Enduring a long flight can be hard on our bodies – especially hard on senior bodies. Over the years, I’ve learned a few tricks that help me pass the time.
- Have lots of entertainment options. Airlines will usually have an assortment of movies, shows, music, etc. but I like to bring my own favorites. Did you know that Netflix will allow you to download content to your phone for free? Just use the phone Netflix app. If possible, bring along a comfortable noise-canceling headset. Those free airlines headsets are OK in a pinch but you will close out all the airplane noise with a good headset. Play your favorite game on your phone or another device. Listen to your music of choice by downloading it to your device before you board the flight. Read a book are magazines
- Drink lots of water. This tip is more for post-flight as it will help with jet lag. Be careful of drinking airplane water from their fresh-water tank. Bring your own water in a bottle or drink water served on the plane if it comes from a bottle.
- Walk while in-flight. I like to get out of my seat at least once every ninety minutes. I stretched and walk to the other end of the plane then return to my seat. This little bit of activity always refreshes me and makes sitting in the seat more tolerable.
- Take off your shoes while in your seat. Be sure to put them back on before walking or going to the restroom.
- Bring layers to keep warm. Being cold on an airplane is miserable. Being too hot is also hard. Bring layers to wear or take off as the temperature changes. One trick is to carry a beanie in your bag. This lightweight item will keep your head warm. For me, when my head is warm, the rest of my body is not so cold.
- Try to sleep. This is tough for me as I find it hard to sleep on planes. If you are able, close your eyes and snooze.
- Have a glass of wine. OK, I know this is controversial and many “experts” say we should not drink alcohol on flights to help recover from jet lag. I’m just the opposite. When I have a glass, or maybe two in the first hour of the flight, I relax and might even fall asleep for a few minutes.
- Talk to the crew. Again this is controversial and I understand many crew members want to be left alone when not doing other official duties. However, if you find a chatty crewmember in the kitchen, pick their brain about the city. You may learn about some great restaurants, swap meets, stores, and tourist sites. I remember my first trip to Shanghai. I spoke for a half-hour with a flight attendant about where to find a good flea market. She gave me directions and told me the booths to shop at. The next day, I saw her and the crew there. She interpreted for me and helped me get some good deals. As we chatted, we realized we attended the same church back in San Diego!
- Stretch in your seat. As mentioned, it’s best to get out of your seat and walk. In between these walks, stretch in your seat. This always helps me with fatigue.
- Dress for comfort, not for show. I’m old enough to remember when people put on their Sunday best to fly on planes. No longer! We should all dress for comfort. leave the tight clothes at home or in your suitcase.