How to Cope with Long Haul Flights
Looking forward to a luxury holiday will inevitably leave you with jitters for the days and weeks before your departure, especially if it’s somewhere that you’ve never been before or somewhere that offers something truly special. Whether you’re looking into Dominican Republic holidays or you’re planning on flying to the other side of the world for a stint Down Under, coping well with the flight will ease those holiday butterflies.
It’s not easy enduring a flight at the best of times, never mind when you know you’ll be stuck on it for hours on end. Adopt a coping strategy and it should go by without a hitch and you’ll still be as stress-free as you were at the boarding gate.
Unless your numbers have come up on the Euromillions, chances are you will be in an economy seat and will have to cope with the not-so-fabulous legroom, but there are ways in which to alleviate the boredom and frustrations of the hours in transit.
Try and check in online rather than queuing for hours at the airport. It’ll save you time, relieve unnecessary stress and you may even have the chance to choose your seats. If you’re travelling as a couple, you may be lucky enough to bag two seats in a three seat row. Reserve the seats on each end so the middle one is free – it’ll be less likely occupied and if you lift the armrest up, you have a makeshift bed! And if someone does end up in the seat between you, chances are they’ll be happy to swap if you ask nicely – so you’ve nothing to lose.
Make sure you pack some ear plugs. You’ll likely be given an eye mask but there’s nothing worse than flying all that way with the drone of the person behind you constantly in your ears. Wear loose fitting clothes that won’t make you feel tight and claustrophobic and wear layers just in case you feel stuffy.
Not everyone can sleep on a plane, but if you go through the motions of dozing, it can certainly help. Try not to stress out about your flight too much though – there’s an incredible destination waiting for you at the other end with relaxation guaranteed!
Guest post by Catherine. Photo credit: zachstern via photopin cc
Having flown long haul flights more times than I care to remember, it’s also about choosing your seat wisely, and for me…getting an outside seat, as you’ll want to get up and walk around to stretch your legs OFTEN.
I will remember that when I fly to Hawaii