The Ultimate FLIGHT HACK for Maximum Comfort!

[@PortableProfessional]

*ExpressVPN: Get 3 months FREE* ➔ www.expressvpn.com/portableprofessional

[@boo3406]

how do i use the express vpn to search flights and hotels

[@Jorge-e4c2l]

I believe that is one of your best tips ever!!!

[@georgemohr7532]

Remember, personal bag that is to be placed under the seat in front of you must be there only during take off and landing. Once you are in the air, move your bag to in front of you seat, under your lower legs, and you now have full access to the legroom in front of you. This may not work for all people depending upon their height but for me at 5' 6" it works very well.

[@susanmeredith4957]

I do this too!

[@user-ml3hl6vr4t]

5’5”. Works very well. My usual issue is a generously built middle seat passenger that wants to lift their armrest so they can use 4-6” of my 17” of seat. Sorry NO. Arm rests for the middle seat are supposed to be property of the middle seat… worse is if they DID book two seats and the airline put them in different places, refuse to put them together, and reassign seat 2 because the person can’t use it. Boo. One airline does an economy barnacle seat-seat assignment at boarding, NO checked NO overhead and just one under seat, no personal bag and no purse. I have seen purses crammed into the under seat bag so now it won’t fit or toss the purse. I would carry a rummage sale purse and if gate demanded I get rid of one, I could toss the purse.

[@Rose28r]

Good idea!

[@HabaneroTi]

@@user-ml3hl6vr4t Middle seaters might have claims on the armrests on either side but I don't know if they're allow to raise them without the permission of the people sitting on either side. Seems kind of rude and even creepy. I think that the secret fantasy of many single fliers is for an attractive person of their preferred gender to sit next to them, in which case this "might" not be as big of an issue, but in reality it's usually someone who's big and/or otherwise not their "type". I've had a child try to lay their legs on me while napping on a very long flight with their parent not doing much about it. That's more typical in my experience.

[@Jorge-e4c2l]

​@@user-ml3hl6vr4t, Where did you read that tge armrests belong to the person in the center seat?!

[@keithjohnson2863]

I used to take 12 - 14 hour flights between California and Asia several times a year. Singapore Air has a 3 seat middle section (and the widest Economy Class seats of my other options). I always preselected an aisle seat in the middle section, reasoning that a couple would usually occupy the other 2 seats and would never bother me if the person in the middle needed to get up.

[@johan8602]

only negative from this (in my experience) is that you have no window/wall to lean your head towards when sleeping..

[@MoonFoxSassy]

good thinking!

[@srper2]

I have found the opposite, I am expected to move because they dont want to inconvenience their partner.

[@cat_city2009]

I love the window seat too much. When I went to Europe in 2013 I got to see the sky over the Atlantic during a night flight. It was amazing.

[@R0swell5104]

Yes window seat for me every time.

[@Vesper_Songs]

Yes, and it's easier to sleep with a window seat.

[@madchatteress]

Before I flew internationally, I have always selected a window seat. After my first three long haul flights, I realized the hard way that I was better off with an aisle seat. I rarely can sleep on long haul flights even though I can sleep on domestic flights. I often need to get up as I feel claustophobic if in a window seat for more than 6 hours so having the aisle seat gives me that freedom. Also, I love looking out the window but seldom am I able to do this on long haul flights due to the flight attendant and/or other passengers requesting that I put the window shade down. I continue to book the window seats for flights shorter than 6 hours but long haul, aisle works better for me personally.

[@R0swell5104]

@@madchatteress I love the window seat because I jut love the stunning views and can entertain myself taking photos etc. However I do see your point on some long haul flights, as hours and hours of looking out over a featureless sea can get very boring very quickly. Good advice, thank you.

[@Stormbrise]

Yes I prefer the window seat, but if I am flying without my husband, I get claustrophobic. Usually though EU to US flights have a 2 x 4 x 2 seating arrangement. So I do take a window seat if available.

[@PacView534]

Thank you for the tip about ordering a special meal. I will definitely try to do so on my next trip. I always prefer aisle seats because I do like to get up and stretch my legs often as well as not have to step over other people if I need to use the restroom.

