Nearly everyone loves to travel. But the actual process of getting from point A to point B can be exhausting, uncomfortable and frustrating, especially on longer flights.
For many people, the time spent upwards of 30,000 feet in the air for hours can feel like a limbo between time zones and sometimes hemispheres.
On a plane, you’re typically crammed into a small space full of weird smells, germs, and a temperature which seems to vacillate between being too cold or too hot.
The potential for motion sickness, the random cries of small children sitting near you, and the awkward positions you try to fold yourself into to get some sleep can make the journey to and from your destination downright taxing.
Here are some valuable tips to increase your comfort on your next long-haul flight:
1. Bring a sweatshirt or long scarf.
What you wear on a long distance flight is essential to your level of comfort.
Opt for loose, stretchy fitting clothing. Always have something on hand you can cover yourself with as long flights typically get chilly.
Up your comfort level by opting for a hooded airplane pillow. This helps to block out any light or chatty aisle mates as well as gives you a comfortable, secure place to rest your head (which is conducive to getting adequate sleep in such a confined space).
2. Plan your time wisely.
Although things change, plans give structure. So just as you typically do for your days when your feet are planted firmly on the ground, have a to-do list for the plane.
This might include planning which movies you want to watch ahead of time, which podcasts you want to listen to, or which novels you want to read.
These will put you in a positive mental space to help relax your body and mind. As well as put yourself in a position to be pleasantly distracted by what you’ve brought to entertain you.
3. Noise canceling headphones.
Noise-canceling headphones are essential if you want to ensure proper, uninterrupted sleep as well as the perfect sound quality of all your media aids.
One of the most significant issues that cause stress and discomfort on a flight is the bevy of different noises.
According to a 2014 study, environmental noise can cause not only disturbances but lead to health risks too. With specialized earphones that will eradicate those outside sounds, you’ll quickly be transported to an environment in which you feel more at ease.
It’s also essential that you choose a pair that forms well to the inside of your ears and are comfortable to lean against.
4. Protect your tush.
Sitting in a narrow airplane seat for an extended period can wreak havoc on your tailbone and back. This is why it’s imperative to bring a well-made travel seat cushion as it will help to provide much-needed support to your backside.
While some airplane seats are relatively cushioned, on the longest of flights, they sometimes don’t seem like it.
A great travel cushion will help prevent you from putting unnecessary pressure on your hips and tailbone as well as support the natural curvature of your lower back.
Travel cushions are all about comfortability. Make sure to keep size in mind when you are searching for the perfect cushion for your rump.
5. Stay hydrated.
Make sure you are drinking enough water.
This may seem counterintuitive to some, but having to get up to go to the bathroom a couple of times during a long flight is a small price to pay. The amount of water that you should be consuming on a daily basis is just as imperative when traveling.
Hydration can help you better deal with jetlag and promotes proper circulation in your body, which is vital when you’re sitting for so long.
Failure to do so on long flights can lead to venous thromboembolism, studies show.
You can’t always ensure you’ll get water in a timely manner from flight attendants. So make sure to pack a reusable water bottle in your carry-on or personal item.
Fill it up in the airport before you get on the plane and your flight crew will likely gladly refill it for you throughout your trip.