I’ve experienced a good deal of time in the air at both ends of the airplane, and I can tell you that with very little prep you can revolutionize how you feel up there and at the end of your journey! First things first, I always think the little extra you pay to choose your seat is worth it. Find out what sort of plane you’re traveling on and pop it into Seat Guru. It’ll show you where’s best to sit and you can choose from there.
Ok, let’s fast forward to the day you fly.
- Don’t wear jeans or anything with a tight waistband. You’re going to be wriggling around in your seat, trying to sleep so you want to be as comfy and unconstricted as possible. Get yourself a good pair of sweats and choose a long, loose, natural fiber top that is non-restrictive on the waistline.
- Wear a pair of slip on/off shoes (TOM’s make a great choice) that you can easily lose the second your seated. In winter, always make sure to wear flat boots, so it frees up space in your suitcase.
- A Mary Poppins style bag or rucksack that you can fit the world into is always ideal for hand luggage.
- Take a big scarf that can double as a blanket – go for cashmere if you’re feeling extra luxe.
- Travelling with a wheely suitcase is imperative…its wheely makes so much difference! But remember, whatever you get, remember that 4 wheels are better than 2. Buy cheap and you’ll have to buy again.
Of course, the only way to really make economy feel like first class is to pack your hand luggage like a seasoned pro.
Here are my top.10 essentials on what to pack:
- A neck pillow. Buy one at the airport if you like, just make sure it’s a beany one and not inflatable. Those are a killer! Catching a few Zs will make you feel so much better when you land and the flight will fly by.
- A silk eye mask. Not one of those clammy plasticky cheap ones. Put one of these on and it’s as soft and sooting as being in your own bed.
- A good book, or a Kindle full of them.
- Socks. Especially if you’re sitting in an exit row, your feet’ll freeze otherwise.
- Noise canceling headphones. These make all the difference in the world and will revolutionize your flying experience.
- Nuts. Keep the hanger at bay.
- Long haul generally means landing in a new time zone. I get my sleeping back on track and combat jetlag with natural remedies. Pop into any pharmacy for melatonin capsules. I only take one on a flight if it’s 10hrs+ long.
- Take a pack of cards along in case you get delayed.
- Sunglasses for those horrible airport lights.
- Top on greens before you fly. A nutrient-packed thick green juice will up your vitamin C levels and help make you feel better, combat jet lag and keep your digestion moving on the long journey ahead. Team it with a lot of water and you’re onto a win.
And that’s it! You’re ready to roll!
