Flying is a strange ritual.
We line up with strangers, trust a metal tube, and surrender hours of our lives at 30,000 feet. Sometimes it’s magical. Often, it’s just… uncomfortable.
Jeremy Burfoot understands this better than most.
A former Qantas pilot from Australia, Burfoot spent 35 years in aviation, watching millions of passengers board planes with hope in their eyes—and stiffness in their backs. In his book, The Secret of Flying, he distills decades of experience into simple truths: air travel may never be perfect, but comfort is always a choice.
As quoted by Stuff, Burfoot once said:
“Air travel may not always be 100 percent enjoyable, but you can improve your comfort simply by being friendly to your fellow passengers. These small things can make life much more enjoyable.”
But comfort is not only about smiling.
It’s also about preparation.
And here’s the quiet secret airlines rarely tell you: the most comfortable flights don’t happen by accident—they’re designed by passengers who come prepared.
Below are three items a former pilot insists you should always bring, and why choosing the right travel essentials—or services—can completely transform your flying experience.
First of All, Start with Cleanliness: Why Wet Wipes Are Non-Negotiable
There’s something most travelers prefer not to imagine.
The tray table in front of you.
The armrest you’re gripping during turbulence.
The screen you touch before eating a sandwich.
According to Jeremy Burfoot, airplane cabins are far less clean than passengers assume.
“We assume the folding table is cleaned between flights. In reality, it’s not very often. Testing shows airplanes are a breeding ground for germs,” he explained.
That’s why wet wipes are the first item on his list.
Not fancy. Not expensive.
Just practical.
With a single wipe, you can clean:
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Tray tables before meals
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Armrests shared by dozens of people
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Entertainment screens touched all day
From a comfort and health perspective, this small habit can make a massive difference—especially on long-haul flights.
👉 Conversion tip:
Many frequent travelers now choose travel hygiene kits or premium carry-on essentials sold by travel brands and airlines. These kits often include antibacterial wipes, hand sanitizer, and skin-friendly products designed for dry cabin air.
If you fly often, investing in a dedicated travel hygiene set isn’t a luxury—it’s protection.
Because peace of mind begins with clean hands.
Moreover, Silence Is Comfort: Why Noise-Canceling Headphones Change Everything
Now imagine this.
The engines hum endlessly.
A baby cries two rows back.
Someone is watching a movie—without headphones.
Your body is seated, but your mind never rests.
Jeremy Burfoot calls noise-canceling headphones a flight game-changer.
“I’ve suggested these to several people,” he said. “After they tried them, they came back and told me, ‘I can’t believe how much better this made my flight.’”
He’s not exaggerating.
Noise-canceling headphones:
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Reduce engine noise dramatically
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Create a calmer, more private space
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Improve sleep quality during flights
Here’s a surprising detail Burfoot shared:
Noise levels at altitude can dull your sense of taste, making food seem blander. Less noise means your brain relaxes—and even meals feel slightly better.
👉 Conversion tip:
Instead of cheap earbuds, many travelers now choose:
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Premium noise-canceling headphones
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Airline-recommended inflight audio gear
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Subscription-based travel accessory services
These products are designed specifically for aviation environments. If you fly more than twice a year, this investment pays for itself in comfort alone.
Because sometimes, the best part of a flight… is the silence you create.
Finally, Bring What Matters Most: A Positive Attitude
This one doesn’t fit in your bag.
But it changes everything.
After decades in the cockpit, Jeremy Burfoot learned one truth that no airline brochure mentions:
“Being kind to others, even strangers, will make for a more enjoyable flying experience.”
A smile to the flight attendant.
Patience with a delayed boarding call.
Understanding when things don’t go perfectly.
Planes are shared spaces.
And your attitude becomes part of everyone’s journey—including your own.
Here’s the unexpected bonus: travelers with a calm, positive mindset often receive:
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Better service from cabin crew
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More willingness from fellow passengers to cooperate
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Less stress during delays or turbulence
👉 Conversion tip:
Many modern travel services now focus on stress-free flying experiences, such as:
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Premium airport lounges
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Priority boarding services
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Personalized travel assistance
These services don’t just save time—they protect your mental energy.
Because comfort isn’t only physical.
It’s emotional.
In Conclusion: Fly Smarter, Not Harder
Flying will never be perfect.
But it can be far more comfortable than most people realize.
Bring:
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Wet wipes for hygiene and peace of mind
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Noise-canceling headphones for calm and focus
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A positive attitude to transform the experience
And when possible, choose travel products and services designed for comfort, not just price.
As Jeremy Burfoot’s career reminds us:
The secret of flying isn’t the aircraft.
It’s how you prepare—and how you choose to experience the journey.
✈️
Because every flight is a story.
And you deserve one that feels good from takeoff to landing.