[@tammypearson4500]

I have ordered a special dietary meal a couple of times. You definitely get your meal first. My luck getting the type of meal I need is 50%, so mostly I bring things to eat from home. Great idea about choosing your seat when you check in! I flew international last week and was able to get a great seat without extra cost! Thank you, Megan ❤

[@shilk3681]

Hi Tammy, what kinds of food are allowed in the airlines? Are home cooked food allowed? Would appreciate if you could make a list and what about packaging? Is this possible for domestic and international flights? Thanks

[@kristinethomasfox8556]

@@shilk3681 I normally pack a bag of different items and yes I have packed bars, buns with jelly and butter on them. Big box of chicken in a biscuit crackers, nuts, ho hos, animal crackers. No problems

[@shilk3681]

@@kristinethomasfox8556 Thanks Kristine. Are the foods store bought or are you allowed to bring home cooked food. If yes, do you have to ensure that the boxes are packed with a masking tape or something? I'm asking specifically for US on both domestic and international flights. Thanks a ton

[@leeannkleine6120]

I always try to order the special meal on a long haul. If it's a red eye flight, I usually book a window for sleeping. Have been using the smaller in flight bag for plane essentials for many years. Great tips as always, Megan!

[@PortableProfessional]

Thanks for watching!

[@rubenencarnacion7891]

Only one bag in top cabin. the personal bag is under the front seat. If you put two bags up, you are taking away space for other passengers.

[@Elizabeth-490]

Yes, I would say only do this after the plane is fully boarded. People doing this is probably why some folks who are last to board get told they need to check their carry on.

[@stacythomas1587]

She did say to be respectful and wait until everyone has their carry-ons in the top bins.

[@R0swell5104]

@@stacythomas1587 Yes she did but judging the time to do this is difficult, especially during boarding. There may still be people looking for bin space that you don't notice when you are already sat down and not paying attention. Rather than do it yourself, it be far better to ask a member of the cabin crew if you can do it after the flight has taken off.

[@Vesper_Songs]

@@R0swell5104 It's pretty easy to see when the plane has stopped loading passengers and when everyone is seated.

[@stacythomas1587]

@@R0swell5104 Yes that's the considerate way to do it.

[@robwolf2152]

I have a small bag which is made to be attached to the food tray, so I can get easy access to the items I keep in it, and like you, I bring it on inside one of my carry-on bags. I use to get the last aisle seat in the plane as there were only two, not three at the windows. This gave me an extra seat to put my stuff under as well as an area to stand and stretch without blocking the aisle. I could also put the arm rest up and sit sideways. Not all planes have this, so like you I'll get an inside aisle seat - I look for one where the other inside seats are filled presumably by people who know each other and will climb over them, not me.

[@Androctonus84]

I’ve always done the special meal hack for years. Not only do you get the advantages mentioned, the special options are often just better. I also have always used the small bag with me, but the way I do it, I don’t have to store my personal item in the overhead.

[@letter203ify]

So many strategies I'll have to watch again to remember them all but ordering a meal before hand has great benefits I never realized. Brilliant tactics on how and when to use the washroom to reap the best experience. Finally, booking the middle isle middle seat is not a bad deal as it first may seem. Two exit points gives better unloading time and you dont have to keep annoying the same person. Thanks so much for your secrets and for sharing such useful details for booking and experiencing better flight conditions.

[@jack2453]

Pluses and minuses with being served first.... you often get the food first but have to wait for general service to get drinks. And it means that you have to sit with empty dirty tray in your lap for longer (which can make the early trip to the toilet impossible).

[@heythave]

Good point. And a flight attendant had mentioned that it’s a nightmare for them to do special meals. Imagine everyone was doing that.

[@jason60chev]

After 15 years of working overseas, I've come to hate air travel. Those people who say,"Ilove traveling" are liars. They like being where they want to go, but I defy someone admit that they actally love the process of air travel. WHO has ever purchased an air fare for the sheer "enjoyment" of the flight?

[@koenven7012]

totally agree. I love going on a holiday, I don't really like the trip to get there, especially if it's by airplane.

[@davenorth2903]

You're 100% right about selecting seats from the middle row. I ALWAYS pick an aisle from that middle row - especially where the other aisle on the other side is already occupied and the middle empty. Odds are very good that you will have an empty seat next to you. Also always select a meal in advance. Good tips!

