Elevate Your Travel Experience Unconventional Items to Pack on Your Next Flight
When preparing for your flight, it’s essential to pack the basics, such as clothing, medications, toiletries, and your travel documents. However, there are some surprising and often overlooked items that can greatly enhance your flying experience. These unexpected additions in your carry- on can make your air travel experience more comfortable, enjoyable, and stress-free. ELECTROLYTES Flying is dehydrating! Because airplane cabins are kept at a lower humidity level, your body dehydrates quicker than normal. To help keep your body hydrated without a dozen trips to the bathroom over the course of your flight, pack some electrolyte packets to mix into your water. Speaking of water, pack an empty water bottle with
you, and after passing through security, you can fill it up at a water fountain!
and even deep vein thrombosis (DVT). Compression socks apply gentle pressure to your legs, reducing discomfort and circulation complications. PORTABLE CHARGER While you may have remembered to pack your plug-in phone charger, bringing along a portable charger and power bank is a lifesaver! Sometimes, finding an available charging station in a crowded airport can be tricky. But having a backup power source on the plane makes it possible to keep your devices charged throughout your journey! When packing for your next flight, don’t forget to include these trip-saving items in your carry-on for a more pleasant travel experience — you’ll be glad you did!
NOISE-CANCELING HEADPHONES Flights can be noisy. You can never predict crying babies, loud talkers, or hyper kids traveling alongside you. Noise-canceling headphones can provide a peaceful oasis amidst the hustle and bustle of the airplane. They block out ambient noise and allow you to relax, listen to music, or enjoy in-flight entertainment without any distractions. COMPRESSION SOCKS Wearing compression socks on an airplane is crucial for maintaining healthy circulation during long flights. Prolonged periods of sitting can lead to blood pooling in your legs, causing swelling, poor circulation,
McDonald’s Shakes Up Soda Service
WHY THE FRANCHISE IS REMOVING SELF-SERVE DRINK STATIONS
Automation and self-service have long been seen as the future of the quick-serve restaurant industry. So, the September 2023 announcement by McDonald’s that the chain would remove all dining room drink machines by 2032 came as a shock to some observers. It would seem to be a step backward for innovation, but the franchise believes it has the data to back the decision. Many internet commentators assumed the move to be cost-based. After all, Coca-Cola’s Freestyle machines are pricey to place in restaurants, and many consumers help themselves to “free refills” at self-serve machines, regardless of the location’s policy. However, the savings would likely be minimal once increased labor is considered. Instead, McDonald’s has publicly stated its reasons for the change are consistency, efficiency, and space. The franchise notes
that consumer habits have significantly changed since the beginning of the pandemic, and fewer people than ever are filling their own beverages. Digital orders make up 40% of the franchise’s orders, and drive-thru is increasingly popular. The brand also wants to move even further toward a digital model. In this environment, the cost of operating and cleaning dining room machines is higher per customer. If employees are already filling most drinks, strategists believe consolidating makes financial and logistical sense. The franchise pointed toward “a consistent experience for both customers and crew across all ordering points” as a benefit of the change. Meanwhile, dining rooms may be going the way of the dodo. Fewer customers dine in at quick-serve restaurants, so the
overall restaurant footprint of locations is shrinking. McDonald’s is eyeing a new concept called CosMc’s with smaller dining areas. Duplicate drink machines take up precious real estate. Online diners have bemoaned the inconvenience and death of “hybrid drinks” containing several flavors in one cup. But whether there will be a substantial backlash remains to be seen. Test locations in Springfield, Illinois, told The State Journal-Register the change required some adjustment, but staff received few complaints. McDonald’s has a track record as a trendsetter in the quick-serve space. So, will other franchises follow in their footsteps? Decision-makers will likely keep an eye on this experiment before deciding on any big moves.
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