When we travel by plane, especially on transoceanic or intercontinental flights, physical comfort is essential, but also psychologically we want to isolate ourselves from other passengers, creating a kind of bubble in which to take refuge during the long hours of flight (and airport). Even more so if we go in economy class.

In this article, we give you some clues and tips to be more comfortable in that situation.

Not easy

 

Comfort is the key. For short or domestic flights of two or three hours, it’s really not very relevant how you dress. It is common to see businessmen dressed in suits and ties on such flights.

The problem arises in intercontinental or transoceanic travel or from one end of the continent to the other. The situation here is not easy. It’s not. Traveling for hours with our personal space restricted to an armchair and in virtually the same position can be stressful: physically and psychologically.

But there are a few things we can try to make the burden more bearable. There are two sectors that we would like to point out: Physical Comfort and Psychological Isolation.

Physical Comfort

Spending eight, ten or more hours in the same position is a challenge. But there are actions you can take to counteract the fatigue it can cause.

• Wear comfortable clothes. Don’t wear shoes with high heels or platforms. Even if you dress in layers, wear clothes that allow you freedom of movement. Because, believe us, you’ll need it.

• Whether you board in a warm Middle Eastern country or from southern Europe in summer, carry a sweater in your carry-on luggage. In airports and airplanes the air conditioning is a million. Usually the stewardess will give you a thin blanket, which you will soon see is not enough. Bring your warmer or sweater to complement.

• No matter how sexy you are, don’t wear tight or tight-fitting clothing. With the passage of time, you will see that these garments tend to tighten your body and will produce a very unpleasant sensation. If you are a girl, you will not see miniskirts or very cut or you will die of cold. Platform shoes can raise suspicions in customs officers and may be asked to examine that there is nothing hidden in them.

• If you’re in a warm Muslim country, wear light-colored long cotton pants. They are fresh and will also protect you from the cold of the airport and plane. If you arrive in shorts, consider carrying in your hand luggage some long pants that you can wear at the airport or the plane.

• To the ladies, do not wear full body dresses. Because airplane restrooms are small and it can be a contortionist feat to have to take it off and put it on when you go to the bathroom.

• Exercise during the flight! Yes, as you read it. You can perform certain movements without looking too weird and keep your body numb-free and active. Plus, you’ll stay warm. Here you can see some recommendations.

Psychological isolation

 

It’s not that you’re going to be a husky, asocial tourist who isn’t willing to engage in a pleasant conversation with another passenger. Which would be great to liven up the trip.

Rather, it is that in the long hours of flight the passengers of an airplane tend to shut themselves in, and soften the boredom and monotony of a long flight. In this regard, we recommend:

• Wear glasses, glasses or sunglasses. Yes, likewise, inside the plane. If you want to take a nap, you will surely be bothered by the light of the cabin or if the window passenger decides to see the landscape and opens the window, the insolation of the clouds that reflect the sunlight is strong. You’re going to want to wear your sunglasses.

• Carry your IPod with headphones or any other device from which you can listen to music. And not just music. You can listen to a podcast, an audiobook, learn a language, do guided meditation, etc.

• Take a book or Kindle (e-reader) and finish – or start – that book you’ve always wanted to read. If you go one way, or you can also review your travel itinerary, tourist places, etc.

 

Conclusions

 

As you can see, there is little you can do in a long flight to reduce the discomfort they can generate.

Follow these simple recommendations and you will see that, although a thirteen-hour flight will still be thirteen hours, these will pass faster and your level of fatigue and jetlag will become more tolerable.

And how have you passed through with the long hours of an intercontinental flight?

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