(Grrrr) All of a sudden the video screen was in my face.. If you're a seasoned traveler, you probably know how important it is to have your own travel pillow that supports your neck and protects it from injuries during take-off or turbulence. Speaking of DVT, dehydration coupled with hours of inactivity and too much alcohol may make your blood much more likely to clot, Although knocking back a couple of glasses of champagne during a long-haul flight is tempting, it won't help you sleep better, plus the resulting hangover and motion sickness mid-turbulence. really great ideas for my first overseas flight to the Philippines ! Personally, the most difficult thing about flying on a long-haul flight (anything over 10 hours) is just mentally wrapping my head around it. I bring slippers the hotel freebies to wear when walking around on a long flight. Many people pick up magazines at the airport. Of course, you dont want to have your feet sticking out in the middle of the aisle tripping passersby, but there is definitely more wiggle room to stretch out under the seat ahead of you when you dont have the wall of the plane in the way. lol But great idea anyway. so that I have food that I like to eat on my plane ride. Andrew Zimmern, chef and host of the Travel Channels Bizarre Foods, Every snack on the plane is starchy, salty or dry. Im curious how your flight and trip were? 50 Ways to Increase Productivity and Achieve More in Less Time. Terms apply. For example, 60,000 points are worth $750 toward travel. this is good basic advice for just about any flight. (Thanks to your tips that we have accumulated) Our recent Japan trip employed the tips and worked out very well. Some really good ideas Im travelling for the first time with my to son that have autism this in it self as coused my anxiety to the max So charged to electronic games and puzzle books for them to do thank you guys fingers crossed We off to lap land 24 December. If Yes, what tips do you have for me. Sometimes we tend to forget being nice. Here are my top 15 tips for surviving a long flight: 1. Soifyou care about your health orjust want tostick toyour own eating schedule, onsider taking your own snacks onboard. You never know what temperature isawaiting for you onboard. I like your idea to pack a pillow and blanket. Besides that, youll get anice DIY back massage. The attendants are so kind and courteous that chocolates were not even necessary. I can pull it out of my carry on and throw it back in at the end of a flight. Thanks for the tips, they were great. The dry air in the plane dried up her contacts, so they stuck to her eyes, causing multiple tears! You might be freezing, while the person a few rows away finds it too warm. I am nervous, Have you ever taken two long flights back to back? You just never know so its best to be prepared. I gladly rock my grandma glasses throughout a flight to avoid drying out my eyes. travel blogger and TV host La Carmina, My best tip for making flying more comfortable is the strategic seat pick! That's $750 when you redeem through Chase Ultimate Rewards. The last time I travelled with Eurowings and booked the cheapest ticket. And I take a fair-sized inflatable pillow with a small cover as well made that 3-seat empty row into a passable bed on a recent economy flight of many many hours. Great collection of tips Johnny! What do you do to survive a long flight? Did I miss anything? This will make you feel more comfortable before you fall asleep and refreshed in the morning. killing the time with a movie or two if you want to rest at all during your flight. At the carousel, when I bent over to get my girlfriends luggage, he was the one leaning over my back to look at the next bag, my elbow lifted him off the ground and sent him flying. It was better than 2 others you mentioned. Part of HuffPost Travel. Bring games and something to read If you are old school and traveling with someone, bring a deck of cards or a portable game. 13 Ways to Get Motivated to Work, Little Things You Do Can Keep You In A Good Mood All The Time, Why Working Too Hard Could Be Bad For Your Career, 10 Ways to Instantly Reduce Stress at Work, What Should I Do Today? Mine is made by Lewis & Clark and is $10 on Amazon.com. It may mean more bathroom breaks but your body will thank you once you reach your destination. prepare your senses for your next destination. Darkness stimulates the production of the hormone melatonin, which helps us relax and fall asleep. I am going to Australia from DC in next couple of days. Lastly I use a drawstring athletic bag with everything I need for the flight to keep me organized. While noise-canceling headphones are probably part of your travel arsenal if you fly frequently, you might not know that many airplanes are