How To Survive A Long Haul Flight
Long-haul flights can be a nightmare for anyone, but it's especially difficult for the nervous flier.
When you get on a plane, you're likely to feel some trepidation. The thought of flying seems to weigh heavily on many people, and they often worry that they're going to be sick during the flight. But there are many ways to keep your mind off of your fear, and one of them is to read up on flights.
There are several facts that travelers can learn from flight attendants. When flying from Asia or Europe, for example, it's not uncommon for a layover in Japan or London to last approximately 24 hours. That's a long time for any traveler, but it can be even more stressful if you're in that part of the world. For example, taking off at 4 p.m., landing at 10 p.m., and then taking off again at 4 a.m., would leave you awake for 24 hours straight — and that's just one flight!
- Stress less and relax more
If you've never flown before, the idea of sitting in a seat for hours on end can be overwhelming. You might start hyperventilating. The trick is to try not to stress out about it too much. Take deep breaths, try to relax and focus on what you're doing rather than how long you're going to be there when you land.
- Use the in-flight entertainment
Unless you're flying first class, expect your flight to take off with at least one movie on the screen and some relaxing music playing. If you want to get some work done, turn off the movie and put away your laptop. If the movie is really bad or uninteresting, consider watching it from the back of the plane instead of from your actual seat so you don't have to watch it while sitting next to someone's feet who keeps kicking them under the table.
- Talk less and listen more
Being quiet in an airplane is hard because everyone wants to talk, but if you're sitting next to someone who has nothing better to do.
- Get there early.
The earlier you get to the airport, the better your chances of getting a good seat. Don't wait until the last minute — if you don't get there early, you'll likely have to stand in line for hours and miss your flight. Bring headphones or earbuds. You can use them to catch up on TV, play your music over speakers or listen to an audiobook if you want to avoid disturbing other passengers. Be aware that some airlines charge extra for these devices, so check ahead of time.
- Have snacks and drinks handy before you board.
If the plane has been delayed by weather or mechanical problems, having a little something to eat and drink can help keep your mind off things until it takes off again.
- Bring a pair of noise canceling headphones or earbuds (or both).
These can come in handy if you're stuck talking with someone else after takeoff or landing, because they let most people around you hear but
- Pack lightly
This isn't just for long-haul flights; it's also helpful on any trip where you're packing a large bag, or anything where you're in a situation where you'll put your belongings in overhead bin space. You never know when a flight attendant will decide to check people's bags for no reason at all.
- Know what to bring
A few essentials are essential, including your boarding pass, your I.D. (with photo), a credit card, your coat and a light jacket, cash for the trip, medication and an extra pair of shoes or slippers. A healthy snack will keep your energy up and help you avoid any unwanted travel sickness that might hit mid-flight. There's nothing worse than starving on board.
- Pack at least two outfits
Pack your favorite outfit as well as something casual to wear in case you get caught out in a blizzard or unexpected snowstorm. You don't want to be stuck in a dark cabin dressed in your running gear with wet hair while everyone else is snuggled up in their pajamas
- Be prepared for delays.
I know that's obvious, but it's easy to get behind schedule on a long flight, especially if there's a delay before departure or if weather causes takeoff or landing delays. If there's an extended delay at altitude, expect some turbulence when landing; if there's an extended delay on the ground, expect some turbulence during taxiing and takeoff.
- Be aware of where you sit in the plane
Because it has a direct impact on how much time you spend in the air, which makes being in an aisle seat worthwhile if it means less time spent sitting in a seat which is not as comfortable as what you're used to at home .
- When boarding, try to get a window seat.
This will give you a better view of what's happening around the airport due to fewer trees and other obstacles obstructing your view.
- Pack your own blanket If your trip requires flying overseas, bringing your own blanket is the most important thing you can do to ensure a good night's sleep. You don't have to pay extra for one, but it might be worth it if you plan on getting off at an airport in another country where you'll need a fresh change of clothes before heading home.
- When leaving the terminal, check your bags again just to be safe because criminals could be waiting for you outside. And remember: If someone asks for your passport, keep it hidden until after you board your flight.
- Avoid checking bags.
If you're traveling with carry-on luggage only, chances are you'll be able to avoid paying baggage fees. Some airlines don't charge for extra bags; others charge $25 per bag or more per flight. If you're worried about having a lot of stuff with you, consider paying for a checked-bag fee waiver if there's a way to do so without paying an extra $50 or more.
The tips listed above should help you to survive a long haul flight with minimal discomfort. At the end of the day, though, no one method works for everyone. We all have different bodies, we're all different heights and weights, and our tolerance for pain is different from each other's. But if nothing else, the tips above should at least give you some food for thought and help you to make your next long haul flight easier on your body.
