~ In Flight Entertainment ~

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What to Do On That Long Flight

  Few things aggravate people more than wasting time and during a long flight it can be difficult to make good use of your time, or simply find a way to pass it. While some people have no difficulties with flying, others find it a difficult undertaking and can be at even more of a loss when it comes to finding something to occupy the time. Many options are available that people tend to forget until they find themselves without entertainment and quite often stuck with either sleeping or reading the in-flight magazine. Preparing ahead of time for your journey so that your time does not feel completely wasted can help to make traveling a more enjoyable experience. Remember that if you experience flight sickness or ear problems (which can cause nausea,) to test your entertainment ideas out before you assume that they will suit you. A good rule to follow is: if the activity makes you feel queasy in the car you will often experience the same feelings in the air; though a flight tends to feel smoother than a ride in a vehicle the pressure can cause you to feel much of the same sickness.

Unplugged Fun:

• Books: Long flights are a wonderful time to catch up on your reading, though you might want to stick with paperbacks as hard cover books can be a bit on the heavy side and are far less flexible to store. Though it can be fun to take books along with in depth stories that help to quickly pass the time, it can be difficult for those who become easily distracted to concentrate; be sure that the book you choose is one that you will not find too difficult to read while in transit. A book is also a wonderful item to have while waiting to board; take off; land and when waiting for connections as it requires no electronics and can be used anywhere at any time.
• Word Games: Like a book a game such as a word search or crossword puzzle can help to pass the time without the restrictions of electronics and many of the booklets available with hundreds of these games included are easily portable.
• Notepad: Though many people have become accustom to working on their computers a notepad for writing; brainstorming or sketching can be a very handy thing to have when a laptop is both restricted and difficult to take out in transit.
• Magazines or Newspaper: In today’s busy society many people don’t often have the time to read through their favorite newspapers or magazines; a long flight provides an often quiet atmosphere for catching up on the latest news or society gossip.

  In this age of portable technology there are many devices a person can travel with easily that can make their flight more productive or enjoyable. While access to the internet maybe prohibited on certain flights or at certain times during the flight we are seeing a great demand for this to be available to the general public while in the air. Because access is still quite limited for most people, or in some cases to expensive, it can be a good idea your entertainment without depending on it. Remember that in the case of most electronics you will most likely need to bring extra batteries, or a battery pack and always make sure to bring working headphones so that you do not disturb your fellow passengers.

  Techno-time Passing:

• Portable Games: Today’s handheld games are not only addicting, but amazingly detailed. If you enjoy video games this can just the ticket to pass the time away while you level up your character. Remember that you will most likely need to bring extra batteries and always make sure to bring working headphones so that you do not disturb your fellow passengers. Electronic games can be found in various styles and age levels; be sure that you do not choose a game that will frustrate or agitate you as this can make your flight a more uncomfortable one. Also steer clear of any game that will not allow you to pause or save at any time, as you may need to do either quickly.
• Laptop: Many people enjoy being able to get a little work done while they travel and a laptop can often help with a variety of projects. Even when access to the internet is unavailable many people are still able to answer emails or prepare documents to be sent out at a later time. DVD’s and games can also be played on a laptop and can also help to pass the time.
• Portable DVD Player: While a laptop provides many more choices a portable DVD player can be an excellent choice for those that usually have no need of the other options a laptop can provide. Portable DVD players also tend to be smaller and lighter than laptop computers and are commonly far less expensive. While a laptop must often be turned on when going through security it is often not required of a portable DVD player and can for that reason save you some time and hassle before boarding. Making use of a company like Netflix for your travel can be very handy; this will allow you to take DVDs with you that upon arrival you can mail back; if staying for a long enough period of time you can also have new DVD’s mailed to you before your return flight.
• Music: From MP3s to Portable Disc Players, music can be a wonderful and relaxing addition to your flight. Be sure to choose a device that is easily used during travel and won’t take up too much space in your carry-on luggage.

  Many people experience car; air and even train sickness; for those that suffer from these queasy reactions to travel it is often best to keep your entertainment selections simple and without any requirements that will require a great deal of movement or concentration:

Do’s:

• Books or other reading materials can be excellent ways to pass time prior to boarding, but will often present problems while in transit.
•  Often the best choice for those travelers who experience stomach troubles movies provide a wonderful distraction that does not require a great deal of concentration.
• Much like movies, listening to music does not require a great deal of concentration and can be very soothing; often passengers will enjoy a little sleep while listening to their favorite, light rhythms.
• Allowing yourself to shut your eyes and relax can be a preferred method of passing time especially for those who take medication in order to fly; if possible allowing yourself to sleep can be a wonderful way to get through your journey and avoid your physical ailments.

Don’ts:

• Games, either electronic or not, can often require a great deal of concentration and therefore can spur feelings of illness.
• Working on a computer or by hand, once again, often requires too much concentration; not only will your work often suffer, but more than likely this will cause you to feel ill.

Traveling with small children can be very difficult as the experience can be a little intimidating for small ones. Be sure to have activities that will both occupy and distract them should they be experiencing any difficulty with travel.

• Coloring or Activity Books: Both easily packed and a great long-term distraction this kind of activity can help keep your child occupied during the flight. Be sure that your child is not experiencing any nausea before presenting them with any activities that will require concentration.
• Portable Games: Many children today enjoy a wide variety of games for both entertainment and education; this activity can easily keep your child happy and calm as in many cases they will have played the game before and it will be familiar. Always make sure to bring headphones for your child and never bring any games or toys that cannot be silenced, as you will be traveling with many other passengers (or you might even find yourself annoyed with noise.) Again, be sure that this activity will not cause your child to feel ill when in transit before offering it to them.
• Movies or Television Shows: Children often feel safe when their surroundings are familiar and while you may not be able to provide this on a plane playing their favorite movie or TV show can help to create the same sort of feeling. This can be very useful for children who are experiencing physical problems during the flight as it will require little for them to do other than sit back and watch.

  If you are able to fit a few snacks in your bag, this is always a wonderful addition to your travel as you will not be forced to choose from a selection that you do not find especially appealing. Whether taking a road trip or flight, try to take a few of your favorite snacks along, just in case.

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