Transatlantic Tips: 10 Ways to Survive a Long FlightTraveling for business or pleasure can be both fun and tiring, especially if you're flying from one end of the earth to the other. However, that doesn't mean it has to be a strain on your body and brain. If you plan appropriately, you will survive. Here are 10 tips to ensure that you're as comfortable as possible when you fly the friendly skies.
Long flights are all about being comfortable. That means wearing comfortable, unrestrictive clothing - pants that don't pinch, shoes that slip off, warms socks - and keeping things simple. For women, it may be beneficial to skip the heavy makeup and wear your hair down. Remember: It's difficult to sleep on a ponytail or hairclip.
In addition, bring a blanket and small pillow, not just for comfort, but also for health reasons. After all, who wants to lay their head down on someone else's drool-stained pillow? You might even want to consider bringing an eye mask. And, make sure any medications you'll need - aspirin or otherwise - are easily accessible.
This one is a no-brainer, but it bears repeating. Bring items to entertain yourself while you're awake. This could be anything from magazines, novels and word-game books to techno gadgets such as an iPod, MP3 player, portable DVD player and other handheld devices.
Another possible distraction could be your flying partner. If you're traveling with someone else, a deck of cards or a mini-game board can go a long way in allowing the two of you to pass time. Of course, if you have a favorite hobby that transports well, such as writing, you could also spend your time engaging in that.
As the day of the free airline meal seems to be going the way of disco, you may or may not choose to ante up the fee that many airlines are now charging to eat onboard. Whether you purchase food or not, you need to consider packing your own snacks to ensure you don't find yourself running on empty by the end of a long flight.
Easily transportable foods, such as nuts, seeds, crackers, dried or chopped fresh fruit, granola, breakfast bars and even chocolate candy, can sustain you until you reach your final destination.
Traveling in stale air for hours on end can wreak havoc on your body. But, fortunately, there are easy ways to stay hydrated. First, forgo alcoholic and caffeine-laden beverages and drink water and fruit juice, instead. Next, keep your hands and face moist by carrying moisturizer and hand cream with you. Finally, prevent your lips from drying out by keeping a lip balm handy.
On one hand, an aisle seat makes it convenient to go to the restroom, which is a necessity on a 10-plus-hour trip. Aisle seats also allow for more legroom and the freedom to walk around as often as you like without disturbing your neighbors.
On the other hand, if you plan to sleep, you might be better off with a window seat where you can snooze undisturbed. Just tell the flight attendant you don't want to be bothered, put on your mask, and doze off.
Yes, you can exercise during a long flight. That doesn't mean running up and down the aisles like a 5-year-old, though an occasional stroll for five to 10 minutes every few hours is a good idea.
However, at the very least, you do need to stand and "shake a leg." And, to keep the blood flowing, bend your knees and stretch periodically. Fortunately, there are a ton of different exercises that you can do from the comfort of your seat, such as flexing your wrists and ankles. To help you out, here are some exercise tips from Road and Travel Magazine.
You never know what might go wrong, so build enough time into your schedule to handle any problems that might arise. And, when you book your flight, keep in mind that the fewer airline transfers you make, the easier it will be. Try to limit the number of connecting flights to minimize the likelihood of missing your connection or luggage.
You might also want to consider what airports you will be flying through. If you can avoid those that tend to have more delays and longer waits, your trip will run more smoothly. Click here to find out which airports rank among the best in the nation. And, remember that smiles get the best results.
You will encounter two major changes when you fly: air pressure and time-zone changes. To prepare for air-pressure changes, bring chewing gum. It will help unstuff your ears. Also, to prepare yourself for the time-zone changes, you will want to consider some tips on how to handle jetlag.
Okay, you've been sitting for umpteen hours - no shower, no shave, no nothing! You're probably not feeling ready to host a gala event or to even stand face-to-face with the desk clerk at your hotel. So before you head out, freshen up.
If possible, grab a restroom either on the plane or at the airport and brush your teeth and hair, wash your face, and straighten up your clothes. You'll been surprised at how much better you feel.
You've finally made it; the plane has landed, and you're dying to get out and explore. But, don't rush off just yet. Instead of pushing and shoving with the crowd, take a few deep breaths and let everyone else fight to leave first. You have to wait for your baggage, anyway. In addition, you will likely suffer from at least a little jetlag. So, don't book any big excursions or meetings that first day. Instead, plan to spend time catching up on sleep and getting acclimated to your new surroundings.
Long flights can certainly be difficult, as you're confined to a small space for a long period of time. However, armed with a little planning and these 10 survival strategies, you'll do fine.