How to Survive a Long Flight.
With international travel slowly opening up fully with almost no restrictions when it comes to COVID-19, I think it’s time we talk about how I tackle those long flights. I know many people who are hesitant to travel simply because of how long a flight is. Although I absolutely understand long flights can be difficult and are exhausting, even for an experience traveler like myself, there are a few things I do and bring with me that make the flight go a lot more smoothly. Here are my hacks!
#1 Compression Socks
Guys…even after a short flight, my feet swell up like a hot air balloon about to catch flight. It is seriously the most annoying and uncomfortable thing ever!!! One of the main reasons why this happens, especially during long flights, is because of inactivity on the plane. Of course, we want to stay seated and not bother the person in the aisle seat (if you are on the aisle seat…lucky you..we wish we were you), but for the sake of your hot air balloon feet, I highly recommend getting up and stretching at least. However, pressure also plays a huge part on our swollen feet. This is why compression socks are magic. They apply the perfect amount of pressure to maintain blood flow and reduce swelling.
#2 Entertainment
Captain Obvious over here, I know. But hear me out, we need a VARIETY of entertainment. With the amount of times I have only brought my Nintendo Switch and immediately get bored with no other choice, I would be a millionaire by now. But seriously, not having different entertainment choices at your disposal will not only make you extremely bored, but it’ll also make the flight feel that much longer. I recommend bringing a game, a book, and an electronic device like an iPad or computer. Please, do not forget to download your shows and/or movies.
#3 Snacks
Nothing is worse than you not being hungry at the airport and as soon as they close the plane doors, your stomach is talking to you and the entire plane. Not saying to bring food simply to eat yourself out of boredom, but I promise you, you will get hungry. Bring PLENTY of snacks with you, even if you thing you won’t eat them all.
#4 Refresh on the plane
This is my secret weapon. On top of having my regular toiletries bag, which are packed in the carry-on luggage that never leaves the overhead bin, I have a mini refresh bag in my personal item bag. My essentials in this bag are a facial mist (please do it in the lavatory), facial wipes, lip balm, dry shampoo (please do it in the lavatory), hand cream, disposable toothbrush, and moisturizer. As you can see, hydration is on the top of the list. Being on a plane for that long is sure to suck all the moisture out of your skin. This makes that flight so uncomfortable and icky. Whether you refresh mid-flight or by the end (or both), you absolutely want to be feeling brand new and sorta clean by the end of it. Let’s not even get into the germs inside planes.
#5 Dress Comfortably
This is your time to get out your Adam Sandler attire. Your best friend on a long flight will be baggy, warm, and comfortable clothes. A hoodie with sweat is usually my go-to when it comes to these kinds of flights. Not only does it feel like I’m wearing PJs so I can sleep better, but it is simply one last thing to worry about. One can already feel constricted or claustrophobic in a plane for that long so imagine adding constricting clothes on top of that. Yeah, no. Adam Sandler it is.
