Tight clothes on a flight can be constricting and cause chafing, so a loose-fitting outfit is ideal on a long flight. Flying is one of my favorite things about travel. So with that in mind, preparing for flight is still necessary. Here are eleven things I do to survive a long-haul flight. But before we get into the nuts and bolts of flight preparation, let's lay the foundation.
At this stage, the vacation is paid in full, the itinerary details are ironed out, and I'm ready to pack, except my flight seat still needs to be picked. According to Catherine McGloin of Skyscanner, these are some tips to consider when selecting a seat and I can affirm:
If you want more legroom, opt for exit rows, but you'll give up the option to recline.
If you want to avoid crying children, stay away from the front of the plane, as this is often where you'll find special provisions for babies on international flights
If you like to move about the plane (or have quick access to the loos), ensure you get an aisle seat.
Now that the foundation of surviving a long haul is set let us get into the nuts and bolts of surviving a long plane ride. My first order of business is familiarizing myself with the airline luggage restrictions and flight amenities. The suitcase restrictions apply if you're taking checked luggage or a carry-on, especially if you fly internationally. These airlines are usually very strict on weight and what can be carried in suitcases and through airports. The airlines' amenities are essential because I'll need to know EmPower Outlets and if I need a USB connector or power adapter packed in my "personal item."
Staying entertained for seven hours or more in a cabin can seem daunting. But it can be exciting or at least not dull if you look at it as an opportunity to unplug. The first choice of entertainment is the in-flight offerings, as a great start. Long-haul flight airlines offer a great selection of in-flight entertainment. Once you pick, you've got a few hours of distraction. Download and binge-watch TV show episodes like You (Netflix original) or Ozark (Netflix original), and that's another chunk of time gone.
My top eleven entertainment things to do after the initial in-flight movie options are worth planning to ensure you get the most out of the in-flight experience.
Read A Book - I know this is obvious, but it's my number one nonetheless, and to be honest, I slacked off during the pandemic. So I've been using my flight time to catch up lately. The hack here is to use Kindle on the iPad, a smartphone, or Audible to save space. Here are the two on iPad now As a Man Thinketh: The Original 1902 Edition (The Wisdom Of James Allen) and World Travel: An Irreverent Guide by Anthony Bourdain
Listen To Podcasts - A second obvious, and it's one of my favorite unplugs. I push play, recline my seat, close my eyes, and listen. TEDTalks Daily, for thought-provoking ideas on every subject imaginable -- from Artificial Intelligence to Zoology and everything in between
Adult Coloring - I'm not a doctor, and this isn't medical advice. Still, I understand that adult coloring is excellent for those who suffer from flying anxiety. It relaxes the brain and gives our eyes a break from the screen. Check this one out here Sweet Treats: Coloring Book With Sweet Cookies, Cupcakes, Cakes, Chocolates, Fruit, And Ice Cream.
Journal - I know putting pen to paper is considered a dying art to some, but it's a great way to pass the time, de-stress, and record the moments we didn't get with our phones. Check out my journal entitled "THOUGHTS: Document Your Traveling Experiences" it's filled with travel writing prompts.
Learn The Local Language - This is the best tip when traveling to a country that does not speak our language. The locals will appreciate the effort.
Crossword And Wordsearch - This is quickly becoming my favorite thing to do, even when not flying. Imagine sitting on the balcony of a hotel, sipping tea, and enjoying the quiet morning with a crossword or word search while looking at a beautiful garden or the ocean breeze.
Play Games - Minecraft, hours of creating a world right from your phone and the UNO! ™ app is must try too.
Listen To Music - Okay, another obvious, but the apparent time blasters should be updated before boarding the flight. Adding new genres makes the whole unplug experience more enjoyable.
Move - It is essential to your health to move around. Standing up and moving around the plane at least once every two hours is recommended to avoid blood clots and to stretch. This is another reason to select the aisle seat on long-haul trips.
A Mini Face Routine - In Chapter four of my book "The Ultimate Guide For Travel Hacks: How To Travel Safely and Confidently" "Transit," I address dehydration and flying. Long airplane rides lack humidity and can pull moisture from your skin.
Sleep - Yes, it is a time blaster, but it's also a remedy for Jet lag. The caveat is to set your watch to the destination time as soon as you board and sleep accordingly.
To survive a long flight, plan your flight schedule before you go. To survive a long flight, picking loose-fitting vs. something tight can make a difference in your comfort during the rides. Choosing a seat and in-flight entertainment are part of planning a vacation. Remember the noise-isolating headphones for the icing on the cake, like a Bose or Sony.
That's it, and that's all for now. Leave a comment below and let me know if you have done any of these time blasters and, if so, how it made you feel.
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