Dealing with long flights has never been fun because most people don't know how to approach it. A first trip to Europe or America can present an uncomfortable, even perplexing, problem, What can you do to manage such a long flight?! Here are some good tips:
Make minimal transfers. The longer you can stay on one plane, the better. Avoid infamously crowded or troublesome airports, especially those with long waits and tons of security. Do some running or other exercise the day you fly. Anti-stress hormones and endorphins are released into the bloodstream. Take an MP3 player during the long waits inside the airport. If there are no earplugs provided once you're on board, you still have your own. It's helpful to be able to shut off the monotonous, banal announcement messages while you're standing in the airport waiting, and music is good for that. Reserve a window seat in advance if you plan to nap. Ask your agent or specify online if possible. Get an eye mask, blanket, water bottle, eye drops, and skin moisturiser. Naturopathic or prescription anti-anxiety medications might be needed. For example, a strong benzodiazepine, e.g., valium or xanax, might help. Wear loose, flexible clothes that are warm and comfortable. Warm and fluffy is better than tight and stuffy. Stay away from buttons, belts, collars, and suits. Stick with moccasins and sweatshirts and sweatpants. Long flights can get cold so the sweats are necessary. Soda, alcohol, coffee, and tea can cause fluctuations in blood sugar and energy that are undesirable. Drink enough water to stay hydrated, however. In transit, get plenty of water, massage, and some exercise. The loose-fitting moccasins will ensure blood flow to your feet, especially if you get up and walk around once every couple hours. Choose an airline that offers Audio Video on demand. This gives you a TV in front of your seat that lets you choose what to watch. Bring lip balm or other gel to prevent your lips and nasal passages from getting too dry. Chewing gum and opening your mouth in a wide motion can undo the ear problems associated with altitude. The Bose QuietComfort2 noise-canceling headphones can be put on silent to help you snooze or be used with your MP3 player. The best way to deal with a long flight is sleeping through it entirely. Get on a plane very tired by staying up all night or waking up really early in the morning. It's really cool to arrive at your destination when you're waking up Drink a small vial of ginger ale before boarding to stifle the feelings of air sickness. Use the Valsalva manoeuvre (holding your nose and blowing) to relieve ear pressure build-up. Wax ear plugs are better than foam ones so get those instead. Noise-canceling are best though. Bring chocolate, nuts and seeds, and trail mix to keep your blood sugar balanced. Benadryl can cause effective sleeping without too much drowsiness. The flight crew needs to wake you upon arrival. Don't get pills that are overly strong.
If you can really afford luxury then get a flight that offers sleeping horizontally is ideal. Don't worry because some airlines offer this. They allow you to sleep across four seats horizontally. This is ideal for richer travelers. The rest of us will just do what we can.
