Destinasian I Traveler Dossier: Leah Murakami

Post by kristine • October 17, 2012 • Post a comment

When Leah Murakami watched the acrobatics of the Blue Angels at the Point Mugu Airshow, the then-10-year-old knew she had to fly. By 15, she managed to save up enough to take her first flying lesson and got her pilot’s license on her 17th birthday.

The first Asian female fighter pilot in the U.S., Murakami is today a commercial airline pilot and avid traveler. She knows a thing or two about life on the road, so we asked her for some tips on being a happy traveler.

ISSUE: Summer 2012
DEPT: Destinasian

Staying healthy: Same as at home — get enough sleep and stay hydrated. I buy a bottle of water at the airport and make sure I keep it filled. I don’t drink any caffeine or sodas when flying, but I will treat myself to one glass of wine on a long flight.

Staying happy: It’s important for me to arrive at my destination relaxed, rested and free of aches. I forgo the movies, even the meals, if it means more sleep on the plane.

The mother of invention: I spent so much time on the road and yearned for a travel pillow that would give me enough support while sitting in an upright position (think: middle seat of economy). So I invented the OmTraveler, which can be used as a neck pillow, side pillow or back pillow, or tied together in an “O” shape. When I was pregnant, I even used it as a nursing pillow.

Other must-haves: Comfortable but stylish shoes (black boots and wedge sandals are great for walking all day), a good moisturizer (mini jars of Cetaphil and Aquaphor), and Benadryl for emergencies (I once broke out in hives on a 10-hour flight and it was absolute torture). Details Omislife.com.

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One Response

1

Fabrizio says:

April 10, 2013 at 12:13 pm

Good evening,
Would it be possible for you to pass this short message to Ms Leah Murakami.I meet her long time ago and after about 30 years today accidentaly I can see that she has been a Pilot.
Tks

Ciao Leah,
Dopo 27 anni,oggi per puro caso sono finito in questa pagina Web ed ho scoperto che sei stata
un Pilota,congratulazioni!!!!!!
Ciao
Fabrizio