Simple tips to make your next flight more comfortable

2024 Author: Malcolm Clapton | [email protected]. Last modified: 2023-12-17 03:44

Do you often fly an airplane and feel exhausted after every trip? We've put together 10 practical tips for you to make your next flight less stressful and more comfortable.

It's hard to argue that the best part of a flight is the end. Squealing of children, lack of legroom, turbulence - all this makes the flight more like a nuisance than some kind of luxury, as it was previously thought.

In this article, we've compiled 10 tips to help you make your next plane ride more comfortable.

1. Make yourself move

Did you know that recent studies have shown that just five flights in three months increases the likelihood of blood clots in blood vessels by as much as three times compared to two or three flights in the same period? Or that people who are in the air for about 12 hours are 70 times more likely to form blood clots than those who are in flight for only 4 hours?

There is one more unpleasant thing, which is called "stagnant hypoxia". This is nothing more than an oxygen deficiency caused by a long stay in a sedentary state. Blood accumulates in the lower extremities and does not reach the top of the body.

To prevent unpleasant consequences, it is recommended to get up and move in the aisle as much as possible. But what if turbulence or other factors are getting in the way? In this case, wiggle your toes and stretch your toes. This will help to disperse the blood to some extent.

2. Beware of cold and viruses

The air on the plane is refreshed about 20 times per hour (in the Moscow metro, only four times per hour). But even fresh air does not save 100% from the virus if you are near a sick person or freeze, because you do not tolerate low temperatures on the plane.

Do not be lazy to take with you on the flight some kind of large scarf or cape, which you can wrap up in if necessary. As a last resort, these things can be rolled up and used as a pillow.

And one more recommendation: always have an antiseptic on hand to reduce the risk of catching an unwanted infection.

3. Don't drink caffeine

Avoid coffee and other caffeinated beverages. This is especially important if you have a night flight or crossing time zones.

The effects of caffeine last 2 to 6 hours after ingestion. Caffeine interferes with sleep, which makes a person irritable and nervous. And this is not quite what you need in flight.

4. Choose locations with less exposure to turbulence

Not all airplane seats are equally prone to turbulence. Experts believe that positions located above the wings or close to the aircraft's center of gravity can significantly reduce the effects of turbulence, and it will be felt much more in the tail.

The site will help you determine where the best seats are on your flight.

5. Try to book a seat with legroom

a flight search service, conducted a survey, during which it was revealed that having sufficient legroom during a flight is one of the main factors affecting flight satisfaction (60% of respondents said so). The average distance between seats in an aircraft is 780–810 mm.

On the already mentioned SeatGuru website, there is a special Guru Factor indicator that reflects the level of comfort of the selected seat. Based on this data, you can determine which flight can offer you the most comfortable conditions for your budget. A very handy thing.

6. Drink plenty of water

The World Health Organization has calculated that the required amount of water for a person is 30 ml per 1 kg of body weight per day. But it is also worth considering the fact that the airplane has low humidity and dry air, and this causes dry skin and mucous membranes, coughing, and discomfort in the eyes. Therefore, you need to drink even more on board. Coffee, tea, and other drinks are diuretic, which can worsen dehydration.

7. Choose a place near the window

In the Skyscanner survey already mentioned, a quarter of all respondents said that the view from the plane window is another factor that affects the overall experience of flying.

8. Stock up on everything you need for a good sleep

Good noise canceling headphones can drown out the screams of children in the cabin, but they won't help you hide from bright lights. Therefore, do not be lazy to take a sleep mask with you. Just choose a mask with special pads that prevent the bandage from sticking tightly to the eyes. This is so that the bandage does not put pressure on the eyelids and the eyes can move freely during REM sleep. This will allow you to rest better.

9. Prepare in advance for time zone changes

Changing time zones leads to a breakdown of the usual daily rhythm. The best thing to offer in this case is to prepare yourself in advance. For example, imagine that you are already in the time zone you plan to travel to. Eat, drink, sleep according to the time zone of your destination.

10. Avoid Hunger

I think it will not be news to you if I say that the food on the plane, to put it mildly, leaves much to be desired. Unfortunately, there isn't much we can do about it, as long as we take a light snack with us.

But what if you are after a long journey or after changing your next flight? Your belly growls, and you want to eat to such an extent that you no longer have the strength to endure?

There is one good piece of advice for this case. Avoid meat dishes to get food on board faster. For example, order a vegetarian menu or a special meal. Usually such food is brought in first, and besides, it does not cost extra money.