How to Always Look Good Stepping Off the Plane

Tips & Tricks for Any Traveler to Use on a Long Flight

Maxine Nelson
I'm sure you've heard the expression "you never get a second chance to make a first impression". Perhaps your upcoming business or pleasure trip will be where you need to make a valuable first impression. You're about to meet a client or some prospective family members for the very first time. However, you'll be on a long flight and those can be draining on you emotionally, mentally, and physically. Once you get off the plane from your tedious time sitting in cramped quarters you look worn out, sport bags under your eyes, and now have wrinkled clothing.

This is the time to get serious and find out how can one look absolutely fabulous while surviving a long flight, especially in economy class? You can't very well afford a first class or business class ticket, which would make traveling a lot more comfortable, to say the least. There are a few things you can do to make your next long flight enjoyable, rewarding, and refreshing. These ideas, tips, & tricks you can use will be fun and easy. A little bit of effort is required, but just look at the rewards.

Wardrobe

This is absolutely crucial here. You want to be both comfortable in a non-constrictive way, yet presentable where people have been known to get bumped-up to Business Class on these types of flights. Many people just take dressing comfortably a bit too far. This is not the way to go, because when flight personnel select a passenger or passengers to upgrade from Economy to Business Class they actually go by appearances. That is something you truly want to keep in mind. There is no guarantee this will always happen, but it's always nice to know.

The outfit you wear on the flight should be monochromatic, or one color, that is dark, so any food or drink stains that may occur on your top, skirt, dress, or pants will not be so noticeable. Wear a pair of very sleek, well-tailored, yet comfortable, pants as opposed to those sloppy sports or cargo pants that easily wrinkle. Make sure to wear flats or loafer shoes that can be easily slipped on and off, which is necessary for the airport security pat downs and scanners. It is a good idea to bring a cover-up or shawl to for those flights with the air conditioning on at an all-time high. You might even want to dress in layers instead, so you can peel of a clothing item or two depending on the destination.

R&R - Recreation and Relaxation

This might seem a bit odd to have recreation on a long flight, but it can keep you mentally alert and physically sound during those times. Besides, it may even make the journey go by even faster, like you never traveled thousands of miles 33,000 feet in the air. Read or listen to a book. If you have a laptop or portable DVD player bring some DVDs to watch. On your laptop you can compose emails to send when you eventually get online. Listen to music on your mp3 player. These activities can recharge your lagging energy when traveling at such high altitudes.

If you are not the type who can sit for long periods of time you can do a series of exercises, if circumstances warrant it such as empty aisles and the seatbelt sign is off, by doing lunges in the aisle. This is an exercise by taking a leg back behind you and stretching it out as much as you can, one at a time. You've seen joggers do this on their runs. This will elevate cramps that may have formed while sitting in one position for so long. It's also good for combating swelling, stiff joints, poor circulation, and lethargy.

For those times when it isn't possible to walk around or do all your exercises in the aisle, you can do some in your seat. Here is something very easy to do. Bring with you a stress ball, or tennis ball, or even a sock and squeeze it till your hands are tired. This next one might be a challenge considering the circumstances by try to place your hands on the armrests. Then raise your knees slowly together toward your chin and lower them slowly. Keep repeating until you're tired. Also, try crossing your legs and rotate the dangling foot in a wide circle with each time getting larger. Do this until you've had enough and change foot positions. The most popular in your seat flight exercise is rolling your neck from side to side and then all the way around to get out the stiffness out.

Makeup Tips

Without question this is the most important one of them all. You've no doubt heard the phrase "less is more" that can certainly be the case when it comes to your in-flight makeup. It's best to go for a minimal routine that consists of light foundation, concealer, touch of blush, waterproof mascara and a moisturizing lip balm. Some of these lip balms have varied color tints that are just as good as lipstick. Bring these basic items with you in your purse, preferably in a ziploc bag for airport security reasons. You can touch up the make up right before landing. If you have oily skin or sporting a shiny face you can bring blotting paper on board without it being in a clear bag.

Other helpful hints are to drink plenty of water for hydration during the flight instead of coffee, soft drinks, or alcohol. These other drinks tend to make your skin look more dehydrated. Taking a nap and being well rested is always good, but may not be possible on some flights. To make your eyes look bright and to feel awake is to bring the smallest size bottle of eye drops that can fit in your Ziploc bag. Lastly, eat light and exercise before you travel. Make sure to avoid salty foods, which can make you retain water and cause swelling. On the night before the flight, prepare your skin by washing with a scrub and applying a hydrating mask, which will help keep your skin moisturized for the following day.

These are all so very simple and easy to remember. By following even just a few of the wardrobe, recreation, and makeup tips you are armed and ready for your next flight. There is no excuse you can't look good while stepping off the plane and greeting the public, whoever they may be.

SOURCES:

http://www.kissandtellbeauty.com/3370978

http://womensfashion.suite101.com/article.cfm/what_to_wear_on_alonghaul_flight

http://www.facebook.com/note.php?note_id=119794503835

http://www.ehow.com/how_2363557_look-good-after-long-flight.html

http://www.ehow.com/how_3712_exercise-plane.html

Published by Maxine Nelson

Maxine Nelson realized early on a true passion for writing. A memoir is in the works for publication in the near future. Currently she writes about her passions for all kinds of music, the performing arts,...  View profile

  • Wear sleek, non-restrictive, tailored pants for a more polished look.
  • Exercise while standing in the aisle or sitting iin your seat is energizing.
  • Less is more with makeup on a flight.
The fashion editor, Suze Yalof, of Glamor magazine, states "it doesn't matter if you're 23 or 75, you should always dress up when you travel, because you never know who you'll bump into."

8 Comments

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  • Amanda C. Strosahl10/20/2009

    Great advice. Wish I could go on a vacation or something so I could use it.

  • Lynn Pritchett10/1/2009

    You and your article on "How to Look Good Stepping off a Plane" is named and linked also in this AC Features of the Week article at: http://www.associatedcontent.com/article/2230851/ac_features_of_the_week_air_travel_pg2.html?cat=69

  • Lady Elle9/23/2009

    Great article! I've been looking for one like this for a while. :)

  • Lynn Pritchett9/22/2009

    Congratulations on this article earning a place on the Editor features Lifestyles/Beauty Category page for the week of Tuesday 09/22/3009 - Monday 09/28/2009! Write On ;-)

  • Catherine Spencer9/21/2009

    Good suggestions :)

  • Faith Draper9/20/2009

    Don't fly much these days but am going to keep these tips in mind for my next trip!

  • Gillian Wilk9/19/2009

    Excellent ideas.

  • Carrie Matilda9/18/2009

    It helps if you don't have all that luggage to deal with.

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