It’s ships in the night right now in the Wetherall-Jones Household.
Ky is away in Dallas for a conference and gets back tonight. I am writing this as I fly over the CO-UT border, en route to San Francisco.
Flying for work might be unglamorous, but after you’ve done it a few times, you know the drill.
Here are my top tips:
- Noise cancelling headphones: Non-negotiable. These days, many planes allow you to connect your headset to your screen. Even if you don’t have that option, being able to drown out the crying babies and the snorers pays for itself. I have always used Bose Quiet Comfort, but I think I will try something new next time.
- Know thy airport: Denver Airport has an option where you can pre book a time to go through security. By doing this, it tally takes me about two minutes to get to the scanners. The normal line today was 30 minutes. I’m sure your local has a program, or a side of the airport, where the frequent flyers frequent.
- Invest in luggage: having a light carry on suitcase, and a backpack that connect to the handle, is everything you need for all but the longest of trips, at least solo. I use samsonite. They do a great job.
- Look on the bright side: unless you’re flying first class, it’s probably not going to be a wonderful experience. That doesn’t mean it has to be a terrible one. If you have a busy life, the frequency in which you have a few hours to nap, read a book, watch a movie, rot, etc is pretty low. I have some pre reading and my Economist to get through. Come prepared, enjoy the ride.
- Remember, you’re flying. It’s a privilege only a few in the world can afford. For thousands of years, our ancestors dreamed of what it would be like to fly, and now, for a few hundred dollars, you can. A journey that took the pioneers months of toil through brutal conditions happens in a few hours.
Would love to hear any tips or tricks you think I missed. You can do so by replying to this email; I read (and respond) to every one.