Long-haul flights are just a boatload of discomfort, misery, and mental wear. Even the most seasoned traveler can get cranky from spending hours in a cramped seat adjusting to different time zones. With the proper planning and approach though, you can make your trip a lot more enjoyable. 10 Tips for How to Survive a Long-Haul Flight with Ease (and Avoid Having to Recover as Soon as You Land)
1. Choose the Right Seat
Choose Your Seat Wisely: This can be one of the biggest changes. If legroom is your most important thing, reserve an exit row or bulkhead seat. Prefer to sleep? You can relax and escape any unaffectionate disturbance with a window seat. An aisle seat is best if you need to make a lot of bathroom visits. You Have A Broader Range Of Options When You Book Early!
Find a website like SeatGuru, which shows available seats and gives seat reviews.
2. Dress Comfortably
Stay in loose and comfortable clothes and layer up. Airplane temperatures can be up and down, so always opt for breathable fabrics such as cotton or a moisture-wicking fabric. And remember compression socks to help circulate blood and reduce swelling in your legs, too.
What to Wear:
- Loose joggers or leggings
- T-shirt or sweater made of breathable, soft material
- Compression socks
- Slippers for Travel or Shoes that are Slip-On
3. Stay Hydrated
Nothing worse than the fact that airplane cabins have extremely low air moisture content, which can easily make you dehydrate. Caffeine and alcohol are dehydrators, so stay away from both. Avoid that, and instead, sip on some water throughout the flight.
Tip for you: Fill a water bottle (the kind that doesn1t crack and open) before you leave, if you can, and refill it if you run it up after the first security check.
4. Move and Stretch Regularly
Lack of physical movement can make you feel stiff and also makes you susceptible to DVT (deep vein thrombosis). Get up, stretch your legs and walk in the cabin every two hours.
Simple Exercises:
- Ankle circles
- Neck rolls
- Shoulder shrugs
- Seated leg stretches
5. Bringing a travel pillow and blanket with you
It is really inconvenient to get a decent amount of sleep during a long-haul flight. A decent neck pillow and a fluffy blanket can improve your comfort levels.
Travel Accessories you might be interested in:
- Memory foam travel pillow
- Lightweight travel blanket
- Sleep mask and noise canceling earbuds
6. Bring Entertainment
Even if your flight does include in-flight entertainment, it is worth having other options. Pre download movies, TV series, audio books, and music play lists
Ideas for Passing the Time:
- Read a book or Kindle
- Download the video o movies or series and watch it
- Listen to podcasts or music
- Log your destination journey or if you have planned a trip, write down your itinerary
7. Prepare Healthy Snacks
Airplane meals are a common culprit: sodium-rich and nutrient-poor. This gives them the option to have something healthy to snack on.
Healthy Snack Ideas:
- Nuts and seeds
- Protein bars
- Fresh or dried fruit
- Whole grain crackers & cheese
8. Follow a Sleep Strategy
Adjust your sleeps schedule to the time zone you are traveling to, If it’s going to be nighttime where you’re heading, get some sleep on the flight. Wear an eyeshade, use earplugs or headphones with sound cancellation to avoid distractions.
Tip: try melatonin or herbal sleep aids to assist with adjusting to a new timezone.
9. Freshen Up Mid-Flight
So carry a small toiletry kit with you to get freshen up. Open the bathroom door for a gentle reminder: Brush your teeth, wash your face, and moisturize, to avoid too much dry-cabin-air effect.
Toiletry Kit Essentials: What to Bring
- Small toothbrush & toothpaste tube
- Face wipes and moisturizer
- Lip balm
- Deodorant
- Hand sanitizer
10. Stay Positive and Relax
Air travel is intimidating, especially on longer flights, yet with the right attitude, you can bring the flight over the ocean manageable. Concentrate on the exhilarating arrival at your speculation, maintain a strategic distance from to feel the fervor, at that point take in, feel the air to your lungs, and do it once more.
Tip: It might be useful to download a meditation app or relaxation app in order to keep stress levels as low as possible.
Final Thoughts
Surviving a long-haul flight doesn’t need to be horrible. However, with the right plans and the following tips, you can prepare for the journey. From selecting an optimal seat to staying hydrated and bringing the right accessories, every measure you take ensures a smoother travel journey.
Any tricks for surviving long-haul flights? Leave them in the comments down below! Safe travels!