You did it! After what felt like forever, you booked your ticket to visit another country. Countries are finally opening up to vaccinated visitors, and you’re ready to explore a new world. But before you jet off for your next big adventure, we’re here to remind you of how uncomfortable those long economy flights are. A long flight eats up a large chunk of your day and can take a toll on your body. As a result, we created this guide to help you survive your long-haul flight. Our tips will help you enhance your flight and make it a more pleasant, comfortable, and productive experience.
Before the flight.
Before the flight.
The key to most success is to prepare beforehand.
If possible, be ready for your flight 2 months in advance. It includes researching where you want to go, booking hotels/hostels, ensuring that all vaccinations are current, packing light but necessary items, etc.
Reserve your seats as early as possible
If you’re flying economy class, reserve your seats early. It ensures more seat availability. If you wait until the last minute, you’ll wind up with a middle seat. So consider what type of seats are most comfortable for you. If you’re sleeping through the flight, you might need a window to lean on. Or maybe you have a weak bladder and need easy access to the aisle. You may want to research and consider airlines that have the most legroom. It’s also good to consider the back of the plane. There are usually more seats available there, so you have a greater chance of having more seats or an entire row to yourself!
Don’t forget: Avoid sitting too close to the airplane lavatory/toilet. Unpleasant odors and loud toilet flushes and likely to intrude on your flying experience.
Pack light for the plane ride
To pack your bag: start with packing your mandatory essentials, such as travel documents and valuable items. In this case, we’re talking about your Personal Bag because these are the items you have access to throughout the flight. If you are bringing a carry-on suitcase, you’ll have to store it in the overhead compartment. So keep any excess or leftover items in there.
Then, think about the activities you will be doing on the plane. Will you be fighting the jetlag by sleeping on the plane? If not, you can: read, write/journal, do computer work, sketch, watch movies, listen to audio (music/podcasts), or play games. Then write a list of all the devices, tools, and products you need to conduct those activities. Narrow them down to the NECESSARY items for completing the task with maximum comfort.
Toiletries or Personal Care Products
Next, think about the personal care products you think you will need for the flight. These are items that will help with any ailments or care for your body.
It can include:
- Moisturizers- Facial Creams, Facial & Nasal Sprays. The airplane cabin’s atmosphere severely dries your skin.
- Sanitizers- Ani-Bacterial Gels or Wipes help clean your tray table as well as your hands!
- Pain Medicines – Pain Killers, Throat Lozenges, Nose Strips
- Prescriptions/Medication – prescription drugs, nausea medicine
- Eye Drops
- Feminine Products
Think about all of the likely circumstances that can impact your plane experience and bring items to prevent or combat it. One great way to minimize your toiletries bag is to get a DIY Moisturizing Spray. The right formula can act as a natural disinfectant, calm your nerves, and prevent dry or cracked skin!
Dress in layers
Ideally, you would want to wear your bulky items, such as your winter jacket or boots. The temperature of the airplane cabin changes drastically. Dressing in layers can help you adapt to the drastic changes between temperatures on the ground and in high altitudes. This way, you’ll only need to remove layers if it’s too warm. This way you’ll also make more space in your luggage.
Before Departure or Take-off.
Use the washroom/restroom
Do your bladder a big favor and make to use the toilet right before boarding your flight. As the airline begins to board, now is the time to use the bathroom (unless you have priority boarding, use the restroom as they start to board). The last thing you want is to be ready to burst while waiting for that lavatory sign to change from “Occupied” to “Vacant.”
Stay Hydrated- Re-fill your empty bottles.
Drinking water can prevent headaches, digestive pain and helps regulate your body’s temperature. It can be hours before the stewards/stewardesses serve beverages, and most of the time, it’s not enough fluids. Make sure to stay hydrated by refilling your water bottle before you board the plane.
During the flight:
Use the bathroom immediately after your meal is cleared
Using the bathroom after your meal is the best time to go because it’s before the “bathroom rush,” so it will be stocked and sanitized beforehand. Plus, there won’t be many people using it at once. The low wait time and clean smell will have you thanking us later.
Stretch as much as possible
Shall we say more? Stretching will prevent muscle injuries and help you feel more limber. The increased blood flow helps increase your overall relaxation. Stretching will help ease your body and reduce aches caused by sleeping in an economy class seat.
All in all, flying has become one of my favorite past-times. I love traveling by air because it allows me to see new places and meet people who live far away from where I am. However, regardless if you fly frequently, then you must prepare yourself mentally and physically beforehand. Make sure you do everything you possibly can to avoid any inconveniences during your trip. Good luck!