[@bethbrownstein8746]

Your small bag of in flight necessities can also be put behind your lumbar curve for support while the flight is taking off. That way you only put one item in the overhead that makes room for others’ too.

[@commonsensecorner7275]

I will certainly order my meals, considering I am lactose intolerant and sensitive to gluten. Thanks for the reminder from whatever video I watched from you, because my travel agent did tell me that I could do that! 👏🏽👏🏽 As for my seats, I paid for XL (extra legroom) even though I’m only 5.2 feet. Arthritis can get pretty intense and I really need to straighten my legs as much as possible when I can!

[@HabaneroTi]

Great idea of putting all of the items you're likely to need during the flight into a smaller pouch or bag that fits into the seat back pocket (which avoids your having to touch said pocket which as we all know is not so pleasant) so you don't have to go digging through your backpack during the flight and potentially even put it in an overhead bin if there's room. The only drawback is the potential that some last minute boarder gives you a dirty look as they or the crew ask you to remove the backpack and put it under your seat.

[@lizcademy4809]

I started ordering special meals ages ago, when meal service was standard in Economy. The standard meals were pretty bad, the special meals weren't wonderful but they were better. These days I'm fortunate to be able to travel in domestic first class. I'm older and have more dietary restrictions, (the airlines don't serve special low carb paleo meals) but they also serve better food. I use the internet to figure out what will be in each different meal and choose the one closest to what I need to eat ... often it's one of the standard meals!

[@jons7834]

As a 6'1 guy. I've used the inflight bag hack to get more legroom. However, i gate check my rolling carry on. So i only have 1 item in the overhead bins.

[@Elaines-travels]

Why don't you just go for the emergency exit row? You will have a lot more leg room?

[@HabaneroTi]

I almost always prefer a window seat, for the views, something to lean onto when trying to sleep, and the slightly greater room. I rarely have to get up during even longer flights and when I do try to time it for when the people sitting next to me get up too, so that's not a major issue. The only real downside is that it gets a bit cold there, especially when I lean on the wall to get some sleep, and I can feel the plane's vibrations if my ear is against the wall. But there are solutions for both.

[@MartinHarvey]

I always book aisle seats for my wife and I when travelling but never thought of the logic re they middle section! Thanks.

[@keithjohnson2863]

My only carry on is a backpack that is too big to go under the seat. So I make a point of getting to the gate early and boarding as soon as I'm allowed to increase my odds of getting an overhead space over my seat. I wear a SCOTTeVest zippered hoodie that has enough pockets to hold all of my inflight essentials comfortably (and still be comfortable to wear), including my noise canceling headphones.

[@Danielroams]

Good flight hacks. I also prefer aisle seats. I'm flying to Bali and will call to reserve an aisle seat in the middle row. I will also order special meals. ❤

[@joannharrington2279]

Thanks for the useful tips and some reminders.

[@PortableProfessional]

My pleasure! Safe travels, JoAnn!

[@Vesper_Songs]

These are great tips, thank you! I am going to use most of them in the future! The only one I won't use is sitting in the middle section. I love a window seat because I use it to rest my pillow against so I can sleep better. I can't sleep on a flight (even with a neck pillow) without my head resting against the window. With a window seat, I turn my body sideways, wedge my pillow my seat and window and SORT OF approximate lying down on my side. With my comfy sweatshirt over me and an over-the-counter sleeping pill, I'm out like a light in no time and it makes the flight go much faster, and I arrive well-rested at my international destination, ready to do site seeing :)

[@reneelancaster8714]

I’m very short, almost five foot so having a backpack at my feet keeps my legs from “dangling” for many hours causing muscle fatigue.

[@jack2453]

Middle block seats are fine for long haul flights. Cabin crew generally close the shades in the hope that the passengers will sleep and they will not be bothered with service and they are free to chat with their mates in the galley, so there is no advantage from being near the window.

[@madchatteress]

Bingo ... On domestic, I always book window seats but found out the hard way that window doesn't work on long haul for me. I can't sleep on long haul and the window shades need to be down so I miss out on the views so I rather have the luxury of getting up without worrying about bothering my seatmates.

