I’ve been flying for decades, and somewhere along the way I realized something that no glossy travel magazine or influencer reel ever told me: the secret to enjoying long flights isn’t always about what you do—it’s about what you don’t do.
I’ll be honest—my lessons were learned the hard way, through uncomfortable hours in cramped economy seats, restless red-eye flights, and more than a few regretful decisions about what I ate, drank, or carried on board. Over the years, I’ve stripped away all the unnecessary noise and built a system that makes flying less about survival and more about feeling like myself in the air.
Here are the 4 things I don’t do anymore:
1. I don’t eat a full meal before boarding
Economy food is notoriously terrible. I used to think a “big meal” was the smart move before a long flight. Wrong. Bloated stomach, cramped space, questionable airplane restrooms—it’s a disaster waiting to happen. Now, I keep it light, easy, and intentional. A little protein, some greens, but never enough to weigh me down.
This tiny shift alone transformed my comfort on board. Because the truth is, no ergonomic travel pillow in the world can save you from the discomfort of being bloated in a tiny economy seat. Optimizing your flight experience starts before takeoff.
2. I don’t over-hydrate
Every article out there tells you to “drink more water while flying.” But here’s what they don’t say: when you’re stuck in the middle and window seat, trapped between strangers, and constantly trekking to a less-than-clean airplane restroom—you’re actually losing more comfort than you’re gaining.
Now, I pace myself with small sips. Enough to stay hydrated, not enough to send me running down the aisle every hour. The result? I arrive rested, not frazzled. It’s a small adjustment, but it keeps me calm, grounded, and in control of my body on long haul flights.
3. I don’t wear bulky headphones anymore
For years, I thought noise-canceling headphones were essential. But no one tells you about the side effect: weigh your head down, pressure on the sides of your head, and zero chance of sleeping comfortably against the side of the plane. I finally ditched them for slim earplugs.
Earplugs do two things for me: they block the noise without squeezing my head, and they signal to the world: “I’m done being social.” My brain gets the quiet it craves, and my body finally has a chance to rest.
4. I don’t fly without my Bolstie
This was my biggest realization of all. I used to pack every kind of neck pillow—U-shaped, wrap-around, memory foam. Every single one failed me. They pushed my head forward, trapped heat around my neck, or simply didn’t fit in my personal item bag.
I reached a breaking point after one flight where I woke up with tingling fingers and a dull ache down my shoulder. It wasn’t just uncomfortable—it was a reminder that my body was being forced into positions it was never designed for.
My Bolstie goes everywhere I go.
So Grateful To Bolstie
I wanted something different: a travel pillow for economy class that worked with my body, not against it. Something compact, washable, ergonomic, and versatile. I didn’t want a pillow that squeezed my neck like a vice—I wanted support that felt like lying down while sitting upright.
Bolstie is my answer to decades of frustration. It fits inside your personal item, doubles as a space-saving packing cylinder for clothes, and transforms into the best travel pillow for long flights. When you stuff it with your own clothes, you customize the firmness to match your comfort. No more stiff foam or suffocating fabric—just natural, breathable support.
The Real Confession
What I’ve learned after 30 years of flying is this: comfort isn’t about luxury. It’s about making small, intentional choices that optimize your travel experience. The don’t(s) matter just as much as the do’s. Here is the link to the blog I did on the 4 do's.
Don’t overeat. Don’t over-hydrate. Don’t strap bulky gear to your head. And most importantly—don’t gamble with your sleep and comfort.
Bolstie isn’t just another pillow. It’s the travel companion I wish I had years ago. It’s the quiet nod to my future self that says, “You’ll arrive rested, ready, and a little happier than everyone else in any row, in any seat.
And that, to me, is the ultimate travel upgrade.