equipped with a "sleep" music channel playing soothing music or quiet sounds to help you relax and unwind. Its not worth trying to sleep on a flight if it means its the last flight youll ever take. My go-to airline for longer flights is Emirates, and I also love Turkish Airlines. Katie McIntosh, travel blogger at The Katie Show, Personally, I try to get an aisle seat when Im flying, especially if its a long haul flight. You can also use these extra layers as a cushion against back or neck stiffness when you sit on the plane for long hours. Isabel Leong, travel blogger at Bel Around The World, Wear glasses instead of contact lenses. The most common ones are environment is too noisy to be productive, but I think thats too vague. If you have a DVT Hope youre landing somewhere that speaks English. In addition to getting some extra vitamin-C, it helps with morning breath and if you bring an extra one, its nice to share with your seat companions. 10. I personally dont take any kind of pills (including melatonin) since I want to be fully aware in case of an emergency. Thanks for writing this list -and glad to see No.15 included. If you have the option to choose your seat before you take off, flight attendants and experts recommend heading towards the middle of the aircraft and picking a window seat on the left side if you're trying to get some rest. Unfotunately I mostly improvise. You can fill it up at the airport or right in the plane. 13. 11. The flight attendants can really make or break your flight and theyll appreciate this simple acknowledgment of their hard work. Bright Side made alist of10hacks that will help you survive along flight without damaging your nerves and body. It would never have occurred to me to give chocolate or other small gift to the flight attendants, but it makes sense even if I didnt like them and appreciate their service, which I generally do. Your personal set of essentials should include the following things: You can add some of your favorite toiletries to this list that you usually use to take care of yourself, but don't wear any makeup if you don't want to clog your pores or get pimples. I have a WiFi tablet. Airplane seats arent designed to support your back properly, and if you are going to be sitting for a long time, having something to help support your body in an ergonomically correct way is really important. 5. 2022 BuzzFeed, Inc. All rights reserved. I always try to bring a frozen water bottle, and have only had it challenged twice. 2. Great tips to help survive a long flight! Im afraid to fly and go on cruises I want to know your secret.. And of course, reading tips and personal experiences every time only makes you more prepared. You can get a MiFi from CellularAbroad.com. Many things for personal care while in a long flight; I suggest to bring a lip balm, beside for the lips, smear a little on the tissue and rub it in and around your nostrils, do it privately please, it helps for breathing dry air. But I know many people who swear by them. If they can do it while working, you can while relaxing. One of the problems with any kind of sleeping pill is sleeping to long and getting DVT , deep vein Thrombosis which is a blood clot in the leg veins. Tell us about them in the comments! You do not, however, want to end up with Economy Class Syndrome or Deep Vein Thrombosis (DVT) which almost killed my father a few years ago with two pulmonary embolisms. Alternatively, bring extra batteries or an external charging device in case your plane doesnt have electrical outlets but keep in mind not all airlines allow these so double check. Sadly, shrinking airplane seats and cramped leg room have become the norm as airline companies attempt to stuff as many passengers as they can into a small space. So yeahBring enough food and drinks with you especially on a long-distance-flight ;). It has gone on every flight and to every concert with me for the past ten years. Pack some cozy socks, too, but dont go into the bathroom in just your sock feet put your shoes on. Bring sleep assistants Bring a sleep device that works for you. Enjoy benefits such as a $50 annual Ultimate Rewards Hotel Credit, 5x on travel purchased through Chase Ultimate Rewards, 3x on dining and 2x on all other travel purchases, plus more. Im flying to cebu city in a week and an curious how the trip went? You have to help them by doing a precautionary routine (antihistamines, chewing gum, EarPlane plugs, etc. They work their butts off and deserve niceness. 