Use Your Time In The Sky Wisely
Few things are more intimidating than the endless hours of a long-haul flight across the world. This is especially true if you've only flown domestic and aren't sure what to expect! While some flight guides recommend upgrading your seat if possible, here are 20 tips for elevating your economy experience.
1. Hydrate
If there's one thing to take from this list, it's that flying will dehydrate you—fast. The Aerospace Medical Association recommends drinking a cup of water for every hour you're in the air. That sounds like a ton, but, trust us, your body will thank you.
2. Wear Compression Socks
Next to dehydration, the biggest thing to look out for on long flights is the risk of blood clots from sitting too long. The easiest way to increase your blood circulation is by wearing a pair of compression socks. If you can elevate your feet even a little, that's all the better.
3. Dress Comfy
Look, even if you're wearing your most expensive outfit, you probably won't get upgraded to first class. Then, you'll be overdressed and uncomfortable for the better part of a day. Travel doesn't have to be stylish, but it should be comfy.
4. Move
Another easy way to improve blood circulation is by moving around in your seat. There are plenty of discreet stretches you can do without disturbing your seatmate. Even wiggling your toes will help get the blood flowing.
5. Opt For An Aisle Seat
We know, everyone wants to stare outside a window seat. Realistically most long-haul flights are overnight with little to see while the world sleeps. Plus, an aisle seat means you won't have to disturb anyone whenever you get up to use the washroom.
6. Brush Your Teeth
If you're going to be in the air for over 6 hours, you should treat it like a sleepover. That means brushing your teeth in between meals. A clean mouth is one of the easiest ways to avoid that post-flight crustiness.
7. Pack Your Own Snacks
Yes, you will be fed multiple times—especially if your flight is upwards of 12 hours! However, airplane food can be hit or miss, and you don't want to have a rumbling stomach in between meals. A few comfort snacks are an easy way to make long flights less stressful.
8. Get Ahead Of Jetlag
Don't stay awake for 24 hours before your red-eye; it'll do much more harm than good. Instead, try to combat jetlag by sleeping when it's night in your destination. This will take a bit of math, but it can help salvage that first day on the ground.
9. Don't Force Sleep
While sleep is important, flight attendants stress not to force sleep. Sometimes your body simply isn't tired, and that's okay. Instead, you can relax by closing your eyes and listening to some soothing music or guided meditation.
10. Bring An Eye Mask & Earplugs
If you're determined to sleep, you can give yourself a leg up by optimizing your sleep conditions. An eye mask will block out your seatmate marathoning Lord of the Rings, while earplugs can block out the crying baby a few rows ahead. Little things can make all the difference.
11. Have Essentials Under Your Seat
Fiddling with overhead storage is a nightmare, especially when the lights are low. You'll save yourself and the people around you a hassle by having everything you might need in your personal. We recommend snacks, entertainment, and medications among others.
12. Pack A Change Of Clothes
Remember what we said about treating long flights like you would sleepovers? You don't necessarily need to pack a pair of pajamas if your clothes are comfy enough, however, you should pack a change of clothes—especially undergarments. Change during your flight or once you've landed for an instant refresh.
13. Moisturize
Drinking water isn't the only way to combat dehydration. That recycled cabin air is part of the reason why you always land feeling drier than the Sahara. You don't have to do a full 30-step skincare routine, but you should be putting some moisture back into your skin.
14. Take Care Of Your Sinuses
Speaking of moisturizing, did you know you can moisturize your sinuses? Using a nasal decongestant spray before you takeoff and land can keep you from feeling crusty. The air pressure shifts and low humidity really dry you out!
15. Download Entertainment In Advance
You never know what in-flight entertainment will have in store for you and, unless you have to get work done, it isn't worth splurging for in-flight Wi-Fi. If you have your ebooks/podcasts/playlist/shows locked and loaded you won't even have time to be bored. Of course, physical books are also great for when the lights are on.
16. De-Stress Before You Board
Flying can be stressful! If you enter the plane stressed out, you're going to spend the better part of the day having a high-altitude anxiety attack. Be gentle with yourself the day before your flight.
17. Adjust Your Watch
Circling back to our earlier point about beating jetlag, you should adjust your watch to local time the second you board the plane. This will help you alter your routine to avoid the worst of your jetlag. Just watch out that you don't confuse yourself about the timezone after waking up from a nap.
Bruno van der Kraan on Unsplash
18. Stay Active During Layovers
If you have time to explore during a layover, use it! You can do window shopping, grab a bite, or check out art installations. Not only will you get your blood pumping, but you can microdose on a new locale.
19. Journal
Sometimes, the best thing you can do during a long-haul flight is unplug. Long flights provide the perfect opportunity to get those creative juices flowing by journaling or writing. If you don't journal or write, you can sketch or even doodle on your napkin to keep your mind agile.
20. Choose Your Drink Wisely
Alcohol will go right through you and dehydrate you, while soda can make you gassy. We're not saying you have to only drink water on your flight, you can indulge in a treat during your trip! However, be mindful of your choices.
