Which whizz-bangery are you using to make your flying better?

[Denali]

Break up the journey by taking a room at Crowne Plaza Changi ....

Im starting to skip the lounge for a transit hotel or massage.

I’m wondering if you’ve found some compression socks better than others? I’ve been thinking of trying some myself after my feet swelled a bit on my last trip to DFW

We've got a couple of pairs each of the Mediiven brand - really like these, the pattern/design of the fabric makes a big difference to how the legs feel after flying. The only type I will use

 

[tdimdad]

+1 for NC headphones. The comfort of flying has multiplied as soon as I finally got mine.
Kindle, audiobooks and music downloaded are all part of the package. Add a powerbank & charging cable plus some wine and we're all set...
For overnights, a good eye mask is a must.

 

[Cruiser Elite]

Dental bib - if George can splotch gravy down his front - anybody can splotch gravy down their front!!!

As Karl said many times - 'Don't leave home without it!'

 

[mrsterryn]

@Denali how did you work out the sock size ?

 

[mrsterryn]

Kindle
One tablet for movies and games
Charging cable
Spare charged battery
Have to have reading material

 

[Denali]

@Denali how did you work out the sock size ?

Click on Size Chart for the measurements.

 

[JessicaTam]

Wondering if you do the same?
Some time ago I put all my cables, connectors, chargers etc. into a small case (A5 size) that I could just 'grab-n-go' so that I didn't have to look for things or 2nd-check i had everything. Even if it meant buying a 2nd watch charger, laptop charger, or extra cables etc. So I can just keep everything for travel in that 1 case. Has saved LOADS of time and mucking about with packing only to find something forgotten.
Over time my case has got a little too big, not as many cables needed, I'm looking to downsize it a bit. Or maybe not - I'm due to find a better universal 240v travel plug so that may take the space.

I should add to my list of things electronic: USB power plug for the country/ies I am visiting and USB cables. I also include a very small power bank (about the size of a C cell battery) for top ups when the headphones/phone/watch get low between hotel rooms/lounges.

They live in a dedicated case separate from anything I use at home so are always ready for the next trip.

 

[k_sheep]

Am in the market for a tablet for TV and ebooks. Looking at samsung tab A or the amazon fire.

Otherwise I use NC headphones (now QC25s, previously audiotechnica which I will probably revert too once the Bose pack it in). But otherwise no fancy gear.

 

[Franky]

Hi all,
Here’s a thought for your fri arvo, with maybe some of you twiddling thumbs in an end-of-week lounge.

What do you do to make your trips easier/more tolerable?

Eg. Me - I like travelling light with all my kit. So I have an excellent A4 size Thule shoulder bag that can fit
- personal laptop, iPad Pro, iPad mini, all cables and chargers
- work Surface pro with power suply
- reading glasses pens etc.
- can hang my NC headphones via a carabeena off the strap
- also hang my Apple Airbuds via a little case on the same carabeena
Also use luggage scales to ensure I can avoid check-in luggage whenever possible. Well considered clothing means I can go a week on work with no checkin. But I don’t need suits, which helps a lot.
I have favourite pants that are comfy with enough pockets for power and USB cables without having to leave my seat. AND the back pocket fits my iPad mini so I’m entertained as soon as I make my seat. Barely notice gate delays. I use my 5yr old iPad mini coz it’s small enough to use during takeoff/landing and big enough to watch. Perfect!

Then of course I REALLY like being in the lounges, esp in delays. Maybe a bit precious but it’s a big part of all my little things that help it stay smooth and relaxed.

So!!?!
What gadgets/practices/superstitions do YOU have/do to make it all go easier??

After visiting the same thread as Roo Flyer earlier today, I am now the owner of a piece of new whizz-bangery. I picked up the same Kathmandu Ascent 25 roll up inflatable mattress to use once the bed is in use!!

 

[Franky]

I note that a few posters have mentioned audio books which I will now consider, but others have also mentioned Kindle and Kobo readers. I have both as applications on my iPad which have many books loaded on them, so am intrigued why it would be necessary to have seperate devices just for books?

 

[tgh]

Kindle is small and light , is easily hand held and doesn't get in the way of meals or wine .
I almost never unpack my laptop on board.

 

[BriarFlyer]

I like my Kindle Paperwhite because it's easy on the eyes, more like reading ink on paper rather than a bright screen.

 

[mrsterryn]

My kindle chews up much less battery.

 

[Franky]

I don't have a laptop, just the iPad Pro which I find easy enough to handle. Both the Kindle and Kobo apps can both accommodate audio books I have just learnt, and both have the white print on black feature to avoid the glare, as well as not annoying others if reading in the middle of the night.

 

[Daver6]

I note that a few posters have mentioned audio books which I will now consider, but others have also mentioned Kindle and Kobo readers. I have both as applications on my iPad which have many books loaded on them, so am intrigued why it would be necessary to have seperate devices just for books?

Different display technology. Kindle/Kobo is much easier on the eyes. Its just like reading a book. They're also significantly lighter and hence easier to hold. If you really want to see the difference, go into any shop that has them and take a look.

 

[kookaburra75]

Different display technology. Kindle/Kobo is much easier on the eyes. Its just like reading a book. They're also significantly lighter and hence easier to hold. If you really want to see the difference, go into any shop that has them and take a look.

Plus as others have said, the battery life is much longer - I get four weeks from my Kobo. And it will fit into my shirt pocket which means it's close to hand when I feel I need to shut off from the world around me.

 

[kookaburra75]

Am in the market for a tablet for TV and ebooks. Looking at samsung tab A or the amazon fire

I've got an old Lenovo A7 Android tablet which does the job. The best thing is I can put in a memory card (currently a 64Gb) which boosts the space for downloading the Netflix shows or loading extra videos. Keep that in mind when looking for a tablet. It also doubles as extra back up space for storing photos from my camera.

 

[umberloidster]

I recently picked up a USB fan, mainly so that I could stay a little cooler in J on SQ where they don't have over-seat air blowy things.

I found that it's even more useful in lounges; coming out of a shower, plonking the laptop on a tabletop, angling the fan towards oneself and munching on buffet snacks is really awesome.

This is the one I got, fits into carry-on pretty well: Fancii Small Personal USB Fan - Portable Mini Table Desk Fan with Twin Turbo Blades, Whisper Quiet Cyclone Air Circulating Technology - for Home, Office, Outdoor Travel (White): Amazon.com.au: Electronics

I have a week long trip to UK coming up and I'm aiming to do it all with carry-on only, provided I can placate my British family somehow without bringing heaps of Tim Tams over in checked luggage like I usually do!

 

[FrankP]

I recently picked up a USB fan, mainly so that I could stay a little cooler in J on SQ where they don't have over-seat air blowy things.

Woohoo! Didn't cross my mind ... but if we're going to introduce USB-gadgets to the mix then this just got a whole lot more fun.

I'll see your USB fan and raise you ... a fridge !!
A x-mas present from the rug-rats a few years ago that may get a new lease of life!


The idea of sitting in J, smirking at all the other J's who DIDN'T bring their own fridge onto a plane, is just too tempting.

 

[sezza]

Noise cancelling headphones are a must. I never thought they'd make y difference until i bought one myself. Best thing EVER to take on a plane. Helps with screaming kids and airplane noise. Had to fly back from honolulu last year and had a crying baby right behind me. With music could barely hear a thing