Everyone has a favorite beverage when flying on an airplane. Some people prefer a libation, while others would rather sip a warm cup of tea or a fizzy soda. But it may surprise you to learn there’s one beverage that experts recommend against ordering on an aircraft. Read on to find out more about the one drink you should avoid ordering on an airplane — and what to drink instead.

Should You Drink Airplane Coffee?

This caffeinated morning favorite is arguably the riskiest beverage to consume aboard an aircraft, specifically if it’s brewed aboard the plane. This has little to do with the coffee beans themselves, but rather the tap water used during the brewing process. 

According to a 2019 study, many major airlines failed to meet proper cleanliness standards with regards to their onboard water tanks. Airlines are required to regularly test and disinfect these tanks to remove potentially harmful bacteria like E. coli. While airlines like Alaska and Allegiant were deemed to have relatively safe drinking water, others like JetBlue and Spirit were found to have poor cleanliness standards and could be serving up tap water that was potentially harmful to consume. This meant that any drink brewed aboard the aircraft — coffee, tea, or otherwise — was at risk of being contaminated with bacteria.

Notably, other experts have pushed back on this theory about airplane coffee being unsafe, claiming that the bacteria would be killed at the high temperatures used to brew each pot. Most bacteria die at around 175 degrees Fahrenheit, and water boils at 195 degrees when at a cruising altitude of 7,000 feet, which would be more than enough to kill the bacteria. That said, if you’re flying out of a country with unsafe drinking water or a warmer climate that could encourage bacteria growth, it’s probably worth taking extra caution to steer clear of any warm, brewed beverages.

Coffee (and Other Beverages) May Dehydrate You

Sanitary reasons aside, coffee is arguably a poor drink choice aboard airplanes because it can easily dehydrate you. It’s important to stay hydrated while flying, as the average humidity sits at around 20%, which makes your skin and eyes more likely to dry out than most normal atmospheric conditions. This low humidity makes diuretic beverages like coffee riskier to drink. 

Sugary drinks like soda will also dehydrate you, as well as red wine, which contains byproducts that contribute to rapid dehydration. To stay hydrated, the Aerospace Medical Association recommends drinking eight ounces of water for every hour you are in the air, and preferably bottled water to avoid any potential contamination from the tanks.

What to Order Instead

There’s no better drink in the sky than bottled water. It keeps you properly hydrated, and the packaging protects against any potential contaminants. But if you’re looking for a pop of added flavor, then there are several other beverages worth considering during your next plane journey.

When flying, our taste buds are affected by the high altitude and increased cabin pressure. This makes certain drinks taste different — some arguably better. One of the most popular beverages with a different flavor profile in the sky is ginger ale. When in the air, ginger ale’s sweetness is dulled, thus giving it a sharper and crisper taste. Ginger has anti-inflammatory properties that encourage circulation, which could be beneficial when sitting for hours on a long flight. Fresh ginger also helps ease nausea that may occur while traveling — just be aware that popular brands like Canada Dry and Schweppes have far too little real ginger (and too much sugar) to provide any notable anti-inflammatory benefits, but many travelers enjoy the taste.

Tomato-based beverages are another popular option in the air, as their strong flavor profile still shines even with dulled taste buds. This includes plain tomato juice or even cocktails like a bloody mary. Studies show that tomato juice tastes crisper and more refreshing in the air, providing a satisfying umami flavor. Tomatoes are also rich in antioxidants and have noted anti-inflammatory benefits, which could help promote circulation during long flights. Keep in mind that these drinks often contain high levels of sodium that could contribute to dehydration, so be sure to supplement any tomato-based drinks with bottled water.

When traveling by airplane, have you ever stopped to wonder if you’re flying on a Boeing 737 or a Boeing 757 — or what the difference is between them, anyway? To the untrained eye, modern airliners can look quite similar to one another, but if you’re curious about what makes each model different, read on to discover a few helpful tricks for telling commercial airplane models apart.

