How to Be Comfortable on International Air Travel

Whether you like flying or not, long international flights are not fun. For short flights, under 4 hours, its best to just suck it up and deal. But for those of us who have ever had to endure a long 12 hour flight, or are about to experience it for the first time, there are some definite things you need to know in advance.

Instructions

1. Stay awake as much as possible the night/day before your flight. It's hard to sleep on a plane as it is, so giving yourself that extra fatigue will help you sleep and will make the flight go by faster. Taking an ambien (or other kind of sleeping aid that won't make you too groggy) will help. Also, bringing something to cover your eyes with, and using ear plugs, is advisable. During a long flight the main lights will go off, but a lot of people turn on their personal lights and talk. Ear plugs come in handy.

2. Stay hydrated! Drink lots of water before and during the flight. Try not to drink too much alcohol. Most people like to get a buzz going while flying, but it will dehydrate you and mixed with the altitude can cause bad reactions. Also, you might make other passengers uncomfortable if you are drinking a lot on a plane. Also, try not to drink a lot of caffiene. You do not want extra energy that you can't burn off.

3. Wear comfortable clothes and shoes. You can wear nice clothes to board if you would like, but it would be a good idea to bring some sweats and a comfy T-shirt in your carry on. Also, bring socks! The air conditioning on planes is on the floor board right next to the window seats so, even if you're warm, your feet will freeze. A sweatshirt, or something else to layer, is good to bring as well.

4. Bring something to entertain yourself with. Some good carry on entertainment includes a book; a book of word games; Gameboys/Nintendo, Walkman and a deck of cards. Some people like to bring paperwork to do.

5. Get an aisle seat. This will allow you to get up and walk around whenever you need to. Also, seats right next to the emergency exits have extra leg room because they are missing a seat in front of them. If you get one of these seats, make sure to bring a small blanket or something to keep warm as it is much colder next to the exits than it is in the rest of the plane.