From loud announcements and cramped seats to nothing to watch on the tiny screen, flights can be uncomfortable. Here is how to find the short way to long-haul relaxation.
It’s that time of year again. After weeks of planning, budgeting and trying to decide whether to take a two-week or a three-week holiday (that’s easy: three weeks), you finally board the plane and settle down to enjoy the eight hours that separate you from your deserved days of doing nothing except eat, sleep, see, then eat some more.
But two minutes into your flight, you realise that the seat only reclines by a couple of inches and triggers the ire of the guy sitting behind you. You try and make yourself a bit more comfortable but the legroom wouldn’t even be enough for a cat. And you have to do something with your elbows because you cannot have them engaged in an eight-hour conversation with your next seat neighbour’s stomach.
It’s true that at the end of your eight-hour torment you will receive the reward of a deserted beach and a swanky hotel room. But in reality, do you have to suffer this much? The short answer is no. The long answer is to try and find ways and means how to make yourself more comfortable.
Invest in an upgrade
The quickest way to make sure that you get to enjoy a comfortable flight is to travel in business or first class. The leg-room is generous, the cabin crew smile at your every whim and silly joke, the seats recline to become a fully-flat bed, and there are enough movies on demand to keep you happy for hours. And the champagne on tap is just a prelude to the kind of meal that you would expect from a five-star restaurant.
Some airlines even offer a private suite on board, complete with shower and spa, which means that you will arrive at your destination all fresh and ready to enjoy your holiday.
The only snag is that you have to pay for such luxury. But if you have the budget, just consider it as a good investment in your comfort.
If you cannot afford an upgrade, you can still choose a good seat. For instance, when booking your flight, avoid seats near the toilets as the constant traffic will definitely disturb you, especially when you’re trying to sleep.
Wear comfortable clothes
As part of your holiday planning, make sure that you have a comfortable flight wardrobe. That means lightweight yet warm clothes that you would be comfortable sleeping in, without looking like you’re going to bed. Wear a pair of thick socks just in case you decide to take off your shoes during the flight. And put on shoes that are easy to slip off and on – these will also come in handy during check-in, as you will not have to tie and untie your shoelaces every time you go through security check.
You should also consider packing a light jacket in your hand luggage – it may be warm on the ground but it can get cold up there.
Let you entertain you
Some airlines offer various entertainment options, even when flying economy. However, it’s good to also invest in your own forms of entertainment. Noise-cancelling headphones are a must since these will allow you to sleep, read or play games in peace. Listen to relaxing music or play games on your tablet.
You can also try and read. Of course, don’t expect to make much progress if you’ve decided to read some obscure treatise on English poets of the early 17th century. Rather, invest your eyesight in a fast-paced, easy to read book like a Scandi thriller or a detective classic by Raymond Chandler, James M Cain or Dashiell Hammett.
Try to sleep
Some people are lucky enough to be able to sleep in the middle of a winter storm or the worst kind of turbulence. But let’s assume that you’re not one of these lucky ones.
The trick to getting some sleep on a plane is to recreate the sleeping routine that you have at home. So wear comfortable clothes and don’t put things like a wallet or a bunch of keys in your back pocket as these will create an uncomfortable bulge and will feel like torture with your every movement.
If the pillow that the airline provides is one of those flimsy things made of the kind of fabric that will cause a rash, get your own inflatable travel pillow with full lateral support. An eye mask will also come in handy so that you can trick your mind into thinking that it is night and time to sleep.
Move it
Aching legs, cramps, numbness in your limbs and general discomfort are all symptoms of long-haul travel. Make sure that you have good blood circulation by moving around, stretching your legs and doing some basic exercises. Also, when seated, put a pillow or blanket between your lower back and the seat so that you avoid spinal compression. If your body is not comfortable, you will not be able to relax.