16 Tips to Survive and Thrive on Long Flights

16 Tips to Survive and Thrive on Long Flights

thrive on a flight: young woman in red top sitting on airplane reading a book

One of the ways to thrive on a plane: wear comfortable clothes

You’re about to depart for your latest travels. But there’s just one thing standing between you and your adventure: The long airplane ride.

Put these 16 tips into practice for your next big trip. They’ll help you not only survive but also thrive on long flights.

Prepare before the flight

Upgrade – or choose seats wisely

Flying first or business class will make the journey most comfortable. There’s nothing like a lie-flat bed to help you sleep in flight.

If that expense isn’t in the cards, small upgrades should make the trip more enjoyable. Many airlines now offer premium seating for a relatively minor extra charge. This may include more leg room, larger seats, seats that recline more, complimentary alcohol and early boarding.

To get more leg room with little or no additional expense, try to secure a bulkhead seat or exit row.

Dress appropriately

To thrive on long flights, wear loose clothing that doesn’t wrinkle. Fabrics should stretch along with you as you move around in your seat.

You’ll likely be too chilly at some point during the flight. Wear layers to deal with the ever-changing temperatures. Also recommended: socks to keep your feet cozy. Compression socks can do double duty, warming your feet as well as protecting against circulation problems.

Prepare for different needs

Pack what you’ll need to stay healthy, comfortable and refreshed in the air. A few essentials: a sleep mask, ear plugs, pillow, noise-canceling headphones, snacks, hand sanitizer and medications.

This list of the best items to carry on a plane will serve as a great packing guide.

Rest up before the trip

Many people have trouble sleeping on planes. Better to get as much slumber in as possible before you board. A plane is not the ideal place to catch up on your Zs.

thrive on long flights: child wearing headphones in plane seat

Pack the key items you’ll need in flight, such as a good pair of headphones

Keep comfortable during the flight

Move when you can

Make a point of standing up at regular intervals to thrive on long flights. Walk up and down the aisle. Stretch.

Even at your seat, keep your blood circulating:

  • Lift your feet a few inches off the floor, then rotate them in circles. Then point your toes up and down.
  • Roll your shoulders forward and backwards. Then raise them up and down.
  • Roll your neck and head forward and backward
  • Twist your torso, looking behind each shoulder
  • Raise your arms and rotate your hands

Drink water

Flying is extremely dehydrating. The air in the cabin is very dry, the food often has a high sodium content and travelers tend to indulge in alcohol. To thrive on long flights, drink more water than you normally would.

Bring your own water bottle on board, and keep refilling it. Don’t wait until you’re thirsty to have a sip. Snag water from the flight attendant every time it’s offered if you’re getting low. You can also bring an electrolyte-replacement drink as a water substitute.

Freshen up

Bring toiletries like towelettes, a toothbrush and toothpaste with you. Spritz your face with hydrating mist for a quick pick-me-up. The rest of your skin will need moisture, too, so bring a travel-size lotion.

thrive on long flights: woman wearing sleep mask sitting on plane

Try to get some rest on the plane to arrive refreshed at your destination

Sleep as much as you can

It’s not easy to sleep on planes, but it’s great if you can. Sleep will help you arrive refreshed at your destination and reduce jet lag.

Some travelers like extra help to doze off in flight. Those range from herbal supplements like melatonin to over-the-counter or prescription sleeping pills. Whatever you use, try it out before the flight. You don’t want any negative reactions to surprise you in the air.

Entertain yourself

Plan your stay

You’ll have limited time at your destination. Advance planning will help you make the most of your stay. Map out details: which sites to visit, which restaurants and bars to try, which stores look promising.

Learn a language

Teach yourself the basics of the language spoken in your destination. Even a few phrases like ‘hello,’ ‘thank you’ and ‘a glass of red wine, please’ will be extremely useful.

A variety of apps help you learn in an easy, fun environment. Some airlines even offer language lessons through the in-flight entertainment system.

Listen to podcasts

Podcasts are having a moment. Thanks to the hit series Serial, people are buzzing about them again. New podcasts are always emerging.

They’re free and easy to download. Once you’ve done so, you can listen to them offline anytime.

Color

Also having a moment: Adult coloring books. You’ll tap into your creativity. And you’ll apparently even relieve stress and anxiety. What better to help you thrive on long flights?

Take your pick: carry on a book and crayons or colored pencils. Or download coloring books on your tablet.

thrive on long flights: woman on plane wearing headphones looking at device

Load up your device before you leave home with entertainment like music, podcasts and games

Listen to music

Don’t count on the airline’s entertainment system to keep you occupied. Craft your own playlist of songs about travel, or ones that relate to your destination. A little research can help you discover artists that may not be known at home but are popular in the place you’re visiting. It’s a fun way to build excitement for your stay.

You may also want to download meditation music or white noise. Those can help block ambient sounds and aid your in-flight sleep.

Watch movies and TV shows

This is a golden opportunity to binge watch that show you’ve meant to catch up on. Or check out a cult classic that comes highly recommended. Or watch a longtime favorite and discover it all over again.

Why not program your own mini film festival? You could pick a style of movie to focus on, like romantic comedy, suspense or documentary. Perhaps watch classics you’ve never gotten around to seeing. Or maybe a roundup of recent Oscar best picture winners?

Play games

Find apps that don’t require internet access and load up on them. This is the perfect time to discover why everyone is into Angry Birds and Candy Crush. Maybe action-adventure games are more your style. Or word games. Or games that remind you of your childhood. You can also stay busy with jigsaw puzzles, card games, crosswords and Sudoku on your tablet or phone.

Read e-books – or go retro with a real book

Whether you prefer electronic, audio or paper, bring along some absorbing reading material. Get into the latest novel from your favorite author. Pick a thriller to make the time speed by. Revisit an old friend you haven’t read in years. Find a book with a connection to your destination – either set there or created by a local writer. Or select a book of travel essays to also get you in the mood.

Helping you thrive on long flights

Your travel advisor can be an enormous help in your quest to thrive on long flights. They can recommend and book the best seat for you. And they can share their personal strategies honed over countless long-haul journeys. With one click, you can start the conversation with a Virtuoso air travel specialist.

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Source:: Virtuoso Traveler