How to enjoy your long haul flight?
Planning your next adventure overseas? Dreading the long haul flight? People view the flight as a means to get to a destination and don’t give much thought to actually enjoying the flight. In reality, the long haul flight is part of your amazing journey. Often it is the either the start or end of your adventure, and the mood in which you step off the plane at the other end can dictate how you spend the next day of your holiday! So here are some tips to help you ENJOY your economy flight.
Upgrade. The short answer to increasing the enjoyment of your long haul flight experience is to upgrade. Not all of us are so lucky!
Relax. It’s a long flight. Relax and enjoy having NOTHING to do!
Make friends with your neighbour. Everyone has a story to tell! You’ll figure out quickly enough if they’re interested in talking to you or not. If you do find a like-minded soul, your flight may not feel as long as it really is!
The jackpot will be if your neighbour is a local at your end destination who can share tips and experiences with you.
Dress with lots of layers. I for one can never dress right and am peeling off clothes and putting them back on all the time. The temperature varies on long haul flights. When you get on the plane, secure yourself a blanket from the overhead lockers or ask the flight attendant for one. If you’re going to be on the plane for a decent period of time you may as well get comfortable. I often take a jacket that can be folded in to a pillow and a warm pair of socks for when I kick off my shoes.
Fly Prepared: Bring books, magazines, iPad (fully charged!), crosswords, notebook, and if there is one, grab the complimentary newspaper on the way into the plane. Being confined to a plane, with no internet connection, it takes a moment to find my groove as to what I want to read so I always take options! The notebook is to jot down inspirational thought and ideas that pop into my head – being on a long haul flight you have time to let your mind wander and think! Don’t forget a PEN, you’ll be surprised how often you need one!
Escape to the world of Inflight Entertainment. Peruse the inflight magazine early in the flight for movies, TV shows and radio programs that may interest you. I call it my movie marathon session to catch up on movies I’ve missed or I relax, find an old favourite movie and snuggle under the blanket.
The big one, sleeping. It’s never easy on a plane. I tend to be so exhausted from watching my movie marathon I have to fall asleep. It takes me a while to find a comfortable position but neck pillows are a good option. Despite being an extra item to pack; it may make your sleep more comfortable when you don’t have the window to lean on and you don’t know your neighbour! Either that or bundle your jacket up into a pillow. Eye masks, earplugs and noise-cancelling headphones are also good options.
Self-care – take moisturiser and lip balm with you. A long haul flight can be dehydrating so remember to drink LOTS of water. In addition, here are some other tips to remember:
* To help the prevention of blot clots remember to regularly get out of your seat, walk around and stretch your legs to keep the circulation going. Research compression socks also.
* Drink lots of water.
* Eat when the meals come around, it could be a while before it’s on offer again!
* Take a toothbrush – you’ll feel like new again once you brush your teeth!
* Take sanitiser wipes for hygiene and wiping your hands.
* Take face wipes – your face will love you for the cool moisture and you’ll feel revitalised.
* Take eye drops for when your eyes feel dry.
By Nicola Wong