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No one enjoys long plane flights, but there are a few things you can do to make yourself more comfortable. If you plan ahead, you won’t have to spend a whole day recovering from your flight.
Make sure you dress appropriately; being uncomfortable can make a long trip seem even longer. Wear non-binding clothing, as you will experience swelling during the flight. A wind suit is a great choice; it will also allow you to layer your clothing so you can remain comfortable even if the temperature varies during the flight. Your shoes should also be loose fitting because your feet swell even more than the rest of your body. Bring along a heavy pair of socks or slipper socks so you can take off your shoes during the flight and still be able to keep your feet warm.
When you arrive at the airport request a seat in either the exit row or the bulkhead, these seats provide the most legroom. If these seats are all taken ask for an aisle seat. This will allow you to get up and down with ease.
Plan to spend about one third of your trip reading. Buy a new book, get the latest issue of your favorite magazine, and read literature about your destination. Another distraction is the onboard movie. Even if it isn’t a great cinematic gem, it will pass two hours in short time. If at all possible, try to nap for a couple of hours. You will feel more refreshed if you can rest a bit. Bring a portable CD player and pack a few of your favorite CD’s or a book on tape. These can provide white noise so you can nap as well as light entertainment.
Request a special meal for the flight that is low in salt. Not only will the meal be fresher but lowering your salt intake will also help with the discomfort from the swelling. Flying is causes dehydration so make sure you drink plenty of fluids, but stay away from coffee and alcohol. Bottled water is the best choice. Bring extra snacks with you in your carry on bag. Stay away from chips and other salty treats, fruit and granola bars are good choices.
Exercise throughout the flight. Do some basic stretches and walk the length of the plane at least twice an hour. The longer the flight is the more you should make an effort to get exercise. You will feel much better if you don’t allow your muscles to get stiff.
Because the altitude is so drying to the skin and eyes you will want to make sure you have a good moisturizer and moisturizing eye drops. Use the moisturizer liberally every few hours and use the eye drops as needed or according to the directions. Keeping a damp paper towel in a zippered sandwich bag will also allow you to freshen up whenever you wish.
Your flight will be over before you know it and you will not feel like crawling into bed for two days if you prepare ahead and heed this advice.
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