Long-haul Flights
A long-haul flight is never going to be without its hassles, but flying doesn't need to be the nightmare that it often is. After all being a traveller is great fun and getting there should be half the fun. But as we all know, when flying we struggle to adapt to limited space, changes in cabin pressure, the stale air we're breathing, the time zone changes, fighting dehydration and trying not to look like you've been through hell and back by the time the plane touches down. Saying that long haul journeys to dream destinations are unpleasant is an understatement for most of us. That's why we've put together all the tips and tricks to helping you arrive happy.
Dress Comfortably
Wanting to make an impression when you land should not get in the way of being comfortable along the way. By wearing loose casual clothing that doesn't restrict the bodies movements is a great start. You'll want to look at pants with a flexible waistband and materials that don't crease easily. And for your poor, swelling feet, you're going to want shoes that you can slip off easily. Remember that you're only going to have 32†of leg room, something you're going to be struggling to pull off doesn't make a whole lot of sense.
Also consider that slippers and high heels both must never be worn during takeoff and landing because should the aircraft need to evacuate you'll need to move quickly and possibly have to run through burning material. Further support for low, tightly laced shoes.
To arrive looking and feeling fresh, it's a good idea to pack an extra set of clothes along with toothbrush and paste, make-up, deodorant and a comb in your carry-on luggage. (To avoid these being confiscated at security you'll need either mini-travel sized items OR new, sealed items.) Make a pit stop in a washroom on your way off the plane for a chance to freshen up as you're waiting for your luggage to be off-loaded.
Prepare To Combat Dryness
It's a fact, the atmosphere inside aircraft cabins is going to be extremely dry. But there are certain things you can do to fight against this. The first, and most obvious, of the bunch is to drink lots of water. This not only keeps you hydrated, it also helps you minimize jet lag. You'll want to have a glass of water for every hour that you're in the air. Mix this up with fruit juice if you can't stomach that much plain water. But be careful of the balance you strike, especially if you're counting calories. Avoid alcohol and caffeine as both of these are extremely dehydrating. If you're a habitual tea or coffee drinker, pack some camomile or Sleepy Time herbal tea bags in your carry-on. Not only will these help you to meet your fix, you've also just made it easier to catch some sleep en-route.
Prior to your flight you're going to want to cleanse your skin and moisturize very well. Beyond lipbalm and some mascara, you're going to want to avoid wearing make-up while flying to allow your skin to breath. Throughout the flight continue to reapply moisturizer to your hands, neck and face. And remember to take your contact lenses out. The dryness in the cabin can make your eyes very sore and painful. That's the last thing you need. A few hours with your glasses isn't going to be the worst thing to happen to you.
A few pointers I've noticed online that I never would have thought about include: travelling with a small spray bottle so you can spritze your face and the air around you with fresh water and moisture. You could also cover your face with a moist facecloth when the cabin lights are out and you're resting.
All of these things are sure to make a difference when it comes to how your face is going to feel post-flight.
Alleviating Pressure
The painful pressure build-up you experience during take-off and landing can be easily cured with the tried and true home-remedies of chewing gum, sucking on hard candies or great, big yawns.
Also take note that travelling with a cold is going to make things that much harder for you as your nasal passage and sinus cavity is already going to be blocked. Increasing pressure in conditions like this is not going to be fun for anyone. Check with your doctor about taking either a decongestant or nasal spray before boarding. This can help to alleviate some pressure build-up in your ears.
Exercise
Sitting for a long time can make you stiff and sore once you start moving again. There is even the potential for more serious repercussions including Deep Vein Thrombosis, the formation of a blood clot in the vein, always painful and potentially dangerous. Getting up every few hours for a walk and some stretching can help alleviate this.
Toe and Heel Taps
Alternate toe taps to the left and right for two sets of 10, repeat with your heel touching down.
Ankle Figure Eights
If it's been an especially long flight and you're lacking the concentration an eight requires, just give us some circles.
Spinal Twists
Turn your body left, hold. Turn back to centre, hold. Turn your body right, hold. Turn back to centre, hold. Repeat. Remember to breathe as you're doing this.
Shoulder Shrugs & Neck Stretches
Just rolling your neck and shoulder from side-to-side and up-and-down.
Finding little ways to get your body moving are always helpful. Pick a toilet on the opposite side of the plane or at the very back so that you get a bit of a walk. While waiting in the always present queue stretch out your calves and hamstrings, twist your back, touch your toes. It's okay, everyone else will be doing the same small motions, and if they're not you'll be having the last laugh when they can barely carry themselves off the plane to start their vacation.
