“Traveling – it leaves you speechless, then turns you into a storyteller.” – Ibn Battuta
Travel is always exciting. Long flights, however, are not. It’s a different scenario if you are traveling in first class and being pampered like royalty. Most air travels are done in economy class where people have to sit in one spot for hours at a stretch, cramped in a seat, surrounded by noise, in the cold. It’s not a fun prospect. Air travel is incredibly taxing, both physically and emotionally. However, it does not have to be that way. These 15 tips here will help you survive long hauls flights with the utmost ease and comfort.
Charge up essentials
On a long flight, gadgets are often your only friends. Don’t forget to put all your chargers in your hand-carry bag so you can juice up all your devices wherever you get the chance. For this reason, it is prudent to pack extra batteries as well as an external charging device. Keep them organized in a separate portable carrying case, so you do not mix everything up.
Pack your pillow and blanket
Airlines provide pillows and blankets on the flight. They are not the best, but they get the job done. However, in the case of long layovers, we all crave a nap. Packing your pillow and blanket is one way to ensure that your journey is a little more comfortable. If you cannot pack a blanket, just carry an extra layer like a big cozy sweater or a warm shawl.
Wear your most comfortable outfit
Some people love to dress up for flights. It is a personal preference. If you like it, you do you. When it comes to long flights, however, dressing up is never practical. Commute can be exhausting, so the last thing you need on your mind is to worry about how you look. You should prioritize comfort over everything else. Wear your most comfortable outfit for the plane. The plane’s temperature is rarely ever comfortable for anyone. Some feel too cold, whereas others sweat buckets. For this reason, wear something warm and comfortable.
You can also pack extra layers just in case you feel a need to customize your look according to the temperature on the plane or airport. Wear compression socks to help reduce swelling as well as reduce the risk of blood clot formation. The tried and tested outfits of travel enthusiasts are either just track pants or jeans, a tee, and a sweater on top, paired with sneakers. If you want to look fashion-savvy but still feel at ease, replace the shirt with a fancier studded leather jacket. It might sound crazy, but nothing screams fashion like a leather jacket.
Pack sleeping pills
If you are someone who cannot sleep on the plane or is just gets anxious, we suggest packing sleeping pills to survive the long commute. Consult your doctor before and get a prescription for it. More importantly, try out the medicine beforehand to know that it works for you.
An eye mask is a must
Eye masks are necessary when on a flight. They help you block out the light and help create the perfect sleeping mood. We suggest investing in a good one because the blindfold they provide on flights are often scratchy and wonky.
Block out the sound
Flights can be noisy. Crying babies, regular announcements, whiny seatmates – it can be very obnoxious. If you are looking to relax and sleep peacefully, earplugs are essential. If earplugs fail to do the trick, your second best bet is noise-canceling headphones. Play soft music to help you relax. Audiobooks and meditation books are excellent options as well.
Anti-bacterial wipes are a necessity
Airplanes are filthy. You cannot see it, but there are germs everywhere. You must ensure proper sanitization to relax a little better and lounge in your seat more comfortably.
Anti-bacterial wipes are your saviors on long flights because you can use them to wipe your armrests, seatbelt, seatback tray, and other surfaces clean. Anti-bacterial wipes should be on top of your accessories’ checklist for a long flight.
Keep entertainment on hand
Sitting in one posture for hours is exhausting and ridiculously boring. How long can you watch TV? Therefore, we suggest packing some on hand entertainment to make the journey a little more enjoyable. A book is always a great idea. Kindle is also an excellent option. Pack a deck of cards or portable games so you can kill time and have fun.
Bring snacks
Snacks are a lifesaver. Hunger can turn even the nicest ones amongst us into irritable monsters. Sometimes, all you need to keep you up and running is food. We suggest packing some light snacks with you for the journey.
Protein and granola bars are super healthy and energizing. You can snack on nuts and dried fruits as well. If you are a junk food lover, it is okay to indulge in some cookies and chips as well.
Carry sleep assistants
Sleeping on a plane is super uncomfortable. It is always a good idea to carry sleep assistants like a neck pillow with excellent lumbar and neck support. Additionally, you can take essential oils with you that will help induce better sleep.
Let your skin breathe
Avoid putting on makeup on long flights. The dry cabin air, reduced oxygen availability, and inactivity is already too much for your skin. The last thing you need is a layer of makeup caked on it.
Pack a travel-size hydrating serum and moisturizer. Keep eye drops to battle any unlikely eye irritation. Most importantly, keep chapstick with you at all times. Nothing feels worse than dry crusty lips. Keep them plump and moisturized.
Stay hydrated
It is critical to stay hydrated when you are on a flight. Dehydration dulls the skin and amplifies jet lag. Make sure to carry water with you and drink a glass every hour. Yes, you will have more trips to the bathroom, but trust us, you wouldn’t want to be dehydrated. Take care of yourself while traveling. Make it a priority.
Brush your teeth
Just because you are up in the air does not mean you have the excuse to be filthy. Brush your teeth after your meal so you can freshen your breath. Brushing also helps trick your body into thinking it is time to sleep, so it induces better sleep.
Move around every few hours
Airplanes have reduced oxygen, and they can instigate fatigue, swelling, dehydration, and headaches. Therefore, we suggest staying active. No, we are not recommending you start running down the aisle.
Stretch and walk around every couple of hours to help improve blood flow. Relax your joints and move them around a little to ensure smooth mobility with simple exercises.
Be considerate to others
Flights can be grueling. Everyone should actively try to be more considerate towards those who are traveling with you. Help an elderly with their luggage or come to a mother’s rescue by helping her with her crying baby. Do not recline your seat too low. These are small but very significant gestures that can help enhance your experience.
As Mark Twain noted, “I have found out that there ain’t no surer way to find out whether you like people or hate them than to travel with them.”
Parting thoughts
It is very easy to get annoyed and irritable when traveling. However, traveling is a real test that helps determine one’s level of patience and cooperation. Learn to be more accepting and easygoing.
As Babs Hoffman, most aptly quoted, “Stop worrying about the potholes in the road and enjoy the journey.”
Long flights are exhausting. Use these tips to make your next long trip as smooth sailing as it can possibly be.
Author Bio:
About Ashley Rosa: Ashley Rosa is a freelance writer and blogger. As writing is her passion that why she loves to write articles related to the latest trends in technology and sometimes on health-tech as well. She is crazy about chocolates. You can find her at twitter: @ashrosa2.