6 WAYS TO ACTUALLY ENJOY A LONG HAUL FLIGHT
HEADING OVERSEAS BUT DREADING THE FLIGHT? FOLLOW THESE TIPS AND IT WILL BE A BREEZE
GET YOUR BODY PREPARED Some might say that you should really tire yourself out so you have to sleep on the plane. But experts agree that the day before your flight you should make sure you are well-rested, as denying yourself sleep in order to be exhausted on the plane can backfire. Make sure you have done some exercise in the days leading up to the flight, lots of walking and stretching.
PRE-BOOK YOUR SEAT Don’t leave your seat up to chance, otherwise you’ll end up in the dreaded middle up near the toilets. Some airlines charge for you to book your seat before the 24-hour check in time period prior to the flight. Log on to seatguru.com to find the best seats on your flight, then log back into your flight and find the seat you would consider paying the fee for – otherwise, as soon as the clock hits 24 hours before check-in, secure a window or aisle seat.
BRING GOOD TRAVEL PILLOWS We’re talking pillows in plural, one for your neck and one for your lower back. Blow-up pillows are handy for space reasons, but memory foam is more comfortable. A new pillow on the market is the Infinity Pillow, which can act as a neck pillow or a lumbar pillow. A multi-purpose memory foam lumbar back pillow for your lower back helps you get in a straighter position when reclining, almost like business class but a little more upright. Trust us, it works a treat! infinitypillow.co.
PAY TO USE THE LOUNGE You’re on a long-haul stopover and desperate for comfort, Wifi and maybe even a shower. Simply download the app Loungebuddy and search the airport you’re in to find a lounge you can pay to enter. Knowing you will have a comfort oasis in an airport makes flying just that little bit easier. loungebuddy.com.
BRING YOUR OWN ENTERTAINMENT Ever sat down to look at the movies on offer on your flight, only to find the entertainment system is not working in your seat, and the plane is full? Don’t risk it. Be sure to bring a fully charged ipad, laptop or phone with some of your favourite TV series, movies and music. And bring a book, or two. And while you’re at it, don’t rely on airplane earphones, invest in a pair of noise-cancelling headphones (and buy a threepronged adapter too), which can be surprisingly inexpensive these days.
PACK YOUR OWN ACCESSORIES Walk by Business Class and you might notice a gorgeous amenity pack on each seat filled with eye masks, moisturisers, toothbrushes and socks. Plop down in economy and all you get is a flimsy rug and pillow. Why not pack your own kit? Include ear plugs, a new pair of comfy socks, the most comfortable eye mask you can find and don’t forget a pashmina, which can double as a blanket or scarf to aid a comfy sleep.