Long flights can be a torture for many people. Some may feel nauseous; others may try to sleep a little in vain, while some may simply find it tedious, exhausting and uncomfortable. However, if we are locked up for 8 hours on a plane or flying to a closer destination. Long flights do not have to mean suffering, as we can also sit back, relax and make the most of them.
We can then try to turn the inevitable into something pleasant and learn to appreciate flying time. After all, long flights are a special situation, where we can use everything at our disposal to make it as enjoyable as possible. Here are 10 ways to feel comfortable on long flights that will help you enjoy your trip:
1. Wear comfortable clothes
As it is notable, for long flights, clothing is indispensable. We never know if the plane will be hot or cold, so we must prioritize comfort over fashion.
The recommendation is to use breathable and loose clothing that allows you to move freely, as it will help us feel more relaxed and comfortable. This includes cotton shirts, comfortable jeans and shoes that can be easily removed. In addition, you will require an additional layer such as a hooded sweatshirt in case it is cold. Avoid wool, tight clothing or rough fabrics, as they can cause you to be itchy.
2. Escape from the noise
For long flights, noise-canceling headphones are the best thing since sliced bread. Once you are allowed to operate electronic devices, switch on your headset and enjoy a ride without the disturbances of the plane engines and all other noise that comes with too many people in a confined area. If you don’t own noise-canceling headphones and don’t want to invest in them yet, then bring earplugs. These are also ideal to help you sleep, during the flight.
3. Evade the light
On long trips sleeping is a smart decision and one of the best techniques to do so is to avoid light. If you want to sleep during the flight, bring a sleeping mask. Simply putting on your headset and sleeping mask can also mentally prepare you to sleep during the flight.
4. Drink enough water
During flight, the air in the cabin of an airplane can dry out the nose and airways quite a bit. This ends up dehydrating us, generating in us some discomfort and tiredness. Therefore, it is important to stay hydrated by drinking a lot of water regularly.
Also avoid alcohol, tea or coffee, because these kinds of drinks affect your ability to sleep and also dehydrate. Try to drink a bottle of water after passing through airport security and try to finish it before the end of the flight.
Another way to keep your skin hydrated is to apply some moisturizer to your face, lips and hands. And also use some eye drops especially if you have a tendency to this type of dryness.
5. Get a good seat
Another way to feel comfortable during long flights is to choose the seat. Some airlines allow you to select where you want to sit when making reservations. While others do it at the time of online check-in one or two days before the flight departure.
However, either before or after, keep in mind that the front seats are quieter and wider. And those near the emergency exits have more space. But you can also choose a window seat so you can rest your head against the wall while you sleep. Or choose an aisle seat so you can walk as much as you want. So it all depends on your tastes and needs.
6. Use a pillow to get some sleep
Although most airlines provide a pillow and blanket for long flights, it’s okay to bring a neck pillow, in case a pillow isn’t available. This accessory, together with a good cap and a mask, will allow us to fall asleep without any problem. If we are going to make a trip of more than eight hours, we can take infusions that help to fall asleep and relax like valerian.
7. Bring your own entertainment
Many of the airlines that make long flights have entertainment on board by having individual screens in front of our seat. So it is possible to choose between movies, series, games or music. However, in case our flight does not have these screens the best thing to do is to be prepared by bringing our own entertainment.
For this, we can bring a book, a music player, a portable video console or an electronic device that is well loaded. Whether it is a smartphone, tablet or a laptop with the movies and series we like the most. This will make our flight more bearable.
8. Avoid heavy food
The meals usually served by the airlines on their flights do not enjoy the best reviews. However, at least we can choose what to eat. So the best recommendation is to choose dishes that are light so as not to feel heavy for hours.
9. Choose the ideal time to go to the bathroom
On long flights it is normal that we have to go to the bathroom several times, so it is better not to coincide with other people. Depending on the flow of people, the best times to go to the bathroom are at takeoff, right after we are allowed to stand, and one hour before landing. Another good time to use the bathroom is at night, since everyone is asleep.
10. Move around the Plane
Due to prolonged inactivity, healthy passengers on airplane trips of more than four hours can develop deep vein thrombosis (DVT). This is also known as the “economy class syndrome”, which consists of the formation of clots in the deep vein circulation of the lower extremities. Therefore, on long flights, special care must be taken with the circulation, avoiding sitting all the time. It is advisable to walk down the aisle of the plane every one or two hours and stretch your legs and back a little. Likewise we can do exercises of elevation of the toes. And also avoid the abuse of drugs and sleeping pills that we have not used before and of which we do not know their side effects.
ALFA