Tips for Traveling on Long Flights

Here are some tips so you can travel on an US cross-country or overseas flight and arrive with your sanity reasonably intact.

When you book your flight, decide if want an aisle vs. window seat. Go for the aisle seat if sense you will be awake for most of the flight, as you will need to take breaks to stretch your legs. Pick the window if you intend to sleep for the duration of the flight as you can lean against the window. (Trying to get out of a window seat to stretch your legs or use the restroom can be tricky if others in your aisle have chosen to go to sleep.

Also, consider investing in a larger seat. Now is the time to consider paying a bit extra so you can stretch your legs in the exit row or have a premium economy class. Check out SeatGuru for specific information on each aircraft's seat selection and amenities. If you're on an airline like Southwest that boards in groups, consider paying a small fee for priority boarding so you can get the best seat.

Wear comfortable slip on shoes that you can slip on and off while getting through airport security and then take off to let your feet breathe inflight. Try a pair of Injinji's Performance Series toesocks to keep your feet from becoming too sweaty. These socks provide wicking support while separating each toe like a glove for your feet.

Bring a reusable water bottle that you refill before going on. While the airline attendant will come by several times offering refreshments, it's important to stay hydrated. Before the plane takes off, drop an Airbourne tablet into your water bottle. This will help combat any sickly airborne particles circulating in the stagnant air that everyone breathes for hours.

Pack gum as the sensation of chewing can help one's ears cope with the air pressure changes especially during takeoff and landing.

A few personal care items that can come in handy to keep one refreshed and rejuvenated include eye drops, lip balm, lavender oil (the smell helps awaken the senses), and a throwaway toothbrush with toothpaste that one can use without relying on the water in the airplane bathroom. If you wear contacts and find your eyes get dry during flights, consider wearing your eyeglasses and then inserting the contacts towards the end of the trip. Out of consideration for your fellow passengers, freshen up in the bathroom.

If you intend to sleep, a fleece jacket can make for good blanket or pillow. But if you need more neck support, then bring your own pillow. An inflatable pillow is easier to transport though they can deflate after extended use.

Bring pair of headphones instead of relying on the airline's offerings, which tend to produce very poor sound quality.

Check out the airline's inflight entertainment offerings, so you can ascertain if they provide enough selections to keep you amused during the flight. Some airlines now charge for these services so take this into account when booking your flight if this feature is important to you. Along those lines, bring enough materials loaded on your kindle, smartphone, laptop (check out the size of your seat to determine if you can use your laptop within the space provided), netbook, or old-fashioned reading material like your favorite paperback. Don't assume that the airplane's reading material will suffice for any flight longer than an hour.

Think twice about using any available inflight Internet service as the cost of going online while up in the air can be quite expensive. Also, if an airline is offering free Internet as part of a promotion, expect very slow service akin to dial-up because many of your fellow passengers are taking advantage of the freebie. Use the service if you have an email that must be sent before you land. But now is a good time to do offline activities.

Be sure to bring food. Check out and see what meals are provided and then ascertain if you want to pay those prices or purchase food beforehand. Also, bring on board a nutrition bar, nuts and other healthy snacks should you need something to help boost your energy.

Have pen and paper handy. Even if you rely on your smartphone for all your needs, there are times when you will have turn off all electronic equipment. Also, if you are traveling internationally, you will need to fill out custom forms and having a good writing instrument on hand makes it easier as the pens provided by the airports can be on the cheap side.

Once the pilot announces they are beginning their descent, now is a good time to start gathering up all items you had placed around you and in the seat pocket and placing them in the carry-on bag stowed in the seat in front of you.