5 Travel Hacks for More Comfortable Long-Haul Flights

By Trina Basaysay

We all want to see new places and enjoy epic adventures. From visiting Thailand’s famous pristine beaches to seeing New Zealand’s most scenic sights to experiencing America’s most amazing natural wonders. However, if there is one thing we dread about travelling, this would’ve probably taken the top spot: the hours spent flying to get to our destinations.     

Long-haul flights aren’t always comfortable and pleasant. You’re cramped in the cabin for long stretches, feeling bored and tired and, sometimes, even suffering from muscle ache, back and neck pain and swollen ankles. Luckily, there are ways to minimise these discomforts.

Here are some tips to make your long flight as comfortable and pleasant as possible so that you can focus more on the fun times ahead!   

Making the Most of Your Travel 

1. Travel Light

Light luggage means you can move around the airport faster, breeze through the baggage claim area and save more money by not having to pay excess baggage fees. Here are some tips to help you pack light and prepare for your upcoming trip: 

• Use lightweight luggage with wheels. 
• Create a list.
• To avoid bringing too many clothes, the New York Times recommends the 5, 4, 3, 2, 1 rule:  five sets of socks and underwear, four tops, three bottoms, two pairs of shoes and one hat. 
• Pack based on your itinerary.

By travelling light, you also avoid back and neck pain caused by improper lifting of heavy suitcases.  

2. Move When You Can 

Long trips can be uncomfortable, especially if you’re prone to back and neck pain.  Physical Therapist Ron Miller  wrote that the pain results from too much pressure on your muscles, joints and intervertebral discs due to your prolonged static posture. 

• Snag a seat that can provide you with bigger legroom and enable you to move easily once allowed without distracting the other passengers. Taking the aisle seat is one of your options. 
• You can also engage your body in a mini workout whilst sitting.  In this interview with Physical Therapist Dr. Karena Wu,  she says exercises such as quick ankle circles, knee extension and glute squeezes can help move your muscles.  
• Simple neck stretches can also do the trick to help ease muscle tension in that area of your body. For simple neck stretches,  Miller  advises to slowly bend your ear to your shoulder and then hold the position for 15 to 30 seconds. Repeat the movement on the other side.

It also pays to check your posture throughout the trip. Avoid slouching as much as possible to keep the strain off your connective tissues around your cervical spine.

3. Drink Water

Make it a habit to bring a reusable water bottle with you for hydration throughout your flight. You could get dehydrated  whilst flying because of the high altitude and the recycled air inside the airplane cabin. 

Frequent water drinking could help minimise jet lag and reduce headaches and neck pain, which are considered amongst the common side effects  of dehydration.

4. Bring a Supportive Neck Pillow 

A good quality, compact and lightweight neck pillow can help you sleep comfortably whilst flying. It not only keeps you comfortable, but it also lowers the  risk of neck pain or stiffness.

5. Wear Comfortable Clothes

Wear clothes that will allow you to move easier and faster. Avoid wearing pants or tight clothes that could cause poor circulation. Instead, wear leggings or stylish dresses or sweatpants.

A Massage After Your Flight 

After your long flight, let yourself indulge in a  good massage for complete body relaxation. A massage helps minimise the effects of jet-lag, provides relief from muscle stiffness through increased blood circulation and boosts your mood.

A massage for the neck and back  can help relieve muscle aches in that area. You can experience the benefits of a professional shiatsu massage by using neck and back massagers with heat at home.

Long-haul flights are tiring, but these five simple tips could help make your travel time more comfortable and relaxing.   

If you’re looking forward to a relaxing neck and shoulder massage after your trip, check out our Shiatsu Neck and Shoulder Massager  today.