Flying can be a challenging experience, with unsuccessful attempts to find a comfortable sleeping position, screaming children, and stomach problems due to food eaten on board. These are just some of the difficulties we face during flights. Once you get off the plane, you sometimes feel like all the juices have been sucked out of you, and there is simply no energy left to enjoy a new city.
1. Choose your location wisely
Seat Selection Tips
It is worth approaching the choice of a seat on the plane strategically: the air is fresher in the front part of the plane; there, as in the seats above the wings, there is less shaking. For greater peace of mind, it is better not to sit near the engines, toilets, and galley. The closer to the nose of the aircraft, the less you will be bothered by engine noise. And the seats by the aisle are several decibels quieter than those by the window.
2. Find a comfortable sleeping position
Best Sleeping Postures
Experienced travelers recommend reclining the seat back as far as possible and choosing a seat by the window for a more comfortable rest. However, sleep experts say that the best position for this purpose is leaning forward over a folding table. But you definitely shouldn’t lean against the wall by the window. As the survey showed, it’s unlikely that you’ll get a good night’s sleep in this position.
3. Eat or drink something cold before bed
How Temperature Affects Sleep
Before sleep, our body temperature drops because the body’s internal systems begin to work less intensively than when we are awake. This mechanism can be used during a flight to convince the body that it is time to rest. All you need to do is eat some ice cream and drink some cold juice or water.
4. Grab your socks
Why Extra Socks Matter
Experienced air passengers take not one but two pairs of socks on long flights. It is often chilly on the plane, and sitting in shoes is not at all comfortable. In this case, another pair of warmer socks will come in handy. The main thing is not to forget to put on shoes when you go to the toilet or walk around the plane to warm up a little.
Compression stockings can also be a good alternative to socks. They help improve blood circulation and reduce the risk of swelling and thrombosis.
5. Do not leave your neck exposed
Neck Warmth for Comfort
An exposed neck is one of the reasons why it can be cold and, therefore, uncomfortable on a plane. Covering it with a scarf or sweater will make it warmer and easier to relax.
6. Put the travel pillow on backwards
A Simple Sleeping Hack
A seasoned traveler shared a life hack that allows him to get enough sleep on a plane. All you need to do is use a travel pillow, but put it on backward. In this case, the pillow will serve as a support for the chin, and the head will not fall forward. And the back of the head has something to rest on: the back of the seat.
Read more: Tips for a Healthier & Comfortable Journey
7. Neglect decorative cosmetics, but don’t forget about moisturizing your skin
Skin Care During Flights
It is better to leave scarlet lipsticks, blush, and mascara overboard. The air on the plane is dry, so instead of foundation, it is recommended to apply a moisturizer to your face. Ideally, it will have SPF to protect against the sun rays penetrating through the windows.
And to make your facial skin thank you for the time spent in the air, you can use fabric masks. As a rule, they contain hyaluronic acid and other ingredients with a moisturizing effect. The main thing is to choose options without strong odors so as not to cause inconvenience to fellow travelers.
8. Take care of your hair
Preventing Hair Damage
To prevent your hair from becoming electrified and to make it look neat, experts advise tying a scarf on your head. To protect your hair from dryness, you can apply a leave-in conditioner to your hair. With such preparation, any flight will be painless for your curls.
9. Don’t cross your legs
Leg Position and Blood Flow
In search of a comfortable position, we often cross our legs. However, it is better to give up this habit in the air. Crossing your legs during long flights restricts blood flow and increases the risk of blood clots. Experts urge you to keep your legs straight, slightly bent at the knees.
10. Bring something soft from home
Comfort Items for Better Sleep
A cozy, “home-like” atmosphere will also help combat insomnia on board. To do this, when heading to the airport, it’s worth taking something soft from the bedroom, such as a blanket. Even a small thing like a pillowcase will smell like home, and the brain will associate this familiar smell with going to bed.
On long overnight flights, you can try to recreate your daily routine: change into comfortable pajamas, brush your teeth, read – in general, do what you usually do before going to bed.
11. Snack on bananas
The Sleep Benefits of Bananas
The magnesium and potassium in bananas help regulate blood pressure and promote sleep. So, if you’re having trouble sleeping on a plane, you might want to snack on a couple of bananas.
12. Drink liquids only from packages
Avoiding Contaminated Water
An experienced flight attendant said on social media that the tanks in which water is stored on board are not washed as often as one would like. Therefore, she recommends drinking only drinks from packages: bottled water, soda, and juices. The flight attendant also suggests giving up tea and coffee, which are prepared with water from the tanks.
Read more: 15 Smart Tips for Stress-Free USA Trips
13. Do not turn off the air conditioner
The Role of Air Conditioning
Air conditioners in airplanes act as a barrier: they “blow away” bacteria, causing them to settle on the floor faster and preventing them from getting onto our mucous membranes. Therefore, it is advisable not to turn off the individual ventilation system, maintaining a medium or strong air flow throughout the flight.
Low humidity on board dries out our mucous membranes, making us more susceptible to illness. By turning off the air conditioning, we risk catching an airborne infection.
Bonus: How to stretch during a flight
- Utilize the lavatory for a circulation-boosting stretch. Sit on the closed toilet seat, stretch your legs up, and rest them against the door. Stay in position for about 10 minutes.
- To relax during a flight, try this exercise: Tense the muscles of your entire body, hold the tension for 30 seconds, and then rest for 10 seconds. Repeat 4 times.
- To improve blood flow in your legs, pull your knee toward your chest and hold for 15 seconds. Do up to 10 reps on each leg.
