Surviving a Long Haul Flight
Hi Divas
If you are planning a glorious trip somewhere exotic you have to get over a minor mile stone to get to your paradise destination. That of cause is the impending long-haul flight! Nobody loves a long-haul flight. It is one of those uncomfortable situations that most travellers have to endure. You can make your flight a little more luxurious though by booking a 1st class seat or even better, have your own private jet. Now wouldn't that be amazing?! A girl can dream. Unfortunately, most of us common folk have to fly economy at least once in our life time. According to different airlines this may be a wonderful or a nightmarish experience. I preferably love Qatar airways as they make you feel at home and the air hostesses are very friendly and go out of their way to give you a pleasant flight. Nevertheless, sitting in one spot for 6 to 12 hours can really mess a person up physically and mentally. Did I tell you, I once fainted in a bathroom on a flight due to exhaustion and dehydration? The flight attendant had to press an emergency button to get me out. Luckily my pants were still on, when this all unfolded, LOL. Well I have some tips and tricks to avoid such horror situations and I would like to share them with you.
1)PREP YOUR SKIN:
Firstly, before I even leave for the airport, I take some steps to prepare my skin for the long flight. Air on a plane is extremely drying for the skin as it is filtered and constantly circulating in rotation for those hours. It is important to add hydration to your body from head to toe and keep the moisture locked in. After my shower, I use a heavy-duty body butter and lather it all over myself before I get dressed. This ensures that my skin is well moisturized and won't dry out on the plane. For my face, I love to use a sheet mask for 20 minutes and let all that nourishing goodness soak in. I then seal in all that moisture with a thick cream. This will ensure my face is hydrated, radiant and less dull looking hours after my flight.
2) COMFY CLOTHES
Wearing comfortable clothes is the best thing, you could ever do for yourself on a long-haul flight. I know we have all seen celebrities wearing really stylish tight designer outfits and think: ''Wow I wish I could be like her!''. But that is just it, they are celebrities, getting on private planes and not standing in airport security lines like we are. Wearing clothes such as pants with elastic waistbands and loose-fitting tops will be your best option. Trust me, your stomach will thank you later. On a long-haul flight, your body especially your abdomen tends to swell from water retention. You are also sedentary for most of those hours and not mobile. Digestion can sometimes be slowed down or hampered due to this. Wearing clothes that stretch will relieve pressure and help you relax and feel comfortable in your seat. You don't have to look like a slob either. There are so many stylish and comfy outfits out there such as leggings, jeggings and cute floaty tops or statement t-shirts. You can still look cute and chic while being completely comfy. When it comes to statement earrings and necklaces, it is best to leave those in your suitcase. Try to wear as little jewellry as possible. This will avoid the dreaded beep going off when you pass through airport security and having to remove everything and putting it all back on again. Ain't nobody got time for that!
3) COMFORTABLE SHOES
Again, we see celebrities in glossy magazines wearing stilettos and thigh high heeled boots at airports and think: ''Wow, I want to look like her!''. Totally not practical when it comes to the common folk. It is important to wear comfortable shoes at the airport and on the plane. You never know where you gate is and you may have to walk long distances to get there. You maybe unexpectedly late for your flight and you have to run from one terminal to the other in your high heels. Absolutely torture if you ask me. My mom and sister once saw a woman at the airport wincing in pain as she struggled to walk in the airport in her high heels. For safety reasons, during emergency landings, high heels have to be removed on a flight when existing on a slide as it may puncture it. It's best to wear shoes with a comfortable sole such as trainers, sneakers or walking shoes and place your heels in your overnight bag if you really need them when you step off your flight.
4)SMELL FRESH BUT NOT OVERPOWERING
You will be sitting with a bunch of other people for a number of hours. Please be courteous and take care of your body hygiene. Wear deodorant, brush your teeth, take a shower and use foot powder in your shoes! Nobody wants to sit next to an unhygienic person for many hours to come. In the same vain, don't wear too much fragrance and knock out people sitting around you. Some people may be allergic to your overbearing musk perfume. You can wear fragrance but do not douse yourself in it. A hint of perfume is more than enough.
5) BRING YOUR OWN WATER BOTTLE
To avoid fainting on a plane like I did, it would be best to buy your own water at the airport as you cannot take outside airport beverages on the plane with you. It may be more expensive but it's a good investment. If you have problems with low blood pressure buy some healthy snacks too. Your meals are served at set times and you don't know when they will serve you meals and drinks again. It's best to have your own as to avoid constantly asking. I love to sip on water throughout my flight since my fainting incident. It keeps me hydrated and I don't feel so sluggish. Also, all that water has me wanting to use the bathroom. This gives me an excuse to get up and stretch my legs. This is extremely important on very long flights. You have to keep your blood circulating!
6)CARRY AN OVERNIGHT BAG
This could be a backpack, large hand bag or carry on case. Place an extra pair of clothes and clean underwear in there. Anything can happen, like losing your suitcase or your flight being delayed or a zombie apocalypse, LOL. You would want extra clean clothes for those moments of doom. I love travelling with my backpack as I use it as an overnight bag and adventure bag when I am out and about at my destination.
7) BITS AND BOBS
Keep some hand sanitizers or sanitizing wipes with you. You never know when you might need those in the plane toilets. Tissues and lip balm are a good idea to keep on you too for the odd sniffle and when your lips dry out from the blasting air con. Carry a phone charger in your overnight bag as you can charge your phone any time on the flight and at the airport. Neck Pillows are an absolutely life saver when you want to get some good sleep. Your body will thank you for it. Always keep your passport in a safe place such as a handbag and do not leave it in the seat compartments. You may forget it when you disembark the flight.
8) ENJOY YOURSELF AND BE KIND
Lastly, try to enjoy yourself and make the best of it. I love to watch the latest movies on the plane as this gives me the most pleasure. You are on that flight for so many hours, and therefore you might as well do things you love. Listen to your favourite music, read a book, get some much needed sleep or watch horror movies like I do, LOL. Be kind and courteous to the people sitting around you. Don't be obnoxious and rude. Remember everyone is feeling the same way that you are. We all want to get to our destination as fast as possible. Therefore put on a smile and be polite and considerate on the flight.
I hope you enjoyed this long post and picked up a few tricks.
Thank you so much for reading!
Divalicious Kisses
Xxxx
