If you have a horribly early flight

5 survival tips

If you are reading this, I have been on the plane for hours. Liesbeth and I are going from Amsterdam ‘via Barcelona’ to Mallorca. That may sound classy, but it's just a euphemism for ‘with a change of plane’. And if you have a transfer, chances are you are flying a pricefighter and yes, even then the chances are considerable that you had an unchristian departure time.

So was the case with us as we had a call at 05:30. “That means I have to set the alarm at, at, at something with a 4 in the clock.” That's earlier bedtime than wake-up time for Liesbeth.

Since you probably also book a pricefight flight (because you'd rather spend that money on a pair of fresh mules or a linen lunch) here are some tips. In fact, I have dealt with this axe before.

Book a fine driver

When you get up this early, the last thing you want is to get into a musty-smelling taxi. If you live in Amsterdam and you order a TCA taxi, you have the option of choosing a more luxurious car. You'll pay a tiny bit more for that, but you'll be assured of a well-kept car. Also comes in handy if you have to go to a fancy party. I was once picked up in a van that also dropped me off in front of a red carpet. Embarrassing. And of course, the good old Uber is also great.

Another tip. Order the taxi in advance. Having to call in the morning will only cause you stress.

Set your alarm twice

The handy thing about your iPhone's alarm clock is that you can set it off at different times. Then you know you have a backup if you possibly sleep through the first session.

Do your hair the night before

I always like to with good hair on the plane. Since I have better things to do in the morning than juggling round brushes and a hot hairdryer, I do it thoroughly and thoroughly the night before. At least that's already done.

Skip your breakfast

That will save you ten precious minutes. For a croissant and a latte, you will soon have all the time in the airport and besides, you are probably not hungry at this un-Christmas hour anyway.

Get everything ready

Talk about open doors, but how many times in the morning I reached around like a savage looking for something that looked like a passport or searching for something with all the hallmarks of a credit card. So not good for your heart. Put everything neatly side by side on the table so that when you put everything in your bag in the morning, you have immediately done your tick-off check. Because so I go down my list (boarding pass? Check, Passport? Check, Credit card? Check) seventeen times.

For your fellow passengers

Watch your scent a bit. Too pronounced lüfte are not good for the morning nose. Opt for a modest, fresh perfume or use a body lotion of your perfume. Then you'll smell just as good, but just a little less present.

Treat to self

Make sure there is something you look forward to on the plane later. Maybe bring something really tasty to eat. I have the film Dior and I rented from iTunes and am, while you are probably reading this, delightfully watching it.

Safe travels!