Six steps to your comfiest flight
Travellers need every trick in the book to make a flight more comfortable, and there’s a whole lot of tricks out there.
To help you get to your destination feeling fresh and well rested, we’ve got seven tips to show you how to get from A to B without the pain in between.
Bookmark this link ahead of your next long haul flight – you can thank us later.
1. Stretch it out
Sitting upright for hours, 35,000 feet up in the air can give you a stiff neck, back, shoulders, legs… basically your entire body gets sore.
Rolling your ankles shoulders and neck will help loosen some of the stiffness, and getting up to walk around the cabin will get the blood pumping. Make sure to stretch your legs and arms out (preferably down the back and not in the aisles), and try to touch your toes with your fingers.
It’s important to stretch not just for your muscles, but also for your blood circulation. Low cabin pressure, dry air and sitting still in your seat can make your blood collect in your legs causing swelling and redness. It could potentially lead to a blood clot.
Although uncommon, it is important to prevent the likelihood of this happening, so try getting up every hour to walk around the cabin, limiting your alcohol and caffeine intake and do some in-flight exercises like moving your ankles in circular motions and lifting your feet up and down.
2. Keep Hydrated
If the many health articles and wellbeing tips are anything to go by, then staying hydrated is one of the best ways to improve the quality of your flight.
Sure, nature might call a tad more frequently, but that keeps you up and moving more than you otherwise might. And it will help keep your skin dewy and fresh (not dry and flaky!) as well as warding off any dangerous headaches or stiffness in your body.
3. Catch some Zzzz’s
Sleeping on planes is always easier said than done, what with the small legroom and the sun gaping through the nearby window. However, there are some things you can do to get some much-needed shut-eye.
If you’re in Economy, many airlines will offer extras that passengers can snag to get better sleep, such as pillows and blankets.
Better still, spring for the uber plush Premium Economy or, if your pocket can handle it, there is nothing like a lie-flat seat to help you feel rested on a long haul flight, and Air Canada’s International Business Class is one of those must-tries for frequent flyers.
International Business Class passengers travelling from Australia will experience the extra lush ‘Executive Pod’, which features a 203.2cm long bed in lie-flat mode, adjustable pneumatic cushion allowing for customisable comfort, and an adjustable headrest with head and neck massage, plus a 45.72cm touch screen.
The snazzy Pods come with a large pillow and plush duvet – score!
Hot tip – create a relaxing music playlist to listen to as you rest your eyes.
4. Wear Comfortable Clothes
Do not wear tight clothes, we repeat, do not! We don’t mean wear your trackies or PJs, but loose fitting dresses and skirts, stretchy cotton and relaxed-fit t-shirts.
Hot tip – pack a thick pair of cosy socks and an oversized jumper in your bag to put on once you’ve boarded the flight, giving you an added element of comfort for the flight. It can get a bit chilly 35,000 feet in the air.
5. Entertain yourself
Keep your battery charge on your mobile phone and get amongst the in-flight entertainment available on international flights (usually) free of charge.
On some airlines, including Air Canada’s international flights, it’s complimentary. The Panasonic ex3 is the airline’s latest generation in-flight entertainment system, which features touch screens, high-quality audio-video on-demand, an interactive moving map and games, as well as the new section allowing you to learn about Air Canada’s destinations, products and services.
The system features films, TV shows, documentaries and children’s programs; music albums, playlists, audio books and podcasts; a map that tracks your flight’s altitude, speed and flight path; games; duty-free shopping; food served on the flight and so much more.
6. Choose your seat prior to flying
If you’re like us, you prefer the window seat. Or maybe your tiny bladder means an aisle seat is better. Maybe you’re super tall and love the Exit Row or have a preference for front or back of the cabin.
Whatever tickles your fancy, it’s worth the effort/small cost to choose your seat prior to flying. Sometimes it doesn’t even cost to pre-select seats. Honestly, if it saves you from sitting in the middle seat, does it even matter?
Trust us, when you’re checking in online or sussing out your flight details, click the little ‘Choose Seat’ link and lock down your favourite spot.
Latest News
Holland America Line gives agents the chance to visit Alaska on 11-day Famil
If you've ever wanted to see a Polar Bear (and who doesn't?), now is your time.
More than 65 luxury agents gather in Sydney for Best of the Best dinner
This looks like a fabulous do. We imagine there may be a few (or maybe 65) sore heads this morning!
Globally-renowned chefs gather for Vivid Food 2024
As a human, we agree that food is a fundamental part of the human experience. Some might say the most fundamental.
Air New Zealand returns to Hobart and Seoul
If you notice an uptick in Kiwis making their way through the Mona, you know why.
European Waterways targets multi-generational families with ‘floating villa’ deal
The jury is still out on whether spending a week on a 'floating villa' with family is a hell or a paradise.