How to See the Type of Plane When Booking

Most travelers choose flights based on price and convenience, but some seasoned travelers may be looking to fly on a particular model, perhaps because one offers a more comfortable seating layout or a more modern design that might help reduce jet lag. And with recent news surrounding the Boeing 737 MAX, you might be wondering if you can avoid flying on a certain plane type altogether. 

Fortunately, major U.S. airlines make it easy to tell what type of aircraft is scheduled to operate each flight. (Word of caution: Aircraft assignments are always subject to change, and usually airlines won’t let you change or refund your flight if that happens.) 

When booking on United Airlines, for example, you’ll find the aircraft type next to the flight number, directly under the departure and arrival times to the far left of the page. American Airlines also displays aircraft type under the flight times, right next to the flight number. On Delta Air Lines, you’ll want to click on the hyperlink marked “details” or on the flight numbers, which will introduce a pop-up that has more detailed aircraft information (and also a helpful illustration). Each of these airlines also offers more details on its full fleet of aircraft on their respective websites. 

While the big three global U.S. carriers operate many different fleet types, since its first flight in 1971, low-cost giant Southwest Airlines has only flown the Boeing 737. That said, Southwest operates a few different variants — both the older-generation 737-700 and 737-800 and the newer 737-8 MAX models. The airline displays this information during the booking process when you click on the flight number on the flight results page.

What Are the Most Popular Narrow-Body Aircraft Types? 

A narrow-body plane has only one center aisle down the aircraft with two to three passenger seats on each side in the main cabin. Wide-body aircraft, on the other hand, have two passenger aisles, with a set of seats along each window and one in the center section between the aisles. If you’re taking a domestic flight anytime soon, chances are high that you’ll be on an Airbus A320 family aircraft or a Boeing 737. 

Boeing Models

Since the type’s first flight in 1967, more than 15,000 Boeing 737s have been built — more than any other aircraft in history. Today, more than 11,000 Boeing 737s remain in service, and on average, there are two of them landing or departing every five seconds at any given time around the world. 

Most older-generation Boeing 737s (including the 737-100, -200, -300, -400, and -500) are no longer flying in the United States. The most common type in service today is Boeing’s “Next Generation” 737, which was introduced in 1997 with refreshed technology. These include the 737-700, 737-800, and 737-900ER (Extended Range) models. In 2017, Boeing unveiled another updated version of the 737 called the 737 MAX with further technology and efficiency updates. As of mid-2024, the 737-8 and 737-9 are flying, while the 737-7 and 737-10 are awaiting certification. 

American, Delta, and United each operate several hundred Boeing 737 aircraft. Like Southwest, Alaska’s entire mainline fleet is composed of 737s (the carrier also operates a fleet of regional jets). As of mid-2024, Alaska, American, Southwest, and United also operate dozens of 737 MAXes.

As for other Boeing models, the Boeing 757, first flown in the 1980s, was once a domestic workhouse, but many have been retired in recent years. However, United and Delta still operate large fleets of these aircraft. Consisting of the 757-200 and the longer 757-300 variant, they typically seat between 180 and 230 passengers, and are the longest narrow-body aircraft flying today. The smallest Boeing jet, the 110-seater Boeing 717, is also in service with Delta and Hawaiian Airlines.

Airbus Models

The Airbus A320 family has also proven wildly popular. The European manufacturer introduced the type in 1987 with “fly-by-wire” technology, making it the first modern jetliner with a computer-controlled cockpit. Today, more than 10,000 Airbus A320 family aircraft remain in service, including the Airbus A318, A319, A320, and A321 variants (ranked in size order). 

Airbus has two generations of the A320 — the original “CEO” (current engine option) and the newer “NEO” (new engine option), which first flew in 2014 with more fuel-efficient engines and other design updates. You can find Airbus models on many major airlines. U.S. airlines such as Frontier, JetBlue, and Spirit, and Allegiant only operate A320-family aircraft, while American, United, and Delta each have large fleets of the type.

