Squeezed seats, dry air, and jet lag woes - long-haul flights can feel like an eternity trapped in a metal tube.
But what if we told you there's a secret weapon to transform these flights from torturous to tolerable? Buckle up, because even without a life-altering encounter, here's how to make long-haul flights bearable. Well, for one, you might try making friends with the crew, as Jason Moore, a senior advisor at Dubai's Lyten, suggests. “I enjoy walking around and talking to the crew,” he says. “Generally, most of the crew members that I’ve met are very cheerful, and they enjoy talking about their experiences of travelling to so many places around the world,” he says.
During a flight to South Africa, one of the cabin crew members gave him tips on where to go during his trip to Cape Town. Thanks to her suggestions, he went paragliding and hiked to the top of Table Mountain in the city. He recalls that his mother, Susan Moore was a flight attendant too, and was a great favourite with the passengers, owing to her ability to smile and laugh with the passengers.
However, if you don’t feel particularly chatty during a 14–16-hour flight, here’s what to do. Frequent fliers are ready to help you out. Rihea Sadarangani, the founder and CEO of Iconic Episode, a marketing agency in Dubai, lists some suggestions: Pick a late night flight. Carry warm socks. How about taking a walk to stretch your legs?
Well, you can start by reframing your entire approach, first.
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No calls from office, emails, messages that you must keep attending to. Not for at least 14 hours. You deserve that break, don’t you?
Natasha Catterall, an American fragrance connoisseur and expert who frequently makes the 14-hour trips from Dubai to New York and back, looks at the plane ride as a break. “I’m always so glued to my phone, worried about what’s going to go wrong or right. So, I am glad for those several hours. I’m free of all responsibilities. That’s why I don’t even try connecting to the Wifi on the flight,” she says.
Reframe the narrative. Flip the switch.
Comfort first, style second
Strategise on what you’ll pack in your carry-on luggage. Look at what makes you most comfortable, advises Sheetal Sinha, a Dubai-based events manager who had to make as many as five trips last year itself, including New York, Sydney, London. As she suggests, think loose-fitting pants, breathable shirts, and cozy socks. Pack a scarf, sweater for temperature changes, or even a travel hat if you like.
Dubai-based Maryam Youssef, who works for a sustainability consultancy has another suggestion: Opt for compression socks. It soothes the feet, which feel rather cooped up owing to several hours of inactivity.
A hoodie works like comfy magic, as Sinha recommends. If you’re one who feels the cold more than others on a flight, a hooded sweatshirt is a perfect fit. It’s just the right type of warm and wraps you up in all kinds of cosy.
Sleep, sleep away
It’s the most ideal way to battle long-haul flights.
Frequent fliers vouch for it, heartily. Lucas Higgins, a Dubai-based Canadian businessman, channels his “inner bat” with an eye mask and gets a good snooze that takes up a part of the flight. “It’s the best way. Let’s face it, there’s only so many films that can interest you, and the constant battle with co-passengers over armrests and those who recline can really get on your nerves. So, take a pair of noise-cancelling headphones,” he suggests. “A travel pillow is good for the neck, so you don’t have to worry about aching muscles.
Try choosing the late night flight. Get the aisle seat. Take frequent walks to stretch your legs. Pack a pair of warm socks, which will make you feel cosy during the flight...
Higgins also advises, owing to the time zones, try adjusting your sleep schedule a couple of days in advance. “It really does help your body adjust to the new time zone,” he says. Map out your sleep schedule. If you have layovers, stay awake for the shorter leg, so that you can sleep peacefully on the longer leg of the trip.
Entertainment, entertainment, and entertainment
As all the fliers agree: Keep a stock of films, shows ready on charged laptops, tablets, and phones. Plan how you want to spend the entire flight. Do you want to opt for an absorbing drama that lasts for around 16 episodes? Well, the K-drama fans can vouch for this one! They’re always a good option for a flight journey.
For others, download films, television shows and books on your devices. You can even get a book, suggests Youssef, who has finished an entire book on her journeys. Or you can download some fun games that you can play on your phone. Don’t forget your backup portable chargers!
Try to move as much as you can
An aisle seat is always your best bet, says Sinha. You can get up without disturbing your co-passenger. Do a few stretches, while waiting in line for the washroom. Walk around the terminal during a layover flight, rather than just sitting and waiting for your next flight. It will get your blood moving!
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