7. When youre sitting, place atennis ball oramassage ball inthe small ofyour back. Instead of bringing a bulky scarf or jacket, invest in a travel blanket which can also double as a support for your lower back or for your neck. As airlines continue to shrink legroom space and seat size, many travelers have complained about the discomfort of plane rides. Cool. Most airlines will allow them if the rated power is less than 100Wh and according to the TSA: Portable chargers or power banks containing a lithium ion battery must be packed in carry-on bags. TIP: Keep your chargers organized with a portable carrying case like one of these. If you can stretch your legs to sleep, these tips are great. How to Stop Multitasking and Become Way More Productive, How to Be Productive at Home and Make Every Day Productive, 12 Secrets To a Super Productive Meeting You Should Know, 7 Most Common Distractions at Work (And How to Tackle Them), Why To-Do Lists Dont Work (And How to Change That), How to Live a Full Life (Without Compromising on What Truly Matters), Achieving Goals: The Ultimate Guide to Goal Achieving & Goal Setting in 2022, What Is Motivation And How To Get Motivated (Your Ultimate Guide). Noise-canceling headphones or earplugs would also be useful, especially if theres a screaming baby near you or people are speaking too loudly. The air inside of an airplane can be very dehydrating, which means you could be facing dry eyes and parched skin while you're in the air. Thanks for all the great tips; they are very helpful, especially for people who do not regularly travel long distance. My Dr. did recommend either tylenol pm or melatonin in mild doses to assist with sleep while not completely knocking you out. There was no food included and I didnt bring enough with me. Sonext time, try toreduce the number ofyour onboard personal items toaminimum and store them inthe overhead bin. Thanks for sharing! I blow up the ball half way and put it under the seat in front of me. Some people likes long flight journey and they even know how to enjoy the long journey. Since I have a bad back, I always try to get an aisle seat so I can get up and stretch when possible. Thx. Thank you so much for sharing valuable post. You can be a zebra or a leopard! thanks for the tips, it helps me a lot when i go on my trip last month. But you better bring the Scrabble Dictionary for challenges or use the in-flight WiFi if available to check the Scrabble Dictionary online. Power up Make sure you have all your chargers with you so that you can keep all your gadgets powered up throughout your flight. I took your suggestion and break the trip into two segments. I hate that but what can you do? I am tall and have long legs so on my long flights I use a beach ball to rest my feet. Great read. Per the Centers for Disease Control, an estimated 60,000-100,000 Americans die from DVT each year, so it's a flight risk you shouldn't take lightly. Everyone needs something good to read to pass the time. Wear comfortable clothes The temperature on a plane is rarely comfortable for everyone. Sitting for hours during your flight can put you at risk for getting a blood clot in your legs, also known as deep vein thrombosis (or DVT). I have also found that packaging my small electronics (e.g. Your seat neighbor will thank you for not leaning on them instead,". So thank you for this great article, it was really helpful, especially the water part. But if you think youll be awake, then get an aisle seat so you can get up and stretch your legs easily. Sleeping pills are never a good idea. People usually wait until their trays are collected before getting upfrom their seats and heading todeal with their needs. Then repeat with the other leg. Im hoping to visit some relatives in New Zealand this year, so Ill have to take my first long flight. 2) Blanket and pillow. I have read your tips about long flight, nice information you have shared. I always find an empty corner of the gate area to stretch and do some yoga before I get on the plane. I have pretty long legs, and I find that Im much more comfortable when Im able to stretch out which is easier when youre by the aisle. Ive heard there are even seat covers that I could buy to help my flight be more comfortable. Freeing up that footwell for your legs to stretch out does make the flight a lot more comfortable. Mark Ostermann, senior editor of Miles to Memories, One of the big problems on a flight can be noise from other passengers, whether its from a crying baby or a rowdy group of friends. I go and shave (if you are a male of course!) In addition to staying hydrated and taking regular breaks every couple hours to stretch and walk around, resist the urge to cross your legs as it further restricts blood flow. Earn 60,000 bonus points after you spend $4,000 on purchases in the first 3 months from account opening. It may seem counterintuitive, considering that many long-haul flights are equipped with mini entertainment screens, but you're better off napping first then killing the time with a movie or two if you want to rest at all during your flight. Each and every point is always on our list whenever we travel. ?.Specifically for maps that you would reccomend. Terms apply. 