…LA. Yep it’s all anyone can talk about! For most of us, our lives have come to a screeching halt as we prepare for this big event. I’ve read many blogs about how people are already packing, exchanging money etc.. they all seem so worried about the travel itself than anything else!

Since a lot of people will be taking long-haul flights there, i’ve put together a little bit of travel advice just so everyone can take a bit of a breather and relax a little!

1. Remember: No liquids on the plane. You aren’t going to be happy when they confiscate your $120 bottle of perfume just because you forgot to pack it in your suitcase!

2. Yes, you CAN ask for which seat you want on the plane! Don’t be scared, the check-in people are there as a step to help you have the most comfortable flight possible. Remember, flying is a service that a consumer pays for so don’t be afraid to ask them for water or whatever you might need on the long flight there.

3. The two most important things you will bring will be your passport and your credit card. If anything goes wrong, those will be the two things to save your ass. Don’t worry if you forget to pack something, your credit card can save you!

4. Moisturiser is always nice. Even for guys. Being on a plane for a long time really dries out your skin and you will be surprised how refreshed you will feel after applying just a little to your face and hands. Those little bottles they give out in hotels are the perfect size for you to be able to carry them on to the plane. Some airlines even have little bottles of moisturiser in the bathroom =)

5. Flying isn’t scary. It’s more likely that you will be struck by lightning than you will be involved in a plane crash. Don’t stress about it, just sit back, relax and enjoy the flight. Sample their snacks. Watch the horrible family-oriented in-flight movies. Chat up a stewardess. Watch better movies on your laptop. Try and get into the mile high club, whatever! =P Pilots of commercial airlnes like the ones your are flying have years and years of experience (yeah, notice how they’re all pretty old?) and you are in more than capable hands.

6. This might be unncessary but… don’t try and board the plane drunk. Just like at nightclubs, they are able to turn you down and put you on a later flight.

7. If you’re posed with the problem of a screaming baby the whole flight, there isn’t a lot you can do except ask for ear plugs. You’d be surprised, most airlines do carry them and give them to passengers upon request. Also it doesn’t hurt to ask at the check-in if you can be seated as far away as possible from babies. They are usually placed at the front of the middle rows in each section.

8. Don’t harass airport security. They have to process everyone and you will make their job easier if you do as instructed (ie: laptop out of bag, shoes off, belts off, liquids in a clear bag) as quickly as possible. The easier you make their job, everyone wins =)

Most importantly, the long-haul flights are only a tiny little bit of this whole experience. There are so many things to be looking forward to so stop stressing about the flight, YOU WILL BE FINE!!!!!!!

Just so you feel a bit better, i’ll share some travel stories of my own and how they worked out:
* I’ve landed in Sweden on 3 separate occasions where my luggage has not come off the plane. Simply just go to the baggage counter of the airline you have just flown and let them know. They have ALWAYS been super speedy with returning my luggage (the longest I had to wait was 3 days) and they bring it to wherever you are with a taxi. You will get it eventually so don’t worry!

* During one domestic flight in the US they informed the passengers that one engine wasn’t working but would continue with the flight anyay. It was one of the most comfortable and smooth landings i’ve ever had. These guys know what they’re doing.

* (Note: this has happened on two separate occasions) I was on connecting flights with a relatively short connection. The first plane was delayed and I landed with something like 10 - 20 minutes before the next flight was due to take off. By that time of course the planes had already been fully boarded. I told the stewardess on the flight and they ensure you get off the plane first. They then radio someone on the ground to tell them that you will be making your next flight (if there is still time, if you miss it they will put you on another one). Then you are met at the gate by an escort who takes you to the gate of your next flight.
BTW: If you know you have a short time in-between connecting flights tell the person at the check-in desk! They will put a tag on your luggage saying that you do have a short connection so it’s put in a more frontal location of the baggage compartment so that it will be transferred to the next flight speedily.

* I was on a 12 hour flight once with a baby that won’t shut up. This baby was screaming like crazy. It started to cough because it was screaming so much and so loud… and for 12 hours. I asked for ear plugs. It didn’t help. I survived.

That’s all I can think of for now but i’ll add some more stories if I think of them =)