As exciting as a trip can be, the longer the flight, the drearier the experience can be. You need to keep yourself occupied otherwise you will be very stressed at the end of the flight.
How much you enjoy the flight will really be highly dependent upon how you started it. If you get to the airport late and have to rush through check-in, you will be very stressed by the time you get to your seat. So ensure you leave early and get to the airport in time for a leisurely check-in. Do make sure you have all the relevant documents ready at hand.
First class and business class have more facilities that can make your flight more pleasant including more comfortable seats, more leg space, better food and more personalized attention from the hostesses. So, if you can afford it then this would definitely be a better option. If you are in economy class and have sitting options, avoid the back because it gets noisy and is normally near the toilets which can get smelly. Aisle seats are actually warmer but the view from the window seat can be especially relaxing.
Either way, wherever you are seated, long flights can be tiresome, so what do you need to do to make the experience a little bit better?
- Dress comfortably
On a long flight keep comfort in mind when deciding what to wear. Very tight clothes can get constrictive and be an absolute nightmare when trying to take a nap. High heels can make your legs swell while thigh high boots can get uncomfortably warm. Wear loose-fitting clothes and flat shoes if possible. You can always change at the destination airport if you need to.
- Read your favorite novel or magazine
A long flight will allow you to catch up on your reading. Carry your literary pick of the week or your favorite magazine and just get lost in the stories. You will be surprised at how a good book can help you pass time during the long flight.
- Enjoy the in-flight entertainment
Most airlines have in-flight entertainment; you can watch a movie or two or even catch up on what is going on in the world during the flight.
- Listen to music from your iPod
If you are a music fan then load your iPod with music that you enjoy. It is easy to get lost in the wonderful world of music.
- Take a snooze
Take the time to rejuvenate your body by catching up on some sleep and wake up refreshed and alert. Carry a neck pillow or request for one, cover your eyes and use earplugs to drown out the noise.
- Do Mini exercises
Take a walk up and down the aisle at intervals and do mini stretches. This is especially important if you have been seated for a long while. A tense cramped body will stress you and make the flight seem longer than it actually is.
- Catch up on some work
If you have your laptop and have some pending work, then this would be a good time to do it. You can also catch up on personal stuff like doing your accounting or some personal writing. If you are a creative and are feeling inspired then you can compose your song/poem or draw something amazing.
- Eat and drink
Carry a snack if you can, the food in the flight can be a bit bland or expensive and may not be enough to keep you full throughout the flight. Most importantly stay hydrated because the cabin pressure tends to dehydrate. Avoid alcohol because it will just make you tired, if not drunk!
Final thoughts
Flying does not have to be an unpleasant experience. Prepare well for it and you will be at your destination before you know it.
Travel enthusiast, always looking forward to the next adventure. Flying around the world, enjoying mostly sunny places, learning about new captivating cultures are some the main reasons driving me to travel.
