Flying Tips for a Smooth Trip

Business travel often involves hopping on a plane and long journeys. While flying is undoubtedly a convenient mode of transportation, dealing with tight seats, extended flights, and potential discomfort can be a real challenge. Fortunately, with a little preparation and a few insider tips, you can make your flights more bearable and even enjoyable. Here are ten strategies to help you navigate your business travels with ease.

10 Tips

1. Choose the Right Seat

Selecting the ideal seat can significantly impact your flight experience. Whether you’re a fan of scenic views or prioritize legroom and easy access to the restroom, your choice of seat matters. When booking your flight, take advantage of seat selection tools to secure your preferred spot. Even if you’re stuck in a middle seat, bringing along some comfort items, like a travel pillow, can make a world of difference.

2. Travel Pillows and Blankets

Long flights can be a test of endurance. Travel pillows and blankets come to the rescue, offering comfort and support. An inflatable neck pillow provides much-needed neck support, and an extra blanket keeps you warm during the journey. The beauty of inflatable neck pillows is their space-saving capability – deflate and store them easily. You can also get creative by using a rolled-up sweater as a makeshift pillow.

3. Dress Comfortably

Dressing for a flight is all about comfort. Opt for loose-fitting, breathable clothing, and consider layering. Cabin temperatures can fluctuate, so layers ensure you’re prepared for any climate. Carrying a lightweight sweater or shawl is a smart choice for staying cozy throughout the flight.

4. Pack Essentials in Your Personal Bag

Keep your essentials in a personal bag that fits below the seats. This bag should contain your medications, snacks, drinks, and entertainment options. By having these items at your fingertips, you won’t need to rummage through your carry-ons during the flight. This can be particularly handy if your flight doesn’t serve food or if you have specific dietary needs.

5. Choose Light and Healthy Snacks

Heavy meals can leave you feeling uncomfortable during a flight. Instead, opt for lighter meal options before or during the journey. Packing healthy and filling snacks in your personal bag saves money and ensures a more enjoyable in-flight dining experience. Vegetables and water-rich foods like celery, watermelon, cucumbers, and strawberries are great for combating jetlag.

6. Stay Hydrated

Staying hydrated is essential for a comfortable flight. Drink plenty of water and limit your consumption of alcohol and caffeine. Cabin air can be dehydrating, and excessive alcohol and caffeine can exacerbate this issue. Consider bringing a reusable water bottle to fill at the airport, saving money and the environment simultaneously.

7. Stretch and Move Regularly

Prevent stiffness and improve blood circulation by taking breaks to stretch and move during your flight. Get up, walk around, and stretch your legs periodically. If space is limited, you can perform in-seat stretches and ankle rotations.

8. Load Up on Entertainment

While some airlines offer in-flight entertainment, options can be limited, and sometimes the system may not work. Ensure you have your favorite movies, music, or books loaded onto your devices for a reliable source of entertainment.

9. Noise-Cancelling Headphones

Noise-cancelling headphones are a game-changer when it comes to reducing engine noise and isolating you from chatty neighbors. Earplugs can provide additional noise reduction, creating a quieter space for your in-flight activities.

10. Be Organized and Respect Fellow Passengers

Maintain an organized personal space to avoid feeling cramped and be considerate of your fellow passengers. Small gestures like not hogging the armrests, saying “excuse me” when passing through, and displaying respect and politeness can contribute to a more pleasant journey for everyone on board.

Flying in Comfort

In conclusion, while business travel can be demanding, with the right preparation, you can make your flights more comfortable and enjoyable. Whether you’re flying solo for work or with your family for a vacation, these ten tips will help you navigate your flights with ease.

Video Version

Take a look at our mini podcast Tips for Human Resilience about the topic!

Listen to more episodes at www.airiam.com/podcast, on Spotify, Apple Podcasts, Google Podcasts, Amazon Music, and other podcast platforms.