How to prepare yourself for long-haul flights

Have an unbearably long flight ahead of that dream vacation, you spent months planning? You might want to check out a few pointers/ things you should keep in mind for a comfortable (and happy) journey.

Boarding a long flight ahead of that dream vacation can sure be a daunting task. And yet, amid the humdrum of pre-bookings, packing and the excitement of sailing to the unknown shores, this aspect of a journey is often left out, unattended. One of the most underrated parts of your vacation, long flights can leave you tired, jet-lagged and sleep deprived if not planned out carefully.

Yes; you read that right. A little pre-planning and overhand preparation before setting off on your adventure trail can go a long way in lighting up your mood, relaxing your body and ensuring that you have a great day ahead. However, if we left you wondering where to start from, fret no more! We already have it covered for you. Take a look at some of the most frequently given bits of advice from the experts, before flying the skies.

Pre-prep

Pre-planning ensures you board your flight well-equipped and stress-free. This especially comes handy if you are an anxious traveller.

●     Sleep is important

If you intend to catch up on your forty winks on the flight itself, you might be in for a rude shock. With limited space and amidst crying babies, you don’t really get a chance. A better option, though, is to travel well rested and avoid a bad jet lag later.

●     Take a look at your travel documents

Take some time to sort out all your travel documents you might need for the journey and save yourself from that last-minute anxiety.

●     Pack right

Check the weather conditions of the place you are headed to and pack accordingly. Play fair between must-haves and wants. Learn to travel light.

Book the right Airlines

A bad flight experience may leave you tired, unhappy and irritated. Especially if it’s a long one. However, a little look into the matter can leave you kickstarting your vacation on a good note. Here are the things you should keep in mind before deciding on your air carrier.

●     There should be ample of legroom

If it’s a long flight, your primary task is to make sure you are at your prime comfort level. Legroom, though small, is one such aspect that adds up to your ease in a major way. Try comparing legroom measurements offered by different flights as well as the seat width and prices.

●     Choose your own seat

Most airlines allow one to choose one’s seat while booking the flight. Avoid booking the seats at the back of the plane.

●     Check the food

While most long-haul flights offer a great deal catering to a wide range of preferences, it is always a good idea to pre-check with your airlines if you have any special requirements.

●     Be aware of the flight’s restrictions

It is a better to be aware of the baggage weight restrictions and other such restrictions than paying a hefty fee later.

●     Upgrade

Remember, comfort is the key. Try and get an upgrade whenever possible.

Know your Needs

You need to be well equipped for a good in-flight experience. Here are the things you should consider carrying - neck pillows, chewing gum, eye masks, noise-cancelling headphones, travel toothpaste and a toothbrush, earplugs, your own blanket and pillow, and some sanitary wipes to keep clean. If you have any other special requirements, like specific medical prescriptions or some homemade snacks, add them to your bucket list.

Health Check

A long-haul flight requires you to sit at the same place for an insanely long interim of time. And if you are not prepared for this, it might take a toll on your health. Research has shown that long flights often pose the risk of dehydration, sleep deprivation and deep vein thrombosis. The good news is, you can easily ward off these risks by keeping a few points in mind.

●     Keep hydrated

As mentioned earlier, long flights tend to leave you dehydrated, and the only solution to that is drinking enough water or electrolytes at regular intervals throughout the journey. Try to avoid consuming any alcoholic beverages.

●     Avoid the risk of DVT

DVT or deep vein thrombosis is the formation of blood clots in deep vein for insufficient physical activity or being in the same position for an extended period of time. For a flight running for more than 4 hours, the risk is more than just apparent.

Try getting up and walking around the aisle at regular intervals. Flex your leg muscles and do some body stretches to increase the blood flow. If you are prone to this, you might want to consult your doctor and take along some compression stockings or blood-thinning medicine with you.

Look for good flight connections

We understand you might be looking for as little travel time as possible. And why not? When heading for a good stress-buster holiday, who wants to waste away those extra pockets of times on mundane stuff?

And yet, it is often advisable to leave a humble time interim between your two flights. Aiming for tight flight connections often leaves one with little room to collect and secure all the luggage, clear the customs, grab a meal(if needed) and freshen up. Nevertheless, it is important to decide on a connection that gives you enough time to board the second flight smoothly.

Ease away that Boredom

Your long flight means over five hours of nothingness and monotonicity, shackled to a single corner. Sounds boring? How about jazzing up your journey?

●     Check out the airline’s entertainment options

Several airlines provide their travellers with in-flight connectivity along with some good movie options and reading facilities. Do a little homework, and check in advance the facilities provided by your airlines to make that long flight more endurable.

●     Carry that book

Reading is a great way to pass away some of those blank hours with ease. Invest in some good page turner, whodunnit novel or better still, re-read some of your favourite ones. Alternatively, one can spend the time browsing through your favourite magazines and newspapers.

●     Take along some of your e-gear

Electronic gadgets like laptops, tablets or a Kindle reader make for some great time-pass.

Dress Right

How you dress, play a major role in framing up your in-flight experience. This should not really come as a surprise when you’d be wearing the same dress for up to seven hours. When deciding on your clothing, here’s what you should keep in mind.

●     Avoid wearing jewellery

Your jewellery will not only set off the security alarm but can also become irritating to wear in the long run. A better option is to save them for flaunting on your vacation.

●     Choose your footwear wisely

Trust us; you don’t really want to run around, clacking on your 4-inch heels, whilst boarding your flight. Try wearing some comfortable close-toed shoes instead.

●     Wear comfort clothing

We are talking about loose, layered garments that allow proper ventilation, sans belt and tightly fitted stockings. Dress according to the climate and remember to carry that extra sweater in case it gets cold.

 

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