Are we there yet?
A long plane trip doesn't need to feel like a prison sentence. If you find yourself dreading the boredom and discomfort of an upcoming flight, a little planning and imagination may be just the ticket for a better experience. And if you tackle a project while flying, you may even end up accomplishing more than you would have while sitting at home or in the office.
Before You Begin
A wisely packed carry-on bag is your best defense against twiddling your thumbs (or eating the in-flight food) on a long plane trip. Once you're in the air, there's no turning back for that book you meant to read, the extra water you should be drinking,
Step 1 Plan for comfort
Making a few arrangements before you even step on a plane will ensure success. Consider these strategies:
Book the right flight. Choose an airline with a reputation for good service. Some travel experts recommend regional carriers, which can provide superior service within a certain area. Ask travel agents and other travelers for suggestions.
Book the right seat. Ask to sit in an emergency aisle or bulkhead seat for extra legroom. Conversely, avoid the seats in front of an emergency aisle or bulkhead, because they generally don't recline. Be aware that you may not be able to see the in-flight movie from bulkhead seats, though.
Depending on your preference for a greater sense of space or a great view, you may want to book an aisle or window seat. At the very least, these types of seats will keep you from getting stuck in the middle of a long row. Finally, if you're prone to motion sickness, you might want to choose a seat over a wing or the wheels, which are the steadiest parts of an aircraft.
Request different food. You can vary the airline menu by arranging for a different type of meal when you make your reservations. Choices often include vegetarian, kosher, and low-cholesterol. You can also bring your own food (see Step 2).
Wear appropriate clothing. Loose-fitting clothes offer the most comfort while you're on a plane. And since cabin temperatures fluctuate, and you may be seated next to someone who turns their air vent on high while you prefer it on low, dress in layers so you won't get too chilly or warm during the flight.
Step 2 Bring your own entertainment
Most long-distance flights provide in-flight movies, music, and a selection of magazines. But don't count on these as your exclusive sources of entertainment. Bring your own; just make sure you don't pack too much, as you'll have to carry it throughout your trip. Here's a list of things to consider bringing on your flight:
Books and magazines. If there's a book you've been meaning to read, by all means bring it. You might even finish it on the flight. The same goes for magazines and professional journals you need to catch up on.
CDs or cassettes and a player. You can't use electronic devices during takeoff and landing, but CD and cassette players are great for entertainment during the long span of time in between. Look into special carrying cases designed to accommodate both players and music. They're well worth the modest investment, because they protect your possessions while eliminating the need for bulky individual cases.
Games. Electronic or otherwise, games can keep you (and maybe even a playing partner) busy while in the air. While portable electronic games are popular, don't forget that traditional games, such as checkers and chess, also come in handy travel versions.
Portable hobbies. If you knit or do needlepoint or any other type of "portable" activity, you can indulge your hobby with uninterrupted attention during a long flight.
Work. Many businesspeople rely on a little in-flight downtime to catch up on different projects. Even if you're traveling on vacation, you can do a little "work" by writing letters or pre-addressing labels for postcards.
Food. You might want a few snacks to tide you over on a long flight. What you pack is up to you--you can even grab fast food on the way to the airport--but you might want to choose treats that travel well, like dried fruit, nuts, pretzels, or energy bars.
Don't bring too much, though. For one thing, you'll be more comfortable if you eat lightly while flying. For another, you may not be able to bring certain food items, especially fruits and meats, into foreign countries. Ask your travel agent, a representative for the airline you're traveling with, or a consul representing the country you're visiting.
Water. The recycled air on an airplane is amazingly dry and promotes dehydration. Experts recommend sipping about 8 ounces (240 milliliters) of water per hour of flight to battle this, because many of the out-of-sorts feelings people have after flying are due to dehydration. It's best to bring your own water, so you'll have continual access to plenty of it. Also avoid drinking anything that contains caffeine or alcohol, because they tend to increase dehydration.
Ear plugs, sleep mask, and neck pillow. If your flight is scheduled at night, or even if you just think that napping would be a great way to pass some time, these items are surprisingly effective in helping you get a little peace, quiet, and comfort. You can often find them in shops at the airport, but if you want to be sure you'll have them, purchase them at a travel store or luggage shop well beforehand.
Step 3 Make it a moving experience
Your activities on the plane don't need to be confined to the stuff you bring. Try adding these to your agenda:
Go for a walk. Get out of your seat regularly once the seatbelt sign goes off. Moving and stretching your muscles, plus perhaps talking to people in other parts of the plane, can keep you from feeling too restless. Besides, moving and stretching can improve your circulation.
Exercise in your seat. Flex your ankles and calves, scrunch and release your feet and hands, move your shoulders up and down, stretch your arms in front of you, move your neck from side to side, move the muscles in your face, or just wriggle in your seat. All these things will help improve your circulation, which will help you feel less "stuck" and more alert.
Avoid ear pain. During takeoff and landing, the plane's air pressure changes rapidly, causing stopped-up ears and sometimes ear pain. To help balance the air pressure between the middle and outer ear in these circumstances, try yawning, chewing gum, or pinching your nose and blowing gently with your mouth closed. You can also try sipping and swallowing liquids.
If you have a cold and you're worried about your symptoms making the effects of air pressure on your ears and sinuses even worse, try taking an antihistamine one hour before takeoff.
Travel is a rich experience, and there's no reason why getting to your destination shouldn't be part of the fun. With a little preparation, you could find yourself looking forward to your next long flight as a chance to catch up with yourself, relax, and anticipate your adventure.
