How To Survive A Long-Haul Flight

We all love holidays, and a short flight can seem like an adventure, but most of us will agree that long-haul flights are no fun; more of a necessary evil to get to our luxury far-flung destination. We can’t make the plane go any faster, but here at icelolly.com we do have some vital tips to help make your long-haul journey a little easier!

Check seats on seatguru.com

Preparation is paramount on a long-haul flight, and the first thing you should be doing once the flight’s booked is checking your flight on seatguru.com. The site indicates on a map of your plane which seats to aim for and which to avoid, alerting you to factors such as limited legroom, lack of window and proximity to bathroom.

Wear comfortable clothes

The general rule when selecting a long-haul outfit is to ask ‘can I sleep in it?’ Leggings, sweats, loose tops and hoodies are all great options, and remember to pack a pair of warm socks to protect against overzealous air conditioning. Wearing layers gives you the ability to put on/take off clothes as your body temperature fluctuates during the flight.

Pack toiletry essentials

After a long flight it’s inevitable that you’ll start to feel a bit grimy. Being able to clean your face and brush your teeth go a long way to helping you freshen up, so pack a toothbrush, toothpaste and some facial wipes in your hand luggage. Eye drops can also help combat the dry air in the cabin.

Invest in headphones

Most airlines now provide complimentary headphones, but they are rarely sufficient to block out screaming babies or loud fellow passengers. Buy yourself a decent pair of noise-cancelling headphones and plug in your iPod, replacing annoying cabin noise with your favourite tunes and ensuring a disturbance-free flight.

Make use of in-flight entertainment

In-flight entertainment on major airlines has progressed in leaps and bounds; you can now expect a huge range of new releases and popular classics to choose from, as well as a variety of TV shows, documentaries and music videos. If you have luggage space, you may also want to pack a tablet or iPad.

Don’t fight sleep

However amazing the in-flight entertainment may be, sleep is invaluable on a long flight and can be hard to come by. If you feel your head nodding, switch off what you’re watching and go with it, otherwise you could find yourself exhausted but unable to drop off later.

Use a neck pillow

These aren’t essential, but if you find it hard to sleep upright a neck pillow is something you should definitely consider. They may take up space in your bag and look a little silly, but it’s definitely preferable to waking up to find you’ve been drooling on your neighbour’s shoulder.

Keep moving

Staying still for prolonged periods can put you at risk of Deep Vein Thrombosis (blood clotting in your veins). The risk is small, but to be safe you should stretch your limbs frequently while in your seat and get up every few hours to take a walk. Regular movement will also help you avoid muscle cramps.

Stay hydrated

Dry cabin air can leave you dehydrated, which can cause feelings of fatigue, so be sure to drink plenty of water or electrolyte drinks such as Gatorade. Avoid alcohol, caffeine and fizzy drinks, as these can all contribute to further dehydration.

Make arrangements to sleep on arrival

Don’t make the mistake of thinking you’ll be able to bound off the plane and start your holiday immediately; even if you got a bit of sleep chances are you’ll be jet-lagged, stiff and exhausted. Make sure you’re able to check into your hotel room on arrival and sleep off the journey!

Let’s face it, long-haul flights are never going to be fun, but with these simple tips you should be able to make them a little easier. If all else fails, just close your eyes and picture the beautiful destination that is awaiting you at the end!

By Kate Moxon – Online Marketing Assistant at icelolly.com

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