One of the newest aircraft types is the Airbus A220, formerly called the CS100, which was introduced in 2013. Airlines such as Air Canada, Delta, and JetBlue are major operators of this model. 

Regional Jets

You may also likely find yourself on a “regional” jet. Compared to “mainline” jets like the Boeing 737, these aircraft typically seat between 50 and 100 passengers and operate in and out of smaller airports under separate branding (i.e. Delta Connection or United Express). The two largest manufacturers of these smaller jets are Bombardier and Embraer. Bombardier makes the Canadair Regional Jet series, including the CRJ-200, CRJ-700, and CRJ-900 models. Embraer makes the E-jet family — consisting of the E-170, E-175, E-190, and E-195 — and also produces the smaller ERJ-145.

What About Wide-Body Aircraft?

If you’re traveling overseas on a long-haul flight, there’s a good chance you’ll be on a wide-body jet. The Boeing widebody models flying today include the double-decker Boeing 747 (aka the “Queen of the Skies”), the 767, the 777, and the 787. The Boeing 787 is the carrier’s latest-generation type, built primarily with lighter-weight composite materials that make the aircraft more fuel-efficient.

Airbus also has several wide-body models in operation, including the A330, the A340, the A350, and the A380. The A330 and A340 have a similar fuselage, with the latter having four engines instead of two. The A350 is the manufacturer’s newest long-range type, built to compete with Boeing’s 787, and includes the A350-900 and stretched A350-1000 version. Finally, the A380 is the world’s largest passenger jet, which can accommodate between 500 and 800 passengers with two full decks of seating. Sadly, production on the A380 ended in 2021 due to lack of orders.

Different Passenger Experiences

While most modern jetliners offer similar levels of passenger comfort, not all aircraft are created exactly equal. Notably, the A320’s fuselage is about seven inches wider than the 737. That may not seem like much, but the extra few inches of width gives each economy class seat an extra inch of width on average, and the extra elbow room is noticeable in today’s otherwise cramped cabins.

As far as regional jets, many passengers prefer Embraer’s E-jets (such as the E-175) because the cabin is slightly taller than the Canadair Regional Jet (such as the CRJ-900). That leaves a little more head room, plus space for larger overhead bins. Both models offer two-by-two seating — meaning there’s no middle seat in coach.

Newer wide-body models, such as the Airbus A350 and Boeing 787, also offer improved passenger comfort. The use of carbon fiber materials in their construction increases cabin pressure and reduces humidity, which can ease the effects of jet lag compared with older types. The 787 also features updated passenger-friendly amenities such as extra-large dimmable windows. The A350, meanwhile, is slightly wider than the 787, which allows for slightly wider seats.

How to Identify Aircraft Visually 

Ready to go one step further in your aviation knowledge? True pros can identify the exact aircraft model just by looking at one on the airport runway. There are a few key elements and subtle differences in each aircraft’s design to look out for.

Start with the number of engines. These days, the vast majority of aircraft are twin-engined, so if you see one with four engines it’ll be easier to identify off the bat. Even easier: Two widebody plane types feature a double deck, the Boeing 747 and the Airbus A380 jumbo jet. The 747’s top deck only extends for a small portion at the front of the fuselage, while the A380’s extends the entire length.

Other exterior details to keep an eye on include the shape of the tail fin, the shape of the nose, the layout of the cockpit windows, the landing gear, and the number and type of exit doors along the fuselage of the aircraft. 

For example, the Boeing 737 has a noticeably pointier nose design than the rounded one found on the Airbus A320. The 737’s cockpit windows slant upwards and downwards at the bottom, while the A320’s are mostly level. The front part of the 737 tail also has a noticeable triangular protrusion at the base where it meets the fuselage, whereas the A320’s has a small, gentle curve at the base. Finally, the Airbus model sits higher off the ground than its Boeing competitor.  

