By Lisa Ng
Air travel over long distances is not the most pleasant, but here are some tips to make your flight as enjoyable as possible.
My first 13-hour flight to Tokyo was the longest I have ever flown. Long-haul flights can be intimidating if you’re not used to them. I suffer from a bit of claustrophobia and anxiety when I pass; so I asked friends for suggestions, to which I added some of my favourite tips on how to survive a long haul flight:
Start by getting a massage. A massage before your flight is an absolute necessity. The price may seem a little high to you, but for me, just getting to the airport on time is already stressing me out. After sorting out all the details at work before leaving, doing my laundry, and packing, I arrived exhausted at the airport. So I started treating myself to those chair massages they offer at the airport spa. The amount you are asked for for one of these massages is nothing compared to what you spent on your plane ticket. Consider this massage the official start of your vacation. When I finally get on the plane, I sink into my seat and sleep for the first two hours of the flight.
Do a little detox and hydrate yourself. I usually stop consuming caffeine and alcohol 24-48 hours before my flight. I find that it is easier for me to sleep during the flight, and it helps to reduce the effects of jet lag. I also get the giant bottle of water I can find after going through security, as well as a bottle of coconut water, which contains a host of natural electrolytes and vitamins.
Also, don’t forget to bring your herbal tea! The choice of herbal teas is almost non-existent in economy class, so I started getting pockets of my favourite natural herbal tea, which is caffeine-free and helps me sleep on the plane. Just ask for a cup of hot water. I never drink alcohol on planes either (it dehydrates), and I avoid carbonated drinks because they cause bloating. Stick to water if you can.
Reserve your seat in advance. It’s important to me. I like having an aisle-side seat (for easy access to the lavatory) toward the back of the plane — but not back. I find it less ‘claustrophobic’, and there are fewer people. Be sure to reserve the seat of your choice when booking your airline tickets, or check 24 hours before your flight to see what new centres have become available. That’s usually when frequent fliers are offered an upgrade, so now is the best time for you to find a better seat. Double-check your seat choice on a travel advice site like Seatguru.com to ensure you have a decent seat. My husband is 6ft 1in, so we usually call ahead to find out how much it would cost to upgrade to a premium economy class where there is more legroom and where you can recline more seats.
You should also ask at the counter at the airport if it is possible to upgrade to Business class. The cost is sometimes reduced, and it is worth it. It also happens, on occasion, that the seats in economy class are sold out and that we are willing to upgrade specific tickets. Ask the question; you have nothing to lose!
Bring magazines and books. I usually bring three magazines, two books, and my laptop for a long-haul flight. Plan several activities, so you don’t get bored. Usually, I watch a movie or two, do some offline work on my computer, and read. Load movies on your tablet or laptop the night before your departure and bring your chargers on the plane, as you may have a power outlet or USB port at your seat.
Invest in noise-cancelling headphones. Good noise-cancelling headphones can make all the difference when listening to music or watching a movie on a noisy plane. They also make it possible to eliminate sounds such as those of a crying baby, for example, or surrounding conversations.
Put you at ease. I bring a pair of comfortable socks that I put on as soon as I get to my seat, and I immediately take off my shoes. I bring my thickest coat on the plane, which I use as a blanket, along with an eye mask and my travel pillow. If it’s a very long flight, I bring jogging pants to change into and ch.
