A family finds solace in the comfort of their own home, using it to their advantage to get some rest during a lengthy flight.
Tackling a dreaded long-haul journey to an otherwise exciting destination on your travel list? Here’s a tale to inspire you. I managed a grueling 30-hour flight to the Maldives, complete with an 8-hour wait at the impressive Istanbul airport, all in the confines of an economy seat beside a newborn and a robust snorer. If I managed, so can you. The key is in the preparation.
As with most of life’s challenges, preparedness is your best ally. For journeys, I always pack a personal item that includes a refillable water bottle and a facial spray to keep hydrated. Numerous studies emphasize the importance of water intake, especially from the onset of your travel day. A facial mist is crucial for replenishing moisture lost to the harshly dry air of the plane, preserving your skin’s vitality.
Equipping yourself with tools to block out disruptions is essential. If you’re sensitive to light, invest in a quality eye mask that not only fits well but also offers comfort without being overly warm. Satin is often a preferred material for this. Moreover, having a set of effective noise-canceling earbuds can be a game-changer, helping maintain your peace amidst the cries of a baby or the loud snores of a neighbor.
Finally, pack anything that feels cozy to you – a comfortable travel blanket, fuzzy socks, your favorite hoodie, a good book, and your most relaxing music.
The number one rule for a long flight – drink plenty of water, preferably from a reusable water bottle.
Let’s assume that like most travelers, you’re stuck in economy seats. The good news is that you can make a long flight feel shorter, even with limited leg room and an inclined seat in front of you. This is where you pull out your arsenal of comfort items and set yourself up. Then get yourself into the right headspace – think of the plane ride as the perfect way to disconnect. It’s your time to relax.
On long flights, it helps to divide flight time into segments that are more manageable: time to eat, time to read, time to watch a movie, time to get up and walk around, time to sleep, and so on. Let’s start with food, since that’s the biggest disruptor to an otherwise quiet flight.
Flight attendants typically start serving passengers about an hour into the flight, adjusting the meal timing to align with the departure time zone. For instance, if you depart around dinner time, your first meal will likely be dinner. Drinks and snacks continue to be provided throughout the flight, with service resuming at the typical breakfast time based on your destination’s time zone. This scheduling assists in acclimatizing to new time zones, though it might upset your digestive system.
Adding your own healthy snacks along with airline food can help keep your energy up.
Always consider packing nutritious snacks for your flight. My go-to options include protein bars with 20 grams of protein, apple slices treated with lemon juice to prevent browning, and cheese chunks, which are all practical and nourishing for long flights. For a more hearty option, quinoa with beans and roasted vegetables is a good alternative if airport food doesn’t meet your needs.
For particularly lengthy flights, staying active is crucial, which is why I prefer an aisle seat. It enables me to easily use the restroom or just stretch and walk around any time, even at night when others are sleeping. Service stations located at the front, back, and center of the plane offer snacks and drinks all day. They are available anytime; you just need to walk over and request what you need.
Those who favor window seats often choose them for the ability to lean against the wall, stay clear of the aisle traffic and beverage carts, and enjoy the view of the skies, which can aid in drifting off to sleep. However, consider your need to visit the restroom, as it may require waking others to exit your row.
Make use of everything you have brought along to make yourself comfortable. While some might advise against consuming alcohol, I’ve found that a drink or two has never prevented me from sleeping; in fact, it tends to relax me. If a cocktail aids in your sleep at home, the same will likely apply on a flight; conversely, if it disrupts your sleep at home, expect the same during your flight. Use your judgment wisely in this aspect.
A crucial strategy for sleeping on a plane involves tapping into the immense power of your mind. Convince yourself that it is the time zone of your destination. Avoid falling into the trap of thinking, “It’s only 6:00 PM,” and instead, coach yourself that “it’s midnight, and I need to sleep.” Sticking to your home time zone is a significant error during long flights that can prevent adjusting to new time zones.
While it might seem overly simple, this technique of adjusting your mental clock is a proven strategy employed by experienced travelers to cope with long flights. Mastery of this mind-over-matter approach can enhance your mood, help you steer clear of severe jet lag, and ensure you are energized upon arrival.
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