While no-one particularly looks forward to those long-haul flights there are some tips you can use that will make the journey much more comfortable and easier on your body. While you certainly don’t have to use all the tips even just a couple can make a big difference while traveling. Let’s take a closer look.
1. Dress in layers – One of the most common things people complain about is the temperature on the plane. The best way to deal with this issue is to dress in layers. Don’t worry so much what the weather is like in your departure city or even the arrival city, focus instead on wearing loose and breathable clothing that you can take layers away from. Cardigans, hoodies, scarves, and wraps are always good choices.
2. Combat swollen feet – Many people complain of swollen feet during flights, particularly the long-haul flights. There are a few things you can do to help prevent and alleviate any swelling that may occur. First off choose footwear that you can loosen such as running shoes. Compression socks are also a great option. Avoiding excessive salt intake and upping your water intake before and during your flight also tends to help.
3. Get up and move – On long-haul flights there is always the rare possibly of blood clots but there is a very simple and easy way to prevent it from happening. At regular intervals you should try to do some light stretches in your seat and then get up and take a little walk around the cabin.
4. Be prepared to fight boredom – It’s inevitable that on a long-haul flight you’re going to get bored at some point. While in-flight entertainment has come a long way over the last decade or so it can still become boring after a few hours. A great idea is to come prepared with your own entertainment which could be a book of puzzles, magazines, books, a mobile device with movies and/or games, and your own music.
5. Put some thought into how you pack – Rather than throwing everything into your carry-on bag give it some thought. A great idea is to make your entertainment based items easily accessible so that you can quickly reach into your bag and find what you want.
6. Get some sleep – Travel pillows, eye masks, and earplugs can certainly make sleeping a whole lot easier on flights and it will make the time pass by faster.
7. Keep your medications handy – Be sure to throw all the medications you may need during the flight into your carry-on bag while ensuring you stick to the rules and regulations. This could include something for headaches, motion sickness, and even tummy issues. During take-off and landing having gum or a mint handy to avoid inner ear issues.
8. Freshen up – After such a long flight you’ll probably look a little worse for the wear. With that in mind you may want to pack a toiletries bag with deodorant, a toothbrush and toothpaste, a comb, lotion to fight how dry the cabin gets, and chap-stick so you can freshen up before landing.
And now you’re ready to take on those dreaded long-haul flights!