And what about between different variants of the same aircraft family? Start with the exit doors. Because the variants differ by passenger capacity, they usually have a different number of exits. For example, the 737-700 only has one small window emergency exit on each side over the wings on each side. The -800 is slightly larger and features two emergency exits over the wings. The -900 is the longest and features two small emergency exits over the wings and a larger door immediately aft of the wings, which can be plugged if airlines choose to configure the plane with fewer than the maximum number of seats.

The 737-9 MAX also features the optional larger exit door directly aft of the wing, similar to the 737-900ER. These can also be deactivated based on airline seating configuration. The plugged exit door made headlines in January 2024 when it detached from an Alaska Airlines 737-9 MAX shortly after takeoff, prompting the worldwide fleet to be grounded and inspected before it could safely return to service several weeks later.

The most sought-after travel accessory isn’t a designer carry-on bag or the latest wireless headphones — it’s a powerful passport. This essential companion to any international journey paves the way to new adventures and destinations, but not all passports are created equal. While some may offer unrestricted access to nearly 200 countries, others require users to secure a pretravel visa for most destinations. So, which countries boast more passport privileges than others? To find out, we turned to the Henley Passport Index, an annual guide to passport strength. Discover the world’s most powerful passports in 2026.

What Is the Henley Passport Index?

For the past 20 years, the Henley Passport Index has ranked passports by the number of countries a holder can enter without obtaining a prior visa. It compares 199 passports and 227 travel destinations, awarding one point for each destination the passport holder can enter without a visa.

A visa is a document issued by the destination country to a traveler that allows entry for a specified period of time. Obtaining a visa before travel can be time-consuming — possibly requiring applications, medical screenings, interviews, and more. Because of this, visa-free entry to foreign countries is desirable for travelers.

Considered the gold standard for assessing a passport’s global mobility, the Henley index is based on exclusive data from the International Air Transport Association (IATA). These rankings are updated monthly based on international travel regulations and political and economic events, providing the most up-to-date data in the industry.

Countries With the Top Passports in 2026

One country has remained at or near the top of the Henley index — in first or second place — since 2018. And in 2026, Singapore‘s passport is as strong as ever. The city-state retains its position as the world’s most powerful passport in 2026, with unrestricted access to 192 destinations. 

In a tie for second place are Japan and South Korea, both of which provide visa-free access to 187 destinations. Sweden and the United Arab Emirates are tied for third place, meaning they have the strongest passports in Europe and the Middle East, respectively, entitling visa-free access to 186 nations. Interestingly, the UAE has the biggest comeback story within the ranking, increasing its reach from 35 destinations in 2006 to 186 today.

Overall, Europe is a powerhouse when it comes to passport strength. Twelve European countries are tied for fourth place, each boasting access to 185 countries: Belgium, Denmark, Finland, France, Germany, Ireland, Italy, Luxembourg, the Netherlands, Norway, Spain, and Switzerland. Fifth place (with access to 184 countries) is a four-way tie among Austria, Greece, Malta, and Portugal.

Other Passports To Watch

Although Asian and European passports dominate the top rankings, other regions are not far behind. Two of the most populous countries in Oceania, New Zealand (183) and Australia (182), rank sixth and seventh, respectively. Along with Australia, the United Kingdom is part of a six-way tie for seventh place.

In North America, Canada (181) ranks eighth, falling one spot since last year’s report. Similarly, the United States (179) fell from ninth to 10th place year over year. Compare that with 2014, when the U.S. and the U.K. jointly held the No. 1 spot in the ranking. Over the past year, the U.S. lost visa-free access to seven destinations, while the U.K. lost access to eight.

