It's important to dress comfortably for the flight and look glam when you land. Carol Lazar has some suggestions.
- Be comfortable when you travel. Take along a track suit and change for the flight. Then at least you will be able to sit and sleep comfortably.
If you are travelling first or business class, you can hang your clothes in the locker. Economy class passengers (and more companies are opting for economy class because of the recent global economic crisis), then change in the cloakroom, or board in your tracksuit.
Carry a suit bag and place it flat in the overhead compartment. If you do not want the hassle of a suit bag, then when you change, make sure you fold your suit or clothing really carefully and, again, try to pack it as flatly as you can in the overhead locker.
- You should only consider travelling in smart clothes if you are going straight to a meeting when you land. Otherwise, dress more casually. However, the tracksuit option for a comfortable overnight (or day) flight is unbeatable.
- If you are on a business trip and travelling economy class, then board the plane early so that you get to the overhead locker when it is still empty.
- Remember to carry business cards with you because you might find yourself sitting next to a business opportunity and you'll want to exchange cards.
- Women should wear minimal make-up: rather touch up just before you land.
Cosmetic wipes are a good idea because then you can refresh your face before applying cosmetics.
- I always travel with my own toothbrush and toothpaste because those irritating small airplane kits are pretty ineffective.
- It's critical to be comfortable in your shoes. If you need to dress smartly for your business meeting, then make sure you have a pair of comfortable shoes for walking and another pair for attending your meeting.
Major airports worldwide are huge and you can walk really long distances. To arrive with crippled feet because of smart but uncomfortable shoes is not an option.
If you are not being met, then wear cheap takkies that you can dispose of on arrival at your destination (or ask the taxi driver to throw away). If you are being met, then you have to look good, all the more important that your shoes are comfortable. I'm particularly thinking of female business travellers here.
- If you are travelling to a cold country (and right now there are many icy destinations), then an thick coat is essential.
First and business class passengers will have no problems, but economy class passengers should fold their coats carefully before placing into the overhead hold.
- Somebody once told me that when they travel to cold climes, they only wear cashmere. It's light and very, very warm. This is probably one of the best tips I've ever been given. Just remember to wash cashmere garments in cold water.
- Your laptop bag (or carry-on bag) should contain your business documents. Don't pack anything important in your check-in luggage as suitcases go astray. Especially at OR Tambo.
- On arrival at your destination - if you are not going straight to a meeting, try, if possible, to go for a quick walk around the block so that you clear your head of flying cobwebs.
Then you can relax, shower, get ready to the business action to come. It's actually essential to have some exercise after a long flight. Your body and soul need it.
Reader comments
Hi Guys,
Good comments in general, but please remember some of us travel in hot climates - and leaving JNB in winter to DXB, you need to pack in reverse - take along a change of T-Shirt. Also, I am so fed up with the negative reporting about SAA and OR Tambo. As a regular (I fly international every week, about 500k miles per year) I can assure you that most airlines and airports are a lot worse. I have lost baggage in DXB, CPH, FRA, LHR and CDG regularly - JNB once. My longest wait at immigration has been 22 mins versus 2 hours at LHR. I agree there is room for improvement, but some of the views are rather jaundiced and inaccurate - especially when the knowledgeable fliers do one trip per month.
Thanks and keep up the (generally) good work!
Regards
Tim