Long haul flying in economy class can be downright unpleasant at times. The journey is long, its cramped and you just can’t sleep. The only good thing is you can binge watch movies (if you haven’t already seen them!)
The best advice is to start preparing for your journey well before you excitedly board that plane.
Six simple tips that will help you survive the most arduous of long haul flights
- When you are booking your flight consider if it is worth paying a few extra hundred dollars for a flight that is 11 hours rather than 16 hours. There are few apps out there that help by rating the quality of certain flights. For instance, they look at newer planes with bigger seats, shorter routes and other alternatives. You could always ask a travel agent to enquire for you.
- It may also be worth paying up front to select your seat when you book the flight. For instance, you may wish to secure an aisle seat so you can readily get up and walk around without hassle or disturbing others.
- On the flight, wear shoes you can easily take off. Take your shoes off for the flight and it allows you to move your ankles and feet more readily, decreasing your chance of DVT.
- Investigate the options of a travel pillow. There are a few pillows out there that are very comfortable and versatile. A good travel pillow will give head and neck support when sleeping in a sitting position.
- Before you fly, pre-hydrate. Make sure you are drinking plenty of water in the 24 hours leading up to your flight. This is often tricky as we are at our busiest getting all the last-minute packing and organizing done. Often, we get on the flight already dehydrated. So be aware and drink plenty of water before you travel.
- Plan an exercise routine to improve your general strength and conditioning before you fly and travel. It will help your resistance to jet lag and generally your feeling of well -being during your travels. For the best results start 3 months before you leave on your trip.
Simple exercises you can do while flying
Try these simple exercises when you are flying:
- Seated:
- Foot pumps – point your toes down, then pull them back as far as you can. Repeat 10 times
- Overhead Arm stretch – reach your hands up to the roof as far as you can. Hold 5 seconds. Repeat x 3
- Standing:
- Back Extension – Every time you get up out of your seat, put your hands on your hips and arch your back by pushing your hips forward. Repeat 5 times
- Heel raises: in standing lift both heels off the ground keeping your knees straight. Repeat x 1
I hope you find these tips useful on your next flight and let us know how they work for you. I’d love to hear from you, Deb.