For the last couple of years, I've been travelling to see loved ones every 2-4 months, and logging a lot of (super-boring) time in the air. I don't even take my magazines out of their plastic delivery sleeves until it's time to throw them in my carry-on, knowing they are essential for keeping me from losing my mind (perhaps I'm not a great traveler). The upside of this system: in-flight entertainment. The downside? Well, I'm usually about 2-4 months behind on what's hot..
A recent entry on Go Fug Yourself made me realize I'm not the only one who does this:
Apparently, Eva Longoria wore this out on a date with Mark Sanchez, who she's been seeing lately. How did I not know this was happening? Is this because I've been hoarding my US Weeklys in preparation for our flight to Fashion Week tomorrow? I get three weeks behind on Celebrity Gossip and look what happens. A TV actress hooks up with a quarterback and I don't even know about it.For the uninitiated, the Fug Girls are almost as serious about football as they are about fashion. Their round-up of NFL Draft fashion is a thing of beauty.
Anyway, do you save your magazines for trips? I just know that if I don't, I'll succumb to the temptation of airport magazines, and end up spending as much on one issue as I do for my whole subscription. (If anyone's wondering how I resolved my Re-subscribe? De-Subscribe? dilemma, I kept Wired and Vogue, let Garden Design expire until I have a garden, and accidentally subscribed for Architectural Digest.) I travel with two magazines in my carry-on for the flight out — choosing two that I think my host would like to read — and two for the flight back. Plus at least two books, of course. The only exception I make to my magazine-hoarding rule is the September issue of Vogue, which would be ridiculous to travel with: the 2012 issue weighs 4.5lbs, and yes, I weighed it. Therefore it is a luxurious annual treat, a magazine to read sitting on my wood floor in the sun, away from the rigors of travel.
(Image: Shutterstock)


White Enamel Flatwa...
I would never wait to open a new magazine. If you can read a book on your trips, why would you need them anyway? For me, a new magazine is as exciting as Christmas day for a kid!
I think this is one application where tablets are useful. Just bring one along and you can have the latest and archived versions of any magazine you want.
The downside is that currently, you of course can use your gadget for a bit during take off and landing.
I take a paperback novel or two. Plus, I'm very good at Just Sittin'. I don't need entertainment.
I make (nearly) monthly trips to visit my best friend, and always read Vanity Fair on the plane, and leave it with her. In exchange, she gives me the Atlantic. Fair trade!
I've been doing this for years! And yes, I'm always a little behind, but I'm not exactly a fashionista or really follow celeb gossip, so it doesn't bother me much.
You read my mind - 4 new magazines came in the mail today, and Friday I hop a plane to see my family & I am not opening them until I get to the airport!! I like having something to look forward to after dealing with the hassle of flying!
I bring catalogs and magazines during my 20 minute Metro commute. Too short sadly for me to read my book, but perfect for flipping through a catalog!
I don't save magazines for trips, but I will admit to almost treating issues of Small Room Decorating like Charlie did his bday chocolate bars...
SRD is one of last print shelter mags and my apt is basically a larger SRO. The fact that it's a special interest pub that can't be subscribed to makes its quarterly issues seem all the more precious.
I do this and then leave the magazines I've finished in the seat pocket for someone else to read!
Magazines on the plane are one of my simple pleasures. I'm flying next week and saving a stack for the flights.
All my magazines and books are on my iPad. The iPad weighs less than some of the thicker magazines and obviously serves many other purposes. I still like having some types of traditional books and magazines but never for traveling. Magazines on the iPad look amazing.