7 tips you should keep in mind before that international long haul flight
By following these 7 tips and preparing in advance, you can make your international long-haul flight more comfortable and enjoyable. Photo: Getty Images
Preparing for an international long haul flight involves several steps to ensure your comfort, safety, and well-being during the journey. Here are some tips to help you prepare and make sure that you have an enjoyable flight.
First things first
Apart from booking your flight, including choosing the seat you like (window or aisle or maybe middle), mentioning your food preferences, and having your necessary travel documents all safe in your carry-ons, making your journey a stress free one involves taking care of your needs while on the flight.
This ranges from wearing comfortable clothes to keeping your medicines with you in times of emergency.
1. Wear comfortable clothing
- Wear loose, comfortable clothing that's suitable for the temperature in the flight and the climate at your destination.
- Layers or having an extra sweatshirt or jacket is a good idea as temperatures can vary on the plane and it's generally cold.
2. Stay hydrated
- One cannot stress enough on the fact that drinking water and staying hydrated is the ultimate travel tip while on the airplane.
- During the flight, drink plenty of water and stay hydrated, avoid alcohol as it can dehydrate you.
- Research shows that adequate water intake when you're in a flight is important as it may prevent deep vein thrombosis (blood clots in your legs), pulmonary embolism (blood clot in your lungs) or heart attacks, especially when travelling.
3. Pack some light snacks
- Pack some healthy snacks like nuts, granola bars, or fruit to keep you energised during the flight.
- You might feel like munching on something every one-or-two hours and it's best to keep a few snacks of your liking so that you don't feel hungry or irritated.
- Also, in-flight meals can be unpredictable, so having snacks is a safe bet. (For example, if you have chosen to fly international on IndiGo, there's usually no complimentary food on the flight)
4. Sorting out your entertainment
- Always bring entertainment options such as books, magazines, movies, or music to keep yourself occupied during the flight.
- Although most long-haul flights offer in-flight entertainment, but in case you want to watch a specific movie or series, you would want to download the movie or episodes beforehand so you can watch it easily on flight.
- Also, worst case: what if your in-flight entertainment system doesn't work? Keeping something at hand will ensure you're not dependent on the flight system.
5. Carry a neck pillow and blanket
- A neck pillow can provide much-needed comfort for sleeping, and a small blanket can help keep you warm.
- Although international flights do provide passengers with a blanket; to be on a safer side and if you have some space in your purse or backpack, squeeze in a small blanket.
- In case you don't have a neck pillow, you can always buy them from the airport.
6. Walk, exercise, or a do a bit of stretching
- Stretch and walk around the cabin periodically (and when you're allowed to do so, when the seat-belt signs are turned off) to prevent stiffness and deep vein thrombosis (DVT).
- You can walk up and down the aisle and if there's some space, you can do a bit of stretching without making fellow passengers or anyone else uncomfortable.
7. Have medicines handy
- If you have any medical conditions, consult with your doctor before the flight and carry necessary medications.
- Consider taking compression socks to prevent swelling in your legs.
- You should carry all the basic medicines that can help you feel better if you have a stomach ache, headache, nausea, fever or an allergic reaction.
- It is also advised to keep medicines for heartburn, stomach discomfort or indigestion such as digene at hand.
If you're someone who is very particular about their skincare routine and likes to carry face masks, eye-patches, sheet masks and serums, doing this can also make you feel joyful and relaxed on the flight.