Going on a long flight can be daunting, especially if you’ve never done it before.
Long flights can be tiresome, uncomfortable, and stressful, but with the right preparation, you can make the experience more enjoyable. In this article, we’ll provide some tips on how to best prepare for a long flight, plus discuss some of our favorite items from Comrad Socks to keep you feeling energized throughout.
Book Your Seat Wisely
Choosing the right seat on a long flight can make a significant difference in your comfort level. If you like to stretch out, book a seat with extra legroom or an aisle seat.
If you want to sleep, try to get a window seat, so you can lean against the wall. Some airlines also offer seats with additional features, such as a built-in footrest or adjustable headrest, which can be worth considering if you’re willing to pay a little extra.
Pack the Right Essentials
Packing the right essentials is crucial for a long, comfortable flight. Pack a neck pillow, earplugs, noise-canceling headphones, an eye mask, and comfortable clothing to ensure you’re ready to go.
You may also want to bring a travel blanket and compression socks to help prevent swelling. Finally, don’t forget to pack any necessary medication, as well as some snacks and water, to stay hydrated and nourished throughout the flight.
Keep Yourself Entertained
Long flights can be boring, so it’s essential to stay entertained. Boredom can make the hours crawl by, so some tactical distractions will be necessary!
Most airlines now offer in-flight entertainment systems, but you may also want to bring your own entertainment, such as a tablet loaded with movies and TV shows. Use the flight as a chance to read a new thriller by J.D. Barker or a gossip magazine. You can also bring a travel game or puzzle book to pass the time.
Stay Active
Sitting in a cramped airplane seat for several hours can be uncomfortable and can even cause swelling in your legs and feet. To prevent this, try to get up and walk around the cabin every few hours. You can also do some simple exercises like calf raises, leg stretches, and shoulder rolls to improve circulation.
In the meantime, consider wearing compression socks or sleeves from Comrad Socks to keep the blood flowing at all times. This is a great way to fight off weird tingles, reduce restless legs, and avoid swelling or cramping during long journeys.
Stay Hydrated
It’s easy to get dehydrated on a long flight, especially if you’re drinking alcohol or caffeine. Drink plenty of water throughout the flight to stay hydrated, and avoid drinking too much alcohol, coffee, or tea.
You can also bring your own refillable water bottle and ask the flight attendant to fill it up for you.
Adjust to Your Destination Time Zone
If you’re traveling to a different time zone, try to start adjusting your sleep schedule a few days before your flight.
This will help you avoid jet lag and adjust to the new time zone more quickly. Try to go to bed and wake up a little earlier or later than usual, depending on the time difference. You should also aim to stay awake until your normal bedtime in that time zone once you arrive so that you can adjust faster.
Plan Your Meals
Most long-haul flights offer meals and snacks, but if you have dietary restrictions or preferences, you may want to plan ahead. You can usually request a special meal when you book your flight, or you can bring your own snacks or meals.
Consider packing healthy snacks like fruit, nuts, or protein bars to avoid the unhealthy options that are usually offered on planes. Just try to ensure you don’t pack anything that’s particularly smelly or loud to eat, if at all possible.
Stay Calm
Flying can be stressful, especially if you’re a nervous flyer. If you’re anxious, try relaxation techniques like deep breathing or meditation. You can also bring a stress ball or a fidget toy to help you stay calm.
This will help you focus on your book or just chill out when the plane is taking off or hitting some turbulence.
Prepare for Customs
If you’re traveling internationally, it’s important to prepare for customs and immigration. Make sure you have all the necessary documents, including your passport and visa, if required.
You may also want to make a copy of your documents and keep them separately in case you lose your originals. It never hurts to be overprepared when it comes to customs since we all know how tedious the process can be.
Get Some Rest
Finally, try to get some rest on the flight. Sleeping can be difficult on a plane, but with certain tools and compression gear from Comrad Socks, you’ll find it easier to chill out and snooze. See if the flight offers blankets or pillows, or bring a trusted travel cushion to stay upright and relaxed in the seat.
Preparation Makes for a Smooth Journey
There are so many variables at play when traveling, so preparation is your greatest asset. Keep these tips in mind to minimize stress, stay comfortable, and handle all logistics with ease!
