Ah, jetsetting… I love to fly. In fact before we reach the midpoint of this year, I will have racked up more than 15 flights. (Oops, that’s a lot of carbon. Hopefully my vegetarianism, lack of car and other paid offsetting will help!)
Of course with this much zipping around the world (it turns out I haven’t spent one Easter in New Zealand in the last 5 years) I’ve got the art of long haul flying down. Here’s some helpful things to keep in mind before and during your flight:
JET LAG
+ Water, water everywhere. Please do not consume alcohol, it’ll just make you feel sluggish, which is not good when your body clock is going to be topsy turvey anyway. Alcohol also dehydrates you and when combined with air-con = DANGER… abstain and your skin will thank you.
+ A homeopathic remedy could aid your jet lag woes. I loved using ‘No Jet Lag’ – chewable tablets that relieved symptoms. After using these twice on extreme long distance flights, I declare them a lifesaver.
SLEEP
+ As soon as you get on the plane, set your watch to local time and start to live by it. No sleep until your destination is sleeping!
+ Like falling asleep to music? Make a calming play list to help you settle in for a nap. My favourite sleepy mix features The Eels and Otis Redding amongst others.
+ Masks are good for blocking out the light and forgetting the presence of your fellow travellers. Zone out. No mask? A scarf works a treat, or as I discovered rather recently, fabric headbands can also be employed for this purpose.
EAT
+ Make food a trouble free experience by ordering vegetarian/vegan. It solves all the mystery meat issues and lessens the chances of an upset tummy. As a bonus, specially requested meals are always served first, mitigating any annoying waits.
+ Be sure to try a nibble of everything – stretch out those minutes.
+ Snacks are always entertaining. I like dried fruit and muesli bars the best – good for keeping your energy levels up and you can indulge in some variety. Chocolate is a super treat to keep your spirits and sugar levels high.
ENTERTAINMENT
+ Nothing beats a good book for whiling away the hours. Here’s 5 good reads I have enjoyed while travelling:
- Con Brio by Brina Svit, light French fiction about a novelist’s tempestuous relationship.
- Outliers by Malcolm Gladwell – you’ll step off the plane incredibly inspired and motivated. Also, since reading this I’ve referenced it about 10 times for work too. Business and pleasure!
- The Wind Up Bird Chronicle by Haruki Murakami – a lengthy, engaging read – this one will have you set both there and back.
- Pattern Recognition by William Gibson – globetrotting digital adventures slash dream brand land. I like Gibson, his work drips with adjectives.
- If it’s SERIOUS travelling and you like fantasy, try Robert Jordan’s Wheel Of Time series. It’s epic – eleven books so far, plus companion volumes. You could possibly stretch the books out to last a good six months of globe trotting…
+ Indulge in a movie marathon. Do it. Catch up on everything you always meant to see but didn’t. I’ve recently enjoyed Woody Allen’s Manhattan, Slumdog Millionaire, Madagascar 2 and Nick and Norah’s Infinite Playlist. BYO Jaffas or favourite cinema snacks.
Nick and Norah's Infinite Playlist
If you’re looking to fly with an airline with particularly extensive entertainment system, I vote for Air New Zealand it’s one of the world’s best. Singapore Airlines is also renowned for its Kris World system. Games, music, movies, good times!
+ If you’re travelling with a companion, have a debate. Try a good intellectual chinwag about the merits of Nietzsche, or a lighter discussion on whether undercuts are really that naff (no!). Attempt to solve the world’s problems in 10 hours.
GENERAL COMFORT
+ Bring a pair of shoes you can slip out of as soon as you get on the plane. Travellers to the US and the UK will also appreciate the ease of slip-on shoes when it comes to security checks. While wearing your favourite boots can save space in your luggage, taking them on and off constantly will only interrupt your flow.
+ Pack a spare pair of socks in your hand luggage to change into for the second half of your journey – it’ll help your feet feel a bit fresher! A clean pair of undies is also useful – you never know when you’ll be delayed.
+ Put your boarding pass in a safe place like a note book or travel wallet – you’ll need it if you’re transferring, and then again when your home to check/collect airline rewards. I always seem to lose mine… Do as I say, not as I do, so watch out – they’re slippery beasties!
Hold on tight!
+ Long hair? Keep it tied up and off your face. A fabric headband works wonders. If it’s not 3am when you land, brush your hair before you disembark. It’ll make you feel a lot better about taking on the duty free shopping or meeting someone special at the other end.
+ If you’re feeling a bit poorly, do take a break from the confines of your seat. Walk round the plane, definitely do the plane exercises that make you (and I) feel self conscious. When you return to your seat, breathe deeply and relax your shoulders. Drink water regularly.
+ Above all else, be kind to your fellow passengers, officials and crew. Travel karma is good to accrue. No matter what happens, remain calm and maintain a positive demeanour. Don’t worry, you’ll be there soon – godspeed!
{ 9 comments… read them below or add one }
Great tips. You are mighty clever.
Super tips, Amber!
I’d add getting one of those neck pillows. I haven’t got one myself, because I always keep forgetting to buy one and my sleeping on plane skillz have gone and keep going downhill! They really help avoiding neck pains while sleeping. MUST get one before I fly next!
I watched about eight movies on my way back from Australia – a new record! Singapore Airlines is truly awesome. I’ve had really good experiences with Air France and Delta Airlines as well.
Also, the extra socks tip?! So true!
I totally do the socks/shoe thing, the movie thing and the mask thing. Oh and the live by your destination time thing. Also, I find if you get on the plane on a long-haul flight, just try and really make the area like a little snuggly home. Use the free blankets and pillows to stay nice and warm. Also one cool tip I read somewhere: if you lucky enough that when the plane has boarded there are loads of empty seats, you don’t have to stay in your assigned seat… I make a beeline for one of those 3/4 seaters in the middle and stretch out like a little bed.
Young: Yes! Pillows are wicked good, I just wish I could find one I liked – too lazy to blow one up/don’t like the beady ones. Let me know if you find a good brand o’ pillow.
LJ: True true, a seat nest really helps you feel better. I find there’s something about having your legs covered. I’ve also heard booking a middle seat (out of 3 in an aisle) lessens the chance of people choosing to sit next to you. Voila, more room :)
Everyone else: Definitely bring your good tips to the party!
Good music definitely is a life saver on planes.
Dressing comfortably is also key. I can never wear skirts/dresses on a plane. Jeans, trainers and a top always make for comfortable travelling.
Once I land, I try to have a shower as quick as possible, and it really freshens me up.
Your tips are amazing, im flying to auckland literally next week and am sure to follow your watch changing tip was really confused about the whole jet lag thing i couldnt get my head around the fact that i will be time travelling??? Plus im glad to hear singapore airlines are good!
thanks xx
Take pictures of all your luggage, also take a picture of your home address from any mail that has arrived at your home. Take picture of Boarding pass if you are going to be in transit or email your boarding information to your cell phone. You never know when you may need those information. If someone finds your camera, they will know your address from the picture you will have in your camera of your home address.
“…If it’s not 3am when you land, brush your hair before you disembark….”
I must disagree.
If you feel the need to brush your hair, do it after you deplane. Show some courtesy to the passengers sitting next to you. Please keep your hair sheddings to yourself.
Hi Bud – personally I’d always do it in the bathroom! Perhaps I should have made that clear – I’d definitely not be that intrusive to my fellow passengers.
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