Happy Monday all!
When I was younger, I did very little to prepare myself for a long haul flight. I would get off the plane and be fine. Now that I’m a little older, I may not snap back like I used to. So to ward off any potential complications from my 12+ hour flight to Dubai, I did some research on what to do on a long haul flight. This is what I learned:
1. Dress Comfortably: it’s probably not a great idea to wear 4 inch stilettos on a long haul flight (I’ve seen this while flying). Wearing comfy, loose fitting clothing is best when taking long flights. I plan to wear a pair of culottes, a long sleeve cotton shirt (airplanes can be downright freezing!) and sneakers. I’ll save the cute outfits for when I land.
2. Noise Cancelling Headphones: Honestly I never considered using these before because I didn’t think it was necessary. As I’ve gotten older, I’ve become a light sleeper and the slightest noise wakes me up. I was able to find these Sony Noise Cancelling Headphones for less than $50.
3. Drink Water: The popular belief is that to get through a long flight is to have a couple of drinks. I know from experience (and a bad hangover) this isn’t the way to go. Keeping hydrated is top on my list to reduce swelling and bloating.
4. Compression Socks: I noticed after my flight to Paris in 2014 my legs felt like jelly and my feet were slightly swollen. To reduce this, I bought a pair of compression socks to help with foot swelling and reduce the possibility of Deep Vein Thrombosis (DVT). The last thing I need to worry about on my long flight is blood clots.
5. Neck Pillow: I used to scoff at folks wearing neck pillows but now I’m joining their ranks!
What are some of your tips for surviving long haul flights?
Have a wonderful day!
Good eyeshades, ear plugs and don’t wear white (guaranteed to attract the chicken curry). I also take a pashmina type scarf to cuddle in because I don’t like the airline blankets. I gargle with antiseptic gargle at the stopover (from Aus to Europe we have approx a 14hr then a 9hr flight) otherwise I land with a sore throat and a cold). Slip on shoes (flat) that will fit over compression socks. Elastic waist trousers or leggings with a t shirt and long sleeved over top. Plenty of books on my iPad and chargers because even if you can’t charge on the plane you can usually find somewhere on the stopover to charge. The neck pillows sometimes work better worn backwards or sideways. They just push my chin onto my chest if worn the ‘correct’ way. Think of the flight as a chill out time rather than a trial to get through. Enjoy your holiday:)
A big, long, very lightweight scarf can easily double as a cozy cover for when you want to sleep. Lilly Pulitzer has some lovely ones, but they are pricey. I’ve seen many similar ones that would be just as nice in Marshall’s and TJ Maxx.
one more thing u forgot. ME…..
Take a facewasher, small hand towel or second facewasher, clean undies and a clean teeshirt/top, toothbrush and toothpaste on board. That way you can refresh halfway through and at the end of the flight and feel a lot better. The clean undies and top make you feel like you’ve kinda sorta just had a shower, and the facewasher is to refresh your face, arms, legs etc and the second one is to dry off. Toothpaste and toothbrush clearly gets rid of the fur factor and makes you feel fresh. Happy travels!
I always take my makeup off before I settle down for the night and moisturise moisturise moisturise. Plenty of water and a freshen up and tooth brush just before landing (bb cream and lippy help too)
I have got to have my neck pillow. I also bring my own water because they never give you enough and lip balm and hand lotion because my skin dries out.