Ask any one person what the worst thing about travel is, a guaranteed answer would be ‘I just can’t stand the long flight’. Flying to any exotic location seems to be a long-haul flight for all Australians, simply because we live at the bottom of the world. For all of you athletes looking to fly to the US in just under 2 months from now, this story is a must read.
- Trick your body into the right sleeping pattern– Schedule it to operate in line with the time of your destination. 2 days prior to departure, Wake up early, exercise, move around and stay hydrated; basically, tire your body out. Eat at meal times in line with your destination and eat healthy foods.
- Chat to the check in lady- Once you arrive at the airport baggage check in counter, chat to the check in lady *hint* she decides on your seat!! Ask nicely for her to place you in a seat where you can put your legs up and have a sleep on the plane. If you are on a flight that isn’t heavily booked, he/she may have a spot available for you!!
- Pre flight rest– Once bags are checked in and you arrive at the departure lounge have a pre flight rest. Lie across the seats and have a moment of rest prior to boarding, this calms pre flight nerves and prepares you for the long sleep ahead.
- Keep your bed time routine– You may be thousands of feet in the air but keeping your bed time routine as normal as possible evokes the sleeping habit. Brush your teeth, drink a glass of water, take off your glasses and keep that routine as normal as possible.
- Pack smart– Neck pillows work wonders. If you are more of a square pillow person, head to Kathmandu and buy a neck pillow that unzips into a square pillow. Aeroplane pillows are thin and uncomfortable- keep it comfortable with your own pillow. Ear plugs and eye masks are great to block out that unwanted light and noise. Rustling night owls are the bane of every traveller’s trip.
- Don’t eat every meal- Flight attendants will give you enough food to feed a small village. Remember that you are not moving around much so to moderate your intake in line with your energy needs. Midnight meals are not the best option for long haul travellers, tell the flight attendant that you do not wish to be woken up for that 1am croissant. Constant eating can leave you bloated and uncomfortable.
- Stay Hydrated– Dry recycled air sucks out all moisture from your body. Replace it with water not caffeinated drinks. H2O is important to maintain your hydration and health. Additionally, prevent those dry eyes by investing in a moisture spray to prevent redness and itching. Constant air conditioning is terrible for dry eyes.
- Vitamins are the key– It is a known fact that once you land from a long haul flight there is the guaranteed post travel sickness that is involved. Is it the travel or is it maybe the trauma of being locked in a pressurised cabin with hundreds of other people, breathing the same air for 16 hours? Take vitamins B, C and D tablets prior to your flight, any vitamins that build and promote a healthy immune system are essential to surviving the flight with your personal health.
Most importantly prepare yourself for the long flight, know your check in times and baggage requirements. Lists are a great source of comfort to ensure that you have not forgotten a thing in preparation for your departure. Good luck and happy flying!!!