We’ve all suffered through crap flights. The screaming a baby; the neighbor who has no concept of personal space; the passengers shouting to each other across you; the guy who starts snoring, drooling and slowly leaning in your direction…
I fly economy, because I don’t have $10K to throw at a booking agent for a seat wider than 10 inches. But I am quite the veteran of long-distance trips (I’m a New Zealander, meaning any flight is long-distance) so below I share my top 10 ways to make your 12-hour flight in Cattle Class slightly better.
1. Sleeping pills
Some people are adverse to taking drugs and/or are worried they’ll be groggy afterwards. I’m not a drug pusher, so don’t take them if you don’t want to. But this is by far the number one way to get through a long flight. And if it’s an overnight flight, you’re not messing up your natural body clock. You can buy pills that won’t put you to sleep but ensure you don’t sit bolt upright when the guy next to you knocks your elbow. I usually find that 1/2 is enough.
2. Noise-cancelling headphones
They are not cheap, but if you’re a frequent flier these headphones are a good investment. They cancel out the roaring of the plane, the screaming baby, the chatter and everything else. If you can’t afford them, get some $3 earplugs, at least.
3. An inflatable neck pillow
I never fly without this. When you start nodding off, your head lolls to one side. This pillow catches it before you jerk your head back into wakefulness.
4. Travel blanket
Yes, airlines provide these but having your own is so much better.
5. Socks
Yes, socks. Big socks. They’re comforting, for some reason. Take your shoes off.
6. Entertainment
Take a good book (easy reads are best for long flights), some trashy magazines, your iPod, whatever. Staring out the window into nothingness can be fun, but not for the whole 12 hours.
7. Moisturizer
Skin gets dry in the blast of plane air conditioners. Use on hands, face and neck regularly. It helps.
8. Water and snacks
If you’re allowed. You’ll get served meals but what if you get hungry in the interim? Don’t get caught short.
9. Toothbrush and toothpaste
It helps you feel fresher, especially if you’ve just woken after taking #1.
10. Stretch
Even though there’s little room to move, you can do your joints a favor by getting up occasionally and doing a few calf stretches. Don’t put too much stuff under the seat in front of you, either; every bit of space counts.
Got any other tips for making long-haul flights more bearable? Leave a comment.
June 21st, 2007 at 7:26 am
Try and avoid drinking alcohol both before and on the plane, you’ll sleep better without it and won’t suffer the dehydrating effects.
June 21st, 2007 at 8:41 am
Hi John,
Definitely good advice. I’m not a fan of drinking on planes. Or being hungover on long flights.
June 29th, 2007 at 2:06 pm
How about Benadryl to quiet screaming babies (inspiration from the WSJ: http://online.wsj.com/article/SB114549639260930697.html?mod=travel_left_column_hs)?
Just kidding … kind of.
June 29th, 2007 at 8:33 pm
Tempting Mike… but yes probably not the most ethical solution!