Five years ago (think: early pandemic and a week into quarantine), viewers around the world were dazzled by Israeli actress Shira Haas’s performance as Esther Shapiro in Netflix’s hit mini-series Unorthodox. Based on Deborah Feldman’s autobiography, the show follows a Hasidic Jewish woman, played by Haas, who escapes an arranged marriage in Brooklyn and starts a new life abroad in Berlin. The Tel Aviv native now steps into the role of an Israeli Black Widow in Marvel’s latest Captain America movie. To celebrate the film’s release, Haas details what she packs, eats, and buys while traveling. —Carolina de Armas
What do you wear to the airport?
Comfortable pants, a hoodie, and sneakers. I try to make it look like a nice outfit, but—be it a 4-hour or 15-hour flight—comfort is always my priority.
How long before your flight boards do you get to the airport?
You’d think that with experience I’d cut it closer in time, but honestly, I’ve always been that nerd who gets to the airport way too early. I like to walk to the gate with ease and maybe grab a coffee.
Check bags, or carry-on only?
I always overpack. My mom was the same way. As a kid, whenever I’d ask her if I should bring something, she’d always say, “Of course! Take it! No question.” So check bags. Definitely.
What do you bring in your carry-on?
Laptop, notebook, book. The Holy Trinity.
What do you buy in the airport terminal?
If it’s a day flight, then coffee. Always. If it’s a night flight, I try not to buy anything and get into a calm mood (as much as possible), preparing myself for sleep.
What do you do while waiting to board?
I read a book, write in my notebook, listen to music, read scripts, or answer e-mails—depends on the day.
Item you can’t fly without?
I always read and write during flights—sometimes even more than I do on the ground. So I can’t fly without a book and a notebook (and a pen, of course).
Window, middle, or aisle seat?
I used to be a window-only kind of person. It was an absolute must. Now window or aisle works. Each has its own advantages.
How do you pass the time on the plane?
I don’t really watch movies or TV on planes—I can’t enjoy them as much as I’d like on the small screen. Instead, I read and journal a lot. I get into this deeply focused mode on flights and immerse myself in whatever I’m doing.
Do you buy Wi-Fi?
Generally, no. Anyone who knows me knows that I disconnect while flying. It’s a great opportunity to step away and enjoy some quiet time—or a kind of meditative productivity.
Do you eat plane food?
Yes, I eat it—and even enjoy it.
Do you talk to the people sitting next to you?
Yes. I’ve met some fascinating people on flights and enjoy those seemingly random interactions.
Keep shoes on or off on the plane?
Confession: off.
Worst part of the flight?
The turbulence!
What do you do when turbulence hits?
Take deep breaths. Play music [on my headphones] with noise-canceling mode on—almost like a silent-prayer routine. Most of the time, I can ignore it.
First thing you do when the plane lands?
I put things back in my bag, stretch a little, and turn off airplane mode on my phone.
Do you like flying?
I love flying. I try to look at it as an opportunity—beyond the fact that it’s a requirement for my job—to work, read, and write.
Advice for travelers?
Decide ahead of traveling what the “goal” of your flight is—even if it’s something small, or just something that makes you happy (read a good book, listen to an interesting podcast, write a few pages, watch a cool movie/episode)—and try to commit to it. For me, it makes the experience of years of nonstop flying still enjoyable.