[@kayandmarcos3271]

I prefer window for the views so I never order a special meal. i've always found that the special meals are inferior to the main meal & by the time you're done with your meal, others have been served so you'll be stuck with your tray for longer than normal.

[@pcmacintyre]

Often the middle section of the plane is 4 seats across, so some of the benefit you describe is gone. Many long haul flights on Boeing 777s are 3-4-3 in economy and even 2-4-2 in Premium Economy. The Airbus A380 also has 3-4-3 in many economy configurations.

[@judymarasco4231]

I chose an aisle seat in the middle which consisted of 4 seats on my trip to London; needless to say, it was the most uncomfortable experience of my life. I paid to have my seat changed on the way home and was glad

[@pcmacintyre]

@@judymarasco4231 Same. I was stuck in the middle of 4 seats to Taipei. I paid extra on my Transpacific flight back home to secure an aisle seat. It was the only one left and I couldn't risk waiting until 48 hours before departure for free selection.

[@mrslcom]

The special meals generally are not as fancy or great tasting as the regular meals. I have been missing out on chocolates, ice creams, and nice desserts by ordering special meals. If you wait until check-in to get your free seat selection, the leftover empty seats tend to be less desirable, especially if you’re a family or couple trying to get seated together.

[@jeffreyclinard2002]

Then you can exercise your option to pre-book the seats you want. Or you can accept less desirable seats. But there is one thing you shouldn't do...

[@mrslcom]

@@jeffreyclinard2002 which is…? What you can also do is to keep checking the website every week or so to see how fast the seats get filled. Then decide if it’s worth it to opt for pre-select paid seats or wait until check-in.

[@jeffreyclinard2002]

@@mrslcom Go into the aircraft with your airline assigned seats and try to bully people into giving up their seats for your family.

[@mrslcom]

@@jeffreyclinard2002 Definitely not cool.

[@annan.3283]

This is true, vegetarian meals strangely never come with a cake or cookie.

[@kevin19358]

2:13, Yes as long as the food is cook perfect, so that the taste is good and delicious like chicken and beef with rice.

[@johan8602]

Can confirm the special meal idea.. My wife is lactose intolerant so she always orders special meal..and yes, she gets it first.. might try it myself when flying at the end of July :)

[@panathenaea]

Ordering a special meal for sure. Got the seafood x 2 with my trip with ANA

[@Sarah-ks4qr]

The kids meal on Delta long haul actually gets more food than the regular meals and sometimes contains the main meal that is offered to regular meals. My daughter ate like a queen!

[@MeiLee-t2v]

Has anyone seen a choice for a low-carb meal on any airline? I have not seen one. Being type-2 diabetic, I usually just discard the starchy foods anyway.

[@catherinamurphy7007]

I always try to order a special meal as it is usually much nicer than the normal food and I always try to put my carry on bag under my seat. I always have my passport and boarding passes and flight information in a little plastic folder in my handbag so its easy to access and I don't have to root through my bag every time I need it

[@betzy7514]

Have not yet been on a long haul flight, but those are great tips!

[@niahoward1920]

Long or short, good tip is to bring an empty water bottle, and once you pass security to have it filled at one of the cafés restaurants and then you can take your water onto the plane because, as you know you shouldn’t drink the water on the plane. Which goes for coffee and tea.

[@annan.3283]

I always order a special meal however it’s not true that I can beat the after meal bathroom rush. After I finish my meal the cart for everyone else’s meal plus the beverage cart is now in the aisle. Then I have to wait for my seat mates to finish their meals and the flight attendants remove all of our trays before I can go to the bathroom which puts me in the same long line as everyone else.

[@cziegle3794]

Yay top 35 and top 813 comments and likes. Love this channel. Best to you and your family.

[@sandiegodan]

Subscribed! Great information and well presented. One note: In all of your videos I have seen, the stock footage of people putting their bags in the overhead bin they are loading them the wrong way. Most bins take carry-ons wheels in or out, not on the side. It takes up too much room that way and is inconsiderate. I see people load their bags like this all the time and it drives others behind them to have to check their bags. If a flight attended catches them, they'll give them a verbal correction but they don't actively enforce the guidance or go back and rearrange and try to get the room back. Since people are looking to you for guidance, it would be helpful to show a good example, if I'm correct that is.

