9 Travel Tips for Comfortable Flights
TweetTouching down in new destinations is always exciting for me – unfortunately though, the process of actually getting there often isn’t. Sitting in a seat for any number of hours can leave me feeling tired, achy and irritated. If you’re looking for tips on how to survive your next long flight, you’re in luck.
1. Dress for Success
The vital first step to flying happy is comfort. Let’s face it, planes are not the most comfortable places on earth. Be sure to dress in layers that are easy to remove like a zip up hooded sweatshirt or jacket. This will make peeling off a layer of clothing quick and easy. Don’t forget to wear sensible footwear – sorry ladies, leave the heels to Victoria Beckham up in first class.
2. Love Your Legroom
Sore legs are a traveler’s nightmare, but you should get them from climbing up a mountain, not from your flight! Many airlines offer extra legroom seats on their aircraft but usually at a premium price of $40+. If you’re tall or just enjoy a little extra leg room, pay up and get comfortable. Your knees will thank you for it once you reach your destination.
3. Pack It Away
You’re allowed to take a ‘personal item’ as well as one piece of carry-on luggage on most flights. Although, you’ll feel much less stressed if you bring either a personal item OR a carry-on. One of the other folks! Just one small bag containing the things you really need will maximize your personal space.
4. Keep Company
Traveling with friends will naturally make your flight more pleasant, but if you don’t select your own seats you could find yourself sitting with strangers. Be sure to pre-select your seats when booking online at www.jet2.com, so you can make sure you’ll be sitting beside people that you won’t mind sharing your head phones with.
5. Beat the Boredom
Not all airplane seats are fitted with in-flight entertainment screens, so don’t count on TV, movies, or games to help you pass the time. Unless you’re flying JetBlue, that is! Invest in a new book for your journey, or pick yourself up a Kindle Fire before your next flight. Don’t forget to charge your iPod and be sure to load it up with as much music, movies and reading material as it will hold. Now, sit back and watch those long hours vanish.
6. Don’t Go Hungry
Once you’re up in the air, you can’t jump up and purchase a snack when your stomach starts to grumble. If you’re on a long haul international flight, see if you have the option to order your in-flight meal prior to your flight. This is something that you can take care of ahead of time when you book your flight online at Jet2.com. If you’re looking for a healthy snack to bring along with you on your next flight, toss a SOYJOY in your carry-on. It will surely hold you over until you reach your destination!.
7. Move A Muscle
Deep-Vein Thrombosis is a real health threat to passengers, particularly on longer flights, so take every opportunity that you can to stretch and move your limbs. You can do some exercises in your seat, but if your flight is over three hours, try to get up and walk around at least every 30 minutes.
8. Keep Hydrated
Compressed cabin air can raise havoc with your skin. Apply a rich face cream or body moisturiser/lotion before take off. Don’t forget to drink plenty of water while you’re in the air. This will not only save you from those dreaded muscle cramps, but you’ll also feel a lot more energized by the time you land.
9. Sleep It Off
The ultimate way to arrive is feeling refreshed, revitalized and well-rested. The reality however, is that getting a good sleep on an airplane can be as tough as piloting the plane itself. With a little preparation you can at least catch a few Zzz’s. Invest in a good neck pillow, an eye mask and earplugs to help you zone out.
Do you have your own tips for flying? If so, be sure to share them with us by leaving a comment below!

I had deep-vein thrombosis [caused in part by a flight, although *not* a long-haul one!], and that stuff is no joke. I ended up developing a pulmonary embolism and had to stay in the hospital for six days – not a good time.
*Definitely* get up and move around as much as you can. The staying hydrated tip will also help prevent thrombosis – drink plenty of water, and *don’t* drink coffee or alcohol while you’re flying!
BethAnne recently posted..Ginger ale – it gives you wings.
Wow, thanks for sharing your story Beth. That’s some scary stuff! It’s great to hear from someone who actually went through this. Hope all is well! Keep in touch…
I think inflatable neck pillows are ALWAYS worth it. They go a long way to preventing neck-ache and take up so little space in your bag.
Liv recently posted..French trains
So true, especially the ones made by Davidsbeenhere. They are completely different than most travel pillows because the piece that sits behind your neck does not inflate and it allows you to rest your head comfortably.
Great tips! I definitely agree about wearing layers on the plane. I almost always freeze on planes, no matter what! Great post!
The Time-Crunched Traveler (Ellen) recently posted..Tag — We’re it! Our ABCs of Travel
Thanks Ellen, glad to hear you enjoyed these. Yeah, I tend to get cold on planes as well. Especially the flights where they blast the A/C the entire time! Brrrrrrrr!
Yes, I can’t agree with you more. Leg room is everything especially on a long flight.
Next stop for me- Nicaragua, I hear if you have the gringos money you can live very well there. Great post.
James recently posted..long island family lawyer
Every two months, I take traveling in the agency that I work for.. Thanks for the several tips you share here, truly true that can help to me. Thanks!
Allison recently posted..Chinese Talk