6 Tips for a More Comfortable Long-Haul Flight

When you're traveling across different time zones and facing multiple layovers, make sure you're well-prepared for that long-haul flight. Flights and trips lasting more than eight hours can take their toll on your health and leave you stressed, frazzled or tired. If you don't get enough rest on the flight or end up missing meals, you could be setting yourself up for a very uncomfortable trip. Not all long-haul flights have to leave you feeling lousy. Taking steps to get some quality sleep and even eating certain foods before and during the flight can make the experience much more enjoyable.

Here are six tips for a more comfortable long-haul flight:

#1: Bring Your Own Blankets and Pillows

Neck pillows, blankets and even a pair of slippers you can slip into after takeoff can help to make your flight that much more comfortable. Most planes aren't stocked with enough pillows and blankets for everyone - and are also a hotbed for germs - so make some room in your carry-on for these essentials.

#2: Drink Electrolyte-Infused Drinks the Night Before

Skip the nightcap before the day you fly and opt for water and drinks with electrolytes. Staying well-hydrated is one of the best things you can do for yourself when flying for several hours. Dehydration can make you feel tired, groggy and you might even have difficulty falling asleep. You can also sip on these drinks before boarding but will want to avoid drinking more than a few cups or your you'll need to run to the bathroom during takeoff.

#3: Start Taking Melatonin a Few Days Before the Flight

Prepare your body to doze off easily with melatonin supplements a few days before your flight. Melatonin is a natural substance that triggers sleep. You'll find it easier to fall and stay asleep on that long-haul flight when you take the right dosage of this supplement. Controlling your sleep cycle can also make it easier to beat jet lag.

#4: Pack an Eye Mask

All of those flashing lights from the screen and sunlight from the windows can make it very hard to relax. This is where eye masks can help. Eye masks can create an artificial environment of darkness no matter what time of day it is. Some airlines provide them but you'll be better off packing your own for that long-haul flight.

#5: Skip the Caffeine Until Arrival

Avoid caffeinated beverages that can leave you dehydrated and anxious - especially when you're sitting in one place for hours on end. Being so high strung without anything to do can make your flight less than comfortable and you'll also find it difficult to relax and unwind during the trip. If you're arriving at your final destination first thing in the morning, go ahead and enjoy the cup of coffee to get you going.

#6: Take Frequent Stretch Breaks

Even if you don't need to go to the bathroom, plan on taking frequent breaks over the course of the flight. Lack of circulation in your legs can be one of the root causes of deep vein thrombosis and can also make you feel more tired and lethargic. Get up and walk up and down the aisles at least once every one or two hours, and choose an aisle seat to make this easier.

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