Growing Gaps in Passport Mobility

One of the most notable takeaways from the 2026 index is that the gap between the highest and lowest passport mobility has widened since the Henley Passport Index’s debut year in 2006. Today, there is a 168-destination gap between the highest-ranking passport, Singapore (with visa-free access to 192 destinations), and the lowest, Afghanistan (24). Twenty years ago, this gap was 50 nations smaller. Afghanistan’s passport, which ranks last in the index, currently offers visa-free access to 24 destinations, down from 26 since last year.

The Most Powerful Passports in 2026

Here’s the full top 10 ranking of the world’s most powerful passports for 2026, along with their respective number of visa-free entries:

1. Singapore (193)

2. Japan (187)

2. South Korea (187)

3. Sweden (186)

3. United Arab Emirates (186)

4. Belgium (185)

4. Denmark (185)

4. Finland (185)

4. France (185)

4. Germany (185)

4. Ireland (185)

4. Italy (185)

4. Luxembourg (185)

4. Netherlands (185)

4. Norway (185)

4. Spain (185)

4. Switzerland (185)

5. Austria (184)

5. Greece (184)

5. Malta (184)

5. Portugal (184)

6. Hungary (183)

6. Malaysia (183)

6. New Zealand (183)

6. Poland (183)

6. Slovakia (183)

6. Slovenia (183)

7. Australia (182)

7. Croatia (182)

7. Czechia (182)

7. Estonia (182)

7. Latvia (182)

7. United Kingdom (182)

8. Canada (181)

8. Liechtenstein (181)

8. Lithuania (181)

9. Iceland (180)

10. United States (179)

The Henley Passport Index updates rankings monthly according to the most recent data. The above list is accurate at the time of publishing.

Cramped seats, packed overhead bins, tiny bags of pretzels (if anything at all) — it’s all par for the course when it comes to flying these days. But while that may be true of economy class, it’s a much different story if you’re lucky enough to be flying in first class. Booking a first or business class seat gives travelers more room to stretch out, personalized service, complimentary in-flight meals and cocktails, and a host of other perks that might just make you forget what it’s like flying at the back of the plane. Many travelers think expensive first-class tickets are out of reach, but you might be surprised to learn that there are ways to score that seat upgrade for less than you think. Read on to discover four ways to fly first class for less.

Make Use of Your Frequent Flier Miles 

You’ve probably already enrolled in one or more airline frequent flier programs, so make sure to add your frequent flier number to your itinerary each time you fly. You’ll rack up points based on the money you spend on airfare or the number of miles you fly (except for some basic economy tickets) and you can later cash these points in for free flights. Essentially, you’re getting cash back every time you fly. Plus, if you have a co-branded airline credit card or a travel rewards credit card, you can easily add to your stash by earning miles from everyday spending. 

In addition to redeeming miles for a new booking, most airlines will allow you to upgrade an existing ticket to a higher cabin using frequent flier points, cash, or a combination of both. While carriers such as American Airlines publish a handy chart detailing the number of miles needed to upgrade, others such as Delta Air Lines have variable pricing. In those cases, you’ll want to log into your itinerary on the airline’s website or app and see how much it costs to upgrade your seat. You’ll typically see both a cash price or a points price — if you’ve already got the hard-earned points from previous flights, it’s a great way to score an upgrade without paying for it out of pocket. 

Achieve Elite Status — or Travel With Somebody Who Has It

While there’s probably no such thing as a “free” upgrade anymore, the closest you can get is by achieving elite status with an airline. Fly (and spend) a certain amount each year, and you’ll be rewarded for your loyalty with perks like priority service, free bags, and waived fees. Perhaps the most coveted perk of all is the complimentary upgrade.

If any first-class seats on a flight remain unsold by the time of departure, airlines — including Alaska, American, Delta, and United — will offer their elite members space-available upgrades, prioritized based on their elite status tier. These complimentary upgrades are typically available on flights within North America, to the Caribbean, and to some destinations in northern South America. These types of complimentary upgrades usually aren’t offered on long-haul international flights; however, top spenders in these frequent flier programs can sometimes acquire upgrade certificates that can be used for any destination the airline flies to. 

