Surviving a long flight

Long flights are intimidating; especially when there are crying children, pilot announcements, and periodic jerking. Some flights pass by in the blink of an eye; some drag on forever. Here's how to safely survive hours trapped in an aluminium tube with your sanity intact.

Prepare Right

While low baggage fees might inspire travellers to carry more stuff, on a long-haul flight this could burn you; anything that is under the seat in front of you just means less legroom and a more cramped sleeping space. Get your devices charged and put on something comfortable. It's better to stick to fairly light and healthy meals prior to your flight. 

Bring Your Jams

Although it's pretty tempting to pass the whole flight in a complete state of unconsciousness, sleeping the entire time can mess up your body clock. Since you have 15 consecutive hours without internet, you may bring some work. But work will fail you when you get to the brutal middle hours of the ordeal. Get all the music albums you've been meaning to listen to and let your phone play your tunes while you kick back and relax. 

Take Books Along 

Just because you're going to be in there for 13 hours, don't take Ulysses. Light reading is encouraged because your head will start aching if you keep at it for too long. If you're still feeling geeky, take Freakonomics. If not, some comics are always fun. 

Move Around a Bit 

Staring at the plane's current position on the in-flight entertainment system in pure silence is torture. You have to remember to keep yourself hydrated; and that entails having to use the loo. So, besides the time when the seatbelt sign is off, there is a fairly short window of time when the flight attendants have served the food and are not blocking the path to the bathroom. People usually like to wait until the trays are collected before getting up from their seats. Grab this opportunity! When you have to be seated, remember to occasionally twist your torso and roll your head back and forth a few times.

Imagination Can be Fun 

Most flights will give you multiple pillows, blankets, water, and other things. Build a pillow fortress and settle down for the long run. If people judge you, stare them down from your side of the proverbial wall. You're the ruler of seat 11B.

Go to the washroom and plan out how you would vacate down the chute if you were Bond. James Bond.On your way out of the washroom, chat up the air hostess.They might give you free stuff. 

Your body and brain will thank you for every small comfort you can provide them. While you do so, you will find yourself in a better mood whilst you reach your destination. Here's to easing journeys when you live your dream of travelling around the world!

Myat Moe is an occasional philosopher whose favourite pastime is confusing people with her nationality. Reach her at 145michelle@gmail.com