How to Make the Most of Your 15-Hour Flight
October 30th, 2006 by Solomon
Traveling overseas can be stressful. Beyond the meticulous packing and the currency exchange, the most discouraging part to many is the long, almost never-ending, flight. However, below are a few suggestions for making your flight feel like therapeutic treatment before and after a long trip.
- Dress Comfortable – Bring slippers, sweatpants, or pajamas (if you can). What you wear on your flight will definitely affect your mood. Dress-down and relaxing clothing will make you more comfortable on your flight.
- Sleeping pills – If you have trouble sleeping on airplanes, it might be best to try taking sleeping pills. Only do this for long flights. Take the pills upon take off and next thing you know it, you’re landing. Some examples are Ambien, Rozerum, Sonata, and Lunesta. Consult your doctor about this.
- No Coffee! – It is extremely important that you do not drink coffee before your long flight. It will keep you awake and make you antsy while everyone around you will be comfortably asleep. If you need a drink in the morning to wake you up, try orange juice from the airport stands
- COC (Carry-On if Can) – A rule among many travelers, it is always best to carry-on your luggage. It relieves the stress of worrying about your checked luggage and gets you in your seat quicker
- Relaxing Music – Before going on the flight, load up your iPod with some relaxing music. Sleepy tunes make you sleepy. Also, try to get large headphones (rather than earbuds). They are more comfortable and less off a hassle
- Emergency Exit Aisle – Before your flight, ask the desk attendant if you can be moved into the emergency exit aisle. A few extra inches of leg room can go a long way on a long flight
- Hot Beverages – If you are still awake when the flight attendant is going down the aisle asking for beverage orders, be sure to ask for a hot beverage rather than a cold one. Hot decaffeinated tea goes down smoother than cold apple juice
- Books – If you are a reader, books are definitely the most relaxing form of entertainment. Book pages are easier on the eyes than TV or magazines. Just don’t bring a scary one!
Hopefully, with these tips, your next long flight will be easy and relaxing. Be safe and good luck on your trip!
