Light is easily controlled with an eye mask. There are two options from which to choose; the tradeoff is weight versus comfort. I vacillate between a plush, furry option and an ultra-light eye cover that can also serve as a thick bookmark. The best in-between mask I often use is the Eagle Creek Easy Blink Eye Mask.

Enjoy the airport. Airports are a marvel of industrial architecture, people in transit, and delectable (if you search hard enough) food options. I think of them as giant fish bowls and do my best to find the ideal spot for my mood and phases of travel. Keep an eye out for chairs without armrests, where you might stretch out, or gates with a small space behind them, where your might be able to lie down, away from the crowd. When you’re alert, look for good areas for people watching and dining. Start taking notes about the airports you visit, and, eventually, you will start to feel at home when you arrive at one that’s become familiar to you.

Shoes.... Let those dogs breathe. At 6 feet tall and a size 12, I get an instant upgrade in terms of space when I remove my shoes. Important caveat that may be completely obvious, though, is only take your shoes off if they are relatively new, AND you have on a fresh pair of socks, AND you haven’t walked/run/speed-walked/strutted for miles on end to get to the gate on time. Being respectful of the strangers around you is paramount to gliding along to one’s final destination. One must tick all of these boxes, not just one or two of three. If you don’t fully comply, leave them on, please.

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