I’ve assembled some of the most recent questions many of my baby boomer passengers have asked me during these last few weeks. Allow me to assist you in plotting your course through your travel maize!

Q. “This is a ten hour flight. I know the importance of getting up, stretching and walking, but what do you recommend as far as what to eat?”

A.Eat like a mountain climber! The airline has low air pressure in a high-altitude environment that causes the body to swell. Just look at a half full water bottle when you land! This is why when you land oftentimes you feel bloated. The key is to avoid fats and proteins and eat carbs for they are easier to digest. The salad and veggies that comes with your meal is best (and if you ordered a vegetarian meal it is loaded with good carbs).
Order your meal 48 hours prior to your flight (US Carrier) as the vegetarian meals really are tasty and very good for you!

Q. “What is the general rule when it comes to alcohol when flying? I heard that it was not good for you but I have a fear of flying and it helps me.”

A. There are varying medical opinions as to drinking alcohol while flying as compared to on the ground. There is agreement however, in that having one mini is comparable to have two drinks. Some medical authorities compare it to three – it all depends on that individual and his or her response to the atmospheric pressure inside the cabin.

As flight crew we certainly want all our passengers to be comfortable and to enjoy a drink – especially on those special occasions and celebrations. All that we ask is to be respectful of the flight crew and other passengers and to certainly know your limits. My personal experience with passengers is that one or two “mini” drinks are acceptable but beyond that I would advise you to be cautious.

Q. “When traveling to remote and third world areas, do you think the beverages offered on these carriers are ok to drink?”

A. Actually I would advise you not to drink any still water even though you see it is in an unopened bottle. Instead, choose fizzy water or any kind of cola drink. I would avoid drinks bottled and or manufactured from areas or companies you were not familiar with. Stick with Coca Cola and anything that is “fizzy” – “with gas.” Be particularly careful when in Mexico or Brazil for even the hotel bottle water that is provided is still water and many of my crew friends have gotten sick by just brushing their teeth using this bottled water.

Q. “This flight is ten hours and I know I should try and rest but I just can’t seem to sleep on planes. Do you have any suggestions?”

A. These are my personal suggestions and recommendations. When it comes to any type of sleep medication I strongly suggest you speak with your doctor. Too often many of my crew friends have relied on over-the-counter sleep aids only to get experience more difficulties. I would avoid all medications and instead try some of the following that seems to work for me.

1Avoid all alcohol and caffeine – in addition to dehydrating you while flying, they mess with jet lag symptoms and your own unique biorhythms.
2Drink plenty of water – 8 ounces for every hour
3Diet - No Atkins until you return home! While traveling stick to a more balance meal with less protein, more carbs (complex carbs), and less fats. For protein choose turkey (tryptophan), milk, and bananas help you sleep.
4On the aircraft: try to keep to your own biorhythm from your departure time.
5Aids to help you sleep while on the aircraft:
Sleep mask
Earplugs/or noise reducer earphones (listen to music or relaxation tapes)
Neck pillow (inflatable)
Blanket, sweater, socks
Sachets of lavender or peppermint (easier than trying to bring oils on board) - I tuck in my collar or cotton handkerchief

Teaser Question:

Q. “When in a foreign country and they collect all the passports from passengers prior to exiting the bus that picked us up on the tarmac, how can I be sure I will get it back?”

A. Unfortunately you do not have any control once you handed over your passport. This often happens when you are on a commercial bus transporting passengers from one country to another. Oftentimes, the officials will board the bus and look at each person and their passport. Other times, all passports are given to the travel director or bus driver who drops them off. The officials will give direction as to where and when the passengers can re-secure their passport.

This happened to me when I was on a bus going from Jordan to Israel. To give up my passport scared me to death – and fortunately it was returned some time later. This procedure happens often and it is a bit uncomfortable but you do not have a choice. What I always recommend however, is that you always carry a copy of your passport on you and also have another one hidden in your suitcase.
Next time I will share with you what to do should you lose your passport and need it to depart that country within a few hours! Help! Again, this happened to me! I will tell you just what to do – even in those countries that do not have US Embassies!