Being on a long flight can be exhausting, but there are things you could do to help…
Traveling to new places seems exciting until you need to spend six hours on the plane. How much more if you get on one of the world’s longest flights? You could be on board for fifteen hours or more.
Sitting in the airplane cabin without any break can be exhausting. It’s no wonder why many people would be happy to skip the tedious long plane ride.
But flying isn’t entirely bad. With planning and creativity, you can have a happier and more comfortable trip.
One key is to keep yourself busy and entertained. How can you do that when you’re flying 36,000 feet in the air? Here’s a list to get you started.
Have a Snack or Drink
Keeping your taste buds happy is a great way to pass the time while up in the air. There’s often a variety of quality snacks on business flights. Some even have a rich selection of beverages. You may also find delightful pieces of fruit or granola bars in their carry-on.
But airline food offerings can also be limited, so it’s a good idea to bring snacks or meals with you. Just make sure to avoid processed and sugary items. They can make you feel uneasy and exhausted.
Nonetheless, savor a delectable snack on your flight. If available, enjoy a couple of drinks too, but keep yourself hydrated with water in between.
Move Around
It’s easy to relax in an airline seat for several hours. But it’s essential to get up and move around a couple of times on a long-haul flight. Frequent bathroom breaks can be an excellent way to rev up your body.
Sitting for an extended period can make you feel groggy. Take the time to rev your body by walking around the cabin. Or you can do some in-flight seated exercises every hour or two. This won’t only ward off fatigue but also keep you in good shape.
Watch a Movie
Movies and TV shows are a popular form of entertainment in airplanes. Longer flights and newer planes often have seat-back personal televisions for every passenger.
You can choose a movie from a diverse selection instead of watching the film played by the airline. It’s an incredible way to binge-watch your favorite series. But even if there’s only a shared overhead screen, watching a movie can make your flight less tedious.
Get Some Work Done
You can also use the long travel time to be productive miles high in the air. For some people, being on the plane gives several uninterrupted hours to get some work done. It can be editing videos, replying to emails, or going through invoices.
You’d be surprised by the amount of work you can finish on a long-haul flight. With little to no internet to distract you on the plane, you can be in a deep work mode.
Read a Book
A long flight is an opportune time to catch up on some reading. You’ll have all the peace you need to read without interruption. Whether it’s a magazine, an article, or a novel you’ve been meaning to read, take advantage of the long flight.
Doing so won’t only let you pass the time. It can also help you stay calm, especially if you’re experiencing some flight jitters. But don’t pick the wrong reading material. Topics about plane crashes or serial-killer thrillers could be stress-inducing.
Take Some Pictures
Photos are always a special way to remember your trip. So why not take your time up in the air capturing the scenery you pass over? Take pictures of the skyline, clouds, or famous landmarks you recognize. Most people tend to forget these fantastic wonders, especially if they’re used to flying all the time.
Get Crafty
Doing crafts is another way to get yourself occupied and relaxed during a long flight. You can de-stress with cool new adult coloring books. If you’re a knitter, you can pack your materials on the plane and create a unique project as a remembrance for your trip. You can also make handmade jewelry. But ensure to check the airline’s policy before taking needles and scissors on the plane.
Talk to Someone
If you’re travelling solo, it’s a brilliant chance to make a new friend. You can start by introducing yourself to the person sitting next to you. Asking where they’re heading and their occupations can be a good conversation starter.
You never know; that stranger could turn out to be one of your best buddies. But if you think they’re not interested, give them the space and quiet they need.
Play a Game
Games are always an entertaining way to pass the time. Whether it’s an action or card game, playing it can help fend off boredom on the plane. Note that there are so many different games you can play, regardless of the distance of the flight.
But it’s best to prepare and download the games you want to play while you have cell service or Wi-Fi. If you’re not a techy person, then you can always bring a book of sudoku and crossword puzzles.
Catch Some Sleep
If there’s nothing you want to do, then a good long nap on the plane is always a great idea. A little neck pillow and sunglasses might help you fall asleep faster. But with business flights, there are various amenities available that can improve your sleep.
It’s also crucial to consider the time of arrival at your destination. If you get there at nighttime, sleeping on your flight can make it harder to reset your internal clock. Meanwhile, if you’re arriving in the morning, you can catch as much sleep as you can.
Final Thoughts
Long-haul flights can drain your mind and energy. That’s why it’s always essential to be more intentional with what you want to do on your trip. Beat the boredom and exhaustion while on the plane by doing the things that fascinate you.