30 New Things To Do Today, 54 Things Everyone Needs To Know How To Do, 13 Ways to Make Sense of Your Social Media Feeds, How to Increase Mental Focus and Stay Sharp, How To Get Fit If You Have a Busy Schedule. Although the dropping costs of airfare and the rise of budget airlines have made flying much more accessible, it's also created a few major drawbacks that can make your flight an unpleasant one. Now that is one secret I wish I could have. 6. At some major U.S. airports taxi time can be up to an hour and once you are in the air, its usually 40 minutes before the crew brings out the food and drinks. If you aren't willing to invest in noise-canceling headphones but want to block out a screaming baby or your neighbors' conversation, simple earplugs should do the trick. Im one tech who looks for Pulmonary Embolus in hospitals. Advertiser Disclosure: The card offers that appear on this site are from companies from which Johnny Jet receives compensation. This is more for me than anyone else. There are not many people who are allergic to them, but I am one of them and if I smell an orange I get a severe reaction and difficulties breathing. Many people like to bring a water bottle they can easily fill once they pass through security too. Thanks for the tips. I have been buying the silky $5 animal print sleep mask on Amazon for several years. The CDC recommends moving around every 2 to 3 hours if you travel for more than 4 hours: http://www.cdc.gov/ncbddd/dvt/facts.html. Its fairly easy to do without annoying other passengers, and increases my comfort greatly. It feels so much better, and Ive heard your feet can swell on a flight, so its nice when your feet can breathe. Marek Bron, travel blogger at Indie Traveller. Sometimes Ill bring an old pillow from home and just chuck it after the flight, or use a pillowcase and stuff it with my fleece or down coat. You can clip this back pillow to your suitcase or backpack, and when you arrive at your destination, it can double as lumbar support if you are on a road trip or otherwise sitting for longer periods of time. After boarding, take off your shoes and put onapair ofcozy socks. To prevent headache and fatigue caused by dehydration, you should drink about 8 ounces of water for every hour youre in the air. You were speaking about a Wifi product you liked. Personally, I try to get an aisle seat when Im flying, especially if its a long haul flight. Knowing where you sit on the plane can really help with eating and sleeping. Straighten your right leg and stretch it out as far as you can. It smells great, is quick and easy to use and doesnt dry out your hands. My body temperature when flying always goes up and down so bringing a blanket is one of my very top tips. Once source is magellan.com . Thanks in advance. Tips from my ENT doctor and a Google search helped me understand the problem and create a precautionary routine that staves off ear misery. Dwight Brown, travel writer, If you are flying overnight, bring two pairs of socks. Piss off pal. I also wear socks during the flight but have flip-flops ready for walking around. Place your elbows on top of the seat in front of you about shoulder-distance apart. All of this in the seat backs of our 787. ), and you need to be conscious to do it. Toeasily adapt tothese changes intemperature, always wear several layers ofclothing. Even better! You need to just build in 30 minutes more than you need. as well as other partner offers and accept our, Instead of bringing a bulky scarf or jacket, invest in a travel blanket which can also double as a. This pretty much sums up my thoughts on long-haul flyingugh. My husband and I had put together an amazing three-city tour Amsterdam, Paris and Barcelona. Instead of using your regular u-shaped travel pillow and hoping to catch some zzz's, guarantee you'll feel fresh and rested when you land with the cult-favorite Trtl pillow. https://www.rei.com/product/845302/rei-co-op-sit-pad. , an estimated 60,000-100,000 Americans die from DVT each year, so it's a flight risk you shouldn't take lightly. When sleeping, make sure that you wear your seat belt over your blanket or your outer layer of clothing so when belt-on light comes, flight attendants will see that you're already buckled up and wont have to disturb you. Because your inner ears cant regulate air pressure with rapid ups and downs. Im on a flight right now, in 1B (per Johnnys suggestion), we have a few long flights coming up next month and the month after. Darkness stimulates the production of the hormone melatonin, If you're really looking to treat