Long-haul flights have become an integral part of modern-day air travel, as these flights allow us to explore and visit distant places and connect with people across the globe. While long-haul flights are necessary, they often come with their share of discomfort and health challenges, including cramped seats, jet lag, and dehydration. For many people, the thought of spending extended hours in a confined airplane seat or cabin can be daunting.
In this post, we will take a look at some of the ways that you can stay healthy and comfortable during long-haul journeys to ensure that your travel experience remains as pleasant as possible.
Pre-Flight Preparations for Optimal Comfort
First things first, choosing the right seat for a long-haul flight is very important. Selecting the right seat can significantly improve your comfort during a long flight. If you prefer to have easy access to the aisle, opt for an aisle seat, and if you want to look out the window, capture the moments, and have a place to rest your head, a window seat might be a suitable choice for you.
In addition, the attire you choose for your flight can also affect your comfort level. Opt for loose and breathable attire that allows for easy movements and keeps you comfortable throughout the journey.
Hydration and Nutrition
One of the most common challenges that people face during long-haul flights is dehydration. The air in airplane cabins usually has a low humidity level, which can lead to dry mouth, skin, eyes, and even headaches. Make sure that you drink water regularly during a long flight to keep yourself hydrated.
Along with this, be mindful of the foods that you eat on a flight. Although airline food has improved over the years and airlines like Ryanair prioritize quality food for their passengers, packing your favorite healthy snacks can help you out during the flight. Fruits, nuts, and other nutritious options can help you avoid heavy and processed foods that are usually offered on long-haul flights.
Movement and Stretching
Being seated for extended periods can lead to discomfort and stiffness. This can be tackled by performing simple in-seat exercises and movements such as ankle circles and knee lifts that can improve blood circulation in your lower limbs and reduce muscle tension. Walking around after a while is also a great way to stretch your legs, prevent stiffness, and prevent the development of edema.
Entertainment Options
Long flights can become boring, especially if you don’t have anyone to talk to. Make sure to pack entertainment options that can prevent you from getting bored. Bring books, magazines, music, movies, or podcasts during the journey that will keep you engaged and prevent you from getting bored. Some airlines, like United Airlines, provide in-flight WiFi services to make sure that passengers stay engaged and distracted.
Sleep Management
Since you might get tired on a long-haul flight, investing in a quality neck pillow is a good choice. Quality sleep is essential to maintaining your well-being, especially during a long flight. Having a comfortable neck pillow that can support your head and neck while sleeping will help you so much. In addition, try to adjust your sleep schedule to match the time zone of your destination before you even board the plane to make it easier for you to adjust to local time upon landing.
Noise and Light Management
Airplanes can become very noisy, especially with the hum of engines and chatter from other passengers on board. Having a quality pair of headphones or noise-canceling headphones can help you block out these noises and create a more serene environment.
To combat cabin lights and changes in time zones, you can also carry an eye mask that can help you create darkness and encourage better sleep, even in bright environments, so that your sleep patterns are not disturbed.
