As the end of the year approaches, the travel rush begins. AAA estimates that 115 million Americans will head more than 80 miles from home during the Christmas period, making it the second busiest holiday holiday since the company began tracking it in 2000. The last time this year was surpassed was in 2019.
If you’re joining the crowd of people heading to the airport for vacation or homecoming, here are some frequently asked questions and tips for long flights. Some of the answers will depend on personal preference, but some will include advice from travel and health experts.
How can I prepare my body for flight?
Jeff Kahn, CEO of sleep tracking app Rise Science, told Condé Nast Traveler that the best way to travel and get enough sleep is to start your trip with a “low sleep debt.” Told. You can also start gradually adjusting your sleep hours to match your destination’s time zone a few days before your long-distance trip.
Going (formerly known as Scotts Cheap Flight) suggested exercising before boarding to wind down and prepare for sleep, especially if your flight is later in the day. Elsewhere, flight attendants say they book red-eye flights because they tend to be quieter and less crowded, and the timing helps them overcome jet lag.
Some of the top tips include staying away from screens, avoiding alcohol and caffeine, and choosing the best seating position for sleep if possible.
Should I eat before or on the flight?
Andrea Bennett, a travel journalist who writes for flight search site Kayak, and other travel experts agree, recommends drinking lots of water rather than alcohol or caffeine before a long flight to feel as relaxed and hydrated as possible.
Flight Attendant Major also advises that eating before a long-haul flight will help you maximize your sleep without being interrupted by in-flight meal service. But you may not have the time to do so or don’t want to spend money on airport meals in advance. He suggested bringing your own snacks, especially if you’re traveling with children or need a meal, as meals won’t be served for at least an hour after the plane takes off.
If you’re eating on the plane, you may want to consider adjusting your meal times to suit your destination to help overcome jet lag. A 2017 scientific study found this to be effective.
What should I wear?
Skyscanner, a flight search site, recommends wearing lots of loose, comfortable layers to help regulate your body temperature during the flight, as it can be chilly on planes. Travel sites say closed-toed shoes are better than flip-flops in emergencies, but travelers are advised not to wear shoes that are too tight, as feet can swell at high altitudes. I am.
If you plan on taking your shoes off, make sure they’re clean so you don’t disturb other passengers with smelly socks, flight attendant Chris Major told CNN Travel.
It is highly recommended to also bring sandals or slippers for going to the toilet, but not everyone has room for it in their hand luggage.
How can I make economy seats more comfortable?
Some travel experts suggested bringing a neck pillow, a portable footrest or foot hammock, and/or a blanket. However, if you don’t have the luxury of carrying extra items, you can also reuse clothing, such as scarves, that can easily collapse and be used as a pillow.
Several experts, including certified sleep science coach Alex Savy, recommend using noise-cancelling headphones, earplugs, and eye masks to help you sleep.
If you’re worried about turbulence, Major suggests sitting near the front of the plane, where passengers feel the impact less than at the back. If sleep is a priority, consider paying more for a window seat so you can lean against the window.
Bennett says tall people may be better off sitting in the exit row, but this is also where passengers with babies leave their baskets, so if you’re worried about them crying, it might not be the right place for you. He pointed out that there was no. The higher you sit, the quieter the engine sounds, but the seats in the back can be less crowded. However, it is best not to sit right next to the toilet as it can be a nuisance.
Should I exercise? Are compression socks really effective?
Sitting motionless for long periods of time can increase the risk of deep vein thrombosis, or the formation of dangerous blood clots, UCLA doctors advise. The most effective ways to prevent blood clots are to walk frequently on the plane, rotate your ankles, bend your legs, raise your knees, and rotate your shoulders and neck while seated. Wearing compression socks may help.
“Even people without physical risk factors may benefit from wearing compression socks on long flights,” the doctors said.
Healthline also recommended not crossing your legs on the plane, wearing loose-fitting clothing, and staying hydrated to maintain blood flow and prevent blood clots.
Major said even wiggling your toes while you’re seated can help, but it’s best for people with circulation issues to consult a doctor before a long flight. .
