Counting down the hours to your travel destination? We offer you some travel tips to make your long flight a more pleasant trip!
Hydrate, hydrate!
Hydrate well the night before your flight. When travelling on a16-hour flight, drinking fluids is crucial. Avoid caffeine and alcohol as they can dehydrate your body. Instead, drink warm tea to help you sleep better.
Choose your seat wisely
Your seat choice could determine how well you sleep during your flight.
If you want something to lean against or save the disturbance by the other passengers in your row each time they are going to the bathroom, get a window seat. Sitting at the back is usually noisier, but you may have a chance of ending up with extra seats beside you.
The extra leg room bulkhead and exit row seats provide may seem inviting, but take note that bulkhead seats are often reserved for families with babies or young children and can be noisy, while exit row seats do not recline (to prevent obstruction in case of an emergency). Try to avoid the last row as well as they are often located next to the lavatories, which may not make for a pleasant flight – in terms of noise and odour.
Wear comfortable clothing
Wear comfortable, loose-fitting clothing for your flight – try a loose tee and a light cardigan. Layer with a sweater as well to fight the blast from the plane’s air-conditioning. Pack socks too to keep your feet warm.
Wear closed-toed shoes as they are the safest in case of an emergency – fire, glass or debris. You can also move faster.
Deep vein thrombosis (DVT)
DVT is the formation of blood clots in deep veins and a risk on long flights, usually for more than 4 hours. Walk up and down the aisle and stretch your legs to encourage blood flow. For easier mobility, get an aisle seat if you can.
Bring a neck pillow
A neck pillow is an essential item for long flights as it provides support for your neck and to cradle your head. There are many different neck pillows, find one which works best for you.
Use an eye mask
For good sleep, put on an eye mask to keep out movie screens, reading lights and cabin lights.
Travel blankets / Scarves
Keep yourself warm from the plane’s air-conditioning by using a blanket. Alternatively, bring along your own scarf to double up as a blanket. Your scarf can serve as a fashion accessory as well at your destination.
Noise cancelling headphones or earplugs
Using noise cancelling headphones or earplugs will block out the noise from the plane’s engine and other sounds like crying babies and flight attendants serving meals.
Pack anti-bacterial wipes
Minimise your risk of picking up germs by using anti-bacterial wipes to wipe down your arm rests, seat belt, seat back tray, etc. A sanitized area will help you to relax and rest better.