[@PortableProfessional]

You are correct! I appreciate you pointing this out and I will be more mindful of my stock footage. Great to have you on the channel and hope to see you back here.

[@joanfreestone1707]

I live in Australia so we expect long flights (up to 18 hours) to go to Europe or longer to go to the U.S. Not pleasant but that's how it is! I'm vegetarian so I always get my meal up to 30 mins before other passengers. That means I'm not bumping elbows with the person next to me as we both try to use our knives and forks.

[@lytaylor1204]

UGH, the "small bag inside the carry-on bag" trick is so simple, I feel like an idiot for not thinking of it sooner 😅

[@mangostickyrice555]

Thumbs up 👍👍

[@christopherdancel8522]

Ohhhhh, I always see people getting food before everyone else and looked up to them :D

[@CO84trucker]

When flying Austrian Airlines to VIE back in 2019, i pre-ordered a Wiener Schnitzel platter which was prepared by renown catering company DO & CO.

[@PortableProfessional]

Very nice, Thomas!

[@CO84trucker]

@@PortableProfessional One nice thing about Austrian Airlines, aside from hearing the Blue Danube played during boarding, that the dinner rolls are fresh baked on long haul flights!

[@PauloGaetathe_original]

Thank you for the great tips. I have already ordered special meals in two long haul flights, one with KLM and one with Qatar. It's exactly as described, you are served first, the downside was that in both flights the normal meal looked more delicious than the special one. Anyway, if you are still hungry you can always ask for another normal meal as flights usually carry many extra meals.

[@jillf24]

I had a Gluten free meal going to London from US, my meal was horrible compared to my husbands meal. Not sure I want to do that again. This was on Virgin Atlantic.

[@MultiShahina]

A new development Megan… my husband has been waiting for preliminary approval of his global entry for 9 months. When we returned from Brazil last week the customs agent was able to conduct his interview and fingerprint him immediately when clearing customs upon our return at DFW. 🙌 That’s new. I had to wait 2 hours in the CBP area last year after returning from Rome for my interview. American Airlines vegetarian meals are no bueno BTW. Also, I use my personal item - backpack - as an under seat foot rest and it helps eliminate my ankles swelling on long haul flights. Thanks for your great content please keep it coming! ❤

[@kathyd7284]

Good to know! There are 4 of us who travel together. We put all of our Global Entry renewals in at the same time (in January.). Three of us got our new cards right away, my husband is still waiting for his preliminary approval. Wonder when he will get his…

[@MultiShahina]

@@kathyd7284 My husband never received his preliminary approval despite our inquiries on the website? That’s why we were so surprised the agent processed everything at customs?!?! We applied early last August and I had preliminary approval in 2 weeks. Crazy!

[@larryjohnson226]

Compression socks no matter the duration of the flight keeps swelling down

[@stevegregory2867]

Will remember to pick middle row of seats next time I fly long haul.Also will look at ordering food in advance next time,never gave this one a thought.

[@willar7179]

Good tips! I will definitely do all of them on my next flight.

[@R0swell5104]

The only thing I have a bit of a problem with is putting what would have been your personal item bag in the overhead locker as well as your larger carry on. With overhead bin space being at a premium on many flights, doing what you suggest is a little selfish because it may mean that another passenger, who is following the rules, will not find room for their one carry on.

[@Vesper_Songs]

She mentioned in her video that you should be respectful and wait until all of the other passengers have put their carry-on suitcases in the overhead bin before you take any of the space for your under-seat bag.

[@pepperspot805]

I just flew last month. Because I was in boarding zone 4 (the last zone), everyone before us had used up ALL the overhead bin space so I had to plane side check my small bag.

[@isabelleg9118]

I put my backpack under the seat in front of me and during the flight will take my shoes off and put my feet on top of my pack. Just enough height to get some better rest. I do have short legs which make sitting with my legs down uncomfortable as the blood circulation gets cut off, but off the floor it is just right.

[@kevinadams9468]

Normally a great tip, but... As with everything else, stuff has changed. Example: I have an international flight with COPA (6+ hrs) and I get a meal, no choices at all. Kosher, vegetarian are not permitted on any flight from the US to Central America. Oddly, the rules change with flights to/from S. America, where the only options for a gluten-free meal are for flights to-from Uruguay and Argentina. It's a mess, and it is inexcusable.

