Many pilgrims will be descending unto Madrid in a few weeks time. How exciting and for many this will be their first long distance flight. Flying can be a really exciting experience where you will get to enjoy inflight movies, delicious food, and great service on a modern aircraft.
However, the downside is that seating conditions will be cramp, with relatively full flights, dry air and many time zones to cross. These factors alone will wear down the most seasoned of travellers. However there are some tricks to make the journey more bearable.
1. Seat - not all seats are alike, even in the same class. Popular seats like aisle seats or front of cabin seats offer more leg room to stretch and easier access to toilets. Other poorer seats are those located at baby bassinets, toilets or galley (kitchen) where there is high chances of crying babies, families with young children or busy activity near the galley and toilets. I recommend choosing an aisle seat towards the front of the cabin. If possible get a seat at the door, where you will have ample leg room. Check with your airline if you can pre book these seats before your departure.
If the aircraft is not full, try to get a seat where there is at least 1 empty seat next to you to spread out. You can change seats when the door of the aircraft is closed or when the seat belt sign is off. Do it quick because season travellers will be quick to move.
2. Clothing - dress comfortably with loose clothing, especially if you are taking a long flight. If you do not want to wear your shabby but comfortable clothings through the airport, then pack it into your hand carry luggage. Of course please remember to be decent on board and the cabin air will be cold. Nighties and boxer shorts are typically frowned upon. This will also ensure that your clothing will not be crumpled upon your arrival, and giving you a fresher feel when you land,
3. Basic toiletries - bring on board some basic items such as toiletries that you will need for the flight, including toothbrush, Cologne and comb. While some airlines will provide this on board, others may not. Disposable razors are also acceptable to carry on board.
4. Sleeping well - bring with you eye shades and ear plugs to cut out light and sound , so that you can get a more peaceful sleep. Take a couple of sleeping pills to help you get better sleep. Bring along an inflatable travel pillow that fits around your neck. This will support your head when you are asleep so that you do not wake up with a stiff neck, or end up drooling on the passenger next to you.
5. Time zones - before you depart, adjust your watch to the arrival time, and adjust your sleeping schedule on board the aircraft. If it is night time at your destination, go to sleep. If it is day time, try to stay awake as long as possible. You can also inform the cabin crew not to disturb you during meals, and only take your meals when you awake
6. Meals - do not worry. All full service airlines will provide food onboard the plane for free. If you are a big eater , portions could appear small. Pack a light snack like a muesli bar if you are afraid you will get hungry. There are normally extra food on the aircraft, and it is ok to request for a second helping. Normally the crew will be happy to oblige if they have any spare meals. For very long flights, there will normally be 2 servings of food and a snack in between. Some airlines even provide a snack bar at the certain locations
7. Water - drink plenty of water on board the plane. The air in the aircraft will be cold and very dry. You will need to stay hydrated. Bring along a small bottle of moisturizer for your skin. If possible avoid alcohol and coffee or drink it in modereation. If you dont want to bother the crew for water all the time, bring on board an EMPTY bottle eg 1 liter and request that they fill it up for you.
8. Exercise - sitting for long period of time may be uncomfortavle. So try to take a walk around the aircraft once in a while. It gives you some exercise, loosens the stiffen joints, and gets the blood flowing. Of course if you are in economy, you are only allowed to stay within the economy zone which is quite big. Also head to the tail of the aircraft where there is alot more space, where you can do some basic stretching exercises.
9. Entertainment - nearly all airlines provide in flight entertainment for long distance flights. This includrs movies and games to help with the time. Alternatively bring a good book, or a tablet/ laptop to watch some of your own preferred movies. This will help with boredom.
10. Respect - respect the privacy of your travelling companion. Whle you may be a chatty person, the bloke next to you may just want to sleep. Also remember to be polite to the crew, as they are there to help and assist you during your flight, and they are there to do their job. Also remember at the crew actually has a lot of authority in the interest of safety, and they can exercise the right to restrain you to your seat if you are disruptive.
11. Freshening up - just before arriving, go and freshen yourself up. Brush your teeth, wash your face, change back to your street clothing, put on some cologne, mosturize yourself, comb your hair. If you have a small face clothe, give yourself a quick wipe down. Simple actions like this really helps when you arrive, and you will feel alot more fresher and presentable when you arrive. Pls do not attempt to take a shower in the cabin toilet !
12. Keeping warm - the air temperature in the cabin will be controlled to about 25 degrees celcius or lower. Some may find this chilly, so mske sure you are dressed comfortably and warmly. All full service airlines will provide you with blankets and pillow for long haul flights. If you are cold, you may request for an extra blanket.
13. Not feeling well- if you are not feeling well at all, please inform the crew. The aircraft carries a certain amount of medication including aspirin, paracetamol, and some basic medication which can be provided to passengers without any problems. For emergency cases, all aircrafts carry a full physician kit which may include morphine, Epinephrine and other medication. The physician kit can only be used by a trained medical personel and authorized by the captain. The crew is also trained to handle medical emergencies and will page for a doctor or nurse if needed.
14. Safety - keep your seat belt on at all times, even if you are seated, as air turbulence can happen unexpectedly. If you are going to sleep, afix your seat belt over your blanket so that the crew knows you are safely secured to your seat.
15. Have fun - be cheerful and have fun on board the aircraft. When the crew is not busy, you can have a chat with them , or if possible get to kow your fellow passengers (be mindful of point number 10). Time flies when you are having fun. Similarly if you are in a bad mood, your flight will seem like an eternity.
Well hope these tips help you onboard your flight. It has helped me for my long haul and even short flights.
Have a safe flight! And remember to have fun.
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