The entire reason why we travel is to unwind and recharge our batteries. Sometimes, to reach our destination, we have to go through the ordeal of a really long flight.
Now, you may hate long flights or love them, but you have to endure it in order to get your vacation started. Long flights can sound dreadful if you’re not prepared but if you do carry some tools in your arsenal, the long hours in the air can actually help calm and refresh you!
Intrigued? Read on to find out more.
Make sure all your electronic devices are charged
We are at that stage where most of us spend hours looking at our cellphones. Let’s face it, even thinking about losing our cell phones can trigger a panic attack among us. Hence, before you board that flight, it will do you well to make sure your phone is completely charged. In addition to this, you need your phone to make sure you can communicate during emergencies.
If you carry a tablet, iPod, or even wireless earbuds, don’t forget to charge them. Also, make sure that you have a portable charger with u in case your electronic devices have a low battery. Portable chargers are really an amazing device that can also charge multiple devices at once efficiently. Since you are going to travel, we would recommend you opt for more compact and travel-friendly versions.
Dress in a comfy manner
The temperature on a plane can be quite cold. But then again, there might be people who feel warm. Basically, you can never really be sure as to what you may feel once you are inside the plane.
Keeping that in mind, wear comfortable clothing that doesn’t restrict your movement and pack some layers in case you feel too cold. You can wear a hoodie or simply carry some chunky socks to escape the cold.
Keep your sleeping kit in hand
If you ask me, the best thing about long flights is the time that you can use to catch up on those lost hours of sleep.
The conditions in your flight may not be fit for sleeping with the lights on, chatty co-passengers, your seatmate constantly needing to use the restroom, or maybe a screaming baby. If you have a sleeping kit, you have the essentials to cover your eyes and close your ears—an eye mask and earplugs!
Make sure that the eye mask you carry is not made of scratchy material that irritates your skin, and the band should be a good fit too. Also, the earplugs should actually be helpful to cancel noise in order to create the right atmosphere for you to fall asleep.
Carry a pack of anti-bacterial wipes
Planes are dirty and have germs which makes you more susceptible to catch an infection that may lead to the common cold or any other allergy. You can lower the risks of you catching these germs by simply wiping your armrest, seat trays, seat belt, and, of course, your seat with antibacterial wipes. With a sanitized area, you can relax and rest easy to make sure your health remains uncompromised.
If possible, book your seat beforehand
It’s important to choose your seat wisely to not feel uncomfortable in a flight. For example, if you plan on sleeping the entire flight, try to get a seat next to a window. In the same way, getting a seat right next to the aisle will give you the chance to move more easily and stretch your legs.
Carry extra snacks and a bottle of water
While it is true that airlines do offer snacks and water, the quantity is not really sufficient to curb your hunger or quench your thirst.
Pack some of your favorite snacks that include chocolate, cookies, or any savory items that you may like to keep those hunger pangs in check. In the same way, get a collapsible water bottle and politely asked the air hostess to fill it in order to make sure that you don’t get dehydrated.
This tip becomes even more important if you are traveling with children or teenagers as you never know what they want, which is precisely why you should always be prepared.
Always pack light
With the advent of checked baggage fees, air travelers are carrying more items that they do not necessarily need. But, when you add long flights to this mix, you could get exhausted both mentally and physically. Not only will your already restricted leg space become more limited, but it will also be tedious once you land in your destination. Hence, for your own mental peace, don’t carry too much stuff whenever you have a long flight.
Have your go-to gear in hand
Before you get on your flight, make sure you have all the items you would need to kill time on the flight. Download your favorite movies, games, television shows, and music on your electronic devices. If you prefer reading books, carry two to three books that you are sure you will enjoy reading or have been wanting to read.
In addition to the entertainment, it is also important to make sure you have the necessary gear to ascertain your comfort. This may include a neck pillow, blanket, or any other item that you feel could help you stay fresh throughout your flight. There are many people who prefer carrying face masks that can help to rejuvenate their skin while simultaneously relaxing and unwinding.
Take sleeping pills
If you prefer taking sleeping pills, you can most certainly do that as they can be very helpful if you face difficulty falling asleep. But, we will also ask you to consult a doctor to help you determine the right dosage. In fact, there are many over-the-counter medications you can purchase for this purpose including melatonin tablets. Still, please refrain from self-medicating yourself when it comes to taking any kind of sleep assisting aids.
