For many travelers, the words ‘flight’ and ‘comfortable’ don’t seem to belong in the same sentence. Unless you’re traveling first class, the flight may be the most dreaded part of your trip. Cabin pressure, noisy passengers, not enough leg room-we could go on and on about how flights can bring you so much discomfort. But does every flight have to be a dreadful experience?
Definitely not.
Learn about some of the common flight discomforts and the best ways you can avoid them on your next big adventure.
- Skin dryness
The low humidity and recycled air in an airplane cabin make up the perfect recipe for dry skin. Hence, you may notice your face getting oily on a flight or experiencing breakouts because of dryness. Unfortunately, there’s nothing you can do about the air on a flight, but the good news is that there are a lot of ways you can prevent your skin from dehydrating while getting to your destination.
The best way to prevent your face from drying out is to apply a liberal amount of moisturizer before and during your flight. Doing so can help keep your face well hydrated despite the dry air in the cabin. Aside from that, it’s also a good idea to hydrate the rest of your skin with a non-greasy whitening lotion or a body moisturizer that won’t make your skin too oily. For best absorption, limit the body parts you expose to the dry air so that the moisture stays on your skin for as long as possible.
- Noisy neighbors
One of the worst things that can happen on a flight is being seated close to someone inconsiderate and makes a lot of noise, be it by talking loudly to their seatmate or watching videos on their phone at full blast (snoring is one, too, but people can’t do much to prevent that). And don’t even get us started on the parents that won’t control their screaming children.
Noisy passengers are the bane of many travelers, and they are oftentimes more than just inconveniences. You may not get any sleep at all and end up utterly exhausted when you finally get to your destination. Or perhaps the noise can trigger or exacerbate your flight anxiety. Either way, noisy neighbors on a flight are difficult to deal with, and the best way you can avoid having to suffer through it is to invest in a pair of noise-canceling headphones.
Of course, you could confront the culprits, but not everyone is good at confrontation. If this is the case, call the flight attendant for help, and they can ask the passenger to keep it down.
- Body pain
Body pain is a common woe for many flyers, especially during long-haul flights. Sit for too long, and aches will stop popping up everywhere, especially in your legs because of the cabin pressure. A great way to avoid this is by getting up and walking up and down the aisle every hour or so to stretch your muscles. Furthermore, you will also want to bring a neck pillow to keep your head upright when sleeping.
If you are prone to getting pain in your legs during a flight, wear compression socks to keep the aches at bay. It may also be a good idea to bring over-the-counter pain medication in your carry-on just in case. If you don’t have any, the cabin crew may be able to provide you with some.
- Discomfort from your clothes
No matter how stylish you want your airport outfit to be, you shouldn’t sacrifice comfort for style-especially on a flight. When planning your outfit, pick loose and soft clothes that won’t put unwanted pressure on your body. Make sure that they are warm enough, and bring a jacket or poncho just in case the cabin gets too cold.
Shoes play a big role in your comfort, too. Wear a comfortable pair that fits perfectly on your feet. Moreover, avoid new shoes that you have to “break in.” Reserve them for when you finally get to your destination and after you get some much-needed rest.
Flights can be very uncomfortable-but not if you are proactive about avoiding the things that can cause you discomfort while flying. These are, by far, not the only sources of discomfort on a flight, but they are often the most common. By preparing for these things, not only will you stay comfortable during a flight, but you’ll also likely find yourself refreshed and ready for the next leg of your trip upon disembarking.
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