Without a doubt, flight over 5 hours starts to get very challenging, especially if you are stuck in that middle seat between two strangers. Well one of the options is to make friends with them and time will fly by.
I have spent many hours in the air, both working and as a passenger. Here are my top tips, how to feel as 'human and normal' as possible after landing and how to pass the time quicker on a long haul flight and manage jet lag when you land.
TIPS ON HOW TO 'SURVIVE' A LONG HAUL FLIGHT & OTHER AIRPLANE TIPS
First and foremost - drink plenty of water and stay hydrated! It is estimated that you need to drink a glass of water every 30min. Take your own water bottle and ask crew to refill it!
Stay away from alcohol - as tempting as it is, you will definitely feel better after landing if you had avoided it.
Go and stretch your legs from time to time. This is not recommended during meal service when crew are busy and out with the trolleys but any time in-between go for a little walk. This also will prevent you from swollen feet.
I personally would also try to tire myself out before long haul flight so I can sleep and time goes by. This is not recommended for day flights as it can make it harder to manage jet lag, however I personally still try to have as many naps as I can.
Take some entertainment with you - a good book, ipad with movies or crossword puzzle. Anything to keep you occupied. Yes, most airlines will have inflight entertainment on long haul aircraft, however things also go wrong from time to time and your screen may not be working and you don't want to be sitting in a seat without anything to do.
Here is my tip on which seat to chose - if you are planning to sleep most of the time, it is a window seat. If you want to be more moving around - it is an aisle seat. I personally prefer an aisle seat, so I do not need to disturb others if I want to get up. And middle seat if all others are taken.
If you do not mind spending extra money, you can also pay for extra legroom or have an emergency exit row seat. Just a slight tip - sitting close to an aircraft door usually means that the air temperature will be colder there.
I always take with me neck pillow, extra set of warmer clothes and an eye mask.
Did you know that you can pre-order a special meal on most airlines (and it will also ensure your meal is delivered before anyone else).
If you have special dietary requirements, ensure you have pre-ordered a special meal and take your own snacks. There is only a limited amount of food on aircraft and it usually does not cater for all allergies/intolerances etc.
Do not leave to board the plane last as you may not have enough space for your carry-on suitcase on the airplane (this is mostly applicable on a smaller aircraft e.g. A320, B737).
MANAGINGA JET-LAG
Adjust to the local time zone as soon as you board the plane and land - think of time of the day when you will land an whether you will sleep on the plane or try to stay awake. Well a tip that I personally do not always follow - I just nap on flights and still feel tired when I land.
If you land in the morning, sleep on the plane and have a small nap as soon as you land (up to 2hrs) and then power through the day.
If you land in the evening, try to stay awake on the plane and go to bed after you land.
Go for a walk after your plane journey (I personally do not work out on a landing day, but if you wish you can). I do always go for a walk though to get some fresh air and stretch my legs - yes even if I have worked.
Drink plenty of water during the flight and after you have landed as planes are extremely dry.
Have some wholesome and healthy food! Plane food is not necessarily the most healthy one.
I usually work out on the second day and even if I have woken up early I utilise the time for workout and catching those beautiful sunsets.
And lastly, do not feel bad if your body clock gets completely messed up! I live with jet-lag on a daily basis. Yes, I have found my own ways to adjust and I mostly work around my work schedule instead of always adjusting to the local time zone, especially if I am in a place for 24 hours. However, I do not always get completely rested and I have had many sleepless nights.
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