Luxury Escapes launches ‘sail away’ sale
Rest assured, you'll be getting your 'sails' and 'sales' mixed up for the rest of the day.
Rex-owned National Jet Express adds weekly charter between Brisbane and Orange
This is for mining and civil contractors, so please, put your holiday attire away.
Let the games begin. Viking introduces eye-watering benefits for the industry’s top 10 advisors
Did someone say 'trip to Venice'? Hold my coat, this one is far too good to miss!
Best friends or frenemies? What is the REAL relationship between sales and marketing?
We can all stop fighting over the corner office because our mothers were right - we are all important in our own way.
The Walshe Group Announces Two Key Appointments
What we really want to know is whether they got joint or separate welcome parties.
FAMIL: Agents explore the delights of Mauritius on 7-day tour
Go green with envy as you read this fabulous itinerary! Time to book that second honeymoon.
Hamad International recognised as world’s best airport at 2024 Skytrax World Airport Awards
Hamad airport is so good it is almost considered a destination in itself. Ballina, up your game.
Saudi Arabia highlights tourism investment opportunities at global investment event
Now is the time to start looking at Saudi Arabia if you are not already. There's big things to come.
“Rampant” – Aussies warned as dengue fever cases spike in Bali
Worried about Bali belly? Now you have something else to worry about.
TTC Tour Brand reveals slew of deals across operators including Trafalgar and Contiki
Everybody loves a bargain and you could do lot a lot worse than check out these deals from TTC!
Fiji Airways partners with Porter Airlines in US growth bid
Any initiative that gets more people visiting the delights of Fiji is a good initiative.
Flight Centre launches CruiseHQ – a marketplace exclusively for agents
The cruise industry has surpassed pre-Covid levels so this isn't one to miss!
Feeling festive? Wendy Wu tours unwraps Christmas collection
Get the Christmas hols booked now and avoid spending it with that elderly relative with dubious political views.
OPINION: In a world of screens, we crave experience
If you get feelings of deep shame and regret when you see your screen time, don't worry - you're not alone.
Sun Princess: High-end dining and world class entertainment awaits
If you are a foodie and you are not currently on the Sun Princess, we really have to ask - what are you doing?
YouGov: 2 in 5 Aussies would pay more for a sustainable hotel
If you want to be REALLY sustainable you can go camping. You just might lose the will to live.
“Can planes swim?” – Planes become boats as Dubai Airport is savaged by severe storm
Unfortunately, "can planes swim?" is a real life question and not an opener to a really bad joke...
Explora journeys reveals bespoke outdoor furniture designed by Matteo Nunziati
This is making your plastic table and chairs look really bad now, isn't it?
Bangkok Airways targets growth with renewed Sabre deal
Two stories abut Sabre's growth in one week and its only Wednesday! Watchout world.
PR agency Example wins pitch for InterContinental Sydney
We also went in for the contract but they said that a 'Be Our Guest'- themed TikTok was unoriginal! The cheek.
Norwegian Cruise Line reveals culinary experience aboard Norwegian Aqua
Once again, this TW journalist REALLY regrets writing this before getting lunch.
Signature Queensland hosts luxury tourism event
Known for its tropical beaches and unique wildlife, Queensland also offers luxury.
Capella Sydney recognised in prestigious Travel + Leisure’s 2024 ‘it list’ of best new hotels
You know that 'it girl' at school who everyone wanted to hang out with? Capella is the hotel version of that.
Rex launches 72-hour fare sale with NO school holiday blackout so you can take your kids (if you want to)
Sadly, leaving your children at home whilst you go on holiday is generally frowned upon.
Adventure World offers chance to connect with “heart and soul” of the US
I mean who hasn't dreamed of a road trip around the US?! Go with Adventure World and you're less likely to get lost.
Fiji’s family-owned luxury resort Likuliku Lagoon launches its own app
We were relieved to find out that having a "concierge in your pocket" referred to an app on your phone.
Hawaii: The US’ laid-back front door for Australians
If you needed another sign that you should definitely head to Hawaii - this is it!
Sabre targets Asia Pacific growth with latest hire
Call the Avengers! Sabre continues its bid for world domination with latest hire.
Air New Zealand signs its largest EVER deal for sustainable aviation fuel
Air New Zealand makes huge step towards sustainable travel. We bet it recycles its rubbish properly too.
IHG Hotels & Resorts continues regional growth with Sunshine Coast Holiday Inn
This Holiday Inn looks considerably flashier than some of the ones we have stayed at in our time.
Budget carrier Scoot welcomes first of 9 E190-E2 aircrafts
Here at TW we would like to offer Embraer E190-E2 a warm welcome! It's not easy being the first of the fleet.