6 Dos and Don'ts for Surviving Long-Haul Economy (Based on a Former Flight Attendant's Experience)
I'm a former flight attendant who still travels all the time. Here are some insights gleaned from my experiences:
Dos:
- Invest in a good neck pillow: Comfort is key on long flights. A supportive neck pillow can make a world of difference in preventing neck and back pain.
- Bring noise-cancelling headphones: Block out the din of the plane and enjoy a peaceful (or at least slightly quieter) journey with a good pair of noise-cancelling headphones.
- Pack a small first aid kit: Include essentials like pain relievers, motion sickness medication, and band-aids. You never know when a small issue might arise.
- Stay hydrated: Drink plenty of water to combat the effects of dry air in the cabin.
- Move around: Get up and stretch your legs regularly to improve circulation and prevent deep vein thrombosis (DVT).
Don'ts:
- Forget to charge your devices: Keep your phone, tablet, and laptop fully charged to stay connected and entertained.
- Consume excessive alcohol: While it might seem like a good idea to numb the pain, alcohol will only dehydrate you further and worsen jet lag.
- Neglect personal hygiene: Pack a small travel kit with essentials like toothpaste, toothbrush, and wet wipes to stay fresh and clean.
- Let stress build up: Practice deep breathing exercises or meditation to keep calm and relaxed during the flight.
- Ignore the in-flight safety demonstration: Familiarize yourself with the safety procedures for your own peace of mind.