5 Tips for a More Comfortable Flight

It wasn’t until a few years ago that I found a love for flying.

Looking out the window and watching the clouds go by brings a certain peace with it. It’s crazy to think that we are so high above the ground, going about our own business in the sky, waiting to touch down in our destination of choice. That plane is what keeps us safe, and what gives us the ability to travel to anywhere our hearts desire. Even though it’s something I personally love, I have to admit, I don’t always feel the best when I take flight. I think it’s something that we all experience in one way or another. I mean, we are 30,000 + feet above the earth, in a tightly packed vehicle with a lot of taxing factors added in (recycled air, fluctuating temperatures, sitting for hours on end…). Below are a few tricks I’ve learned that really help me feel (and look) my best while flying:

sky pic

First, shower. 

No matter what time my flight is, I always make a point of showering before I head to the airport. I think being refreshed and clean is the first step to feeling your best, and it also acts as a second alarm clock when waking up for early flights. The warm water and fresh scents help to awaken the senses, and it’s always a good idea to be alert when dealing with airports. Also, your neighbor on the plane will appreciate it, especially on a long flight.

Stay Hydrated + Use Saline Spray

Airplane cabins are extremely dry, which makes us more susceptible to dehydration. The air inside is also being recirculated, which means we’re breathing in and exhaling the same air as everyone else. To bring in more oxygen, fresh air is pumped inside the cabin, but this air is very dry due to the high altitude. To avoid dehydration, always have water on hand. It’s even good to start hydrating a couple days before traveling. I also make sure to have a saline spray with me to keep nasal passages clean, hydrated, and rid of germs. Ever get blocked ears? Saline spray can help this too. Opening your nasal passages can help keep your Eustachian tube open, which prevents ear blockage.

muscle rub

DIY Muscle Rub

Flying requires us to sit for long periods of time in a tightly confined space. Muscles can cramp up and start to ache, and the inability to stretch calls for a backup method. Stashing a soothing muscle rub in your carry-on can help relieve some of that pain and tension and help you relax. Try something like Tiger Balm, or you can try making your own!

olives

Snack On Olives

Turbulence and pressure changes are bound to happen at some point while up in the air, and both can cause nausea and motion sickness for some people. I suffer from this terribly. Even just thinking about that horrible feeling causes me to feel sick. I’ve heard that olives are a great way to prevent this. They contain tannins which decrease excess saliva that is produced when nausea sets in. Try eating a few before taking off or as soon as the feeling hits.

windowseat

Get A Window Seat 

Getting some shut-eye during a flight is ideal, especially on long journeys. I found that a window seat is my first choice when it comes to picking one of the three options. Let’s face it, the middle is just the worst, and the aisle is good if easy access to the bathroom is what you need. But, the window is where it’s at in my opinion. Having the wall of the plane to rest your head against makes for a more comfortable ride, and having that window to the sky becomes tranquilizing. Next time you’re debating which seat to choose, try going for a window. Plug in to some relaxing music, or try using the app called White Noise. It’s a soundscape app that I use to help fall asleep. Look out the window, listen to the sounds, and float away.

planegiff

Where are you traveling next?

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9 years ago

We may be headed off to France next year to visit my sister who lives there. The flight from Los Angeles is always so very long and I get a little claustrophobic so I love bringing along my favorite calming meditation tape. That helps me to relax! Thank you for sharing your wonderful ideas!

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9 years ago

I used to love flying. Then out of nowhere, really, the fear of flying just hit me. I don’t know where that came from, but it’s so annoying. Still I refuse to take any pills and I still want to travel, so I just have deal with it. But it sucks anyway :D Next year I’m gonna go at least to Morocco, don’t know yet when, but definately I will :)

9 years ago

I much prefer an aisle seat on long haul flights, not only so that I don’t disturb anyone should I need the bathroom, but also I like to move around a lot during a long flight. I wear compression socks to prevent DVT but want to stay active too!

clementinebuttercup.blogspot.co.uk

9 years ago

I like to eat Ginger Chews during takeoff and landing to supress nausea. The spiciness seems to help. Love these tips, thank you!

Wonderful! I am the glorified window seat queen. Gotta have that wall to lean your head on midflight.

9 years ago

Plane rides are never comfortable haha! I just came back from studying in England last week, so no travelling for me for a little while. My next destination will be Japan!

9 years ago

Totally !

I travel often for work and that’s what I usually do.

:)

Cheers,
xSophie
http://www.sophysticate.com

9 years ago

Great article!!
I’m leaving for Jamaica from California in two days! :)

Liz
9 years ago

I always bring water on the plane and ask for ginger ales to keep my stomach settled. I wouldn’t eat olives since I’m trying to stay hydrated!

9 years ago

This is perfect – I work in the study abroad industry – will definitely be sharing this with students year round :)

Warm Regards,
Alexandra
http://www.littlewildheart.com

amanda
9 years ago

thank you! I’ve been anxious to fly alone in a few days to OHIO~
this helps.

9 years ago

Very good ideas. :) I will be traveling to the alps in France very soon, but by car. By plane I will be traveling to Ireland I think. :)

9 years ago

Omg, great tips ! Sometimes, I get jet lags and that fed me up. Great post tho.

http://www.kinikunormal.blogspot.com/

meg
9 years ago

such great tips, i can’t until my next flight to try some of these!

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@waterlilyshop

Alyssa
8 years ago

I recently flew from Bangkok to Missoula, and I was absolutely grateful for a window seat on the flight from Tokyo to Portland. Not only was it a great place to sleep, but looking out the window truly is the best part of flying. Also, because of the dry air in the plane, a boy from my group got a terrible sinus infection and had nosebleeds for at least three days afterwards. Definitely bring saline spray to help hydrate your sinuses and drink as much water as possible!