As many of us know, flying can be incredibly stressful and downright uncomfortable. It doesn't get any easier with longer flights. Sitting for long periods in an uncomfortable position can be painful and also make it difficult to sleep. The further you travel, the more likely you are to feel bored, anxious, exhausted, or just plain annoyed. That's why it's important to take matters into your own hands sometimes to make sure you have the comforts and supplies you need to make a long flight more bearable. We list them here.
Be nice and polite
While you should always be polite and don't do anything to make a flight attendant hate you, it's a good idea to go the extra mile, especially if you're on a long flight. You need the cabin crew – so be extra nice. Greet, smile, and even hand out some treats to the crew. Not only is it fun to do, but they are more likely to serve you enthusiastically and may even move you to a better seat or give you an extra snack or two.
Check in early for good seats
Comfort starts with good planning. Most travelers have a seat preference and you probably will too. Check in as early as possible to have a better chance of selecting the seat that is best for your comfort.
Bring a hobby
If you have a hobby that you can do from the comfort of your seat, a long flight is the perfect opportunity to connect with your creative side or something that helps you relax. Whether you want to knit a scarf or try some new sketches or short stories, the plane is the perfect place to do it.
Bring your own pillow
Although most airlines offer pillows, especially on long-haul flights, these pillows are often very small and probably not suitable for your needs. Bring your own pillow for a more comfortable flight and a more restful sleep. Moreover, airline pillows are often reused.
Do not drink alcohol or caffeine Both alcohol and caffeine can destroy your sleep, which is certainly not good for a flight where you are trying to rest or the ensuing jet lag. Alcohol can also dehydrate, a potential problem when you're airborne. It's also much easier to get drunk in the air, and the hangover won't be fun. Coffee on an airplane is also not advisable; even the flight attendants refuse to drink it.
Download good entertainment
Don't count on in-flight entertainment. You might not like their selection of movies, TV shows or music, or the system might even fail - not to mention that their remotes are kind of filthy. You can make sure to choose your own entertainment selection. Download (legally, of course) some of your favorite songs, movies, TV episodes or those off your bucket list onto a smartphone, tablet or laptop.
Drink lots of water
Flying so high in the sky can make you quite dehydrated, so it's important to drink more water than usual. We recommend asking for bottled water or to bring your own, as the water from the plane contains bacteria.
Order a special meal
Airplane food can be pretty nasty, and a better meal can make a flight a little more bearable. Most flights offer special meals for free, such as vegetarian, vegan, halal, kosher, gluten-free, etc. They tend to be slightly better, and often you will be served first.
Pack some snacks
Just in case you don't like your meal at all, grab some of your favorite junk food or some healthy snacks before the flight so you know you won't go hungry. You can also eat on your own time instead of waiting for the meal cart.
Play cards
If you're traveling with someone else, playing cards are a great way to pass the time. It's quiet so as not to disturb your neighbors, and it can totally distract you from a long and otherwise boring flight.
Read a good book (or two)
You may have felt like you never have the time to do the things you love, but if you're a reader, you should be happy to fly. There's nothing to do and not many interruptions – perfect for finishing that book or even two, depending on how fast you read and how long your flight is.
Sleep with an eye mask
Although some flights try to dim or turn on the lights according to the destination time zone, there's still a lot going on. Wearing an eye mask while you sleep allows you to slumber more peacefully in case your neighbor switches on their reading light or if you are sleepy, when the cabin is clear.
Stretch your legs
Although you must remain seated while the seat belt sign is on, it is recommended that you stretch your legs if not. Sitting on a long flight can be really uncomfortable, downright painful or even dangerous because it decreases circulation, which can cause swelling or blood clots. Avoid this by walking occasionally to stretch your arms and legs and doing foot and leg exercises from your chair to maintain your circulation.
Use noise canceling headphones
Flights can be noisy. From the jet engines to crying babies to plain talk, noise canceling headphones can help you get some peace and quiet or focus on your movie in flight. They are also better than the in-flight headphones, which are also frequently reused.
Wear compression socks
Another way to make sure you don't get blood clots is to wear compression stockings. These can help with the painful swelling that many fliers get in their legs after a long flight.
Wear something comfortable
Try to give yourself as much comfort as possible by wearing something that you can lounge comfortably in, especially so you can get a good night's sleep. It can still be stylish, if you like, but it's a good idea to wear loose clothing, shoes that are easy to take off, and something that doesn't require a belt (especially because of that annoying airport security).
