Flying economy either locally or internationally can be a drag. Especially when legroom is a premium. The mere fact that you are confined to a seat, doesn’t mean it dooms you to fly uncomfortably.
Most of us are all too familiar with the discomforts associated with flying. Whether it be the cabin that is too hot or too cold, dry air that makes us feel dehydrated, or a cramped seat.
Often, the state of our mind can affect our comfort levels. Maybe the best way to go into a state of relaxation is to tag along some of your favorite items so you may escape the feeling of being confined to your seat.
Before you board an airplane, we suggest you buy some of your favorite magazines, word searches, local paper, and crossword puzzles. Doing so will help you pass the time a lot quicker.
Let’s not get ahead of ourselves. Follow along as we talk about five ways to fly more comfortably.
1. Pack Smartly
Your carry-on luggage will be your best buddy when flying. It is the one that will hold your hand in a figurative sense. In flight, it will satisfy your need for water, offer you a healthy snack, supply you with a pair of cozy socks and sweatshirt when you’re feeling cold, and so much more.
Think about it! Consuming bite size, healthy snacks are an excellent pick-me-up while you’re flying. Consider fruit, trail mix, or carrots that you can have sealed off in a plastic bag. Do your best to avoid greasy snacks as it may cause nausea.
Avoid drinking soda or coffee and choose water instead. The sugar and caffeine will make you feel more tired and dried out. Also, the cabin air is very dry as the humidity levels are around 10 to 20% as opposed to 30 to 65% for a typical room on land. Your eyes will dry out and your skin may itch. Do not refrain from asking for more water from the flight attendants.
2. Sleep and Feel Refreshed After Your Flight
If the airlines you book your flight with let you book your seat in advance, opt for the window seat. This way, you are less likely to get disrupted by your neighbor who wants to visit the bathroom.
Invest in a good sleep mask as it will be your secret weapon to avoid lights shining in your eyes. This is your best defense mechanism for when you find it hard to keep your eyes closed. In addition, you send out a clear message that you do not wish to be disturbed.
Most airlines will issue you with a blanket and pillow for coping with longer flights. However, it will be smart on your part to invest in the best neck pillow just in case they do not provide a pillow. Alternatively, you can always roll up a sweatshirt to support your head.
3. Compartmentalize your time
Your flight can be so much shorter if you devote segments of time to specific tasks you set for yourself. Choose a few movies as it will involve at least three to four hours of your time. Spend some time reading or napping. If you are a chatterbox, strike up a conversation with your neighbor. That is to say if they will allow for it.
Refrain from stressing about the time you lose traveling. Rather enjoy me-time should you travel alone. Do not think of your traveling time as a vacuum, instead fill it with a host of activities you do not get time to do at home. This time is best filled with enjoying snacks, reading, meditating, or listening to music. Indulge all your senses during the flight.
4. Maximize Your Comfort Levels
We all want to impress others, which is why we end up dressing glamorously when we travel. You should focus on being comfortable. This may take the form of leggings or sweatpants with a nice sweater or top. Men can choose to wear comfortable jeans, loose-fitting shirts, and sneakers. Pack a hoodie in case the air gets cooler. Once the air conditioner spikes, you can take out your pashmina shawl to keep yourself warm.
Savvy travelers recommend you dress in layers, such as a tee under your warm shirt or jacket. One such traveler said she makes a point of wearing three tops, which take the form of a tank top underneath a long-sleeve t-shirt, then a sweater or jacket over these clothing items. You may want to wear darker colors to make provision for incidental food spills.
Remove your shoes the minute you are settled in. You will experience a cozy feeling and feel right at home. Some folks wear flip-flops. Be sure to have some warm socks at hand for when the temperature drops.
It also helps to walk around and work out any leg cramps, which is helpful for longer flights.
5. Reduce Noise and Find Peace
Chatty neighbors and crying babies can cause an upset and spoil your in-flight comfort. Have you thought of getting a pair of Bose noise-canceling headphones? RJC earplugs are just as effective for helping one tune out from excessive noise. You can get yourself a pair from your local drugstore prior to flying.
Quality earplugs are relatively comfortable and easy to insert. Another idea is to download the white noise app, which is available for iPhone users as it creates audio privacy during a crowded flight.
Most earplugs available nowadays are compact and easy to carry around. You can upload a podcast and listen to inspirational talks. Doing so might be better than trying to read as the lighting is often poor on planes.
Never think of flying as a time drain or focus on how uncomfortable it is to be seated for hours on end. The saying goes, “Every cloud has a silver lining.” No need to fear being confined to your seat for many hours. Make use of the tips provided and enjoy your time onboard the plane.