It can be challenging to feel comfortable on long-haul flights. Sitting in the same spot for several hours can be difficult, particularly for those not in business class.
So, how can you become more comfortable with or even enjoy these journeys?
Here are 15 hints that can help you relax and enjoy your flight:
Choose the Right Clothes
Temperatures on long-haul flights are rarely stable, and it is difficult to predict how your body will react to the air pressure in the cabin.
Wear loose, comfy clothes and layers so you can easily adapt to temperature changes on the plane. You can also bring a scarf to stay warm.
And don’t forget to anticipate the weather at your destination!
Bring a Neck Pillow
While you can adjust your airline chair to a certain extent, a neck pillow will provide proper support during sleep and leave you feeling refreshed when you exit the plane.
If you can sleep, your neck pillow will ensure that your posture remains correct and that you don’t strain your neck.
Bring Headphones or Earplugs
While I’m sure your fellow passengers are lovely, it isn’t easy to relax or get some sleep when you have to listen to other people’s talking and laughter.
Noise-canceling headphones can help you pass the time by listening to music or immersing yourself in a movie, while if you want to sleep, noise-free earplugs will block out the surrounding noise.
Carry an Eye Mask
Now that you have successfully blocked out all the noise, what about the light in the cabin?
An eye mask blocks out all ambient light, helping you get quality sleep. It is an excellent accompaniment to earplugs. Just be sure to let someone know when you want to wake up!
Pack Compression Socks
Compression socks help to improve your circulation, so they are ideal for long-haul flights.
It is not uncommon to suffer from swelling and fluid retention in the legs and ankles due to sitting in the same position for a long time. Compression socks place just enough pressure on the legs to keep blood and fluids moving, preventing issues like fluid buildup.
Drink Plenty of Water
The air in the cabin is dehydrating, which can leave you tired when you reach your destination, so it’s essential to drink plenty of water while onboard.
An easy way to stay hydrated is by carrying a water bottle with you and refilling it regularly throughout your flight. You can also buy water on the plane.
Bring Healthy Snacks
Airline food doesn’t exactly have a reputation for being healthy, and the wrong food can leave you feeling bloated and uncomfortable during your flight.
Plan ahead by bringing healthy, nutritious snacks like fruit and a protein bar. This will also save you money, as you won’t have to pay the expensive prices for airline snacks.
Stretch
You can increase your blood flow and avoid cramps and fluid buildup by getting up from your seat and stretching every couple of hours.
Regular stretching will leave you feeling refreshed and ready to go when you arrive at your destination.
Just try not to disturb the airline staff or other passengers!
Load Your Tablet or Phone
Let’s face it: long-haul flights can be tedious, but by planning the entertainment you will bring with you in advance, it will fly by.
Load your tablet or phone with your favorite movies or TV shows, and bring more than you think you will need so that you have plenty of choices.
Remember, you can’t always rely on in-flight entertainment!
Choose an Aisle Seat
While going for the window seat is tempting, an aisle seat gives you more freedom.
An aisle seat enables you to get out quickly to use the restroom and stretch without having to get your fellow passengers to move. You can also get off the plane earlier when it’s time to depart.
Avoid Caffeine and Alcohol
If you have been drinking plenty of water to counteract the dehydrating effects of cabin air, coffee and alcohol can undo those efforts.
Both are naturally dehydrating, so you will have to increase your water intake to make up for their consumption, and potentially annoy people sitting next to you by constantly getting up to go to the restroom!
Bring Something to Read
Bringing a good book or an e-reader can help you pass the time and feel relaxed when you reach your destination.
Immersing yourself in reading can insulate you from all the distractions of a long-haul flight, calm your mind, and help prevent boredom, particularly when there is no in-flight Wi-Fi.
Use Seat Pockets
Seat pockets or organizers can help you keep your essentials on hand and keep your seat and surrounding area free of clutter.
It will also mean that you won’t have to go back into your hand luggage for more items, which could annoy the people around you, and save on stress by letting you know exactly where your items are.
Wear Slip-on Shoes
Nothing beats the convenience and comfort of slip-on shoes, and these benefits are enhanced during a long-haul flight.
Slipping them off when required will speed up your security check, and if your feet swell during your flight, you will be more comfortable. You can also take them off while stretching.
Set Your Watch to Your Destination’s Time
Here’s a great way to fight jet lag.
By setting your watch to your destination’s time as soon as you take off, you can better plan your trip, choose the right time to eat, and gradually adjust your body clock.
It will also help with the disorientation of entering a new time zone by putting you on your travel itinerary as early as possible.
