Long-haul flights are exciting opportunities for adventure and exploration, but they can also be physically and mentally taxing. Hours spent confined to a seat at high altitudes can take a toll on your body and mind. However, with the right prep, you can make the journey much more comfortable and enjoyable. Here are 10 tips to help you stay physically and mentally comfortable during those marathon flights:
Choose Your Seat Wisely: Selecting the right seat can make a significant difference in your comfort level. If you prefer extra legroom, consider booking an aisle or exit-row seat. If you want to avoid disturbances, opt for a window seat. My favorite seat is at the end of the middle row in a 3-3-3 or 3-4-3 layout. It’s the superior aisle seat in my opinion (we’ll get into that in another post).
Dress Comfortably: Wear loose, breathable clothing and layers that you can easily adjust to the changing temperatures on the plane. Put your compression socks on before you leave for your flight and consider wearing shoes you can easily slip off at airport security. Keeping as hands-free as possible is such a freeing feeling when rushing to your gate – wearing cargos, pants with a decent number of pockets (ladies, I know the struggle), and having a fanny pack (sorry Nan, a “bum bag”) strapped around your waist will seriously change your travel game.
Stay Hydrated: Airplane cabins have low humidity levels, which can lead to dehydration. Drink plenty of water before, during, and after the flight to stay hydrated. Avoid excessive alcohol and caffeine consumption, as they can contribute to dehydration. Consider packing a lip mask and hydrating moisturizer for face and hands. To terrify your fellow passengers and keep your face supple and glowy, consider taking a silicon face mask to wear on the plane to lock in your moisturizer. Your skin will thank you, even if your travel buddies don’t.
My absolute favorite water bottle to travel with is the Brita Hard-Sided Premium Filtering Water Bottle! It comes in different colors, 26oz and 36oz options and as a bonus, will have people complimenting you on your bottle.
I also love this because it’s pretty standard in the UK to drink tap water. Since living in the States, I’ve been accustomed to drinking filtered only. This is great for times you can’t get filtered water.
Move Around Regularly: Sitting for extended periods can cause discomfort and stiffness. Take short walks up and down the aisle, stretch in your seat, and perform simple exercises to keep your blood flowing and muscles relaxed.
Pack Snacks and Stay Nourished: Airplane meals may not always align with your dietary preferences or needs. Bring along healthy snacks such as nuts, fruits, and granola bars to keep hunger at bay. Eating regular, nutritious meals will help maintain your energy levels throughout the flight. Depending on where you’re traveling to, border control wait times can be hours long (LAX we’re looking at you) – factor this in to the time spent without a decent meal. Snacks might just save you a hanger attack.
Practice Relaxation Techniques: Long flights can be stressful, especially if you’re prone to anxiety or discomfort. Practice deep breathing, meditation, or listen to calming music to help ease your mind and promote relaxation. Many aircrafts now have audio libraries of meditation and sleep music tracks available, as well as a collection of TV shows and movies. Try wearing earplugs and having a sleep track play through noise-cancelling headphones overtop – it’s a game changer.
Entertain Yourself: Bring along books, magazines, movies, podcasts, or games to keep yourself entertained during the flight. Having distractions can make the time pass more quickly and alleviate boredom. Downloading Netflix shows to watch offline is a nice little back up if the in-flight entertainment lets you down. Better still, pack a lightweight tablet loaded with e-books, e-mags, downloaded movies and podcasts. I’m all about traveling as light as possible. My favorite tablet to travel with is
Adjust Your Sleep Schedule: If your flight crosses multiple time zones, try adjusting your sleep schedule a few days before your departure to minimize jet lag. During the flight, use an eye mask, earplugs, or noise-canceling headphones to create a conducive environment for sleep. Earplugs, with noise-canceling headphones over the top might seem extreme, but trust me, it’s a welcome cocoon of peace amidst a noisy, rocky flight.
Stay Clean and Fresh: Pack travel-sized toiletries and essentials to freshen up during the flight. Brushing and flossing your teeth, washing your face, and changing into clean clothes (even just one item, such as a lightweight tee) can make you feel more comfortable and refreshed, especially on long journeys. Body wipes for areas that get particularly sweaty help too!
Arrive Well-Rested: Prioritize getting a good night’s sleep before your flight to ensure you start your journey feeling refreshed and energized. Avoid staying up late or consuming caffeine close to your departure time. If your stomach can handle it, have a light but balanced sit-down meal at your departure airport and make sure you leave an hour or two to digest before boarding.
By following these tips, you can make your next long-haul flight a much more comfortable and enjoyable experience. Bon voyage!
