How to Watch an Airplane

If you’re flying on an airline without in-flight entertainment, be sure to stock up on books, movies or music. This can make the journey much more enjoyable, and it’ll also be good for your health.

If you’re a plane spotter, you can use apps like Flightradar24 to keep track of aircraft passing overhead. Point your phone at a plane in the sky and it’ll show you all sorts of flight information, including photos.

1. Get a good seat

The best way to watch an airplane is to sit in the right seat. This is especially true for long-haul flights, where you can make or break the experience by selecting your seat wisely.

A window seat can be ideal for many flyers. Not only do you get to enjoy the views of the sky from above, but you’re also able to nod off easily since there’s no one in front of you to wake you up with a sudden movement or sneeze.

On the other hand, aisle seats are great for those who are tall-bodied and want to stretch their legs throughout a flight. But you’ll have to climb over other people every time you want to use the toilet or go for a stroll, and the curvature of the fuselage can feel claustrophobic.

If you’re unsure about which seat is best for you, do some research online or in advance. Websites like SeatGuru and aeroLOPA offer information about different plane types and their seating configurations.

Once you know which seat is the most comfortable for you, book it before your trip. The earlier you book, the better chance you have at getting it, because most of the best airplane seats are usually booked up well in advance.

If you’re still not satisfied with your seat selection, don’t be afraid to ask for a seat trade at check-in. Most flight attendants will be happy to help you out if they can.

2. Have a good book

If you’re looking for something to occupy your time while waiting for your flight to take off, there are a few books that make the grade. It’s no secret that reading is good for your mental health, but it’s also fun to read a book that demonstrates some imagination and flair. Here are some of the best airplane-themed books to help you get your reading fix.

The first one on the list is an aptly named children’s book that features an impressive array of well-placed stars. The title of the book, “The Magical World of Airplanes: A Visual Tour of the World’s Largest Aeronautical Museum” is a nod to the aviation buff in all of us, and the colorful and witty illustrations are sure to delight your little one. The best part about this book is that you can read it in the car or on the go, which is the most useful use of your hands-free time. The other cool thing about this book is that you can actually touch and feel the awe-inspiring artifacts on display.

3. Get a good earphone

If you're looking to watch a movie, podcast, or any other form of entertainment on your airplane ride, you should consider getting yourself a pair of good earphones. They are the best way to experience your favorite content without disturbing other passengers or having to crank up the volume to uncomfortably loud levels.

The most important thing to look for when buying a pair of headphones is sound quality. The sound that is transmitted from the device to your ears comes from the driver, which is the part of the headphones that converts an electrical signal into a physical sound pressure (SPL). In general, drivers with higher impedance (measured in Ohms) produce better sounds.

You also want to consider battery life. Headphones that last longer can be a big plus on long flights. And if you're going to be using them for calls, consider headphones that have a microphone that can block out noise from the cabin (like the booming flight attendant who's talking with you).

You should also look for a headphone that's comfortable to wear for extended periods of time. That's especially important if you're going to be spending a lot of time listening to music or movies on your airplane ride. Finally, a good earphone should have a durable cable. Earbuds are notorious for falling apart after just a few uses, so you should always look for headphones with reinforced cords.

4. Have a good snack

One of the best ways to make a long flight feel more like a stroll in the park is to plan ahead by bringing along something tasty to munch on. It might sound counterintuitive to bring something that will eat up your precious legroom, but it's better for your wallet and waistline if you do. A well planned out menu can keep you nourished from start to finish. The best way to do this is to think about the foods that you enjoy most and pick out those items to snag as your top three go-to options. This will ensure you'll get the most bang for your buck in terms of taste, texture and value when it comes to food.

5. Stay hydrated

When you're watching airplane, it's essential to stay hydrated. Dehydration can cause fatigue, headaches, nausea, and more.

The Aerospace Medical Association recommends drinking about eight ounces of water per hour while on an airplane to stay properly hydrated. But the body loses water at altitudes of around 3,000 feet, so you may need more or less than this during your journey.

One easy way to stay hydrated is to bring a large water bottle with you on your flight. You can add flavors or use a water filter that's TSA-compliant, and you'll avoid the problem of bringing an empty bottle through security.

Another way to stay hydrated is to eat foods that contain water-rich content, such as fruits and vegetables. A good rule of thumb is to eat something with high water content at every meal and snack.

For example, a banana will give you a boost of potassium, which is critical for your health. And coconut water is an excellent hydrating food because it contains natural electrolytes, like those found in bananas.

It's also important to drink plenty of water before, during, and after your flight. Try to consume about two 8-ounce glasses of water in the morning, and a glass before each meal and snack.

6. Exercise

Sitting on an airplane isn't a fun experience, but squeezing in a bit of exercise can help you feel your best when you get off the flight. Medical experts suggest that a little movement can go a long way when it comes to improving your circulation. So next time you're stuck in coach, make sure to check out these five tips for staying fit while flying.

In addition to the usual suspects, here are some exercises you can try out in the air:

First and foremost, find a good seat. This will keep you from tripping and sneezing your pants off.

If you can't find an aisle, try the front of your seat. This will require some planning, but it can be a great way to stretch out your legs while taking in a view of the plane's interior.

While you're in your seat, be sure to do a calf raise and rotational foot massage. It's also a good idea to use your arms a little more than your legs in this particular exercise, which will help reduce blood pressure and improve balance. You'll likely get a few odd looks, but it's a small price to pay for a happy, healthy trip.