Four Tips for Making Flying Long Haul More Comfortable

Before I get stuck in, let’s get one thing straight.  I don’t really mind flying.  I am lucky enough to do it pretty often and it doesn’t really bother me.  Sure there are a couple of things I find kind of irritating, but I am not afraid of the plane crashing and I don’t find it that difficult to nod off for a few hours sat upright (I’m like a bear, I can sleep anywhere).  What I have learnt over time is that there are little things you can do to make your journey a whole lot more comfortable, particularly if you’re flying long haul.  So I thought I’d share four little tips for making flying long haul more comfortable.

#1 Wear a sports bra

This is tip #1 for a reason.  For me, there is nothing more uncomfortable than being strapped in to a restrictive, under wired bra for a whole load of hours spent sat down.  So I always wear a sports bra.  This gives me enough support to not feel exposed whilst still being comfortable.  And let’s face it, no one is going to see your grundies on a plane so there’s no need to dress up for anyone!

#2 Pick your seat wisely

Me, I’m a fan of the window seat.  I like to see where I am landing and taking off from – sometimes you get incredible aerial views of where you’re heading.  And how else are you going to get that Instagram swoon worthy plane wing / fluffy clouds shot if you’re not where the action is?  But I also find it easier to sleep with my head resting against the side of the plane, I’m less afraid of dribbling on a stranger’s shoulder that way.

But seriously, if you get the choice to pick your seat, do so wisely.  My husband likes the aisle because he can stretch his legs out a bit more and get up and down as he pleases.  I only pick the aisle if I’ve got a tight connection and want to try and muscle past other people to get off the plan more quickly.

#3 Pack a big wrap or a scarf

A big scarf is a frequent flyer’s best friend.  It is so versatile – I use my scarf as an eye mask, a blanket, a pillow, an ear muffler and even just for a bit of comfort – something that smells like home.  Airports on the whole are very warm places, but the temperature soon drops when you’re being ferried around on buses and waiting on airplane steps.

Just this week I was transferring in Dublin at 4am and I swear I would have frozen to death if I didn’t have my blanket scarf with me.  No exaggeration, I swear.

#4 Wear loose clothing

There is this whole thing where people recommend you dress for the class you want to travel in.  And yeah, I get that, but really, how many times have you ever been upgraded because you looked nice?

I see two ways around this:

1. Dress nicely and take a change of clothes for the plane to whip on in the bathroom when you want to slob out in front of a movie.  Not that gross, trust me, I do it often.
2. Wear loose clothes that are comfortable and save yourself the awkward manoeuvring in the bogs.

I have done both and both work just fine (although I’ve only once in 30 years been upgraded at the gate).

If you are going for comfortable clothing then pick dark colours in a nice cut.  I’m not talking slobby sweats with last night’s Chinese food on them.  Try black harem pants or light cotton trousers.  And for the love of G, don’t wear a skirt and bare legs (your skirt WILL end up around your armpits) or your tightest skinnies.

So that’s it, easy easy!  I hope that helps you when you’re packing for your next long haul trip.

If you’ve got any tips for making flying long haul more comfortable then please let me know below!

♥ JH

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