The discomfort of being crammed into a plane with scores of other travellers can be daunting. However, the anticipation of relaxing or holidaying in your ideal location, perhaps a picturesque tropical island, can make those long and uncomfortable flights more worthwhile. However, there are ways to improve your in-flight experience.
Choose your seat with care
Checking seat map websites is a smart way to choose your seat, especially on long-haul flights. For short flights of an hour or less, it may not matter if you’re seated near the galley with limited legroom; the journey will be over before any discomfort becomes annoying.
On longer flights, however, a little extra legroom could mean the difference between a good night’s sleep and swollen feet when you land. When choosing a seat, think about your preferences. You may want quick access to the aisle to disembark more quickly. If frequent bathroom breaks are a priority, then an aisle seat is your best bet.
Opt for charter flights
Travelling by private aircraft is one of the safest forms of transport. A certified aviation company is required to meet strict safety regulations and procedures before it is allowed to operate.
In addition, using private jets and departing from dedicated private jet terminals (also known as fixed base operators) minimises the number of people and surfaces you come into contact with before and after the flight. This not only streamlines the travel process, but also provides an extra layer of protection against virus transmission for you and your fellow passengers.
Bring some snacks
The meals served on flights are often not as tasty or healthy as home-cooked meals. So it might be a good idea to bring some snacks to satisfy your hunger later, after a nap, or if the in-flight meal doesn’t live up to your expectations.
Another alternative might be to request a vegetarian meal, which not only may get you served earlier, but also tends to be more substantial than the portions offered to meat eaters. Remember to pack some snacks to enhance your in-flight entertainment experience. Foods such as ice cream and curry can be a good choice over carbohydrate-rich foods as they are less likely to cause bloating.
Stretch your muscles and walk around
Sitting for long periods of time is not only uncomfortable, it can also lead to potentially harmful blood clots. Make an effort to stand up, walk around and stretch your muscles as often as you can, while obeying seatbelt laws.
Some airlines offer exercise suggestions in their in-flight magazines or on a TV channel. If you’re stuck for ideas, try rotating your torso, hugging, straightening your legs, circling your head and ankles, or standing and bouncing on your toes.
Stay hydrated
Aircraft cabins are typically very dry, which can significantly increase the risk of dehydration. To counteract this, drink water frequently and gradually, and limit the intake of beverages such as tea, coffee and alcohol, which can dehydrate you further. If possible, take a bottle of water with you on the plane; remember that due to restrictions on liquids, it may need to be purchased at the airport and kept sealed until you’re on the plane.
An empty plastic bottle in your hand luggage will also allow you to store any water distributed by the flight attendants, ensuring you have a supply between their rounds. The dry cabin air can also affect your skin, so consider bringing a small tube of moisturiser and eye drops if you tend to suffer from dry eyes.
End note
The thrill of travelling to those stunning islands and resorts you’ve always dreamed of visiting can be incredibly exhilarating. Take note of these suggestions for a seamless flight experience to ensure your dream holiday gets off to the right start.