Tips for a Long Flight

Reserve a good seat. Even within the same class and fare, some seats are far superior to others. Consider an aisle or exit row seat for leg room, or a window if you want to sleep. Try to avoid seats near the toilets/lavatories, as other passengers will be accessing these regularly. It is common on long-haul flights for there to be queues, and people walking to or from the toilets may bump or knock your seat. Also keep in mind that the noise and light that escapes when the door is opened may be disturbing, particularly when trying to sleep.

If you plan on trying to sleep, come prepared. Bring a travel pillow or head restraint, and try to avoid using the inflatable ones.

Bring something to entertain yourself. Usually, movies don't start for some time, and the built-in music selection can be quite poor, so bring an iPod (the night before you go away try to download some of the latest songs or movies as it will be more entertainment than the old movies you already have), iPhone, iPad, Gameboy, Nintendo D.S, or CD player. You could also bring a new book that you like or portable game.
Always have a couple of recent magazines with you. Picking out new magazines at the airport before you leave is a fun way to start your trip!

Bring your own headphones. The headphones, usually available on the plane (whether for purchase or for free) are usually of poor quality. Noise-canceling headphones and in-ear headphones are great if you have them, and can help block out engine noise.

Minimize your carry-on luggage. One backpack is fine for the plane, and it is easier to find a place in the overhead bins or under the seat for a small backpack than for a larger roller bag.

Bring a toothbrush, and anything else that isn't a liquid or a gel, that you need to help freshen up before meeting your loved ones at the end of your long flight.

Consider bringing your own food on board if you care about taste or health. On some airlines, plane food is quite poor. Check airlinemeals.net before and look through the reviews and decide if you should buy food before the flight. Contact your airline in advance to find out if they still offer free meals and potentially request a special meal. Many airlines offer vegetarian, Kosher, Halal and other "special" meals if you order up to two or three days in advance. And because the airlines have to specially prepare your meal, it is usually better than the standard food fare.

Take some sweets or other snacks with you. Protein bars are particularly helpful if on a long-flight. Most airline meals tend to be low in protein and high in carbohydrates.

Move around. This is especially important on longer flights, to prevent your body from aching due to poor circulation. Some airlines provide guidance on in-seat exercises you can do (such as circling ankles and stretching arms). The long mid-flight stretch on overnight flights is an excellent time to take a stroll up and down the aisle a few times. There is usually room to do some back stretches at the back of some of the cabins. Sit near the back of the aircraft for long haul routes, if you don't mind the extra noise produced by the engines. Certain aircraft, such as the Boeing 747 series, have a large area behind the last row of seat in the back of the aircraft that give you plenty of space to stretch. However, do not sit in the absolute rear of the plane. There will undoubtedly be noises and smells from people using the bathrooms and other areas in the plane's rear.

Take steps to protect yourself from the dry air on board the plane. The air in a plane is very dry and may dehydrate your system. Drink plenty of water. Although you can request water from your flight attendants, it is a good idea to bring plenty of water on board with you. You may either purchase bottled water once you pass security or bring an empty bottle with you to fill from a water fountain. Remember that you should never drink the water from airplane bathrooms; it may contain bacteria.Use eye drops (eye drops may now be carried through security) whenever your eyes feel dry. If you are really uncomfortable, don't hesitate to inform cabin crew. Consider saline nasal gel if your nostrils feel uncomfortable breathing dry air. Saline nasal gel, which can usually be found near the saline nasal wash at a drugstore, can help keep the inside of your nose moist and make breathing more comfortable. Apply in the restroom and wash your hands before and after.

Bring lip balm in a 3 oz or smaller container and use it to protect your lips from becoming painfully dry. Bring a small container of hand lotion or cocoa butter if your skin dries easily.

Don't look at the time during the flight. You can't do anything about it and the flight will feel a lot longer if you keep looking at the time. Don't check your watch regularly and avoid looking at the in-flight map showing the current position of the plane.

Let Rawhide Travel and Tours help you with all your reservation needs. Call us at (602) 843-5100 or visit our website rawhidetravel.com.

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Rawhide Travel and Tours Inc
6008 West Bell Rd # F105
Glendale, Arizona 85308-3793
(602) 843-5100
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