How to Endure the Gruel of a Long Haul Flight
Long haul flights can be physically and mentally taxing. Long haul flights can test the limit of your patience and endurance. If you have to stay airborne and stay cooped up for 15 odd hours in a cramped, uncomfortable seat in an airplane, it can seem torturous. Add to it the irritating and insensitive co-passenger, the frequently wailing child, the prattling youngsters, the humming noise of the flight engines and the fear of developing deep vein thrombosis. Each of these could be more difficult to deal with than the other.
So, you need to be prepared when traveling a long haul flight. Firstly, choose the flight route carefully. If you are traveling in a holiday season, try to avoid the family routes because chances will be high that you will have to travel in a plane packed with annoying family crowd. Don’t hesitate to take a route less traveled but where you may have to take a small flight if that means a bit more comfort for your battered back.
Tips for a comfortable journey
Carry a neck pillow, eye mask, ear plugs and wear loose-fitting clothes: You need to be comfortable while trying to catch sleep. A good sleep can keep you fresh and prevent dehydration. It will also make the intimidating journey more bearable. So, bring things that will allow you to stay comfortable and catch some sleep. Wear layered but light clothes. You will be experiencing cold to hot to moist climates in the same flight. So, wear a t-shirt, a sweat pant or a cotton trouser or a pair of jeans, a sweater and carry a jacket just in case.
Work but not too much: You may think that you can complete a lot of work since you don’t have too many distractions. But, it may become difficult after the halfway mark. Bring some work but don’t make plans to finish all your pending work at one go. You need rest as well.
Entertainment: Carry good books, recent magazines and your noise canceling earphones. Load your ipod and smart phone with recent songs and movies. You may also keep yourself preoccupied with VOD (video on demand) but it can burn a hole in your wallet.
Order special food: There are quite a few special menu on flights like “gluten-free”, “kosher”, “Hindu meal”, etc. These are usually better prepared and are served first. So, if you are hungry, go for them.
Carry small snack packs but don’t satiate: You can eat after small intervals. Carry protein bars and light snacks but don’t overeat. Also drink lots of water to hydrate. Use SPF cream and lotions (check what is allowed in your flight) to hydrate your skin pours.
Keep your things organized and secured: You may come across a few unscrupulous co-passengers in long flights. Use padlocks from KoolKrew to keep your on-board belongings safe. Use chains to fasten your luggage with your seat when you keep it below your seat. Use bags, passport covers and ring binders from KoolKrew to keep all your belongings organized which would help you to find them easily.
Stretching and exercise: It is important that you do some stretching and exercises even as you seat once every hour. This would help in the circulation of blood. Take a walk, if possible.
Even though flying economy in a long haul flight may seem intimidating, with the right preparation, you can handle it well. Of course, if you can use your frequent flier miles to upgrade, there’s nothing like it. Book your tickets as soon as possible and choose a comfortable seat. Things won’t be as bad as they sound!
