Long Haul Flights – How to Cope?

Sleeping & Eating Before Flying

Make sure you get plenty of sleep the night before your travel date and avoid eating unhealthy junk food and drinking alcohol.  You will need the sleep because any sleep gained on the flight is going to be broken sleep, and sitting for long times you will want your digestive system working in as it should be, and avoiding junk food and alcohol will help with avoiding an uncomfortable bloated feeling.

Accessories

Make sure you take extra layers of clothing and a packet of soft tissues.  The air con can get unbearably cold at times which can make your nose run, and if it does, you will be glad of having soft tissues with you.

Exercise Regularly

Feeling lazy and tired is no excuse not to get up and stretch from time-to-time, It is important that you don’t remain completely still to reduce the risk of deep vein thrombosis. Also try not to sit crossed legs for too long or in any position that could stem the rate of your blood flow.

Drinking on Long Haul Flights – Rhydration

Drink plenty of water; this will help with dehydration and tiredness keeping you more alert when you arrive at your destination.

Prepare Your Bodyclock

Set your watch to the local time of your destination whilst on your flight, this will help you with adjusting your body clock to the new time-zone.  Also try sleeping when it is time to sleep at your destination, if this means watching another movie to try and stay awake then do it, it is well worth doing everything you can on your flight to reduce the effect of jet-lag.

Avoid Long Connecting Flights

Cheap is not always a good idea, often airlines offer cheap flights when you have a long time to wait for your onward connecting flight.  Often in the time you spend waiting at the airport for your onward flight, you will be tempted to spend money on food and drinks and possibly gifts.  In the long run you waste time and not save much more money.  Choose your flight carefully so you don’t have to wait a long time for your onward flight

Choose the Correct Flight

If you have a connecting flight, try choosing an airline that connects roughly halfway to your destination. This will break up your journey and you won’t spend too long sitting in one position.

Choose the Right Airline

Choose an airline that provides good in-flight entertainment to help occupy your mind.  Not all airlines provide personal entertainment systems and being able to choose what you watch when you like really helps with making the time go by.

Footwear and Clothing

Wear comfortable clothes and footwear, slip on shoes are a good idea so you can easily take them off and slip them back on again when you get up to stretch your legs. Don’t worry about looking your best, no one cares what you look like after a 14 hour flight.

You might also be interested in reading about best types of footwear for long haul flights.

Sit Back and Relax

Last of all, make the most of it, relax and enjoy the service.  Make the flight part if your holiday not just a journey!