Recently updated on July 18th, 2022 at 03:33 pm
Flying can be stressful. Stuffed in-between two strangers, you wonder ‘Were these seats really made for adults?’ Desperate for legroom. Wide awake – obsessively watching the plane crawl across your in-flight TV map. A baby screams inches from your ear as your phone drops to 10%. Sound familiar? Air travel can sometimes be uncomfortable. Lucky for you, we have some tips and tricks to follow for completely stress-free flying.
Stay safe by the window
Got a favourite seat? Or can’t decide between window and aisle? A recent study highlights the window seat as our best pick to avoid catching the flu (and other infections) on the plane. “Contacts” with other passengers were counted during a sample flight: the aisle seat had 64 contacts, the middle had 58 and the window seat travellers had only 12. Furthest from the busy aisle and with only one person by your side, we recommend keeping safe (and cosy) here. Your invitation to gaze out at the clouds and envisage the idyllic life awaiting you when you touch down.
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Learn to pack smart
You might be desperate to take your entire wardrobe with you. You know, just in case. And while luggage allowances may reply a loud “no!”, you can still fit in your favourites with these space-saving hacks. Wear your bulkiest clothes to the airport (i.e. your big coat and heaviest shoes).
Easy packing tips to follow:
- • Roll your softer clothes; fold heavier items and place them on top as you pack
- • Big reader? Keep your books in your hand luggage
- • Cover the soles of your shoes with a shower cap (bags take up more space!)
- • Pack travel-sized cosmetics, or buy new ones when you land
You’re now ready to glide through the airport (and the skies) in style!
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Beat the jetlag early
Stepping foot in far-flung spots is heaven, but adjusting to a new clock can be hellish. For a head-start, change your phone’s original time to your destination’s time immediately on take-off. When you touch down, you’ll already be in the mood. Now the adventure can really begin and you can immerse yourself like a local. Eat breakfast if it’s 8am. Try to sleep if it’s 11pm. If needed (and depending on time of day) a caffeine boost on arrival can go a long way. Plus a tablet melatonin on your first night can help you sleep.
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Grab an upgrade or extra plane room
Ever heard of ‘you don’t ask, you don’t get’? In life and air-travel, there’s no harm in popping the question. When you check-in and drop off your luggage, ask a member of staff if there’s a seat going in business class. Second best thing: ask them how full the plane is and if there are any extra seats. That way, you could wave goodbye to the strangers next to you and stretch out blissfully with a whole row to yourself. Happy flying.
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Useful items for stress-free travel
With passenger locator forms, entry restrictions and vaccine certificates, the pandemic has given us more paperwork than ever. That’s why – when we jet off – it’s nice to relax knowing we have everything we need. For a smooth journey, bring:
- • A reusable water bottle (make sure it’s empty when going through security)
- • A sweatshirt or long trousers (the air-con can make it chilly on board!)
- • Noise-cancelling headphones (for sleeping, quiet time or listening to favourite music)
- • A travel pillow (especially useful for long haul flights).
Top tips: a scarf that doubles up as a blanket. Chewing gum can help reduce air pressure upon landing. Oh, and don’t forget your mask.
Where would you like to fly in 2022? Are there any air-travel tips you’d like to try? Let us know in the comments below!