Bulkhead seats are also a good option if you need extra legroom. These are seats positioned behind dividing walls, screens, or curtains, with no other seats directly in front of them. Remember to never choose an exit row seat if you will have an infant or small child with you, since this could make it more difficult for you to open the exit door in case of an emergency. Some airlines allow you to pay a little extra to get a better seat, even if you aren’t going first class or business class. These options may have names like “Economy Plus” or “Even More Space. ”
Many airlines will allow you to bring one carry-on bag per passenger, plus a “personal item” such as a purse or diaper bag. Check with your airline to make sure your carry-on luggage meets their size and weight requirements. [3] X Trustworthy Source Consumer Reports Nonprofit organization dedicated to consumer advocacy and product testing Go to source
Compression socks or stockings can help improve circulation in your legs and prevent inflammation and blood clots when you have to sit in one position for hours at a time. [5] X Research source
If you don’t already have a travel pillow, you can purchase one at a shop in most airports. Some airlines offer their own pillows for long flights, but they may charge extra for them. Check ahead of time to find out if your airline provides in-flight pillows and blankets. Since planes can get cold, you may also wish to bring a small throw or travel blanket.
Be courteous to your fellow passengers by stepping into the bathroom before you brush your teeth or freshen up your deodorant! Check airport security regulations before packing any liquids or gels in your carry-on luggage. You can safely travel with most liquid or gel products if they are in containers no larger than 3. 4 fluid ounces (100 mL). [8] X Trustworthy Source U. S. Transportation Security Administration U. S. government agency responsible for ensuring safety by setting and enforcing travel protocols Go to source
There may be room to do stretches at the back of some airplane cabins. Before getting up and walking around, wait until your flight crew tells you it is safe to do so. Participate in the in-flight exercise video, should your flight provide one. These are designed to help improve circulation and reduce fatigue.
If your airline offers A. V. O. D. (Audio Video on Demand), you can pay extra to watch premium content or play games on your screen during the flight. But be careful—this can get expensive!
Make sure to charge all your electronic devices before getting on the plane. Some airlines offer free Wi-Fi so that you can browse the internet on your devices during the flight. Always have a couple of recent magazines with you. Pick out some magazines at the airport before you leave. That way, you won’t be stuck reading the in-flight magazines! Other good entertainment options include crossword puzzles, sudoku, or adult coloring books. If you’re crafty or artistic, you might bring a sketch pad or a knitting project.
If you’re just looking to block out noise, some simple earplugs are also a good option.
If you feel the urge to check the time, try distracting yourself with an entertaining activity instead.
Do an online search for “in-flight yoga poses” to find stretches you can do in a confined space. Listening to peaceful music, reading, or doing a little doodling or coloring can also help. If you get extremely tense or scared on flights, talk to your doctor or a counselor. They may be able to recommend coping strategies or even prescribe medications that can help.
Use caution and courtesy when leaning your seat back. Ask the passenger behind you if you can safely lean back so that they don’t end up with crushed knees or a lap full of coffee. If you are traveling with friends, parents, or other family members, you can lean on them to sleep. Avoid drinking caffeinated beverages on the flight. These can not only make sleep more difficult, but may also have you scrambling for the bathroom multiple times during your flight. Bring an eye mask so that you can block out excess light while you’re trying to sleep.
If you are taking an international flight or flying outside the U. S. , you may have a choice of complementary in-flight meals and snacks. Many airlines offer vegetarian, Kosher, Halal and other “special” meals if you order up to 2 or 3 days in advance. Because the airlines have to specially prepare your meal, it is usually better than the standard food fare. Plus, passengers with special meal requests are almost always served first.
Protein bars are particularly helpful if you are on a long flight. Most airline meals tend to be low in protein and high in carbohydrates. Before your flight, check some travel websites, such as TripAdvisor, and look through the reviews to help you decide if you should bring your own food.
Remember that you should never drink the water from airplane bathrooms. This water isn’t of drinking quality. Use eye drops whenever your eyes feel dry. You can purchase eye drops from an airline shop or bring in a bottle small enough to meet airline security requirements. Bring an airline security-approved bottle of saline nasal gel or spray to keep your nasal passages from becoming dry during the flight. This can also help decongest you and prevent sinus and ear pain during takeoff and landing. Take lip balm in a 3 fluid ounces (89 mL) or smaller container and use it to protect your lips from becoming painfully dry. Bring a small container of hand lotion or cocoa butter if your skin dries easily.
