Sofia Coppola’s second film, Lost in Translation, was partly inspired by jet lag. It “makes you contemplate life in a different way,” she has said. “You’re far removed from all the distractions of your normal life.” The director and screenwriter splits her time between Paris and New York’s West Village, and is constantly called to different time zones for shoots. Her latest film, Priscilla, an adaptation of Priscilla Presley’s memoir, hits theaters this weekend. Coppola has spent much of the past few months on planes to attend screenings and film festivals. Here, she answers our questionnaire about what she packs, eats, and buys while traveling.
Last flight you took?
L.A. to N.Y.
Favorite airline?
Air France.
What do you wear to the airport?
Barrie cashmere pants-and-sweater set.
How long before your flight boards do you get to the airport?
Two hours before international, pretty standard. I remember in the 90s when you could get there five minutes before and we would run to the plane.
Check bags, or carry-on only?
I always check bags and overpack.
What do you bring in your carry-on?
De Mamiel Altitude Oil, Augustinus Bader Rich Cream and Lip Balm, a notebook and pen, headphones, a book.
T.S.A. PreCheck, or regular?
T.S.A.
Favorite airport?
CDG, because I’m heading into Paris! And they have a French pharmacy, which I always love to go to and get last-minute products on [my] way home.
What do you buy in the airport?
Fritos, Estée Lauder Re-Nutriv hand cream.
What do you do while waiting to board?
People-watch, finish e-mails, or calls.
Items you can’t fly without?
My notebook and pen.
Do you take any drugs or alcohol to fly?
I like cold sake if on the way to Japan!
First class or coach?
First, please.
Window, middle, or aisle seat?
Window.
How do you pass the time on the flight?
I like to read on the plane or space out and make notes about things I want to do. I don’t like to connect to Wi-Fi or work.
Do you eat plane food?
No, I bring a sandwich (I love the ones from Bar Pisellino, in the West Village), or a sushi roll from Sugarfish.
Do you talk to the people sitting next to you?
No, I’m not that chatty. I like to get into my book or my music and thoughts.
Keep shoes on or off on the plane?
Off.
What do you do when turbulence hits?
I don’t mind unless it’s really bad … I’ve been flying since I was little, so I don’t really think twice about it.
Worst part of the flight?
When you’re only halfway there. But I like being on the plane. I like being cut off from everything else, and to have a pause. Otherwise, I feel like I need to be productive. Except when on the plane.
First thing you do when the plane lands?
A refreshing face spray and text my family.
Advice for travelers?
I like to bring Japanese incense for the hotel room, and, if you travel a lot, it helps to have an extra set of toiletries ready to go.
Priscilla, written and directed by Sofia Coppola, is in theaters now