Flying High
Stay comfortable and productive in the sky with three plane essentials.
I'm flying back to my home state of Michigan this week and then onto Arizona to see my family for the first time in almost two years. Stopping to think about everything that has happened in that time and how everyone has gotten older puts a lump in my throat the size of Jupiter. But being able to spend the holidays with them this year is the best present I could ever receive. I just have to make it through all of these flights…
Whenever I board a plane, I can't help but think of those old black-and-white photos of the 1950s and ’60s, when passengers got dressed up and commercial airliners looked like trendy lounges. Nowadays, flying is far less glamorous with the wait times, cramped seats and dry air. Add to that everything you need to schlep along with you and it's an exhausting day, no matter how long or short the journey. But packing smartly can help make your flight more comfortable, and this week’s three buys are worth making room for in your carry-on.
Happy holidays!
1. Caudalie Beauty Elixir (£32)
Much as I am a skincare nerd, I don’t have an in-flight skincare routine. With the general state of airplane bathrooms, it’s not a place I want to spread out my beauty supplies and try to “clean” my face. That’s why I usually keep a small bottle of this face mist from iconic French pharmacy brand Caudalie in my bag. The blend of essential oils, which is a mix of green grape, peppermint, rose, rosemary and myrrh, always perks me up and helps me look and feel more refreshed throughout my journey. A bit of glow in a bottle.
2. ARKET Check-Pattern Wool Scarf (£69)
You can usually find me shivering on a flight, no matter the temperature inside the cabin or where I’m going. That’s why I like to bring along a big scarf I can use as a wrap, blanket or pillow, depending on how I’m feeling. The colors in this one are bold but not so loud you can’t wear it with any coat. It's also a wool blend, which makes it soft and cozy. Based in Stockholm, ARKET is a haven for lovers of Nordic design, offering clothing, housewares and more. Just browsing through the site, I have a feeling we will become very good friends.
3. Chic Geeks Faux Crocodile MacBook Case ($95)
I wish I could say I always leave my work behind me when I go on holiday, but that’s not usually true. Who else doesn’t know the meaning of the word “vacation?” Since I typically have my laptop in tow, I needed a way to protect it during my trips. These oh-so-fancy-looking cases from Chic Geeks turn my laptop into an accessory while keeping it safe from bumps and drops. I went for the emerald option and love the vibrant color. Look out for coupons—they offer discount codes fairly often, which is how I saved 20 percent on mine.
Something to think about …
I usually have a load of podcast episodes banked in my phone to get me through long flights. This one from the BBC about an American mother who joined the ISIS caliphate is addicting enough to make your journey breeze by.