Franz ElizDespite being a frequent traveller, I don’t always enjoy flying as I find waiting at the airport, going through airport security checks, and sitting on a plane for hours daunting. Well, these are just part of air travel, whether I like them or not. But with some preparation, travelling by plane can be fun and comfortable.
Eating well, having enough rest, and preparing everything you need for your travel are some of the things you can do to stay comfortable during a flight. Your comfort should be a priority whether on a short or long-haul flight. A tummy ache, for example, can easily negatively impact your trip.
In this article, I’ll share some tips on how to stay comfortable during a flight. These tips are based on my experience and what other travellers do to help them stay as comfortable as they can while flying. Keep reading.
Don’t Travel Feeling Hungry or Thirsty
Before you take your flight, you might want to eat at home or anywhere other than the airport. Airport food is generally more expensive than food served at your local restaurants.
But if you must dine at the airport, then go ahead. That way you won’t fly feeling hungry. Sure, you may be able to order in-flight food, but sometimes they run out. Consider pre-booking your in-flight food if you’ll be flying with budget airlines like AirAsia.
Also, always keep a water bottle on hand to keep you hydrated. Empty it before the airport security check. You can refill your bottle later at the airport’s water dispenser. If you run out, you can always request or buy water from a flight attendant onboard.
Generally, I don’t drink a lot of water while flying to avoid frequent toilet visits. A bit of water every hour is sufficient – at least for me.
Avoid Food That Can Upset Your Stomach
Whether or not you’re a foodie, you should know what food can upset your stomach. Avoid any food that can make you feel gassy or have stomach discomfort. I advise avoiding anything bad for digestion. It also helps to avoid eating too much before flying.
Everyone is different, so different foods may have different effects on different people. For me, I usually avoid taking dairy, spicy food, and alcohol before flying – even one or two days before flying. I also avoid anything with a lot of herbs onboard.
Relieve Yourself As Much as Possible
While some people can go about their day without going to the toilet often, some cannot. If you’re the latter, then consider going to the restroom to relieve yourself as much as possible. That way, you won’t feel the urge to go to the toilet as soon as you board the plane.
As discussed earlier, it might be a good idea to avoid overeating or food that can upset your stomach. If you can, do number 2 before boarding the plane. That way, you’re less likely to do it onboard. Aeroplane restrooms can sometimes get busy. The last thing you want is for the restrooms to be occupied when you most need them.
Also, if you have diarrhoea, it might be a good idea to avoid boarding the plane. Or, you should at least inform the airline staff beforehand so they can advise you on what to do and assist you.
Have you read about a passenger making a mess on the plane, which resulted in the plane making an emergency U-turn? Such was an unfortunate event nobody should experience while flying – but it happened.
Wear Comfortable Clothes
It doesn’t matter whether you’re taking a short or long-haul flight; wearing comfortable clothes matters. Wearing comfortable clothes means wearing something that’s neither too tight nor lacks breathability. Many people opt for loose clothes, like elephant pants or a baggy T-shirt, and something warm like a jacket.
My go-to clothes for flying are usually a blouse, loose pants, and a warm hoodie. I like zippered hoodies as taking them off is easier than those without zippers.
Have a Big Scarf or a Travel Blanket
Scarves are versatile travel items that should be on every traveller’s packing list. A big scarf (such as a pashmina) can be worn around the neck or wrapped around the body for warmth. Travelling with a scarf is ideal in Southeast Asia as airports in this region heavily use air-conditioners.
Your scarf can also be used for other purposes, for example, as an eye mask or a neck rest. When not in use, keep it in the bag or tie it to your bag.
Alternatively, you can bring a travel blanket. Invest in a quality, light one if you can. Some travel blankets are packable, making carrying them easy. You can simply slide one in your carry-on’s pocket, or hang it to your bag if it comes with a hook.
Select Your Seat (if Possible)
I don’t usually select plane seats as where I sit doesn’t bother me. But I feel like window and aisle seats feel more roomy compared to middle ones. Fortunately, I tend to get window or aisle seats.
When travelling with larger planes on international flights, though, I avoid sitting in the centre of the plane as some airlines have overhead compartments that are hard for me to reach – short people’s problem here. If I did select my seat, I would much prefer to sit by the window or the aisle.
Although window seats are cool – as they allow me to lay my head on the wall – these days I prefer aisle seats. Sure, I have to give way to my neighbours so they can go to the restroom. But it’s not a big deal as I usually don’t sleep on planes. I’m also a light sleeper. As discussed, sitting by the aisle also feels roomy.
I’m small, so space is usually not a problem for me. But I have been in several situations where the person next to me took some of my space. It wasn’t because my neighbours did it on purpose. I suppose the seat was too small for them. It was not comfortable, but I tolerated it as it was just a short trip. If I had sat by the aisle, I would’ve slanted towards the aisle for more room.
Rest With a Travel Pillow
While a travel scarf can double as a travel pillow, I still prefer to have a dedicated travel pillow when it comes to sleeping on the plane. Invest in a good travel pillow; your neck will thank you.
Mine is a packable and inflatable travel pillow from Quechua. It has served me well over the years. However, it might be time for an upgrade.
There are many travel pillows on the market today, so getting the right one can be overwhelming due to a plethora of choices. A rule of thumb is to go for one that provides good neck support and is easy to carry.
Have Earphones or Earplugs
One thing all flyers can relate to is how loud toddlers can be on planes. Sometimes kids cry due to discomfort, like during descent when the air pressure can hurt the ears.
Once, a boy sitting next to me couldn’t stop crying when he lost his teddy bear at the airport. It was quite stressful for me, but there was nothing much I could do. However, looking back at the event, it would’ve been nice if I had noise-cancelling earphones/earbuds.
Regular earphones/earbuds work fine, too, even though they don’t cancel noise. Still, with some music, noises are at least bearable. If you have calm music to listen to, it might make you doze off before you know it. Alternatively, you can put on earplugs.
Bring Your Favourite Entertainment
If you’ve travelled long distances on a budget airline, you know how important it is to have your choice of entertainment – digital or physical – ready. For example, it would be great to bring a book or an MP3 player with you when travelling with AirAsia X as you likely won’t have inflight entertainment offered for free.
Even if you have inflight entertainment available, there’s no harm in bringing your own. Maybe you’ve been wanting to complete a game that you’ve put aside for months. I did this and before I knew it, I had just arrived at my destination country.
Depending on flights, USB ports are not always on passenger seats. That said, consider bringing a fully charged power bank to power up your devices.
Final Thoughts
Whether you’re taking a short or long flight, staying comfortable onboard is paramount. Avoid eating too much before flying, wearing loose clothes, and having a travel pillow are some of the things you can do to stay comfortable during a flight.
Being comfortable on the plane will help you start your trip on the right foot. Plus, it’s easier to fall asleep when you’re comfortable. Sleep means giving your body some rest and avoiding boredom. Bon voyage!
