Long-distance travel attracts many people, but the counterweight is the numbingly long flights. With a little preparation, you can survive even a long flight – read the tips for a successful trip!
1. Choose a suitable flight carefully
There are differences in flights – that’s for sure. Before booking a trip, it’s worth spending a lot of time comparing different flights to find a suitable option.
The cheapest option is not always necessarily the best, because if the trip has to be divided into a couple of days, both time and money can be wasted along the route.
On long-haul flights, it’s a matter of taste, whether you prefer to fly a long flight in one go or stop along the way to walk. Finnair offers the most direct long-haul flights from Finland.
>> Compare flights conveniently using Rantapallo’s flight search
2. Dress in comfortable clothes
Comfort is of primary importance on long flights, and wearing loose-fitting clothing helps.
A ten hour flight in tight jeans cannot be recommended to anyone, so wear something comfortable for the flight. Relaxed lounge pants or jumpsuits are popular flight clothes for a reason. By dressing in layers, you can cope with temperature changes during the flight.
If you travel in sandals during the summer months, you should also pack warm socks. It can be surprisingly cool on an airplane.
On a business trip, you can pack the clothes you need at your destination in your carry-on luggage. Sitting in business clothes on a long flight is uncomfortable, and of course you don’t want to arrive in wrinkled clothes.
3. Think about what you eat
On a long flight, the stomach can get irritated easily. You should prepare for this already at home by avoiding heavy and hot meals before the trip. If you pack your own snacks, choose healthy options.
On long-haul flights, the price of the trip usually includes drinks, but alcoholic drinks should be consumed with caution. If you drink wine with food, you should also order a glass of water on the side, because the body dries up quickly in the upper air.
According to the expert’s easy rule of thumb, you should drink at least a glass of water per hour on the flight.
4. Sweet dreams
The best way to pass the time on a long flight is to sleep. Traveling across multiple time zones is exhausting, but if you’ve slept well during the flight, it’s much easier to recover from the trip.
If you are a light sleeper, you should book earplugs for the flight. They comfortably block out extra noise and you can focus on resting undisturbed.
On long flights, passengers are usually equipped with a small pillow and a blanket – the only exception is low-cost airlines, whose long-haul flights have been stripped of everything extra. You should also pack an inflatable neck pillow, as it will save you from neck pain caused by a bad sleeping position.
You should prepare for the time difference already on the flight by turning the clocks to the time of the destination country as soon as you get on the plane. If possible, eat and sleep according to the times of the destination. If you arrive at your destination early in the morning, try to get enough rest during the flight. This way, you can stay awake until the evening at your destination and your sleep rhythm will return to normal as soon as possible.
5. Bet on a business or premium ticket
Of course, the easiest way to travel comfortably is to buy a business class ticket. When the seat can be fully reclined, sleeping is much easier and you can arrive at the destination rested.
The fact is, however, that traveling in business class does not fit the vacation budget of most people. Business tickets for long-distance destinations make quite a dent in the travel fund, and many people prefer to spend the money even when they arrive at the destination.
If you want more travel comfort at a lower price, you can choose a premium seat with a little more legroom. Alternatively, you can pay for seat selection and grab a seat from the exit row.
Those collecting flight points should check whether there are enough points for a business upgrade. Sometimes airlines send email offers where you can upgrade for a discounted price.
6. Entertainment in the upper air
Most airlines have a passenger-specific entertainment system, which allows you to decide what to watch and when. The offer is quite versatile, so you can easily watch as many romantic comedies or action movies as you want.
The headphones handed out on the flight do the trick, but if you also require comfort from the headphones, you should pack your own headphones.
In addition to movies, the entertainment system can also offer music, television programs and games. Most airline websites have more detailed information about what entertainment is available on which flight.
Sometimes on a long-haul flight it may be possible to use a wireless network connection for an additional fee.
7. Movement to the joints
Sitting still for a long time is numbing, but not mandatory. In addition to passing time, a short walk through the aisles of the machine also promotes your health. Prolonged immobility may cause muscle tension, back pain and a feeling of exhaustion and also increase the risk of blood clots.
Make moving around in the plane a program number for yourself. A little stretch and a short walk down the hall every few hours breaks up the long flight nicely. Another option is to increase exercise by drinking water. Hydration is important during the flight and if you drink often enough, nature will make sure that you get enough movement when you go to the toilet.
On a long flight, you should also use flight socks, which boost blood circulation and prevent blood clots from forming. Flight socks are sold, for example, in pharmacies and department stores.
Read also: Easy workout tips for a long flight
8. Passing time for the little ones in the family
If a long flight seems numbing to an adult, it is an eternity to a child. You can make it easier for small travelers to enjoy themselves by taking with them, for example, story books and story books, drawing paper, colored pencils and small snacks. Many airlines also distribute entertainment material to child passengers before the plane departs.
The computer’s entertainment system usually offers suitable entertainment for the youngest members of the family, but those who want movies in Finnish should be prepared with, for example, their favorite movies or games downloaded to their tablet.
9. Refresh yourself on the flight
Take the essential travel cosmetics with you on the flight to make yourself comfortable. For example, many people want to brush their teeth or remove their make-up when they go to bed. Others swear by the refreshing face spray.
Also remember to moisturize your skin: especially people with sensitive skin suffer from the dry air on the plane, so travel-sized lip and hand creams should be packed in hand luggage.
Also keep a nasal spray with you in case, for example, the air conditioning of the plane causes a stuffy nose.
All medicines that you may need during the flight or shortly after landing must also be packed in hand luggage.
10. Travel leisurely
On a long flight, it’s also good to do things that get less attention in the hustle and bustle of everyday life. Relax, chat with your travel partner or immerse yourself in watching your favorite series.
If you don’t have time to read on a weekday, take a good book with you on the flight. Let your thoughts wander and enjoy having someone else bring you food and serve you a drink.
Today, a long flight is also one of those rare moments when you can safely be out of reach of an internet connection.
Text: Johanna Nelson and Maria Hietala
Source: www.rantapallo.fi
