How to Survive a Long Flight

As a Pilot's Daughter I've been flying since I was three months old. This means that I know every trick in the book on how to survive those dreaded long flights. This doesn't mean you'll love the flight, but it will give you a few hints on how to make them a little more comfortable...

-Mentally Prepare yourself for the long flight. Knowing that it will be long and that you will be exhausted after the flight will help take a little bit of the stress and pressure away.

-Bring a Book. Make sure it's one that you can get into quite easily and which will last for many hours. This means you need to make it a big book, not a small one that you'll be done in a few hours.

-Bring a Magazine. It is nice to be able to alternate being reading materials when you get bored. A magazine is a nice easy read, which will keep you entertained.

-Bring a Neck Pillow. If you are able to purchase a blow up neck pillow that fits around your neck it will make it easy to pack and reduce some of the pressure off of your neck when you do doze off during the flight. The last thing you want to do is wake up with a crick in your neck and still be on the plane for several more hours.

-Bring a large bottle of water. You will probably need to purchase this in the terminal due to security regulations, however keeping hydrated during a flight is a MUST. Not only will it help keep you a little more alert and refreshed, but flying dehydrates you and it's important you are drinking water regularly during long flights to rehydrate yourself.

-Bring a few snacks. Different Airlines serve different food, and have a few snacks packed away to tide you over between servings can do wonders. Trailmix is a popular one because it's got a healthy advantage as well.

-Bring Tylenol or Aspirin. This is just in case you need it, but it's better to be prepared than not.

-Bring Music! It's nice to have an Ipod or some kind of music device to sit back and relax to during the flight. It can help drown out the other noise on the plane as well, especially if you are trying to have a nap.

-Bring some mints, toothpaste and a toothbrush. Long flights can be endless and it's nice during the overnight flights to be able to refresh yourself and brush your teeth. You'll appreciate it once you're there, believe me!

-Dress in layers. Planes tend to be cold due to the circulation, and although blankets are often handed out they're not too warm and fuzzy. If you dress in layers, this gives you the option of taking off a layer should you be too cold. It's better to have that option rather than freezing during entire flight.

Remember, to look forward to your destination. Although a long flight isn't fun, once you've arrived at your destination it's all worth it!