Don’t have elite status? Many programs will allow the elite member to also upgrade companions traveling with them for free — even if they don’t hold any status with the airline. Or, if a friend or family member with elite status won’t be able to use all their upgrade certificates, they might be able to upgrade you instead. Finally, some airline credit cards offer elite-like perks — for example, cardholders of the Delta Reserve Card are eligible for complimentary first-class upgrades once all elite members have been cleared from the upgrade list.  

Keep an Eye Out for Discounted Upgrades Closer to Check-In 

Of course, for airlines, it’s better to sell a first-class seat than give one away for free. If any premium seats remain unsold close to the departure date, airlines will often try to incentivize last-minute upgrades to fill the cabin. For example, Air Canada offers a “Last Minute Upgrade Purchase” option during check-in if seats are available — often for far less than to book a first-class seat outright. The airline (like many others) also allows travelers to place a bid on an upgrade to a premium seat up to 48 hours prior to departure, which can be another way to score a cheap first-class upgrade. 

It also doesn’t hurt to ask the agent at the check-in counter or gate about any upgrade possibilities. While there’s a slim chance of scoring a free upgrade just for looking the part, you might be offered an attractive price. That’s particularly true if the flight is oversold — if you volunteer to take a later flight, you can negotiate an upgrade to a higher cabin as part of your compensation for being flexible. 

Or, Just Book a Premium Fare From the Start

At the end of the day, some travelers aren’t willing to roll the dice on a last-minute upgrade. If you prefer peace of mind knowing you have a comfortable travel experience ahead of you, consider searching first or business class seats from the start instead of hoping for an upgrade later. 

The best way to find discounted premium cabin fares is by using Google Flights. The site’s handy calendar feature makes it easy to find the lowest fares — just enter your origin and destination, number of passengers, and type of trip (round-trip, one-way, or multi-city), making sure to specify first or business class for the class of service. You don’t even need to have a specific route pairing in mind — the site also has a map feature to explore destinations with attractive pricing. 

A good rule of thumb is to search for days of the week that have less demand from business travelers — typically Tuesdays, Wednesdays, and Saturdays. And if you’re flexible, consider flights with off-peak departure times such as early in the morning or late at night. 

Finally, certain credit card programs also offer their cardholders handy tools for securing cheap first-class flights. For example, cardholders of the American Express Platinum Card have access to the International Airline Program, which provides discounts on first, business, and premium economy fares on participating airlines. Cardholders can also use their points to upgrade an existing ticket. 

If you’re lucky enough to be traveling to the “Last Frontier” for a once-in-a-lifetime adventure, you might be on the fence about what to pack. From extreme chills to unusual daylight hours, Alaska — with its far north location — presents a unique set of challenges when it comes to trip planning. Whether you’re embarking on a summer cruise or an arctic expedition, here are 12 must-pack items for your Alaskan adventure. 

Summer Cruise

Gore-Tex Insulated Windbreaker

Visiting Alaska in the warmer months? You should never forget an insulated coat when packing for Alaska — even in summer. Most outdoor brands feature a material in their activewear called Gore-Tex that helps withstand the elements. An insulated windbreaker is ideal for both warm days and chilly nights, during which you might experience harsh winds and a sudden salty sea breeze when the cruise ship heads into arctic waters. Marmot’s Minimalist Jacket will ensure you rock the boat in style — and most importantly, stay dry.

Waterproof Day Pack

If you have the opportunity to kayak through the glacial passageways, wetlands, or lakes of Alaska in summer, make sure you bring a waterproof day pack to keep your camera, phone, and other belongings safe and dry. The Skog Å Kust BackSåk comes in 11 colors and two sizes. It features a roll-down top for quick access, zippered protective pockets, adjustable cushioned straps, and back padding for optimal spine support. 

