It’s important to keep yourself comfortable during a long-haul flight.
Being stuck in a stuffy aircraft cabin for eight to twelve hours might sound like your worst nightmare.
A long-haul flight can be uncomfortable, boring, and exhausting. You will likely encounter several nuisances, such as inconvenient seats, annoying seatmates, air sickness, and many more.
While the experience of being on a long-haul flight can be scary, especially if it’s your first time, there are a few ways to keep yourself comfortable and relaxed throughout your journey.
In this article, we’ve listed some simple and easy tips to counter the stress and anxiety that comes with being on a long-haul flight. This way, you’ll be ready to explore Cebu after your plane lands.
Tips for Dealing with a Long-Haul Flight
1. Choose a good airline.
Believe it or not, you have to be picky when choosing an airline. Don’t just aim for good – aim for the best airline, especially for long-haul flights.
But how do you choose the best airline?
Do some research before booking your plane tickets. Read honest reviews from passengers regarding their personal experiences with the chosen carrier.
Generally, the best long-haul airlines have seats with a width of more than 17 inches and offer more than a bag of peanuts as an on-board meal. If you’re still struggling with what to consider before booking an airline for a less stressful flight, read up on the following factors:
- Comfort vs. Ticket Price
- Onboard Food Options
- Delay and Cancellation Rates (this means more customers aren’t satisfied or the airline doesn’t offer good service and comfortability)
2. Stay hydrated.
Dehydration is one of the most common problems during a long-haul flight. It explains why your throat, nose, and skin can feel so dry when you’re on a plane.
It’s because when you’re traveling by air, the level of humidity in the cabin is low compared to what you would expect on the ground.
The air inside the cabin of a plane has a humidity level of between 15 and 20 percent, whereas the typical indoor humidity on the ground is around 30 to 65 percent (depending on where in the world you are).
This is also why you “dry out” when you fly. Also, the air circulating through the cabin is drawn from the outside, and there is not enough moisture in the air at high altitudes.
3. Get a good seat.
There are a lot of seat options to choose from. Whether you prefer to sit by the window or on the aisle middle seat, always make sure that your seat is comfortable.
According to a 2019 survey on passenger seat preferences conducted by Thomas Cook Airlines, 61% of passengers preferred window seats over aisle seats, the majority of which say that window seats are for them to enjoy the incredible views. Only 2% of the passengers preferred the middle seat.
However, every traveler is different. Some travelers sleep a lot, others are more concerned about their safety, and so on.
If you’re wondering what the best seat is for you, here are some tips to improve your air travel experience:
- Best seat for sleepers – a window seat near the front
- Best seat for the safety conscious – a seat toward the back of the plane
- Best seat for a smooth ride – a seat over the wing
- Best seat for maximum legroom – an aisle seat in the second exit row
4. Wear comfortable clothing.
A lot of passengers have had trouble with the change in temperature when they’re up in the air. Some might be freezing while others might be sweating.
A solution to this is simple – bring loose-fitting and breathable clothes. This will help you manage the temperature differences which you’ll experience during your flight. You can wear breathable fabrics like cotton, silk, or linen.
Loose-fitting clothes like sweatpants and a comfortable top are another option. Or you can bring an extra loose sweater in case it gets chilly. This is sure to make you feel warm and comfortable throughout your flight.
Make sure to check the texture and fit of your clothes before packing them into your bag. You don’t want to end up wearing an itchy sweater during your flight.
Lastly, consider the colors of your clothing. Dark colored clothing will absorb heat and can make you look sweaty and haggard. So, if possible, try to avoid them. For a fresh and relaxed look, consider wearing clothes in light, pastel colors.
Surviving a long-haul flight is like that sense of relief you get after taking an incredibly difficult exam. You will feel even more stressed out when you realize that you’re not prepared.
That being said, here’s what you need to do before getting on that long-haul flight:
- Have your passport, IDs, and visas ready.
- Research about your trip (the place, cost, safety, etc.).
- Prepare your travel budget.
- Pack smart (it’s best to pack light and bring only what you need).
- Create a list of the things that you must include in your carry on bag (e.g., water bottle, medicines, earphones, your IDs, etc.).
If you apply these long-haul flight tips, you’ll definitely feel fresh and relaxed once you reach your chosen vacation spot in Cebu.