[@KYLESRANCH]

Yes, I will definitely order a special meal. Thanks for the tip! ...tips!

[@krisqueen5939]

🌷It does not help if your special meal is given to another seat. They gave my kosher meal to the man with the yakama? Behind me. I was served last as I was in the second to the last row. :( 🇭🇲

[@MsLuvTravel]

The special meal is definitely great but regarding getting out and using the washroom after meals is really depends on where you are seating.

[@birbluv9595]

I have ordered special meals - vegetarian - but now I have serious dietary problems that I doubt airline meals can address (no fried or fatty food, minimal salt, nothing acidic, nothing very tough to chew). I may have to buy food in the airport to bring on the plane. It is true that special meals get served first!

[@lesliedawson7364]

I called the airline and spoke to the disability department. I was able to tell them all the special things I need. Gluten free, no salt, no seafood.

[@birbluv9595]

@@lesliedawson7364 thank you so much! I will try this for when I fly to Europe next year.

[@lesliedawson7364]

@@birbluv9595 just FYI I flew delta and went to Ireland a couple of weeks ago

[@birbluv9595]

@@lesliedawson7364 I’ll be flying American over and Lufthansa back. I checked this out - the “bland meal” is perfect for me. American offers it but Lufthansa does not.

[@niahoward1920]

I agree with all of the other comments with regards to asking the airlines to accommodate you or I suggest that bring something from home. I would not, repeat not trust airport food. That that is pretty much looking for trouble, high fat, high salt pretty much everything bad. Good luck.

[@fleurbeckwith9280]

I just want to point out that when the overhead bins were designed all suitcases were checked baggage and only small carry ones went in them and only 1 not 2 items.

[@PortableProfessional]

Things are certainly changing with many people travelling carry on only!

[@pepperspot805]

@@PortableProfessional I flew just last month and because everyone in front of my boarding group had used ALL the overhead space, those of us in zone 4 had to check our carry ons. Not cool.

[@judymarasco4231]

They should go back to that; I find ppl who lug those bags that should be checked most inconvenient by taking up so much overhead space

[@koenven7012]

@@judymarasco4231 so true: I only put in my carry-on a few necessities for the flight, a pair of clean underwear/socks/t-shirt in case the big bag doesn't arrive, some medication I need and all the items you're not allowed to put in the checked in bag (mostly batteries in my case). That translates to one backpack and my camera bag. In most overhead compartments I can fit those on top of each other so they only take the space of the backpack. If I ever have to check that backpack, my first question will be why they suddenly allow batteries in the hold when they didn't at check-in (as I would have put them in the checked bag if they did). And I think airlines should also enforce the size more than they do now. If they say your carry-on can only have certain dimensions, they should stick to those and not allow anything bigger.

[@davida6299]

Great tips! Thanks!

[@chrismarcus3058]

great video as always lispy!

[@raisin21]

Thank you for an interesting and useful video 😊

[@captainskippy6622]

Always such great information! Thank you!

[@mikealexander7126]

This is one of the best airline-hack videos ever.

[@ricardo68]

Love your channel Megan. Thanks for the great ideas. 😊

[@MoniqueJoinerSiedlak_Author]

Doing it right now!

[@PortableProfessional]

Happy travels, Monique!

[@Bravo21]

Thanks for the tips! I will definitely be ordering the meal.👍

[@sherrytolbird7983]

I have dairy and gluten intolerance so I have to order a meal I don’t think everyone should because the meals are usually hot

[@zoomerboomer6834]

Stowage of carryon bags. It's been awhile since I last flew as a passenger onboard a commercial flight. I know that overhead stowage of your bag/case should be in the compartment directly above your seat. However, would you please elaborate on proper stowage/etiquette at your feet? Thanks!

[@doodles3075]

This under seat bag thing is new to the Uk. Have always taken a backpack rather than a case. Cabin crew have always demanded it was put in the locker above your head. The pre booking meals work unless you fly with TUI. Always pre book one veggie one vegan. One time they ran out by the time they got to me and i ended up with something from business class and the rest from the cabin crews personal bag. Going to Mexico (12hr flight from the UK) my vegan hadn't been put on the plane. I got offerd a cheese roll for 12 hrs.

