Cope with long-haul flights
Dealing with long flights has never been fun because most people don’t know how to board them. A first trip to Europe or America can present an uncomfortable, even perplexing problem. What can you do to manage such a long flight? Here are some good tips:
- Make minimal transfers. The longer you can stay on a plane, the better.
- Avoid infamously crowded or troubled airports, especially those with long waits and tons of security.
- Get some running or other exercise on the day you fly. Anti-stress hormones and endorphins are released into the bloodstream.
- Take an MP3 player with you during long waits inside the airport. If earplugs aren’t provided once you’re on board, you still have yours. It helps to be able to turn off monotonous, banal announcement messages while you’re waiting at the airport, and music is good for that.
- Reserve a window seat in advance if you plan to take a nap. Ask your agent or specify online if possible.
- Get an eye mask, blanket, bottle of water, eye drops, and skin moisturizer. Prescription or naturopathic anti-anxiety medications may be needed. For example, a strong benzodiazepine, for example valium or xanax, might help.
- Wear loose, flexible clothing that is warm and comfortable. Hot and fluffy is better than tight and stuffy. Stay away from buttons, belts, collars, and suits. Stick with loafers, sweatshirts, and sweatpants. Long flights can get cold, so sweats are necessary.
- Soda, alcohol, coffee, and tea can cause undesirable fluctuations in blood sugar and energy. However, drink enough water to stay hydrated.
- In transit, get plenty of water, massages, and some exercise. Baggy loafers will ensure blood flow to your feet, especially if you get up and walk once every two hours.
- Choose an airline that offers audio and video on demand. This gives you a television in front of your seat that allows you to choose what to watch.
- Bring a lip balm or other gel to prevent your lips and nostrils from becoming too dry.
- Chewing gum and opening your mouth with wide movements can undo hearing problems associated with altitude.
- Bose QuietComfort2 noise canceling headphones can be muted to help you snooze or use with your MP3 player.
- The best way to deal with a long flight is to sleep completely. Get on a plane very tired by staying up all night or getting up very early in the morning. It’s great to arrive at your destination when you wake up
- Drink a small bottle of ginger ale before boarding to quell the queasy feeling.
- Use the Valsalva maneuver (hold your nose and blow your nose) to relieve pressure build-up in the ears.
- Wax earplugs are better than foam ones, so get them. However, the noise cancellation is the best.
- Bring chocolate, nuts and seeds, and a trail mix to keep your blood sugar balanced.
- Benadryl can cause effective sleep without too much drowsiness. The flight crew must wake you up on arrival. Do not take pills that are too strong.
If you can really afford it, then the ideal is to get a flight that offers horizontal sleep. Don’t worry as some airlines offer this. They allow you to sleep in four seats horizontally. This is ideal for wealthier travelers. The rest of us will just do what we can.
