How to Survive a Long Flight
How to Survive a Long Flight
Yesterday, we posted about the longest flights in the world. Today, we’ll share some tips with how to survive a long flight.
Flights over 6 or 7 hours tend to be my breaking point. My back starts aching and not enough complimentary drink (read: alcoholic beverage) vouchers can help me fall asleep. It even feels as if the airlines have programmed their seats to be less ergonomic. However, the tips below will help you learn how to survive a long flight.
- Ear Plugs – This is one thing I don’t leave home without on trips. If you’re trying to take a nap or even get a full night’s rest, I cannot recommend a good pair of ear plugs enough.
- Compression Socks – Usually after getting off of a 6 hour flight, my feet always feel heavier and bloated. Purchasing a pair of nurses socks or compression socks should help alleviate your feet and legs. They’re also available in Mens and Womens sizes.
- Neck Pillow – You can find these in just about any airport nowadays. However, purchase one in advance to save $$$. I’ve seen some that are foam and some that are inflatable.
- Sleep Aid Medication – I’ve personally never used a sleep aid to help me fall asleep on a flight. However, I have had other travelers swear by it.
- Electrolyte Tablets – This couples with drinking a lot of water on flights, rather than the alcohol they offer. You are sitting in a pretty dry air environment that will drain the electrolytes out of your body. I like to look at this like having a Gatorade after waking up hungover.
- Get up and move around the cabin when the seat belt sign is off. Keep your blood moving throughout the body. Sitting stagnant for several hours on end is not a good thing. Sure it may look silly to do lunges down the aisle. But I’d bet that you will feel a lot better than other passengers when you land.
- Brush your teeth. Either bring on board your toiletries or bring along a Colgate Wisp. Nothing is more refreshing after waking up on an airplane than brushing your teeth.
- Wear whatever you’re most comfortable in. On my flight from Hong Kong to New York, I wore a pair of basketball shorts. I knew that I didn’t want to sit in economy class with jeans on for the entire trip.
- If you have status with an airline, you can also see if you can upgrade your seat to economy plus or business class once you arrive at the gate. Sometimes even prior to checking in, you should consider if the upgrading cost is worth it.
Hopefully the tips above will help you on your next long-haul flight. If you have any other tips for how to survive a long flight, be sure to leave a note in the comments.