Sleep Mask

Experiencing the “midnight sun” in Alaska might sound fun, but in reality, it can be a challenge if you’re a light-sensitive sleeper. From late spring to late summer, some places in Alaska receive more than 18 hours of sunlight each day — perfect for adventure but tricky for sleeping. Hopefully, your hotel room has decent blackout curtains, but if you find yourself faced with the sun’s ever-blinding presence during peak sleep hours, you’ll be glad you have a heavy-duty sleep mask. These 3-D memory foam sleep masks by Sia Silk are extra soft and feature an ergonomic design to help you unwind in total darkness.

Blue or Green Bug-Proof Joggers

Alaska is home to 35 species of mosquitoes, which means you’ll probably encounter a few of them, especially in summer. So it’s smart to keep your legs and arms covered with lightweight clothing. A pair of bug-repelling joggers should do the trick. These BugsAway pants by ExOfficio will prevent ticks, mosquitoes, and midges from landing and feature zippered pockets for carrying bug spray and other essentials. As an added bonus, they come in shades of green and blue — wearing cool tones such as blue, green, purple, and white can make it difficult for mosquitoes to see you. 

Binoculars

No matter what month you set sail on an Alaskan cruise, you’re bound to encounter some epic wildlife, so don’t miss the opportunity to spot orcas, harbor seals, humpback whales, sea otters, sea lions, walruses, and more. A pair of binoculars will help you focus on the dot everyone’s pointing to on the horizon. We love these fun-colored pairs by Barska.

Moisturizing Sunscreen

Any dermatologist will emphasize the importance of applying moisturizing sunscreen each day, and this is even more crucial when you’re under the beating Alaskan summer sun. The lightweight, moisturizing SPF 30 sunscreen by Ursa Major is vegan and cruelty-free, mineral-based, and suitable for all skin types. You can layer it with makeup and other skincare products. The sunscreen helps your skin stay hydrated, protecting it from harsh rays that reflect off Alaska’s coastal waters.

Sun Hat

Just like your skin, your head will need extra protection out on the water. A bucket hat with an adjustable chin drawstring is perfect for warm, windy days on the cruise ship deck. This sun hat by Jane Shine is made of breathable nylon mesh that dries quickly and features an inner band to absorb sweat. The hat offers UPF 50-plus sun protection, can easily be folded up or down for a variety of styles, and fits right in your pocket. It’s also available in 21 different colors and patterns to match any outfit.

Arctic Expedition

Heated Gloves

Braving Alaska in winter instead? It’s one of the most magical times of year, but it goes without saying: Make sure you pack warm! Temperatures in the southern and coastal regions of Alaska average anywhere from 0 degrees to -30 degrees Fahrenheit. Keeping your fingers and toes cozy is extra important, since extremities are the first to experience frostbite symptoms if left unchecked. Consider packing heated gloves — these rechargeable battery-powered ones by Fieldsheer are made with goatskin leather and include four heat settings for optimal warmth that lasts up to eight hours. 

Fleece-Lined Leggings

Even if you’re planning an adventure trip, chances are you don’t have room in your luggage to pack bulky snow gear. Leave thick pants at home and instead opt for multipurpose attire with insulation to prevent body heat from escaping. Fleece-lined leggings will add a protective layer to any outfit. LAPASA’s line of active thermal wear is made of 100% Merino wool and will keep you warm on even the coldest Alaskan night.

Trapper Hat

Sadly, your favorite beanie might not be enough for the Alaskan frost this time of year. Earmuffs aren’t a bad idea, but you can keep your head and your ears even warmer with a trapper hat. Waterproof winter trapper hats by ChoKoLids come with a facemask for extra protection against the chill, and the ushanka faux fur lining keeps your ears snug so they won’t sting.

