As of late, I’ve been getting more and more people contacting me about their dreams to go to South Korea one day.  For all of you dreaming to go, I hope you your dreams come true soon.  If you go back through the archives of this blog, you’ll see a post about what to know about flying to Korea already was written.  But I didn’t talk much about the experience on the plane that you may go through.  Experiences can sometimes vary depending on the airline and the class you fly in.  This blog will focus on flying in, what is called in the US, coach to Korea.  Here are some things that may make your experience easier to deal with.

Go To The Bathroom Before You Get On The Plane

This may seem like a funny thing to put first, but it may help you.  Just because the plane is larger, it doesn’t mean that the bathroom is a regular sized bathroom.  Especially if you are a bigger or taller than average person, this would be a good idea before you get on a long flight to Seoul.  Even if you can fit in the bathroom just fine, you never know if there will be a line at the bathroom.  And it’s not like you can stop the plane and go outside.  If you can go to the bathroom before hand, you may be able to avoid going on the plane.

Have Your Passport Out

You cannot get past customs in Korea unless you have a passport that is valid.  To help aid with this process, airlines check your passport before you get on the plane.  Have it out and ready with your boarding pass to save everyone time and energy.

Baggage

Check with the airline how much they charge you for checking your bags to Korea.  For me, I was asked to gate check my bags, meaning I didn’t have to pay for checking my bags to and from  Seoul.  This can be super helpful it you have a layover or two.

Food

While airlines do feed you on long flights, having some kind of food with you in between meals may be a good idea.  Please be mindful of others by not bring on food that other people can be allergic to.  While you may love nuts, the person next to you may have a sever reaction to them that could prove fatal.  Just because you have the right to do something, it doesn’t mean that you should do it.  But for those with allergies…

Medication

Keep your medication close by at all times.  You never know when you will need it.  Medication and other essential items need to be on your person or in your carry on bag.  An airline cannot have medication for every situation that may come up on the plane.  Do your best to be prepared for what you think could happen to you based on your medical history.

Don’t Be a Jerk

Not everyone wants to hear your life story.  Not everyone wants to see all of your pics.  And not everyone wants you trying to sleep in their lap because you want to lean all the way back in your chair.  I can’t tell you the number of flights I’ve been on when a person get frustrated that they can’t move their seat all the way back because my legs are in the way.  And I can’t tell you how many times people have almost gotten punched out for smashing their chair into my legs.  Respect the rights of others the way you want to be respected as well.

Pay for Extra Legroom

Living in the U.S., I would be on planes for around 14 hours to get from where I live to Korea.  (Before anyone ask, I would put where I live if I wanted everyone to know that.)  So since I’m 6’4.5 inches, or 195 cm, tall, leg room means a lot.  When possible, I get an exit row seat.  On the international flights I’ve been on, this is almost enough room for me to sleep on the floor.  It may cost more, but saving the wear and tear on my legs is worth it.

Be Patient

If you are an experienced flyer, you know that some people need extra time to get situated, babies will cry, people will take a long time to get off the plane and so forth.  Just be patient and kind, and everything will be fine.

There will be more tips that I come up with later to make things easier.  If you can think of some tips that have helped you, please share in the comment section below.  Don’t forget to follow me on Twitter to see exclusive videos and more thoughts from the #waygookin.