Are you a fan of long-haul flights? Many travelers revel in the excitement of long-distance travel, while for others, the idea of being stuck on a plane for seven hours or more elicits complete feelings of utter dread!
And I should know – I’ve had my fair share of both experiences! Whichever camp you fall into, one thing is certain – long-haul travel can be challenging.
Whether there’s excessive turbulence, delays taking off, poor food, cramped seats, or other passengers making things uncomfortable, it’s easy to see why many long-haul flights can feel like being trapped in an endless nightmare.
However, there are few solutions. After all, the key to a smooth flight is all about preparation and avoiding the most common mistakes that travelers make when they settle in for a long flight.
Want to know more? Let’s talk about some of these travel slip-ups and how you can ensure your next long-haul trip is comfortable and memorable (for all the right reasons).
Wearing Uncomfortable Clothes
If you’re a frequent flyer – whether you’re in the air for a few hours or traveling to the other side of the world – you’ll know that plane seats can be uncomfortable. While we can’t do much to change the feel of the seats, flyers can control other factors that might be making things worse.
Factors like tight clothing, itchy fabrics, and synthetic materials! When choosing your travel outfit, make sure you lean towards comfy clothes, preferably ones that are loose and made of breathable fabric.
Think soft leggings, cozy sweatshirts, and multiple light layers that you can remove as the cabin temperature fluctuates.
It’s also important to rethink your underwear choices for long-haul flights. The wrong pair can lead to all sorts of irritation and discomfort – not something you want to have to cope with for eight hours or more!
Make sure you choose underwear that’s both supportive and comfortable. For example, cotton briefs for men are a great choice. They offer the right balance of comfort and support, so you’re not fidgeting in your seat. Go for materials like cotton or moisture-wicking fabrics to stay fresh.
Forgetting to Stay Hydrated
We’re probably all guilty of not drinking enough water throughout the day. But when on a long-haul flight, dehydration is a real issue because of the air inside the cabin being so dry. The results? Most likely headaches, dry skin, fatigue, and even dizziness.
To combat this and to boost your comfort, be in the habit of sipping water throughout your flight, and remember, caffeine and alcohol in moderation!
Not Using Tech to Your Advantage
The right tech can make all the difference to your next long-haul flight. Sure there might be some in-flight movies you want to try, but they can be hit or miss.
Having your own library of pre-downloaded TV shows, films, or even audiobooks you’ve been meaning to catch up on at your fingertips will help pass the time and make the flight more enjoyable.
You could even try downloading meditation apps or white noise audio to help you relax and potentially sleep better.
Not Moving Around
It doesn’t matter whether you’re sitting at a desk in the office, or you’re on a long car journey, sitting for long periods is uncomfortable! And on a flight, there are added risks such as DVT (deep vein thrombosis) to think about.
Don’t make the mistake of sitting in your seat for as long as possible, instead, get up, move around, and stretch every hour or so. Keeping your blood circulating will help put your mind at ease, help you feel better, and make those long hours feel a little shorter.
Final Thoughts…
Making your next long-haul flight comfortable doesn’t have to be overly complicated. Just remember that a little preparation can go a long way while you’re traveling! Where’s your next long-haul destination?
