Long Flight: Survival Instructions

At the beginning of this year, Qatar Airways made the longest flight - from Auckland to Doha - which lasted 17 hours 30 minutes. Other companies are trying to keep up. For example, Singapore is considering restarting the Newark – Singapore route, which will last 19 hours without a change.

Even if you are not going to make one of these crazy flights, but still worry before your next trip to the other side of the earth, find out how comfortable clothes, the right place and even the model of an airplane can make your trip as comfortable as possible.

Booking, boarding, arrival - at each stage there are tricks.

Choosing the right flight

Type of aircraft

Different planes often fly on popular routes - pay attention to this before booking a ticket. For example, the Boeing 777 is a great aircraft, but the noise level inside the Airbus A380 is much lower.

The novelty of the model

The latest generation aircraft are equipped with devices that control the level of noise, humidity, pressure and lighting. For example, the air in the Airbus A350 cabin is distilled through air conditioners every three minutes, so this is not at all the “airplane” stagnant air we are used to. The best models to date are the Airbus A350 and Boeing 787.

Seating Configuration

In order not to wake up a neighbor (and not to wake up yourself), it is best to fly, of course, in the business class cabin, where all the seats are at the aisle. The same carrier may have a different interior configuration. For example, in Qatar Airways' Boeing 777, not all business-class seats are located at the aisle - unlike the Boeing 787, A350, and A380.

Night flights

Book them only if you are sure you can sleep. Experienced travelers choose a night flight only if they know for sure that on this airline’s flight the seats will recline sufficiently and the distance between them is quite comfortable for such a flight.

How to choose the right place

The noise will be everywhere

The closer to the engine - the more tangible. Therefore, choose a place away from the turbines.

Think twice before sitting down at the exit

Why? Your neighbors may not let you sleep here. After all, to get into the toilet, the neighbor will have to wake you up.

Do not avoid the back rows

If 84A is written on your ticket, this is not the end of the world - you have every chance of flying without neighbors if you choose a seat at the farthest end of the cabin.

Prepare well

Use sites like SeatGuru and Routehappy to explore your seating plan, see all the updates, and take the best places as far away from the toilet or kitchen.

Before heading to the airport

Put on comfortable clothes

This is the first rule of any competent traveler. At the same time, take at least one warm thing into the cabin - not a single airline or airport has yet coped with such a task as maintaining a constant temperature. Blankets help, but it’s not always possible to wrap oneself around; at some airlines they are very small.

Take time to exercise

Before training, go to training to compensate for the next few hours that you spend sitting. In addition, a good mood after classes will help you survive the customs inspection, and after that you will easily fall asleep on the plane.

In the cabin

Secure your space

Even if your height is not two meters, you still want to stretch your legs. Sometimes the magazines in the back pockets of the seats take up too much space, so you can simply put them on the luggage rack.

Control the situation

Don't like the smell around? Apply your favorite scent to a scarf or blanket. Just do not pour cologne from head to toe, as this will cause inconvenience to other passengers.

Well, headphones or ear plugs will help suppress noise.

To eat or not to eat?

Of course have

Although there is a lot of sodium in airplane food, you should not starve yourself. In addition, meals during the flight help pass the time. If you want a delicious lunch on board, check out Turkish Airlines, Emirates, Singapore and Air France.

Do not eat…

... breakfast, they are usually so-so on airplanes. Instead of waking up one and a half hours before arrival, it is better to rest a little more.

Start early

Many airlines offer a light meal (salad or sandwich) instead of a full meal. Have a snack early and you can immediately go to bed.

Book in advance

If you order food at the time of booking, you will not only be served first, but they will be served exactly what you have chosen. It can be a vegetarian lunch or halal food.

Do not lean on salty snacks

Your enemies are dehydration and bloating.

Think twice before drinking.

Caffeine and alcohol contribute to dehydration and sleep disturbances. If you want to relax (or cheer up), choose one thing. And then balance the drink with a double volume of water.

How not to die of boredom ...

Find out how things are with the Internet

For example, Norwegian and recently Emirates do not have to pay extra for Wi-Fi on long-haul flights.

Do not rely solely on entertainment on the plane

Before flying, look at the company’s website for the films that will be available on board your plane. If the choice is not particularly great, upload something to your tablet.

Recharge

Before the flight, check all devices in case the built-in charging connectors suddenly do not work - and this happens often. It is also nice to have a spare battery or charger with you.

Allow yourself to disconnect

Flight - this is one of those rare cases when you can safely escape from work without feeling guilty.

... and avoid health problems

Use a spray every few hours

Aerosol for the nose is needed in order to fight viruses and bacteria, moisturize the sinuses and survive pressure changes.

Keep the table clean

It is believed that more germs accumulate on the reclining table than in the toilet. Therefore, before you sit in a chair, wipe the table with a damp cloth or alcohol-based antiseptic.

Review Your Care Kit

Stress from travel can change the reaction to synthetic or simply unusual makeup ingredients. Use only proven products that include natural ingredients.

Let the flight not affect the appearance

Are you planning a meeting right from the airport? Take advantage of the airline, which provides passengers with additional services upon arrival. Take a shower and have a cup of coffee before heading out into town. At some airports (for example, in Heathrow business lounges) there is an ironing service while you take a shower. So at a business meeting you will be impeccable.