Snow Boots

Your snow boots will likely get some love on a winter trek through Alaska, so make sure you choose wisely. Boots should be waterproof and well-insulated, have good traction for icy trails, be relatively easy to slip on and off, and be lightweight enough to attach to snowshoes if need be. Sorel is one of the most popular boot brands for snowbirds —the Out ‘N About III Classic Boot is stylishly upholstered in leather and suede but features a vulcanized rubber shell for slush protection and molded rubber outsoles for optimal grip. 

Light Therapy Lamp

Sunlight is an essential ingredient for maintaining optimal health — and yes, that includes your mental health. But in winter, parts of Alaska experience a polar night, meaning the sun does not rise above the horizon for about 67 days each year. The shortest “day” in Fairbanks is just three hours and 42 minutes. The lack of sunlight means vitamin D deficiency is a problem, so consider packing a light therapy lamp. The HappyLight Lumi Plus by Verilux emits a bright white light that mimics sunlight to energize and enhance focus. It even has a countdown timer to fit your daily needs and routine.  

Note: All featured products and deals are selected independently and objectively by the author. Daily Passport may receive a share of sales via affiliate links in content.

Featured image credit: Enn Li  Photography/ Moment via Getty Images 

Commercial airplanes are among the safest ways to travel. Statistics show that the risk of injury on larger airplanes is extremely low, with only 0.01 injuries per 100 million miles traveled for the average passenger. This adds up to just a few dozen injuries annually, far less than the millions who are hurt in automobiles. But for those who still find themselves with a fear of flying, there are steps you can take to both calm your nerves and also boost your chances of surviving a potential accident, no matter how unlikely it may be. This starts with selecting the right seat. Find out what experts think is the safest section on an airplane.

Which Seats Are the Safest, According to the Data?

In 2015, TIME magazine analyzed 35 years of FAA data regarding aircraft accidents that occurred between 1985 and 2000. The report concluded that seats located in the rear third of the plane had a 32% fatality rate during more serious catastrophes — slightly lower than the 39% fatality rate for passengers located in the middle third of the cabin, and 38% for those located in the front third.

Drilling down further, passengers sitting in middle seats toward the rear of the cabin had a 28% fatality rate, which was also slightly lower than passengers located in seats along the aisle or against the window. The theory is that passengers on both sides provide a buffer against the hard wall of the cabin or anything that may fly down the aisle during a crash. On the flip side, the highest fatality rate anywhere on the plane was 44% for passengers seated in aisle seats located in the middle third of the cabin.

The Downsides of Sitting in the Rear

While the rear of the plane may provide a slightly higher rate of survival during the unlikely event of a fatal accident, that section of the cabin otherwise has a few drawbacks. Not only are they the last rows to disembark or receive in-flight service, rear rows often experience worse turbulence than seats located further up, which can make a routine journey less than pleasant. Rear seats are also often located near the bathrooms, which may also mean unwanted odors. So you might want to ask yourself if all those potential downsides are worth the benefit, especially given how safe air travel is to begin with.

Is Sitting Near the Exit Row Even Safer?

A 2011 study concluded that it may actually be in your best interest to prioritize sitting near an exit row. Passengers located within five rows of an exit were deemed more likely to safely evacuate the aircraft in time before a potential situation became worse. If you’re not seated close to the exit, here’s a helpful tip: When you board the aircraft, count how many rows are between you and the exit. That way, in the event that the cabin fills with smoke, you’ll be able to find your way to the exit even when visibility is obscured.

Keep In Mind That No Two Accidents Are the Same

All told, airplane accidents are incredibly rare. But when they do happen, it’s just as rare for one incident to be identical to another — and there will always be outliers. In certain cases, the issue is with the mechanical components of the aircraft, while at other times it may be weather conditions or human error. It can also be a problem as specific as the tail of the airplane or a collision that happens at the rear — and if this is the case, then suddenly those “safer” rear seats become far more dangerous. Given this variability, some would argue that there actually isn’t a safest seat on the plane. (In fact, the FAA says that all seats are equally safe.) At the end of the day, it’s up to each passenger to decide what seat is best for them depending on their comfort level.