Guest Post by Mia Taylor
Although flying might sometimes be fun, more often than not it’s a drag, especially when it means spending hours upon hours at the airport and on the flight. In my experience, there are definitely a few things to bear in mind and plan for, which can make the whole ordeal of an extra long flight much more bearable. So here are some ways that you can make your long flight as pleasant as possible.
Take into account the before and after
Yes, your flight might last 15 hours, but unfortunately, that’s not the all. Many people tend to forget about the extra time you have to spend at the airport. Actually, your preparation for the trip should start a day before. If you are crossing multiple time zones (which you likely are), try to adjust your inner clock before you even leave home. Get plenty of rest, because who knows if you will be able to sleep on the plane, and if possible try moving your bedtime closer to what it will be once you reach your destination. When you land, you will probably feel mentally and physically drained, so it’s good to consider in advance how you will reach your accommodation from the airport. For instance, when I flew to Sydney, I naively planned to rely on public transport to get me to my hotel. Lugging my suitcases after a 15-hour flight was definitely not fun. I can say from experience that if I were to do it again now, I would definitely consider a taxi.
Hydrate a lot
It’s no secret that the air on planes is terribly dry – in fact, humidity levels commonly hover somewhere around 25%. Also, if you consume tea, coffee, or alcohol during your flight, their diuretic effect will lead to further loss of fluids. That means that you are at a very real risk of dehydration. Have you ever experienced chapped lips and rough, dull skin after flying? Yup, those are the signs of mild dehydration. So, in order to avoid it, drink plenty of fluids before, during and after your flight. It’s best to avoid sugary and caffeinated drinks, so your safest bet is plain water or herbal tea. Also, make sure you always have a high-quality moisturizer in your carry-on, such as these nourishing Aspect Dr Skin Care products.
Watch what you eat
An upset tummy on a 12-hour flight is definitely not something you wish to go through. The changes in atmospheric pressure and airplane food are known to cause digestive issues, from mild to seriously unpleasant. Think bloating, gassiness, constipation or even diarrhea. To prevent or at least alleviate these problems, choose a light meal, and bring healthy snacks. Avoid greasy, sweet and overly salty food. If you know you struggle with motion sickness, consider bringing a motion sickness band.
Bring entertainment
Passing the time on a flight that lasts for longer than 10 hours is definitely one of the biggest challenges. You might be lucky enough to sleep for at least a portion of that time, but that’s not something that you can rely on with certainty. Plenty of people plan on doing some actual work during long flights, but it can be difficult to focus when you are cramped in a seat, bored, and surrounded by other people. So, in case that doesn’t work out, always have a backup. Headphones and music are indispensable. In-flight entertainment can be okay, but sometimes the choice of movies can be shockingly terrible. Remember to pack a book or magazine in your carry on luggage. Installing a few fun apps and games on your phone is a great idea, but remember that you can’t always charge your phone during the flight, so have a power pack handy.
Concentrate on comfort
Just sitting in a cramped seat for hours is probably the biggest challenge of flying to your dream destination.
If possible, upgrade for added comfort. Resist the urge to overpack your carry-on luggage – you will need all the leg room you can get. To maximize chances of sleep, bring earplugs or noise-canceling headphones, a sleep mask, and a neck pillow.
Long flights can be particularly grueling, and it’s good to come physically and mentally prepared. A bit of planning ahead can save you plenty of hassle and help you go through the whole experience as painlessly as possible.
Mia Taylor is a fashion and beauty enthusiast from Sydney and writer for www.highstylife.com. She loves writing about her life experiences. Traveling and enjoying other cultures and their food with her husband is a big part of her life. She is always on the lookout for new trends in fashion and beauty and considers herself an expert when it comes to lifestyle tips.
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