Reserve your seat 

Some people have gotten reserving the perfect seat on a flight down to a complete science. While this is not strictly necessary, there are some great rules to bear in mind when selecting the comfiest position for you. 

If you have very long legs, or just like to stretch out fully, one tip to know is that exit rows always have more legroom on flights. 

In order to get a good rest, avoiding any children might be a priority for you. If this is the case, sitting further towards the back of the plane is a good idea as children are most often located at the front of the plane. 

If you often find yourself wandering the aisles, struggling to sit still, make sure you choose an aisle seat so that you don’t get trapped in by a sleeping seat neighbour. This also gives you quick access to the toilets!

Wear your most comfortable outfit 

When it comes to long-distance travel, stick to a minimal and comfy dress code of neutral, loose-fitting layers you can move around in. Besides keeping warm and relaxed on a flight, you’ll also guard against any condition that’s aggravated when you sit in cramped positions for long periods of time. Another great idea, regardless of age, is to wear compression socks, which reduce swelling and decrease the risk of blood clots. Another must: your favourite scarf, which does triple-duty as a stylish accessory, an extra layer for beating cabin chills, and, when folded, an extra pillow to lean on. 

Carry the smallest personal bag you can

No matter how tall or short your legs are, when it comes to sitting in the same seat for hours on end as you fly across continents, every inch of leg room becomes important. Don’t limit yours with a needlessly large carry-on bag, which you’ll be forced to stow under the seat in front of you if you’ve also brought a small suitcase. Opt for a bag that’s compact and soft, so you can squash it down if need be.

Bring your own snacks and drinks

You’ll get food on a long-haul flight but it may not be when or what you’re expecting or able to stomach – travelling through time zones often means you end up with breakfast at dinner time and rice or curry first thing in the ‘morning’. To ensure you’re not at risk of hunger while you’re waiting for the food trolley, stow a few slow-energy release snacks like cereal bars, nuts or dried fruit in your carry-on luggage. Bringing your own water is also important on long flights as planes can be so dehydrating and the opportunity for a drink can be few and far between. 

Get moving every few hours

Pressurized cabins spell less oxygen for passengers and, over periods of time, symptoms that include fatigue, headaches, swollen limbs, and dehydration. The best solution? Stretch. Walk up and down the aisle to boost blood flow and practise some non-intrusive exercises in your seat, like rolling your shoulders and rotating your ankles. You’ll feel much better in no time after a few laps of the plane.