yourself, consider getting a hydrating, Instead of using your regular u-shaped travel pillow and hoping to catch some zzz's, guarantee you'll feel fresh and rested when you land with the, as something to lean on. Keeping your spine straight, tilt your head to the right. Sowhile other passengers are occupied with their food and waiting for their trays tobetaken away bythe crew, you can enjoy your time inarelatively clean and peaceful restroom. But once I board the plane and see the flight attendants who sometimes make the trip weekly, I realize its a piece of cake. About the travel pillowsI get grossed out (and Im not a germaphobic) when I see people with them in the airport, often dropping them on the floor, around their roll along or using them in airport chairs (not that airline seats are any cleaner. I have! Long flights ineconomy class can sometimes bereally tough you have tostay seated for along time, your usual sleep schedule gets ruined, and your flight attendants decide for you what and when youre going toeat. My suggestion is rather than chocolates, I always have a stack of $5 gift cards for the FAs, ranging from Subway to McDonalds, Starbucks, Etc. After several emails from readers asking where my list was, I finally caved. To make flying the most comfortable it can be, wear breathable, stretchy clothing. Interlace your fingers and turn your palms up. How Hard Is It to Get the American Express Platinum Card? document.getElementById( "ak_js_1" ).setAttribute( "value", ( new Date() ).getTime() ); 80,000 points bonus, 3x points on gas, $100 annual hotel savings. I love the bottled wter idea, but my flight, airlines which I always take, wont allow any wter or liquid, even if it is bought after security. The comments on this page are not provided, reviewed, or otherwise approved by the bank advertiser. flight attendant Kaipo Kauka previously told INSIDER. I have a little bag (got at the container store) that I keep mine in and it clips on to my roll along. However, long flights dont have to be dreaded they can actually be enjoyed if you plan ahead and pack right. Put on a smile and bring three bags/boxes of chocolates. Making this change has made flying so much more comfortable for me, plus its still easy enough to see out of the window for takeoff and landing. A pair of soft silicone ear plugs can help to block out most of the noise, and you can even get reusable ear plugs to cut down on single-use waste. Sally Akins, travel and food blogger, The cacophony of noise at airports and on airplanes can drive the sanest people to go utterly mad. Usually, the drug of choice is Ambien but consult your doctor first before taking anything and test it out before getting on the plane. Just be sure you eat it on the plane because most countries wont let you bring food or water past customs. 100,000 points bonus, 5x points on select travel. He was also talking to the passengers behind me very loudly. I notice an empty seat between you and Natalie! I usually pack my luggage as compact as possible so that I know I can store it in the overhead bins. Explore the role of design in helping people become more organised and efficient in their daily lives, and I plan to design a product to be used in the airport / on the plane. One may be the socks that you are wearing with sneakers or you may be wearing sandals onto the plane and need to put on socks later. But, for the longer flights, even a little bit of extra leg room, a pillow, and a meal makes a huge difference and is worth every cent. Why? Sure you should always move your body or at least your legs. Hold for a few seconds, then repeat on your left side. All Rights Reserved. The air in the plane is often quite cold and one pair of socks with no shoes on will often make your feet freeze. Of course, you dont want to have your feet sticking out in the middle of the aisle tripping passersby, but there is definitely more wiggle room to stretch out under the seat ahead of you when you dont have the wall of the plane in the way. save for miles while using a credit card. I definitely agree with you 6th tip Dont forget your eye mask. My husband does a lot of traveling and he tries to sleep on the plane when he has to take a red eye flight. @Melissa, please no oranges. Do you agree or disagree with these 15 tips? You know, something to keep you on the edge of your (plane) seat, whether because youre dying to know what happens at the end of the season or you just *have* to know what happens to the movies characters. 9. That makes a huge difference! This is because darkness is incredibly important for falling asleep. They are comfortable and take up very little room. My doctor suggested taking 81 mg ASA (baby aspirin) daily starting a couple days before the flight to help prevent DVT.