[@kk8980-k7o]

I saw this happen to someone on a recent TUI flight too. And because of the way they operate, there was no meal for her on the way back a week later either

[@Eric-og8of]

Before i did meny long flights , and i used the special meal, once i dit it i saw like you are telling the benefit. Mostly i orderd halal food lactose free , noth that i believe in that religion but i receved better food and dint get products with lactose in to it . Or orderd indian vegetarian food. And also like you told you get furst the drinks and food and wen the pas troo to serve the other poeple you get 2 times drinks.

[@mollynosbisch6451]

I plan to order a special meal on my next flight to Spain from Denver Co.

[@PortableProfessional]

Happy travels, Molly!

[@beckyr9719]

I pack a bag in a bag even if I have to put my personal item under the seat in front of me. I sometimes find it difficult to access that when the rows are so close together or if the person in front of me has their seat leaned back. I can quickly pull out the bag with all I need before I put the bag under the seat and have what I need for the flight. I then put the bag in my lap until the seats next to me are full and then I can put the bag with most of the stuff in the pocket in front of me.

[@georgesibley7152]

special meals are often not free and not just on Budget airlines.

[@basicdose.9872]

Please tell me how to get a free upgrade ? Thanks.

[@leohoward7282]

Another awesome video Megan

[@denismoreau3646]

I like all of your suggestions I’m going to try them from now on thanks 😊

[@ExousiaMinistries]

I too have been using that hack to order a special meal for many years.

[@annlavine3576]

is a meal included in a domestic 5 hour flight? La to Orlando

[@shinnam]

Travel from Europe to Singapore twice a year. Special meals are not free on many airlines, Singapore Air, Finn Air, SAS, Swiss Air all charge for special meals. . And many airlines don't allow seat selection without paying extra.

[@mariaf5474]

I order a special meal for a different reason. Often my overnight flight is only 6 or 7 hours, so being served a meal first means I have eaten and can try to sleep an hour earlier than if I was served with everyone else. But I sure wish GF meals tasted better than the unimaginative options airline kitchens seem to come up with 😯

[@PortableProfessional]

In general I agree however I have had some rather tasty GF meals.

[@StanHasselback]

Always order a specialty meal usually vegetarian indian, one additional sketchy benefit is I usually finish before the other meals are served. I then can have another meal or I can get the bread that is sometimes served and an extra desert. I don't do this if the plane is full. There is one downside to this. If you think you have a chance to be upgraded they will not upgrade you as you meal is assigned to your seat, at least that's what I've been told.

[@tullochgorum6323]

A tip from an industry insider - order a veggie or vegan meal. Many people experience stomach upsets after a flight and attribute it to the country they are visiting. But in fact meat in in-flight meals is often not correctly handled and can be a source of infection.

[@eugenecbell]

I used to order special meals back when they still had meals on most flights. They were great and I was always served first.

[@SteveKxyz]

On some airlines you cannot use the overhead for cabin luggage if you haven't paid to do so.

[@515aleon]

I knew about the special meal thing long before there was the word hack. :D They also have better food. Not counting on much these days, tbh.

[@beezelyparker9695]

There’s no way you can get up to the bathroom after finishing your meal early . The tray is not taken away until everyone else is finished .

[@17sylvi]

That’s where the aisle seat comes in handy😉

[@jeffreyclinard2002]

You pick up your tray of garbage, close the tray, get up, lower the tray, and put your garbage back on it. Then the same in reverse once you've finished in the lavatory.

[@beezelyparker9695]

@@jeffreyclinard2002 if you are at the window seat??? I don’t think your fellow neighbours would appreciate having to pack up their half eaten meals so you can rush to the bathroom .

[@jeffreyclinard2002]

@@beezelyparker9695 Given the choice between that and the smell of them soiling themselves, I’d pick the former.

[@aisumelef211]

I once made my way to the lavatory at the back and the attendants were just starting to push the food cart from the galley. They made way for me to reach the lavatory. I was able to walk back to my seat afterwards before my row was served meals. I have the window seat so, I plan my trips to the lavatory to avoid annoying the aisle passenger.

