Top 3 Flight Accessories
After 13 years of flying to visit clients, host designation hiring fairs, interviewing on site, as well as learning to fly recreationally, I have learned a few secrets to making every flight a good one.
The first is to carry custom earplugs. Working in the pulp and paper industry 15 years ago, worker safety was our first priority. Custom earplug for each worker increased usage as there is better comfort and effective protection. Flying commercially these are great for focusing on work and getting rest. After the flight, they also saved me from horrendous hotel neighbours who got home from the Lions vs. Roughrider game and decided the party/tackling would go all night!
Not to concentrate too much on hearing, but I’m wearing Bose Noise Cancelling Headphones right now. These work with my iPhone to give perfect voice and sound blocking. When video conferencing with background noise (including my screaming 6-month-old), being able to communicate once I am on the ground is key to keeping in touch with family and the office. For listening to audiobooks and watching videos, a good pair of noise-cancelling headphones is key.
The final thing to bring on any trip whether you’re heading to camp, a conference or even a holiday, is a Nexus card. The Nexus card is not only for trips to the US but for accessing trusted traveller, tea precheck, which are basically VIP lines that whisk you through security lines. Between online check-in, carry on and a nexus card you can show up to domestic flights with 5 minutes to spare and still make your boarding time. It isn’t easy to get a Nexus card, you have to apply a couple months in advance and do an interview in a major city like Vancouver, Calgary, Winnipeg, Toronto, Montreal, and Halifax, to name a few.
A quick day trip from Victoria to Calgary usually goes pretty smooth but the custom ear plugs, Boise Noise Cancelling headphones and a Nexus Card make sure I can rest, get work done and spend less time in line and more time working while on the road.
Kael Campbell is President and Lead Recruiter of Red Seal Recruiting Solutions, a company providing recruitment services in mining, equipment and plant maintenance, utilities, manufacturing, construction, and transportation. When he is not recruiting, Kael spends as much time as possible with family in the great outdoors and on the water. He volunteers his time as a Board Member of the Entrepreneurs Organization of Victoria and a Member of Victoria Marine Search and Rescue. You are invited to subscribe to our employer newsletter or submit your resume.