Make Time to Stretch During Your Next Long Flight
Travelling is fun, but long flights are a burden. You may feel cramped, have trouble sleeping, or get antsy right after takeoff. Don't worry, there are a lot of things you can do to make a long flight easier to manage and make sure you aren't restless after the first hour. Here are 20 tips for dealing with long flights.
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1. Be Smart About Seat Selection
Seat selection can determine how comfortable your long flight is. If you value legroom, then select a seat in an exit row or a bulkhead seat. Aisle seats let you stretch out or get up to go to the washroom without bothering your seatmates. Window seats, on the other hand, offer a better shot at uninterrupted rest.
2. Dress in Layers
Airplane cabins fluctuate in temperate. At one point, they can feel stuffy, and other times, they can be cold. Dress in breathable layers, so you can remove one or more if needed. Soft fabrics like cotton or moisture-wicking materials are great choices. Bring a scarf or hoodie for extra warmth and comfort.
3. Stay Hydrated
Airplane cabin air is famously dry, which can leave you dehydrated. Stay hydrated by drinking lots of water, about one glass every hour. Don't rely on the beverage cart for hydration. Instead, bring a refillable water bottle and make sure it's full before boarding.
4. Bring Noise-Canceling Headphones
Even airplanes without a baby on board will be noisy. Noise-canceling headphones block out sound and distractions. They will help you relax, sleep, or watch a movie. Try pairing these headphones with a meditation app to create the calmest environment possible.
5. Bring Your Favorite Snacks
Airline meals are typically very bad, and going through a flight hungry is an uncomfortable experience. Pack your own snacks to ensure you have all the food you want when you want them. Throw some healthy snacks into the mix, like protein bars or fruit.
6. Move and Stretch Regularly
Sitting for a long time can result in stiffness, poor circulation, and health risks like deep vein thrombosis. Every few hours, stand up and walk the aisle. You can also do in-seat stretches, such as calf raises or ankle rolls. This can also boost your mental clarity and break up the monotony.
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7. Adjust Your Watch to Destination Time
Most long flights will have you crossing time zones, and adjusting your internal clock can help offset jet lag. The first thing you should do once you're in your seat is to set your watch and/or phone to your destination time. This will psychologically shift your mindset and help you align meals and sleep accordingly.
8. Bring a Travel Pillow and Blanket
There's no way around it, airline-issued pillows and blankets are terrible. Bring your own so you can rest comfortably and for hygienic purposes. A supportive neck pillow can prevent stiffness and make sleeping in a cramped space much better.
9. Practice Proper Sleep Hygiene
It's hard to sleep on a plane, but small adjustments can improve your chances. Practice good sleep hygiene by dimming the light on your screen, wearing an eye mask, and using earplugs. These can also help minimize distractions.
10. Pack Essentials
Lost luggage can put a real dent in your travel plans. If you pack your essentials in your carry-on, then you can have some peace of mind if your luggage is delayed or lost. Essentials include toiletries, medications, a change of clothes, and chargers.
11. Wear Compression Socks
Long-haul travelers should get themselves a pair of compression socks. They improve circulation, reduce swelling in your feet and legs, and prevent certain health risks. These socks gently apply pressure to combat the restriction of blood flow that occurs when you sit for hours.
12. Bring Entertainment Options
Flights are boring, and airline entertainment is limited. Download movies, TV shows, and podcasts onto your phone or laptop to pass the time on a long flight.
13. Use Packing Cubes
A chaotic carry-on will only make your long flight more unbearable. Use packing cubes to organize your bag and keep everything accessible and in order.
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14. Limit Alcohol Consumption
Alcohol can make long flights more challenging. They dehydrate you, disrupt your sleep, and leave you groggy upon landing. You may want to even turn down any offers for free wine or beer.
15. Freshen Up Mid-Flight
A quick mid-flight refresh can make you ready to tackle the rest of your flight. Pack travel-sized toiletries like face wipes, deodorant, and moisturizer. Taking 10 minutes to do this will make you feel like a functioning human again.
16. Break Up the Flight Mentally
Divide your flight into smaller chunks. Dedicate one chunk to each of the following: meals, a movie, a TV show, a nap, and reading. Don't forget to work stretching into your flight schedule.
17. Don't Forget a Portable Charger
There's nothing more upsetting than a dead phone or tablet during a flight. To ensure you are entertained or can do work, bring a portable charger with you on every long flight.
18. Download Offline Maps and Guides
Preparing for your arrival in your destination city is a fun and useful way to pass the time on a long flight. Download offline maps and travel guides before takeoff. Having these items can also help you get more excited for your trip.
19. Bring a Good Book
An engrossing and entertaining book is a great flight companion. Reading is a great escape, and can make a few hours pass by effortlessly.
20. Use Sleep Aids
If you have trouble sleeping naturally, speak to your doctor about sleep aids. Another option is to use mild sleep aids, like melatonin or herbal teas, which will help your body enter a state of rest.
