Guide to a comfortable flight
Monday, March 16th, 2009 Posted in Travel, Useful Tips
The secret to having a comfortable flight depends on the following:
1. Getting the seat you want
2. Next to the person/people you want
3. Getting a nice relaxed meal and drink inside you whilst you watch a cracking film
4. Being able to shut yourself off into your own comfort zone
5. On long flights getting some good kip
6. And on long flights getting yourself awake and refreshed at the right time
A bad flight is:
Sitting in a middle seat between a mother and a young baby and an incessant talker who happens to have a job/life/personality that is of no interest to you. Your beer is kicked over by the baby, you get the meal option that no one else wanted (all the steak went immediately), the screen was too far away to see (Three Men and a Baby was also showing - great!), sleep was not an option with the endless drivel from the most boring man in the world and the screaming wee bubs with stuff coming out of each orifice… so you exit the plane schtinking and full of ming. Not good.
A good flight is:
Aisle or window, next to a backpacker/model, being served first, a relatively empty flight, a good film which you can watch undisturbed, the ability to snuggle yourself into the corner/model for a great kip and a quick refreshing wash down about an hour before you get off.
Things to do Prior to the Flight
- Avoid any last minute anxiety attacks stressful journeys as a result of delays. Check roads are clear en route to the airport and that trains/coaches are running on time.
- Accommodate large walking distances at airports, crowded foyers and the fact that you need to check into international departures at least two hours prior to flight departure time.
- Save your arms and legs, by using one of the many free luggage trolleys dotted about the airport. If you are struggling ask for assistance from the airport staff.
- Keep your mind active when waiting to board the flight by reading a book or magazine, this will combat nervous energy.
- Before getting on board the flight, go for a quick brisk walk to de-stress, reinvigorate your body and get the blood pumping around your body which can help reduce the risk of DVT.
- Avoid dehydration by bringing plenty of water with you. Drink it regularly before and during the flight. Intensive moisturizing cream is useful to prevent dry skin.
Things to do During the Flight
- Avoid alcohol and caffeinated drinks during the flight as they will lead to dehydration and tiredness.
- Avoid eating a heavy meal during and before the flight as this can lead to an upset stomach given your relative immobility during the journey. Try to consume light snacks like a fresh salad instead.
- Keep moving throughout the flight, get up and walk about for 5 10 minutes every hour. Stretch regularly in your seat and avoid sitting with crossed legs.
- Tense and relax you leg muscles and place them on the foot rest as often as possible. Jiggle your legs in a seat position, and try doing a peddling motion anything to keep your legs moving throughout the flight. Immobility can lead to DVT (Deep Venous (Vein) Thrombosis).
- Try pressing the balls of you feet hard down against the floor or foot-rest, as this can also help increase the blood flow in your legs, and therein reduce blood clotting which leads to DVT.
- Wear elastic in-flight socks which can prevent DVT.
- When taking off and landing, try sucking sweets or swallowing. This will help equalize the pressure in your sinuses and prevent ear and sinus pain.
- Always carry all medication as hand luggage and have to hand in the case of an emergency.
- It is a good idea to carry a document outlining any allergies or special medical conditions on your person, in the event of an emergency. Remember, not everyone reads English, so if say you are flying from Mexico to Argentina, it is worth getting a translated version in Spanish.
