Now that more of us are back on flights for business trips or much-needed vacations, it’s also time to remind ourselves about the struggle of long-haul flights. You would think all that time working from home in 2020 and 2021 would have prepared us for being stuck on an airplane for 10 hours, but I can tell you that long-haul flights are just as painful as ever!
That’s why I’ve put together some simple tips for making it through your next long-haul flight. Whether you’re heading off on vacation or coming home, you’ll feel as fresh as possible.
Disclaimer: This post was contributed by a sponsor
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Wear Comfortable clothes
It may sound obvious, but comfortable clothes are a must on any flight – especially a long one. Some other things to consider when choosing your flight outfit include layers since you may be sitting under AC for hours or it could be too hot, and loose shoes. Our feet often swell when we fly, so try not to choose shoes that are too snug.
Stay Hydrated
Part of the reason we feel so groggy after a long flight is dehydration. That’s why it’s essential that you drink plenty of water on a flight (even more if you’re making the most of the free alcoholic drinks).
Dehydration can affect many parts of your body, so consider bringing moisturizer or face mist for your skin and eye drops for your eyes. Our eyes often suffer when we fly and go on vacation, so be sure to check out this infographic from All About Vision on how to care for your eyes on vacation.
Bring sleeping essentials
If you’re on a very long flight or an overnight flight, the best way to spend your time on it is to sleep. Sleeping on aeroplanes isn’t easy, but there are some essentials you can bring to help you drift away. A good travel pillow or neck pillow, an eye mask, earplugs, and even a blanket. While many airlines provide these, the quality of the freebies is low, so invest in good travel essentials of your own.
Pack toiletries in your hand luggage
Waking up from a nap on a plane is a far cry from a hotel bed, but packing some basic toiletries in your hand luggage can help you feel much fresher. Pack toothpaste, a toothbrush, face wipes, and deodorant – all travel-sized of course – in your hand luggage so you can freshen up easily on the plane.
Keep moving during long haul flights
Being sat in one spot for hours on end can wreak havoc on your back and hips and leave you feeling stiff and sore after your flight. Set a timer on your phone so that every 30 minutes or hour you get up and walk up and down the aisles for a few minutes.
Not only will this help keep you sane and not too stiff on your flight, but it also reduces the risk of deep vein thrombosis (DVT). For more ideas, check out this list of easy in-flight exercises.
Make friends on long haul flights
This tip isn’t for everyone and should be avoided on overnight flights, but I find the easiest way to get through a long flight is to make friends with the person sitting next to me.
Talking to someone new and hearing about their life often makes the hours fly by. You could get sucked into a three-hour conversation about someone’s boring job, but you could also hear great stories and even make a friend.
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