A Lazy Girls’ Guide to Prepare for a Long-Haul Flight
If you’re anything like me, the thought of a long-haul flight is enough to send you into a bit of panic. As I have just booked my first trip home to Australia, after nearly after 4 years abroad, I’ve done my fair share of research on the best ways to survive a long flight, and I’ve compiled all of my findings into one easy-to-follow guide for lazy girls. The flight I have ahead of me is only a measly 16.5 hours, direct from London to Perth, no layover! So here are my top tips for surviving a long-haul flight.
Take care of your skin
Since you are going to be on a long-haul flight, the dry, recycled air and lack of humidity can leave your skin feeling parched, and sitting in one position for hours can cause puffiness. So, it’s important to moisturize your skin, especially during long-haul flights when the air is dry and can cause your skin to become dehydrated. I love a good, hydrating sheet mask. Yes, I am totally one of those people who sits (and sometimes sleeps) with one of those gorgeous sheet masks on their face, in front of everyone. Who cares what they think! A sheet mask is an excellent way to add moisture to your skin during a long flight, and a lip balm can help to keep your lips hydrated and looking their best.
Right, so you’ve got your sheet mask through security, but what about the rest of your skincare? Investing in some reusable travel-sized containers to decant your products into, or if your budget permits it, travel-sized skincare products, that are easy to carry on and apply during the flight can help keep your skin hydrated and looking its best. This is also a great way of keeping your morning/evening routine when changing time zones.
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Invest in a good travel pillow
This is probably the most important tip on the list. A good travel pillow will help you get comfortable and fall asleep, even if you’re crammed into a tiny space. If you cannot sleep on a long-haul flight, you will feel exhausted when you reach your destination.
With a good travel pillow, you’ll be able to get more of a comfortable night’s sleep so that you can feel refreshed and ready to explore when you arrive.
Wear comfortable clothing
You’re going to be sitting in a cramped space for hours, so make sure you’re wearing clothes that won’t make you feel uncomfortable. Loose-fitting clothes made from natural fabrics are always a good choice.
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Stay hydrated
Dehydration can cause a number of symptoms that can make long-haul flights uncomfortable, including headaches, dry skin, fatigue, and dizziness. Therefore, it’s important to stay hydrated during a long flight, so make sure you drink plenty of water.
Avoid caffeine and alcohol
I am a true coffee (and gin/wine) lover, so I find this part particularly difficult! When travelling on long-haul flights, it is important to avoid consuming caffeine and alcohol. Don’t come at me, I don’t make the rules! Caffeine can cause dehydration and increase the chance of Deep Vein Thrombosis (DVT), while alcohol can also lead to dehydration and impair your sleep quality. When I fancy a coffee while waiting to board my flight, I opt for a decaf. I still get that taste of the coffee and enjoy a placebo effect of the real thing. For those after a non-coffee option, perhaps an alcohol-free beer or mocktail?
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Avoid salty food
Consuming salty food on or before long-haul flights can also make you feel thirstier and increase your chances of dehydration. Too much salt can cause “jet bloat,” so choose snacks with low amounts of salt to avoid discomfort.
Set your clock to your destination time zone
If you are planning to take a long-haul flight, you must master the art of adjusting to a different time zone. If you set your clock to your destination time zone, you can avoid jetlag by getting your body used to that time zone gradually.
This way, when you arrive at your destination, your body will already be adjusted to the new time zone, and you won’t experience as much fatigue and other symptoms associated with jetlag.
Move around as much as possible
Sitting in one position for too long on long-haul flights can cause all sorts of problems, so make sure you get up and move around every couple of hours. Walk up and down the aisle, do some stretches in your seat, or just stand up and move around a bit. Even wiggling your toes can help with circulation.
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Conclusion
Following these tips should help you make it through your long-haul flight without too much discomfort. Just relax and take it one step at a time, and you’ll be just fine. And who knows, you lazy girls might even enjoy the experience!
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