[@HR-wd6cw]

If you are going to buy meals ahead of time, I also found that in some cases it is also cheaper (the savings isn't massive but in some cases, you do get a cheaper price than if you ordered while onboard, so if you know ahead of time you would like plane food, order it online -- same for drinks, if you can). Many years ago, I was flying back from Las Vegas on one of the larger aircraft and the plane was quite empty and I managed to get into the center section of seats with nobody next to me. This was great because they let me lay down across the three seats so I could sleep for the 4 hour flight and was actually quite refreshed when I got home (which this was a red-eye flight too, took off at 1am and landed back home around 5am). You really can't do that with the 3 seats on either side of the plane as the chances of those being fully booked are higher because people like to be by the windows or whatever. Personally I've been taking aisle seats as it does let me get up and move around without bothering anyone (I used to like to sit by the window but have stopped doing that, and will only do that if I'm in say business class or in an exit row where I can get up and get by people without having them have to get up so i can get out. In business class, sometimes this is possible so there I tend to take a window seat instead, so I have something to lean on and sleep. To your comments about the overhead bin, I have seen a few cases where greedy airlines will ask the person to check one of the bags (usually the rolling carry on) if they plan to also put a backpack in the overhead bin, even if there is space, as they see this as exceeding the allowed one (sometimes free) carry-on rule. I suppose if you did this right before the flight deck door s were closed and everyone is seated you could probably get away with it, but not while people are still boarding.

[@PortableProfessional]

Thanks for taking the time to share your tips and experiences!

[@leslietolley1826]

I’ll certainly order a special meal next time I fly thanks for the tip 👍👍👍👍😎😎😎😎

[@adamjosephyoungdokim7667]

Haha i notice the people’s seating preferences! Never had any complaints about my seats and food ! Even when I get my NEXUS/global entry one day I’d feel the same but at least I’d just need to take an advantage of bypassing the TS/CATSA security lines 😅

[@absolutedaria]

Wow. People can be mean. I love you videos and the things I don't agree with I just don't do. Duh. I am sorry if anyone hurt your feelings. You are really great at what you do!

[@PortableProfessional]

Thank you, Daria! Happy travels to you!

[@chesterwillger7017]

I am actually the opposite when it comes to my carry on and personal item. I get free checked bags so most of the time I check a bag. When I board the plane I will offer my carry on to be checked. They will more than likely check it there for you and it’s free. Since I have to get my checked bag anyways now all I have to carry is my personal item.

[@PortableProfessional]

Nice to have the free checked bag! Happy travels!

[@RonaldKaylorPhoto]

Good Tip!

[@sandytatham3592]

I always order a vegetarian meal, and get served first which is great. But on a recent flight from Egypt to a Middle East destination, a lady in my row was so upset that she wasn't served at the same time as me that she totally refused her meal when it was offered, even when her son tried to persuade her to take it...🙄

[@jeffreyclinard2002]

Sounds like a Karen problem.

[@aidagonzalez1886]

Great idea to order meal. I usually wait, that's been 1st xlass. Bot only do I have diabetes, low sodium and...no preservatives. Wish me luck.

[@carmencurillo3748]

I always order a special meal. However, it's a shame I can only order one option, even though I have 2 restrictions.

[@niahoward1920]

Great tips. Could Live without the photo of the airplane toilet. Those things scare me!

[@jettschenker]

For those of you who are feeling extra frisky, you may want to try ordering wheelchair service to your gate and to your seat and the plane lol

[@froufiebb]

Please don't put an 'extra' bag under the seat - most planes fly very full and your 'extra' carryon in the overhead bin takes up space from other who might need it. Just put that 'extra' bag in the seat back pocket - within easy reach - and put your 'personal item' under the seat in front of you!

[@PortableProfessional]

You are right. Always be respectful of your fellow passengers!

[@aminor7476]

I always order a special meal even though I do not have any special restrictions. Mmmmmmm!

[@allanb.1966]

I've been ordering meals for years. I usually get a Kosher meal. I am finished eating even before they are done serving the other meals. Its a great hack to get a hot meal first

[@madchatteress]

What do they typically serve in a Kosher meal if you don't mind me asking?

[@reverendbStaard]

The Hindi Meals on British Airways 👍👍