Hi there,
Comfortable and covered clothing
Let’s start from the fact that airports and airplanes are places that are usually disgusting. Unless it’s a first world airport like the one in Munich (this airport is a beauty), it’s going to be dirty. I have never been on a plane that was clean.
For this reason, I find it crazy to travel with shorts, skirts, dresses, etc. Choose long pants, a long-sleeved shirt, and comfortable shoes.
Also, bring a jacket or sweater that you can put in your hand luggage if you are not going to use it. Many people pack loose jackets in the baggage compartments, which is a very dirty place.
There are people who go barefoot on the plane. You don’t know how disgusting it makes me to see this.
Don’t touch your face
There are people who, from the moment they enter the airport until they reach their destination, are touching their faces and putting their fingers in their mouths.
This is something that I have seen all my life but that impacts me even more after having gone through a pandemic.
So, I recommend that you do the mental work of not touching your face at any time, much less without having washed your hands before.
Disinfectant gel and wipes
As you are going to be in direct contact with dirt that has been accumulating for years, it is important that you bring disinfectant gel and wipes to clean your seats, the table, and the screen of the plane a little.
Even when I flew premium economy and first class it was all dirty.
Wet toilet paper
I don’t even recommend that you use airport or airplane toilet paper, which is why I’m always equipped with baby wipes.
Hygiene products
Above all, for long flights, make sure you bring a small bag with hygiene products such as a toothbrush.
Refillable bottle
In most airports there are drinking fountains. Therefore, take a refillable bottle so you do not spend on bottled water that will cost you dearly.
Earphones
I have had many bad experiences on airplanes because of people’s rudeness.
They video conference as soon as they sit down, they watch videos with the volume turned up to the max, they talk screaming for hours. Of course, you can also have children nearby who make your flight a real nightmare.
Therefore, buying headphones that isolate you from outside noise is a great investment.
Special food
The quality of airlines in general is getting worse. Before in economy class they gave two food options and now they give only one (in most).
I recommend that you ask for a special meal because the quality is going to be much better. We ask for a vegan menu and the difference with what other people eat is remarkable.
Premium-economy
If you have the possibility to travel in low season like me, perhaps in some cases you can get premium economy tickets at an affordable price, especially if you need to carry luggage.
I have no secret or trick for this, quite the contrary, you must do a lot of research and go around the different airlines a lot to find what is best.