Six steps to your comfiest flight

Tranquil scene of a young woman dreaming and sleeping on a cloud up in the sky

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.

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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.

Healthy refreshment

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.

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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.

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Email the Travel Weekly team at traveldesk@travelweekly.com.au

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