How to survive long flights
I’m just sitting in a plane from Paris to Philadelphia. I’m not working, I went to Prague to visit my family and celebrated early Christmas with them. And I decided to share my tricks, that help me survive long flights and deal with jet lag.
Planning is essential
I fly to Prague every two months and I pretty much know all the possibilities, how to get there. I have to change three fights to get there and it can easily take me a full day. I have favorite flights, but one factor is the most important to me, the flight loads. I keep a close look at all the possible flights and wait with booking till 48-25 hours before the departure. I choose the most empty flight and always have a backup plan, because nothing is certain in the world of nonreving. If you are buying confirmed ticket, waiting isn’t a good strategy, tickets tend to get more expensive with approaching date of departure. If you are flexible with your traveling dates, try to choose less desired ones. This can be very hard to predict, but flights will probably be full before and after holidays, on school breaks, on Mondays, Fridays and Sundays, in peak season of certain destination, etc. Today is Monday, December 12, and my flight is barely half way full. Much more comfortable way of traveling, than being stuck in the middle seat for 9 hours.
I always check in 24 hours before the flight. And it doesn’t matter, if I have confirmed, or standby ticket. Early check in is a key to success. You can already check how full the flight is and plan accordingly. On long flights, I always prefer the aisle seat. I get a little extra space and can get up anytime without disturbing other passengers. As a right-handed, I prefer the right-side seat, it’s more comfortable to eat then. I also found a useful webpage www.seatguru.com, where you can find a seat configuration of your plane, with detailed review of each seat. You can find seats with more legroom, limited recline, too close to the restrooms, etc. I prefer the seat in the shorter row, there’s a bigger chance, that nobody will be next to me. I also try to avoid the bulkhead area. Baby cribs can be attached on it, so it means that babies will be around. And babies cry.
At the time of check in I also check the weather forecast. If my plan is to go through Chicago and there’s a forecasted snow fall, I’ll definitely change my plans and go for example through Miami, as delays and cancelations are more than likely. If I have more options how get to the airport for the international flight, I usually go one flight earlier. I know that I have plenty of time and don’t have to stress out, that I’ll miss the flight in case of unexpected delay.
I’m lucky, nothing bad happened and I’m ready to board my international flight. I always bring small treat for the crew. We love gifts and if you’re nice to your crew, they’ll be even nicer to you and do everything to make you happy. But don’t expect free upgrade, it’s forbidden in most airlines and it can even be a reason for termination.
Stay comfortable and hydrated
When traveling on standby, there’s a dress code to follow. My favorite outfit is a pair of pants looking (not see through) leggings and a long sweater. I wear a basic cotton t-shirt under, that I change when I land, to feel more fresh. I wear comfortable, easy to get in shoes. There’s a lot of walking in the terminal. Also on board, I like to slip on easily when going to restroom half asleep. Yes, I never go to the restroom in my socks only. It’s not water, what you see on the floor, so please, never ever walk there barefoot. It’s also useful to bring a pashmina scarf to keep warm. It gets cold in the plane and even if there’s a blanket available, it might not be enough. I like to keep some glamour of flying, so I make sure I look nice and well groomed, even while staying comfortable.
When I have enough time before the flight, I buy my own food and beverage. The airplane food isn’t the healthiest, nor the tastiest. I also carry a big bottle of water. Bottle of water has a cost of gold at the airports, but you can bring your own, empty it out before the security and fill it up at the water fountains, that are located by the restrooms. Having your own water helps you stay hydrated during the flight and you don’t just have to rely on inflight service.
Skin hydration is just as important as drinking plenty of water. Before the flight, I use heavy hydrating cream and body lotion. I never forget Evian water, that I regularly spray all over my face and neck. When I get in shower after the flight, I scrub my face and body and use body and facial oils to repair the damage made by dry air. During the night flights, I remove my makeup with wet facial tissues and apply some more cream. It’s dark, so nobody can see me and I believe my skin would appreciate it. Wet tissues are very useful in many ways. I use them to wipe the seat and tray table and also after landing, I wipe my body to stay fresh before I get to shower. Other cosmetic items, that I can’t take off without, are sea salt nasal spray, hydrating eye drops, heavy moisturizing hand cream, coconut lip balm from EOS, antiperspirant, mini perfume, dry shampoo, hand sanitizer, hair brush and my makeup travel bag.
If I want to sleep during the flight, I need 3 items: sleep mask, earplugs and neck pillow. The sleep mask provided by airlines isn’t really comfortable and the shape “prints” on my face, so I use my own plush one. Neck pillows can be bought in any store with travel accessories or at the airport. I have a small inflatable one. It’s not as comfortable as the plush one, but it doesn’t take any space in my bag. Many people have problems falling asleep in the plane. Yes, it’s not the most comfortable place to sleep, especially when it’s full. My trick is to be already tired, when getting on board. Go to bed early the day before, wake up early on the day of travel, go for a run or to the gym and if you have a choice, take the later flight, that leaves closer to your usual bed time. If I wait for dinner service on board, I like to have a glass of red wine, that gets me calmer and helps me fall asleep. In the morning before landing, I go to the restroom before we start descending and brush my teeth and “wash up” with wet wipes. I don’t like occupying the restroom for too long, so I fix my makeup at my seat.
And what do I do during the day time flights? I absolutely love my MacBook and its great battery, that lasts the whole flight. I catch up on my favorite TV shows, read a book, take a nap. Many airlines now offer Wi-Fi even on international flights. I pay for it sometimes, read the news, send emails that I’ve been postponing, do anything to keep myself busy and time will pass by. I bring my own headsets and when I’m not watching movies, I listen to music. It helps me create my own bubble, forgetting, that I’m on a plane.
People like to stretch during the flight, it’s recommended to avoid blood clogs. Do so, if it makes you feel better, but only in your seat, the restroom waiting area, or aisle (not during the service!). Don’t occupy the flight attendant’s galley, it’s their office, their private space. You wouldn’t like either, if a stranger came to your office to stretch up. It’s very much ok to come to the galley to throw away trash or get a drink. Flight attendants will welcome, that you didn’t use the call button to do so. Unless the flight attendants want to engage in conversation, don’t stay longer than necessary.
You can win over jetlag
After the arrival, I try to get out as fast as I can. I always nearly run through the hallways to the immigration control, trying to pass as many people as I can and avoid long waiting in the line. And I never check in my bag, unless I absolutely have to. I don’t risk my suitcase being lost or damaged and it helps me get out of airport or to my connecting gate faster.
When arriving to the destination, I immediately adjust to the local time. Even if I land in the morning, I don’t go sleep until at least 9pm. I might make it just thanks to couple of double espressos and I would still feel like a zombie, but it’s doable. It helps me, when I stay occupied. The best thing is to have a long shower and go do something. Fresh air does miracles, so it’s always great to go for a walk, meet with friends, go sightseeing. And then I get to this moment, when I forget all the fatigue and can enjoy the day.
And what are your tricks to survive long flights?
