Ultimate comfort tips for your long-haul flight

Long haul flights are uncomfortable. Long haul flights on a budget in economy class are very uncomfortable. In a bid to avoid looking like hell (and reduce the inevitable feeling of crap that 14 hours in economy class seating arrangement summons), I pulled together some of my tried and tested comfort tips.

Wet Wipes

Terrifying fact: The average human loses 30-40,000 skin cells per hour, all covered in bacteria (some of which can be scarily harmful). Bacteria can survive on an arm rest for 7 days, a plastic window shade for 3, a plastic tray table for 3*. You get my point. Reduce your chances of getting sick and include a little pack of wet wipes in your hand luggage. Use them to wipe down your space when you first get on board. I’m talking everything; your tray table, TV screen, arm rest, media control panel and windows. You might look like a total OCD nut job, but it’ll reduce the risk of you picking up bacteria, and hopefully Feng Shui your nest for the start of your trip.

Don’t Drink

I’m sorry, I didn’t say these tips were going to be fun! The National Sleep Foundation states that drinking alcohol blocks REM sleep, the most restorative type of sleep. Carry on drinking and you’re going to arrive feeling groggy. The more alcohol you drink, the more dehydrated you’ll become. Not only will your skin go a tasty shade of a mushroom, but it’ll also make it harder to rest.

Block out all senses

Eye mask. Ear plugs. If your body can be tricked into thinking it’s bed time, it’ll be easier to switch off. Create an environment where you’re less likely to be disturbed.

Moisturise

I always take a light moisturiser in my hand luggage and treat myself to a couple of mini facials during my flight. If you’re travelling solo and your seat buddy doesn’t look like the type that’d enjoy a spa preview, head to the toilets and take the added opportunity to stretch your legs.

Take a bottle of water on board

I know it’s their job, but I hate being the person that repeatedly hits the button for the cabin crew to come fill up my cup. Asking them to fill your water bottle ensures you can guzzle to your heart’s content.

Turn your neck pillow around

U-shaped neck pillows are way better than those awful flat things the airlines hand out. However, to make the most of them, turn it round the other way (with the back of it under your chin). This way, if you do fall asleep, you won’t startle yourself awake with a bobbing head.

Do you have any comfort tips that you think I’ve missed? Drop your ideas below.

 

*Stats from a study at Auburn University