise and sleep masks to block out light. "Some bring a personal blanket and pillow or layer their clothing to adjust to varying cabin temperatures," he says. Miller says another way to tell if someone is a seasoned flyer is when they buckle their seatbelt over their blanket. 'We love this because it means we don't have to disturb you during turbulence checks," she says. For entertainment, Holcombe notes that experienced travelers, "regularly bring a book or download music and movies on a personal device for entertainment." While this might seem obvious, having your entertainment predownloaded (rather than trying to access it on spotty in-flight Wi-Fi) can make a big difference on a long journey. Holcombe recommends regularly wearing compression socks on long-hauls. "Standing, stretching, or walking a bit is also helpful," he says. These simple precautions can reduce the risk of discomfort and even more serious conditions like deep vein thrombosis on extended flights. A full row on a flight. Margot Cavin/Travel + Leisure Choosing the right seat can dramatically impact your flight experience. There's always a trade-off between aisle seats and window seats. Holcombe says some passengers prefer easy access to the aisle to stretch their legs and go to the bathroom, while others prefer window seats so they can rest their heads and enjoy the view. Another consideration that some passengers may not think of is luggage strategy. Holcombe explains that checking a bag can ease stress during boarding and deplaning, and customers won't have to worry about finding overhead bin space. Passengers with a travel pillow and noise cancelling headphones. Margot Cavin/Travel + Leisure What do flight attendants personally prioritize packing while traveling? Holcombe never travels without "a personal blanket, toiletries like toothpaste and a toothbrush, and at least one change of clothing in my carry-on bags." He also makes sure to pack charging cords and a portable charger. He's especially prepared for family travel. "When traveling with kids, I make sure we have extra snacks, quiet games, and kid-friendly movies on the iPad," he says. Miller, on the other hand, swears by a good neck pillow. 'It might feel awkward at first, but once you find one that properly supports your head, it's a game-changer for getting a solid rest onboard," she says. "I'm also never without a pair of earplugs or Bluetooth headphones for blocking out the cabin noise—and I love tuning into our inflight meditation playlists for some relaxation." View of a flight attendant call button. Margot Cavin/Travel + Leisure When it comes to common in-flight misunderstandings, Holcombe explains that while seat changes can be made, there are cabin limitations, and passengers can't move from the main cabin to first class even if there is an open seat. He adds that flight attendants are not responsible for seat assignments. He also cautions against a few common misconceptions about using the call button. "It's not necessary to use the call button for small things like trash pickup because we will pick up trash during our cabin walk-throughs throughout the flight," Holcombe says. "Passengers can politely get our attention and ask for assistance as we walk the aisles. We won't bite." Meanwhile, Miller wants to dispel the notion that flight attendants dislike the call button. 'One myth I've heard is that we don't like answering the call button outside of scheduled service,' she says. 'That's not the case at all! If you'd like a drink, a snack, or need help fixing a screen or adjusting your seat, that's what we're here for—so please go ahead and press the button." However, as Holcombe points out, there are also practical limits to what flight attendants can do. "Flight attendants cannot retrieve your checked luggage to get your prescription medications and car keys out," he says. "Those are things customers should always put in their carry-on bags."
CBS News
10 hours ago
- Automotive
- CBS News
Uber driver dies, 1 injured in Philadelphia's Fishtown neighborhood after fiery crash under I-95 overpass
An Uber driver died and a passenger was injured after a fiery crash in Philadelphia's Fishtown neighborhood Saturday night, police said. The crash happened just after 9 p.m. on the 1000 block of Marlborough Street, under the I-95 overpass. Police say the Uber driver was driving four passengers from a nearby concert venue when the driver suffered a medical emergency. The Uber driver then lost control of the vehicle and struck several parked cars under the overpass before the car, a late-model Hyundai Kona, burst into flames. CBS Philadelphia When police arrived at the scene, they discovered several cars on fire. The body of the Uber driver was found inside the vehicle as firefighters put out the flames, police said. All four passengers were able to escape the car. Only one of the passengers suffered minor injuries. Police said I-95 sustained no structural damage and running normally. This is a developing story. Check back for updates.
Telegraph
11 hours ago
- General
- Telegraph
Seven dead after bridge collapses onto train in Russia
At least seven people were killed on Saturday night when a bridge collapsed onto a moving train in a Russian region bordering Ukraine. Multiple large trucks travelling along the bridge crashed onto the passenger train in the Bryansk region, causing it to derail at 10.44pm (7.44pm GMT) between Pilshino and Vygonichi stations. Thirty people were injured in the incident, including two children, which Moscow Railways blamed on 'illegal interference'. 'There are seven dead as a result of the collapse of a bridge onto railway tracks. Thirty victims, including two children, were taken to medical facilities of the Bryansk region,' Aleksandr Bogomaz, the regional governor, wrote on Telegram. Photos published online by Russian authorities depicted a collapsed section of the bridge and damaged vehicles. Other photos showed passengers helping each other climb out of destroyed carriages. Emergency services deployed overnight were working to find and rescue passengers who had been travelling on the train. The disaster area is around 100 kilometres (62 miles) from the Ukrainian border. Ukraine has not taken responsibility for the incident.
Yahoo
12 hours ago
- Climate
- Yahoo
Delta Responds to Moana Girl's Viral Singing During Hours-Long Flight Delay
Delta Air Lines was forced to release a statement after customers grew furious when, during a two-hour flight delay, a young girl essentially held passengers hostage with her rendition of "How Far I'll Go" from Disney's 2016 Moana. "We appreciate the customer sharing her talents and apologize to our customers for the delay in their travels," a Delta Air Lines spokesperson said in a statement to Newsweek. The flight's takeoff to Orlando was initially delayed for two hours due to bad weather. Things got worse when the flight circled its destination city for another two hours. It's unclear when, but at some point it seems like the young girl was invited by a flight attendant to sing on the flight crew's intercom system. According to video shared on social media, some passengers started singing along. But not everyone was entertained by the impromptu performance. Passengers on the flight took to social media and posted the video while also sharing their disdain at yet another hiccup to their already-delayed person commented, "This is actually my worst nightmare and personal hell." Another added, "[N]o hate to the girl, but the PARENTS should know how to read a room. not everything should be centered around your child. she isnt moana, life isnt a Disney movie." A woman who was on the flight shared, "We were delayed by about almost an hour and a half, two hours to even get on the plane, so tensions are already high. People are pissed, they've missed connections, and some people just wanna get home.' Some passengers were furious as their Delta in-flight entertainment screens were interrupted as the young girl performed the entire song. As one TikToker suggested, "NEVER PERFORM FOR PEOPLE BEING HELD CAPTIVE 😂😂😂." Delta Responds to Moana Girl's Viral Singing During Hours-Long Flight Delay first appeared on Men's Journal on May 31, 2025
Associated Press
15 hours ago
- General
- Associated Press
Bridge collapse derailed a train in Russia and at least some passengers injured, officials say
MOSCOW (AP) — A passenger train derailed in western Russia late Saturday after a bridge collapsed because of what local officials described as 'illegal interference.' Officials said at least some passengers were injured. The train came off its tracks in Russia's Bryansk region en route from the Russian capital of Moscow to Klimov in the country's west, Moscow Railways said in a statement. It said the bridge had been damaged 'as a result of illegal interference in transport operations' without elaborating. Bryansk regional Gov. Alexander Bogomaz said some passengers were injured but did not give further details. 'Emergency services and government officials are working at the scene,' he said. 'Everything is being done to provide all necessary assistance to the victims.'
