Long haul flights can leave you irritated, tired, bored, exhausted, smelly and feeling squashed. Even though you might be excited about your journey overseas, simply the thought of surviving that long haul flight might dampen your spirits. However, there are a few things you can do to alleviate stress and feel more comfortable when flying long distances. Here are some easy ways to make a long haul flight more pleasant.
1. Before you travel
Even before you travel, cultivate a positive and happy attitude towards the journey. This includes keeping positive thoughts and even visualizing a happy, safe flight. Doing so will also enable you to prepare for the journey more optimistically. Realize that even though you prepare for the best, things can and will go wrong. But by keeping a positive and calm attitude, you can tide over any difficulties. Maintain a flexible attitude and you will not only help yourself but those around you as well.
2. Know your personality
This is very important whilst planning a journey involving a long haul flight. If you are traveling with a baby, you would not want to book a red eye or 3 am flight. On the other hand, if you have active toddlers, you might want to travel at night so that you spend majority of the time sleeping. Flight timings and schedules will not be in your control always but knowing what you and your fellow travelers are like can help you plan a more comfortable schedule. If you have an early flight, try to go to bed earlier the previous day so you get rest.
3. Choose comfortable seats
Sites like Seat Guru help you get comfortable seats that can make your long haul flight much ore comfortable. They can give you detailed information about the best seats and ones to avoid. If you are traveling with kids, you might want to select aisle seats or even seats closer to the restrooms. Likewise, people who wish to walk up and down the flight in order to avoid swollen legs and feet would want to choose an aisle seat as well. On the other hand, those who want to sleep undisturbed can choose seats near the window or even at the back of the plane.
4. Wear comfortable long haul flight outfit
In order to fly comfortably in economy class, you have to wear comfortable clothes. Most flights get very cold, so carry a jacket or blazer. Wear loose baggy pants and long sleeved t-shirts or tops. A good pair of stretchy jeans, tights or leggings works best for women. Loafers or sneakers are great for those in-between airline transfers.
5. Make wise food choices
An important among long haul flights tips and tricks is food choice. Look carefully at all available options and select healthiest ones. Parents -do carry healthy snacks for your children in case of delays. Eating healthy is very important to keep your body and mind happy throughout the journey. Plan your pre-flight meal well too- pick a dish that will give you lasting energy.
6. Stay hydrated
Drink plenty of water in flight to prevent dehydration and related headaches, dry skin, bloating and other symptoms.
7. Stock up on chewing gum
Many people suffer from ear pressure changes at the time of takeoff and landing. Chewing gum helps relieve this pressure. Keep swallowing your saliva all the time and also suck on some candy to prevent pressure buildup.
8. Bring a neck pillow
Neck pillows help prevent neck pain and allow you to sleep more comfortably. Always choose a blow up/collapsible pillow which is easier to carry.
9. Carry an eyeshade
Most long haul flight travel comfort accessories include shades. But just in case they don’t you should carry yours. This will help cut out light and let you sleep comfortably in economy class.
10. Invest in noise cancellation headphones
Earplugs do the trick but noise cancellation headphones will help you rest better. Buy ones with an audio jack so you can enjoy your music.
11. Wear compression socks
If you suffer from swollen legs/feet, bring along compression socks. Compression socks are indeed useful airplane comfort products. Try and walk around in flight more often to prevent leg and feet swelling.
12. Bring along plenty of reading material
What to take on long haul flights- plenty of reading material for sure. E-readers are best as they prevent extra weight that hard bound books bring.
13. Protect yourself from germy environment
Carry a bottle of hand sanitizer to clean your hands from time to time. Also purchase a face mask –with all the sneezing and coughing going around, it could protect you from microbes.
14. Board quickly (or last) depending on circumstances
If you want the hand luggage stowed away, board the flight quickly. You can also hand over your coat to the stewardess for hanging it. Ask for a pillow (as some airlines have limited number). In case you are traveling with young kids, board the flight last so that they can expend some more energy in the waiting area rather than running around in the cramped up space.
15. Entertainment for kids
Carry plenty of card games, drawing books etc for kids or download apps on electronic devices to keep them occupied. These days there are many gadgets available to make flying more comfortable for children and adults alike.
16. Be patient and polite
No matter what, keep your cool. Even if you miss your flight, speak politely to the airline staff. They will be much more willing to help you if you remain calm and polite.
Airline travel can be a harrowing experience but we hope these tips can help.