Years ago, airplane travel was a glamorous thing to do. Airlines provided decent meals, a deck of cards to keep you busy and even a pillow and a blanket if you wanted to rest. Today, that’s no longer the case on many flights. Competition in the skies has caused airlines to eliminate most of the amenities that were available to passengers in the past.
If you’re booking a flight that’s longer than two hours, consider bringing a few creature comforts to make the flight as pleasant as possible. One thing that we recommend packing is your own blanket.
Unwashed Airline Blankets
If you’re flying in economy class, it’s unlikely that the airline will provide you with a blanket, but if they do, it probably hasn’t been washed in a while. Airline workers have confirmed that they rarely wash the blankets provided on flights. The challenge with blankets is that they’re usually pretty bulky, so look for one that’s designed for travel. That way, you’ll have a blanket that rolls into a compact size. If you can’t find one or don’t have time to wait for delivery, bring a large scarf or a shawl that you can use to cover up.
For flights that are three hours or more, consider bringing a pillow too. Inflatable ones are available. This style of neck pillow folds up into a small size for travel. If you’re a frequent flyer, you might want to invest in a forward leaning pillow. With this kind of travel pillow, you can lean into it, which is a more comfortable way to sleep on a plane.
Choose What Makes You Comfortable
Today’s travel blanket market has something for everyone. For instance, if you like products that multitask, then look for a blanket that offers multiple uses. Shop for one that will rest over your shoulder’s poncho-like, which prevents it from sliding onto the dirty airplane floor midflight. You can also find one with a carrying case that becomes a handy travel pillow.
Other travel blankets are stylish enough to be a pretty throw that you use on your sofa when you’re not traveling. You’ll want to buy a travel blanket that’s made from a lightweight material, one with reviews confirming that it’s able to withstand multiple trips through your washing machine.
When shopping for a travel blanket, get one made from a dark-colored material. That way, you won’t have to worry about it becoming stained during a trip. It might also be a good idea to get one that is stain resistant. Traveling usually involves eating and drinking. You never know when a bit of air turbulence is going to send your coffee sloshing over the side of the cup and onto your travel blanket. You could also get a blanket that’s water resistant, which is perfect for airline trips and outdoor adventures, offering you more bang for your buck.
If you Have the Space
If you have a blanket that you can’t live without resting on your favorite mattress at home, then you might want to bring it along even if it will decrease the amount of packing space that you have available. A beloved blanket could make the difference between a restful flight and a miserable one.
