Did you know what’s the one thing that haunts most travellers? Maybe you guessed it right: the long-haul flights.

Surviving a long-haul flight is no less than a nightmare for travellers out there. Spending long hours in the air is not only boring, but it can also take a toll on your mind and body. Here’s how a long-haul flight can take a toll on one’s body:

• It causes ear discomfort
• It can lead to dehydration
• It changes the blood pressure
• It reduces your blood circulation
• It causes pain, swelling, and stiffness in your legs.

While you can’t do much about it, there are some steps you can take to survive long-haul flights.

Keep on reading this article to discover key strategies to navigate and make the most of extended long-haul flights.

1. Choose the right seat

One of the best ways to survive long-haul flights is to choose the right seat. However, getting your preferred seat on a flight is not as easy as it may sound. You can do so by booking your tickets early.

For example, you can opt for aisle seats which are at the end of the row. It provides easy access to the washroom and allows you to stretch your legs without disturbing fellow passengers.

If aisle seats are not available, then go for the seats in the emergency row exit. Just be aware of any responsibilities associated with these seats. So, make sure to secure your favourite seats early. After all, your preferred seats are everyone’s favourite, and they get booked really fast.

2. Wear comfortable clothes

Comfort is key during long-haul flights, and the clothes you wear play a major role in it. Even though trendy clothes might look great, if they’re not comfy, they’re not the best choice for a long journey.

For example, it is a good idea to opt for oversized tees during the long flights. Know that Oversized T-Shirts are loose t-shirts that allow you ease of movement throughout the journey. Moreover, most t-shirts come with graphic designs which can elevate your overall appearance. It will allow you to travel with style and comfort. So, it is a win-win!

For bottomwear, you can opt for leggings, sweatpants, or loose-fitting trousers. Remember, avoid tight jeans or anything that might squeeze you too much and make you uncomfortable. So, pick the comfy combo and enjoy your flight!

3. Chew gum on the flight

As mentioned in the introduction part, you’ll face some ear discomfort during flight. To alleviate this discomfort, we recommend you chew gum on your flight.

Changes in air pressure typically cause the discomfort you feel in your air. Thus, chewing gum helps by promoting swallowing and equalising the pressure in your ears. When you chew gum, the act of moving your jaw and swallowing increases the activity of the muscles and tubes in your ears.

This can help open the Eustachian tubes, which connect the middle ear to the back of your throat. By doing so, you can equalise the pressure on both sides of the eardrum, reducing the sensation of fullness or discomfort.

However, if chewing gum is not an option, you can follow other techniques like yawning, swallowing, or sucking on candy to get rid of discomfort.

4. Move around regularly

Don’t forget to stretch and move during your long flight, it’s important for feeling comfortable.

Sitting for a long time can make you feel stiff and tired. Try standing up and taking short walks around the cabin every now and then. You can also stretch your legs and arms right in your seat. Moving regularly helps your blood flow better and prevents you from feeling too cramped.

So, whether it’s a quick walk or some in-seat stretching, keep moving to stay comfortable during your journey!

5. Get creative

Let’s face it: you hardly get time to sit idle for long hours in one place. So, why not make the most out of it?

To keep yourself busy, you can try some creative things like drawing a sketch, writing a story, or learning a new language. Also, you can bring a journal to document your travel experience, jot down thoughts, or draft a travel itinerary.

So, the idea here is to keep yourself busy and give your brain a workout.

Summing up

Successfully navigating and thriving during extended long-haul flights requires a combination of thoughtful planning and self-care strategies.

With these tips mentioned above, you can arrive at your destination feeling refreshed and ready to explore.